Xu Fan's Troubles

Chapter 21: Xu Fan's Troubles

Xu Fan was not showing off. He did not have some ultimate show-off system, nor did he need fancy ways to show off, so he merely stated the current facts with composure.

Although Xu Fan had initially suggested attending the Ninja Academy, a large part of the reason had been the process and the check-in location.

Even according to his original plan, Xu Fan had intended to graduate early.

If he remained at the Ninja Academy, attending class and going home day after day until he graduated alongside Naruto, Orochimaru would be about ready to attack Konoha.

No matter how strong he was then, he would only be a Genin.

He certainly could not be mentioned in the same breath as figures like Jiraiya and Tsunade.

Looking over Konoha's timeline, the easiest opportunity to become Hokage would undoubtedly be when the Third Hokage died in battle.

Xu Fan simply had not expected that he would obtain the Wood Release Kekkei Genkai on just his fourth check-in.

He had thought it would take some time to get something that good.

During that time, learning some ninjutsu at the Ninja Academy would not have been bad.

But now, there was no need for that.

"Come to think of it, it seems none of the Konoha 12 learned their real skills at the Ninja Academy."

Xu Fan could not help grumbling inwardly.

Naruto's two greatest trump cards—the Rasengan had been learned from Jiraiya, while the Shadow Clone had been stolen from the Scroll of Seals.

Sasuke's Sharingan was innate, and Kakashi had taught him Chidori.

The others went without saying. They either had secret family techniques or learned from their Jonin instructors.

The more practical things taught at the Ninja Academy were the Clone Technique and Transformation Technique.

But now, Xu Fan possessed the Wood Release Clone, the strongest clone technique, thanks to his Kekkei Genkai.

And the Transformation Technique was low-level ninjutsu. He could master it after seeing it once.

Even if he graduated early now, he would not lose anything.

In fact, regardless of whether his fourth check-in reward had been Wood Release or not, Xu Fan had intended to bring this up with Hiruzen Sarutobi while he had the chance.

Graduating early, becoming a Genin, and receiving guidance from a Jonin was clearly the path best suited to him.

Besides, he would not be the first person to graduate early.

For example, Itachi Uchiha.

He had graduated early and become a Genin at seven. By Xu Fan's current age, he had already become an Anbu captain.

Meanwhile, his classmates had only just graduated.

If even Itachi Uchiha could do it, why could Xu Fan not?

Because he was an Uchiha?

Well, Xu Fan was from the Senju Clan.

Because he had Mangekyo?

I have check-in assistance!

Even if Itachi Uchiha suddenly showed up with a Susanoo, Xu Fan could calmly ask him one question.

Do you want to dance too?

However, Hiruzen Sarutobi did not immediately respond to Xu Fan. Instead, he sat silently in his seat for a while.

Though this matter also surprised Hiruzen Sarutobi somewhat, it was still more reasonable than the matter of changing names.

Moreover, what had happened yesterday had already proved that Xu Fan's strength far surpassed that of children his age.

He was even better than most Jonin.

Letting Xu Fan graduate early and assigning a Jonin to guide him...

"I will consider it."

After a long while, Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly said, "There are still more than two months until the latest class graduates. Until then, continue studying in Iruka's Class."

"Mm." Xu Fan nodded.

Although Hiruzen Sarutobi had not given him a direct answer, his meaning was already quite clear.

If Xu Fan could pass the Graduation Exam two months later, he could graduate early.

At the same time, if something unexpected happened during those two months, Hiruzen Sarutobi would still have room to maneuver.

After all, he was still considering it.

But in Xu Fan's view, this would not be much of a problem.

"Oh, right."

Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly rose from his seat as though he had remembered something. "Would you like to visit Hinata?"

"Hinata?"

"Yes. After being abducted by the Cloud Shinobi, she was only frightened. After some treatment, she is already fine. However, since this matter has not yet been resolved, Hinata is resting at home under the pretext of sick leave."

Hiruzen Sarutobi had no intention of concealing this matter.

According to the intelligence he had gathered, Xu Fan was the person who had saved Hinata that day.

He likely knew the details better than Hiruzen Sarutobi himself.

Besides, Xu Fan's performance had satisfied him greatly. With proper training, even if he could not become the next Hokage, he could still wholeheartedly inherit the Will of Fire and protect Konoha!

There was nothing wrong with letting him establish contact with the Hyuga Clan early.

Most importantly, this was also an opportunity to further improve his relationship with the Hyuga Clan.

"I happen to be going to the Hyuga Clan as well. Why don't we go together?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi invited Xu Fan, casually picked up his Hokage's hat, and placed it on his head.

"Sure."

Xu Fan nodded. He did not think Hiruzen Sarutobi was the sort of person who wasted effort on meaningless things.

Just look at how Naruto had been when he became the Seventh Hokage, busy every day like an overworked office worker.

Then compare him to the Third Hokage. His daily workload seemed to consist of strolling around the village and making house calls.

They were both Hokage, but could the difference really be that great?

People said Hiruzen Sarutobi had Danzo, but Naruto also had powerful assistants like Sasuke and Shikamaru.

Considering all that, Xu Fan felt that Hiruzen Sarutobi was inviting him along under the pretense of visiting Hinata.

In reality, he was likely going to discuss with the Hyuga Clan how to deal with the trouble brought by Kumogakure.

And on the other hand, he wanted Xu Fan and Hinata to get along well.

After all, the distinction between the Hyuga Clan's Main House and Branch House was extremely clear. As the Hyuga Clan's eldest daughter, Hinata would surely be the future successor of the Hyuga Clan.

If Hiruzen Sarutobi was grooming Xu Fan as the new Hokage, then this visit to Hinata was outwardly a visit, but inwardly an attempt to win them over. It was indeed a rare opportunity.

However...

All of this was merely Xu Fan's personal speculation. As for Hiruzen Sarutobi's true thoughts, only he himself knew.

"Let's go." After making a few preparations, Hiruzen Sarutobi brushed past Xu Fan, pushed open the door to his office, and headed for the Hyuga Clan's compound.

Seeing this, Xu Fan naturally hurried after him.

"Come to think of it, I wonder what Naruto and Hinata's relationship is like at this point."

"Either way, I did save a beauty in distress. What if Hinata falls for me..."

Xu Fan could not help recalling that Hinata had come to like Naruto because Naruto had stepped forward to help her when she was in trouble.

Only then had she slowly fallen for him.

In other words, with someone as shy as Hinata, it was actually easy for her to fall for someone who treated her well.

But she was also very devoted...

"Ah."

The more Xu Fan thought about it, the more he could not help sighing. For an outstanding man like him, it would be abnormal if no girls liked him.

But what if too many girls liked him? What then?

"I just want to check in, grow stronger, and become Hokage. I don't want to waste my energy on women."

Thanks to Bloodstained Fingers, Heart Afloat, and Ls for the tips~