Chen Fan's expression turned serious as well. Looking at the Third Hokage, he said, "That doesn't sound like something a Hokage would say."
"Then what should a Hokage say? You did very well in this exam. You possess great strength and an exceptional mind. Though you seem lazy and carefree, you have a strong sense of responsibility. You already possess more than half the qualities a Hokage should have."
"But I lack the most important one." Chen Fan narrowed his eyes slightly.
The Third Hokage took a puff of smoke, then exhaled. "I know. But more importantly, I'm already old."
Various Problems
(Various Problems)
Hearing the Third Hokage's words, Chen Fan felt that he was being far too rash. The Hokage was someone who guided the fate of an entire village. What the Third Hokage had just mentioned was not all that important; there were quite a few people in Konoha with those qualities, though they were somewhat lacking compared to Chen Fan.
But what truly mattered was having a heart that loved the village, a heart willing to risk one's life to protect it. Chen Fan did not have that, because he did not share such deep bonds with this village, nor did he wish to form too many bonds with it.
"You're too anxious. Is it because Orochimaru has appeared?" Chen Fan asked. He did not know that he had said the same thing as Yakushi Kabuto, nor did he know that the Third Hokage and Orochimaru were both somewhat anxious.
Seeing that Chen Fan could still face this so calmly, the Third Hokage took another puff of smoke and sighed. "Yes, I am somewhat anxious. Orochimaru's appearance is certainly related to it. Right now, there is almost no one in the village capable of contending with Orochimaru.