Diary's Merit, Actor's Confrontation

Hiruzen Sarutobi took the diary and opened it.

As soon as he read it, Hiruzen Sarutobi was immediately captivated by the words in the diary, completely engrossed and unable to pull himself away.

This damned, visible Will of Fire.

The diary entries began from the end of the previous semester.

July 1st.

Hiruzen Sarutobi clearly remembered that was the day he went to the Ninja Academy to lecture on the Will of Fire.

Uchiha Tunan's behavior in the audience at the time had also caught his attention.

He hadn't expected this little guy to come up with so many unique insights after just one lecture.

Many of these insights were things he himself hadn't even considered.

And judging by the diary's contents, his position as Hokage was clearly higher than that of Tunan's parents and clan members.

Over ninety percent of one diary entry was about him.

His parents and clan members were mostly just mentioned in passing.

This child had awakened his Sharingan at the mere age of six and could even exchange a few blows with Kakashi.

He was already an exceptionally rare genius.

With a little cultivation and the occasional personal reinforcement of the Will of Fire.

He would undoubtedly become his confidant in the future.

He estimated that by the time the child grew up, he wouldn't even object if asked to personally annihilate the Uchiha Clan.

He's one of us, someone to be nurtured and protected well.

Thinking this, Hiruzen Sarutobi had already accepted Uchiha Tunan as one of his own in his heart.

"This little guy is someone who can inherit the Will of Fire. Do you think he needs any help right now?"

The Anbu were all sharp individuals. Upon hearing Hiruzen Sarutobi's question, they naturally understood that he intended to cultivate and win over Uchiha Tunan. The Anbu replied:

"This subordinate investigated and found that Uchiha Tunan's parents left him a considerable amount of money when they departed.

However, he seems to have spent most of it on many unnecessary books.

This subordinate is referring to the ninja books stored in his cabinet.

His current funds are likely insufficient to cover normal living expenses.

This subordinate opened his refrigerator, and it only contained vegetables, no meat.

If this continues, he could very well suffer from malnutrition."

Lacking money...

That made sense. Before he awakened his Sharingan, his Ninjutsu and Taijutsu were at the bottom. He genuinely wanted to become stronger.

Buying a large number of ninja books was understandable, though this little guy probably realized after reading them that those books couldn't actually improve his strength.

Consider it a lesson learned from spending money.

However, since he's one of us, he shouldn't be treated poorly.

This would also be a good opportunity to close the distance between them.

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded with satisfaction and handed the diary to the Anbu, saying:

"Very good, you're quite observant. Return the diary to the little guy.

Make sure no one notices you were there."

"Yes."

The next second, the Anbu's figure vanished.

The following day, Uchiha Tunan was in class.

Outside the classroom, a ninja teacher called Mizuki Uno out while he was lecturing and spoke a few words.

Mizuki Uno immediately returned to the classroom and said to Uchiha Tunan, "Tunan, someone is looking for you in the teacher's office."

Uchiha Tunan nodded, got up, and left the classroom, following the ninja teacher to the office.

Walking down the corridor, Uchiha Tunan had already guessed who was looking for him.

After all, in Konohagakure, besides his classmates and clan members, he didn't know anyone else.

It was naturally not his classmates. If it were his clan members, they could discuss any matters when he got home.

Moreover, the system hadn't notified him of his parents' deaths, nor was there any reason for his clan members to seek him out at school.

Therefore, the person looking for him could only be the Third Hokage.

"The person looking for you is inside. You can go in yourself," the ninja teacher said, stopping at the office door and letting Uchiha Tunan enter alone.

Clearly, the person inside held a very high position in Konoha, to the point where a ninja teacher would stand guard outside.

This meant the visitor could only be the Third Hokage.

Uchiha Tunan pushed the door open with a look of confusion and peered inside.

He saw Hiruzen Sarutobi sitting at his desk, looking at him with a kindly expression.

The confusion in Uchiha Tunan's eyes vanished, and his expression quickly shifted to one of mingled surprise and joy.

He opened his mouth, but was too choked up with emotion to speak. It was as if he had met his idol; he was too timid to take a step forward.

He could only stand there, dumbfounded.

"Tunan, is it? Come in, come in, and close the door," Hiruzen Sarutobi said, very pleased with Uchiha Tunan's reaction.

"Oh! Right." Uchiha Tunan fumbled to close the door, then hurried over to Hiruzen Sarutobi, scratching his head and grinning foolishly.

"My boy, don't be so formal. While I am the Hokage, in my eyes, all of you are like my own children." Hiruzen Sarutobi reached out with a kindly expression and gently stroked Uchiha Tunan's head.

Uchiha Tunan closed his eyes in enjoyment, as if receiving a caress from a loved one.

"I asked to see you because I heard your parents went to the front lines to fight, and you're all alone at home.

You've had a hard time lately. Have you faced any difficulties? You can tell me about them," Hiruzen Sarutobi said, his concern like that of a kindly old neighbor.

Looking at Hiruzen Sarutobi, Uchiha Tunan's expression immediately turned resolute.

"Lord Hokage, I haven't had a hard time. It's you who works day and night for the villagers.

With the war so fierce, you must have so many things to deal with every day.

That you can take time out of your busy schedule to care about me, I..."

As Uchiha Tunan spoke, his voice began to tremble, and he wiped away his tears with his sleeve.

"Good boy. You are the future of Konohagakure.

Where the leaves dance, a fire will burn on.

As long as you grow up healthy, any hardship I endure will be worth it."

After speaking, Hiruzen Sarutobi picked up an envelope from his desk and placed it into Uchiha Tunan's hand.

"I've actually noticed you for a while now. I saw your spar with Kakashi.

The Sharingan is indeed powerful, but your physical condition really can't keep up.

Take this money and buy yourself some good food to build up your strength.

Training is a very draining endeavor.

If you ever need more money, you can always come to the Hokage's office to find me.

My salary doesn't have much else to go towards anyway, so it's better used to nurture the next generation of Konohagakure."

Hearing this, Uchiha Tunan looked at the envelope in his hand and swallowed.

He looked like a child who had just thought of something delicious.

Then, he shook his head and pushed the envelope back.

"No, Lord Hokage, you work so hard. You should be the one buying good food and taking care of your health.

If your health fails, Konohagakure will be finished.

I can find my own food."

Hiruzen Sarutobi was even more pleased with Uchiha Tunan's response. He pushed the envelope back into Uchiha Tunan's hand and clasped Uchiha Tunan's hand with his own thick palm.

"Take it, my boy. Konohagakure will need you to inherit the Will of Fire in the future."

Tears streamed down Uchiha Tunan's face. He looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi with deep emotion and said, "Thank you. No one has ever been this kind to me.

I will strive to become an excellent ninja and carry on the Will of Fire.

I will uphold your ideals, Lord Hokage, and protect Konohagakure with my life."

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled and nodded. "Very good. I look forward to the day you become a ninja.

I also wanted to hear your thoughts on the Will of Fire while I'm here."