Early Graduation and Choosing a Teacher

"Shuichi, come to my office after school. There are some things I need to discuss with you. Don't worry, it's good news." During recess, Sanada Tomohisa suddenly said this to Shuichi.

"...All right." Shuichi was quite surprised. This was the first time Teacher Tomohisa had taken the initiative to call him to the office.

After school that day, Shuichi followed Sanada Tomohisa to the office. Once inside, Sanada Tomohisa began discussing Shuichi's situation.

"Shuichi, you've been first in your class for the past two years. I suppose you finished teaching yourself the theory courses a long time ago, didn't you? And the way you used the Clone Technique last time was already fully up to graduation standards."

"That's right. Because your performance has been outstanding, Lord Hokage and I discussed it and felt that keeping you at the Ninja Academy would be somewhat of a waste of your talent.

"So, Lord Hokage would like to discuss these matters with you later. You don't need to feel nervous."

"Really? Lord Hokage wants to see me?" Shuichi asked in surprise.

"Mm. He'll explain the specifics to you in detail."

Not long afterward, when Sanada Tomohisa saw that the appointed time was approaching, he led Shuichi toward the Hokage Building.

They passed through the familiar-looking Hokage Building, turned up the stairs, and arrived at the door to the Hokage's office on the second floor. Sanada Tomohisa politely announced them before bringing Shuichi inside.

As usual, Sarutobi Hiruzen was still handling his busy affairs. When he saw Shuichi and Sanada Tomohisa enter, he first gave Shuichi a once-over.

The little boy before him had delicate features. His smooth, shoulder-length purple-black hair fell along both sides of his forehead, giving him an air of mature calmness, while a gentle smile rested on his face.

Although Sarutobi Hiruzen had seen him many times in photographs, he still found himself favorably disposed toward the child upon meeting him in person.

"You're Shuichi, aren't you? Over the past two years, Tomohisa has mentioned your name every time he reported to me. Konoha is truly fortunate to have such an outstanding child as you! Have you been living well in Konoha these past years?" Sarutobi Hiruzen asked Shuichi with a kind expression.

"I think I've been living very well. I've made many good friends at school and in Konoha, and many uncles and aunts have taken very good care of me," Shuichi replied politely.

"Whew, that's good. Both your parents were outstanding ninja, and their sacrifice grieved me deeply. The village was extremely busy during the war and after it ended, so perhaps we neglected to care for you children properly. I offer you my apologies for that." Sarutobi Hiruzen was unusually easygoing today.

"Also, your teacher told me about your performance at the Ninja Academy. We both feel that it would be a waste of time for you to remain there any longer. So, I specially found a new teacher to guide you. What do you think?"

Shuichi was somewhat surprised, but if he opposed the Hokage at their very first meeting, life in Konoha would probably become difficult for him later. Without any hesitation, he immediately agreed.

"Really? I've indeed recently realized that I'm nearly finished learning everything the Ninja Academy has to offer. It would be an honor to receive guidance from a more formidable teacher." Shuichi put on an excited expression.

"Haha, I believe the two of you will get along very well. Here's the plan: over the next couple of days, Teacher Tomohisa will first arrange your graduation theory examination.

"Three days from now, I'll bring your new teacher to watch your Three Basic Ninjutsu Techniques examination and graduation ceremony. You can prepare in advance. Oh, right—your new teacher's name is Orochimaru."

Both sides appeared very satisfied with this meeting. After leaving the Hokage's Office, Sanada Tomohisa said to Shuichi partway down the road, "Shuichi, congratulations. You're graduating."

"Your new teacher, Lord Orochimaru, is Third Lord's direct disciple and one of the Sannin whose name resounds throughout the ninja world. I believe your future will be bright indeed."

"Yes, I'm very excited too. I'd heard of Lord Orochimaru's reputation long ago, and I'm truly happy to be able to become his disciple now." Shuichi smiled as he spoke to Sanada Tomohisa.

The two soon parted ways. Sanada Tomohisa headed toward the Ninja Academy, while Shuichi slowly made his own way home.

Now, Shuichi could finally calm down and think things over. To be honest, the school having him graduate early and take Orochimaru as his teacher had caught him somewhat off guard.

It wasn't that Shuichi was unwilling. In fact, when he had first transmigrated here, he had considered how he could get by if he did not have a Golden Finger.

Among the options, taking Orochimaru as his teacher had been the best path, because there were only a few routes his generation could choose from.

First, he had not considered White Fang because he might commit suicide.

Second was Jiraiya, but Jiraiya had only taken Namikaze Minato as a disciple a few years ago, and not long ago he had been teaching Nagato and the other two in the Land of Rain. The chances of him taking on another disciple at this time were fairly low.

At the same time, Shuichi felt that transmigrators truly were not suited to taking Jiraiya as their teacher.

Someone like Shuichi, who already carried the experiences of an adult, was fundamentally different from the hot-blooded, simple-minded temperament of Jiraiya's line. They were completely different types of people.

Back when he watched the Naruto anime, many people had been fans of Naruto, Jiraiya, Minato, and the others. But modern people were more or less selfish, and hot-blooded youths like them were better suited to being friends.

If he were truly expected to become that kind of person himself, most people probably would not accept it.

Princess Tsunade, another of the Sannin, had lost two beloved people during the Second Shinobi War. She was still suffering in both body and mind, so the possibility of her taking a disciple was likely the lowest.

Only Orochimaru was the most suitable teacher for Shuichi. Even without the Third Hokage's recommendation, he would have found a way to get close to Orochimaru in the future.

Even if Orochimaru were going to defect, that would not happen for nearly another ten years. During those years, with Orochimaru's training and Shuichi's own system, he would have fully acquired the strength to establish himself in the ninja world long before then.

As long as you possessed exceptional talent, Orochimaru would absolutely devote himself wholeheartedly to training his disciples. At the same time, one could come into contact with biotechnology experiments in the future. It was unquestionably the best choice for an ordinary ninja to defy fate and change their life.

Even if Orochimaru defected from the village, hadn't his disciple Mitarashi Anko gone on living perfectly well afterward?

With his excellent performance at the Ninja Academy, Shuichi had effectively achieved his goal ahead of schedule.

But what he was considering now was that the Third Hokage's attitude had been a little too friendly. The degree to which he valued Shuichi seemed somewhat excessive.

And at this point in time, it somehow felt connected to the White Fang incident.

Thinking of this, Shuichi decided to investigate whether there were any other clues. He stopped heading home, turned around, and walked directly toward Yūhi Kurenai's house.

Over the past two years, Kurenai had occasionally invited him over, but Shuichi felt that, as an orphan, going there would basically mean mooching food and drinks. Besides, he had tricked Kurenai out of bento before, so he felt a little guilty.

Today could be considered Shuichi's first visit to one of his father's former connections. When he arrived at Kurenai's home, he found a standard Japanese-style residence. Beyond the gate, he could vaguely make out a large open area.

He lightly knocked on the door. "Knock, knock, knock. Sorry to disturb you. I apologize for this unannounced visit." After saying that, Shuichi quietly waited.

A moment later, footsteps sounded from behind the door. Kurenai opened it, clearly very surprised that Shuichi had come to visit her home.

"Shuichi, it's actually you? Why did you suddenly decide to come to my house today?"

"Oh, it's like this. I realized that since my father passed away, I haven't had a proper talk with Uncle Shinku, so I came to see him today. Also, there are a few small matters I'd like to ask him about. I'm truly sorry—if it's inconvenient, I can come back another day."

"It's fine. It's still a long time until dinner, so come in."