The Third Hokage's Probe

After returning home, Narak slept until dawn.

Just as he had expected, ANBU came to notify him early the next morning that the Hokage wished to see him and that he was to go immediately.

Narak, however, calmly washed up and leisurely finished his breakfast before heading toward the Hokage's office building. The ANBU member who had come to notify him looked thoroughly displeased.

I hadn't even had time to eat before coming to notify you, yet here you are, leisurely enjoying breakfast. You even made me hungry, you know that?

Narak paid no attention to the ANBU ninja's displeasure. What, does the Hokage's summons mean I can't eat breakfast? Hmph. I'm not going to indulge him. Let the old Third wait!

In the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage sat behind his desk, smoking a pipe. Looking at the languid Narak standing before him, he couldn't help but be speechless.

ANBU had already returned and told him that Narak had leisurely finished his breakfast after receiving the order before coming over. The Third Hokage was displeased when he heard that as well.

I'm an old man who gets up before dawn to start working, while you sleep until you wake naturally. Even knowing I summoned you, you still didn't come early. Honestly, do young people nowadays have no respect for their elders?

"Um... Narak, you went to the Uchiha Clan last night and met Itachi. What did the two of you talk about?" After taking his final puff, the Third Hokage tapped the ash from his pipe onto the desk and spoke to Narak.

"Oh, what? I went to the Uchiha Clan last night? Huh? How come I didn't know? I must have been sleepwalking."

"You little brat, couldn't you make it any more obvious that you're pretending?" Seeing Narak play dumb, the Third Hokage forcibly suppressed his temper and glared at him with wide eyes.

"What do you mean? I really don't know. After all, sleepwalking isn't something I can control, is it?" No matter what the Third Hokage said, Narak refused to admit anything.

The Third Hokage sighed. "Forget it. I won't ask you about this anymore. Just remember this: last night's events must stay buried in your stomach. The official explanation is that the Uchiha Clan was wiped out. As for what actually happened, don't spread it under any circumstances, or it will cause unrest in Konoha."

"As for the rest..." The Third Hokage, who had been behind his desk just moments ago, suddenly appeared in front of Narak and punched toward him.

"Here it comes." Narak had been prepared for this.

Before coming over, Narak had already anticipated that the Third Hokage would test his strength.

Facing the Third Hokage's punch, Narak raised his left arm to block it. But immediately afterward, the Third Hokage swung a side kick at him, and Narak dodged with a flicker of movement.

"Bang!"

"Smack!"

Inside the spacious Hokage's office, the two began exchanging blows at high speed.

"Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh..." Hearing the commotion inside the office, the ANBU ninjas standing guard outside instantly flickered in.

The two who had been fighting immediately stopped.

"Lord Third, are you all right?" The ANBU captain in the lead glared at Narak with hostility as he asked the old man.

"I'm fine. I was just testing this boy's skills. You can all withdraw." The Third Hokage waved at the ANBU ninjas.

The ANBU members immediately dispersed.

The Third Hokage now looked at Narak with approval. "Not bad. Very impressive. ANBU told me last night that you had probably broken through to Jonin. I was still somewhat doubtful, but now it seems you really have."

"Hahaha, as expected of Konoha's genius ninja. You're only ten this year, yet you already possess Jonin-level strength. If you had a few more years, you could go much further. Excellent. The heavens truly favor Konoha."

"Especially your speed. If the office hadn't been so cramped and restricted your performance, I doubt I could even catch up with you in an open area. Konoha lost Body Flicker Shisui, but now it has gained another genius like you. I suppose that is the heavens making it up to Konoha."

Clearly, the Third Hokage was delighted by the strength Narak had displayed.

Narak, however, was thoroughly annoyed.

When the Third Hokage had first launched his probing attack, Narak had intended to conceal his ability.

But the Third Hokage had clearly seen through his intentions. He then unleashed a storm of attacks—not only physical blows, but also overwhelming pressure. With no choice, Narak had to use his full strength to defend himself.

That one test had exposed his true strength.

Looks like I'll have more work from now on.

Sure enough, the Third Hokage immediately said, "You only just returned from a mission yesterday, so I'll give you ten days of leave to recover. After ten days, you'll begin the Jonin examination."

Narak scratched his head and looked pitifully at the Third Hokage. "Old Third, can I refuse? I think being a Chunin is pretty good. Look, I'm only ten years old. I'm still a child. You can't exploit child labor this badly..."

Hearing Narak's words, the Third Hokage, who had been quite happy moments earlier, instantly darkened. He once again suppressed his anger as the veins on his forehead bulged. "You little brat, get out of here! This isn't negotiable. Take the Jonin test in ten days."

"And don't try any tricks then. You'd better give it your all. If you deliberately fail, I'll assign you all the hardest and most exhausting work in the village. Don't you want to slack off? Hmph, forget it!"

"Honestly, if I can't refuse, then I can't refuse. Why are you getting so angry? You're already so old, yet your temper is still so bad. If you frighten a child like me, who's going to take responsibility?" Narak curled his lips.

Narak had truly intended to muddle through the Jonin examination, but the Third Hokage's words had completely cut off his escape route.

"Hmph, you ungrateful brat. Do you know how much effort other people put in just to become Chunin or even Genin? Yet here you are, acting as though becoming a Jonin would cost you your life and running from it like this."

"Honestly, the Hyuga Clan had strict upbringing, and everyone in the clan is proper, knowledgeable, and courteous. How did someone as unconventional as you appear? I think I really should have Hyuga Hiashi discipline you properly." The Third Hokage looked at Narak unhappily.

"Yes, yes, Old Third is absolutely right. As someone who slipped through the cracks of quality education, I feel deeply ashamed too. In that case, I'll go back and diligently study the Hyuga Clan's rules. I'll strive to become a model youth who brings honor to Konoha as soon as possible."

"Then I'll take my leave. I won't disturb you while you're busy managing everything, Old Third." Narak waved goodbye to the Third Hokage with a cheeky grin.

Watching Narak leave, the Third Hokage shook his head and laughed bitterly. "That brat!"