Originally, Hiruzen Sarutobi had only intended for Naruto to steal the Scroll of Seals. He had not expected Makoto Ito to tag along as well. As for why he allowed Makoto Ito to study the ninjutsu recorded in the Scroll of Seals alongside Naruto?
First of all, Makoto Ito came from a clean background. His origins were beyond reproach. Back then, Makoto Ito's parents—the former Ito Family—could be considered a subordinate family of the Sarutobi clan. Moreover, Makoto Ito's father had been a die-hard loyalist of the Third Hokage!
That was political correctness!
On top of that, Makoto Ito had risen to prominence at the Ninja Academy and displayed the qualities of a genius ninja, reminding Hiruzen Sarutobi of several people: Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Minato Namikaze!
After all, those people had all been civilian ninjas, yet they had eventually become true powerhouses renowned throughout the Ninja World. Hiruzen Sarutobi had even wondered whether Makoto Ito might become the next Jiraiya.
More importantly, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, knew full well just how difficult the ninjutsu in the Scroll of Seals were to learn. Even if Makoto Ito memorized several techniques, there were some he might never master in his lifetime. Being able to learn the Rasengan was already an incredible stroke of luck!
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, finished his speech about the Will of Fire and patted Makoto Ito on the head.
"Little fellow, work hard! I look forward to the day you become a towering tree!"
At that moment, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, wore a kindly, smiling expression. He looked as gentle as could be.
But Tobirama Senju in the Chat Group Space got chills all over when he saw that smile!
Tobirama Senju: What a hypocrite! Look at that fake smile! It makes me sick! How