My Mom Said

After standing inside the room for a long time, hearing no further movement from outside the door, Vega finally cracked open the door a sliver, then poked his head out to look around.

Soon, Vega pulled his head back inside, but he didn't know that his actions had been fully recorded by an Anbu ninja left behind to monitor him.

Just as he returned to his second-floor room, a voice suddenly reached Vega's ears.

"Vega Koshima, I am here on orders from the Third Hokage to inform you."

"Report to the Hokage Building tomorrow morning."

"That is all."

Startled by the sudden voice, Vega nearly assumed a defensive stance, but when he saw the same monkey-faced mask as the ninja who had previously notified him to report to the Ninja Academy for the entrance test, he let down some of his guard.

"Yes, I understand."

The moment Vega's words fell, the Anbu ninja at the window had already vanished from his sight.

After confirming that the Anbu ninja had indeed left, Vega closed the window, and his previously serious expression suddenly shifted.

"I still have a long way to go."

Whether it was the Third Hokage just outside his door or the Anbu ninja who came and went without a trace, Vega—who had trained in Chakra sensing techniques—had not detected either of them at all.

This made Vega realize that he was still too weak, as weak as an ant that could be casually stepped on or crushed.

As his mood gradually calmed, Vega unrolled the scroll recording the sword techniques.

For some reason, Vega's heart was filled with a sense of urgency at this very moment.

At four o'clock the next morning.

Vega, who usually went out empty-handed, this time brought along the ninja sword left behind by Viking Koshima.

A 60-centimeter-long ninja sword was quite suitable for Vega, who at seven years old had grown to just over 1.1 meters tall.

After finishing his work at the slaughterhouse, Vega arrived at the Hokage Building, but Hiruzen Sarutobi hadn't started work yet.

However, an Anbu ninja patrolling around the Hokage Building, upon learning of Vega's purpose, quickly led him to a room inside the building and told him to wait there for Hiruzen Sarutobi's arrival.

While waiting, Vega began recalling the key points of practicing the One-Sword Style: Iaido Slash in his mind.

The sword technique Vega practiced belonged to the cutting method, which required coordination in gripping the sword, wearing it, eyeing the target, and breathing.

If you can't grip the sword steadily, how can you talk about killing?

The practice of sword techniques starts with how to firmly hold the sword in your hand.

When the Anbu ninja came to notify Vega to see Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Anbu who pushed open the door saw Vega deeply immersed in his training.

Vega stood with his eyes tightly shut, holding the ninja sword straight out with his arm extended horizontally.

"Vega Koshima, the Hokage has sent me to inform you to come see him."

"Please follow me."

Interrupted from his training, Vega opened his eyes, quickly sheathed the sword, and replied, "Yes, please lead the way."

Toward the strong, Vega maintained sufficient respect, regardless of their status.

Following behind the Anbu ninja, Vega easily entered the Hokage's Office. This was the third time Vega had seen Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage of Konoha.

"Lord Hokage, I'm truly sorry. Last night, I really didn't know it was you outside the door."

With a fearful expression, the moment he saw Hiruzen Sarutobi, Vega immediately bowed his head to apologize.

"Hahaha..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi first let out a kind laugh, then said casually, "It's fine, it's fine. You don't need to apologize."

"I was too abrupt."

Regarding being turned away by Vega last night, Hiruzen Sarutobi could understand why a seven-year-old child would react that way, after all, Vega and he were essentially strangers.

Even an adult, if a stranger suddenly came knocking at night, would probably make the same decision as Vega.

"Th-thank you, Lord Hokage."

Vega replied softly in thanks.

Then, Hiruzen Sarutobi said to Vega, "Vega, I know your grades at the academy are excellent, which proves you're a genius."

"But I want to know, why do you work at the slaughterhouse? Aren't you tired getting up so early every day?"

Vega scratched his head, looking a bit shy as he replied, "I'm not really a genius. I just happened to remember the test content."

"As for why I work at the slaughterhouse..."

He paused, then continued, "Because I ran out of money, so I had to get a job."

"Besides, my mom said that if you want to earn more money, you have to work hard."

"Uncle Fuan pays me a good wage. I can save some money every month. Even though the work is pretty tough, I'm not tired."

After speaking, a satisfied smile appeared on Vega's small face.

Staring at Vega's smiling face, Hiruzen Sarutobi's heart was slightly moved. It wasn't until Vega, feeling embarrassed under his gaze, withdrew his smile and slowly lowered his head that the Hokage changed the subject.

"That sword you're carrying—it was left to you by your father, wasn't it?"

"Back then, your father was a remarkable ninja."

Lifting his head again, Veigar asked Hiruzen Sarutobi, "Lord Hokage, you knew my father? Then could you tell me about him?"

"I've never met my father."

"This really is what my father left me, along with a training journal, but there's a lot I still don't understand."

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled and replied, "Alright, I'll tell you about your father."

As they talked, Veigar learned from Hiruzen Sarutobi about the past of Viking Koshima, and came to understand that he was a chunin skilled in kenjutsu and taijutsu.

After chatting for over ten minutes, Hiruzen Sarutobi said to Veigar, "Veigar, let's stop here for today. I need to start work soon."

Hearing that the Hokage had work to do, Veigar didn't dare linger. He bowed deeply and said, "Thank you so much for telling me about my father!"

"Then I'll take my leave."

Just as Veigar turned to leave, Hiruzen Sarutobi called after him, "Veigar, do you have any dreams?"

Without a second thought, Veigar turned back and replied, "I want to become a ninja who protects the village's peace, just like my father."

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded with great satisfaction and said, "If you want to become a great ninja like your father, then remember this."

"Wherever leaves dance, fire burns. The fire's light will continue to illuminate the village, and allow new leaves to sprout."

Veigar answered respectfully, "I will remember."

After leaving the Hokage Building, Veigar jogged away. Inside the Hokage Building, Hiruzen Sarutobi, once Veigar had gone, began his busy day.