Nanfeng's Idea

Nanfeng held Hinata's hand and walked for a long while before stopping.

"Where do you live?" Nanfeng asked.

"Just up ahead. Turn the corner, and it's right there..." Hinata replied.

This alley was the only way to Hinata's home, so she had chosen it as a shortcut.

Nanfeng let go of Hinata's small hand.

"Thank you!"

Hinata bowed again.

Nanfeng waved his hand.

Hinata turned and left without looking back at Nanfeng. She didn't know why...

Nanfeng, however, watched her departing figure and fell into deep thought.

He didn't think Hinata would tell anyone that she had seen him use Ninjutsu tonight, but what if she went home and told someone?

He absolutely couldn't let his Ninjutsu be exposed.

And if Hinata let it slip, wouldn't he be in danger again?

After all, Konoha wasn't as peaceful as it seemed.

At the thought, Nanfeng knitted his brows.

Forget it! He'd go back first and see whether Hinata let it slip after she got home—or whether she hadn't told anyone about it at all.

Thinking this, he breathed a sigh of relief.

Then he turned and left.

Once back inside, Nanfeng went to sleep.

The next day.

Dawn was just breaking.

"Chirp—chirp—"

A burst of urgent birdsong rang through the sky.

Nanfeng woke instantly and rolled out of bed.

It was time to begin his training for the day.

Today was his second training session.

His goal, however, was to push his physique to its limit and then work on building up his chakra.

He had very little chakra. By his estimate, training at a steady pace would take at least three or four days to reach his goal.

But that would slow down his learning and waste his time.

Suddenly, an idea flashed through Nanfeng's mind. If treating someone could earn him Attribute Points, why not go straight to Konoha Hospital and work as a Medical Ninja? But how could he explain knowing Ninjutsu at his age? That was a problem...

As he hesitated, footsteps suddenly sounded outside.

"Knock, knock, knock..."

Hearing the knock, Nanfeng quickly got up from the bed.

"Who is it?" he called.

Creak~

The door opened.

"Grandpa Third?"

Nanfeng was surprised.

"Hello~"

The Third Hokage smiled warmly at him.

"Good morning, Grandpa Third!" Nanfeng greeted him with a grin.

"Mm," the Third Hokage replied.

"What brings you here..." Nanfeng asked tentatively.

"I came to talk with you about your dreams and ambitions."

"..."

Nanfeng was speechless.

Talk about dreams and ambitions? Wasn't the old man here to tell him a story?

"What, you don't welcome me?"

"Would I dare?"

Nanfeng gave an awkward laugh.

"Mm. Sit," the Third Hokage said.

They sat down. Nanfeng held a cup of tea, waiting for the Third Hokage to continue.

"Little Nanfeng, do you think I'm old?" The Third Hokage took a sip of tea and suddenly spoke.

Nanfeng froze.

"Uh... yes..."

He had no idea what the Third Hokage was getting at, so he could only steel himself and answer.

"I'm not old yet, but I'm getting there..." The Third Hokage sighed.

Nanfeng fell silent. He could sense the Third Hokage's melancholy.

"Grandpa Third, is something troubling you? You can talk to me about it," Nanfeng asked.

The Third Hokage had always struck him as someone with a smile on his face.

"You're a fine young talent, and a rare genius in the village," the Third Hokage said. "Still, I hope you'll become a ninja. At the very least, you should be able to protect yourself."

"Grandpa Third, you know how strong I am?" Nanfeng asked in surprise.

"I don't know how strong you are, but what you showed yesterday was chakra," the Third Hokage said. "Only ninjas use that in the village. I remember you're an orphan, with no one to teach you."

Nanfeng didn't deny it. "Mm... My parents left me a method."

"If you want to become a ninja, I support you," the Third Hokage continued. "But remember: as a ninja, you must always remember that you're a Konoha ninja, with a duty to protect the village and its people. And a ninja must be loyal—never ungrateful, and never abandon their comrades."

"Yes, Grandpa Third!" Nanfeng nodded.

Professional standards for ninjas existed in this world.

"Mm, I believe in you. Also..."

The Third Hokage seemed hesitant. "What are you thinking of doing now?"

"Uh..."

Nanfeng was dumbfounded, but quickly caught on. This was his chance to go to Konoha Hospital, treat other ninjas, and earn Attribute Points. Excitement surged through him!

"I have an idea—a big idea!" Nanfeng said eagerly.

"Oh?" The Third Hokage raised an eyebrow. "Let's hear it."

"I want to work at Konoha Hospital. I want to become a Medical Ninja, and I'm confident I can make the village better!" Nanfeng declared.

His eyes shone with determination, conviction, and tenacity!

"Really? You're sure you want to go to Konoha Hospital and become a Medical Ninja?" The Third Hokage asked doubtfully.

He knew the rules at Konoha Hospital, and he also knew how grueling the work of a Medical Ninja was.

Every ninja, unless blessed with a special bloodline, had to make their way through hard work and sweat.

And being a Medical Ninja was one of the toughest jobs of all.

He didn't know if Nanfeng was qualified, and he was even more worried that the boy would suffer.

"Grandpa Third, I'm sure," Nanfeng affirmed.

"Child, I understand your goals and what you're striving for, but your age..." The Third Hokage sighed.

"Age doesn't matter," Nanfeng replied.

"Heh, all right."

The Third Hokage shook his head.

He had meant to persuade Nanfeng to give up the idea, but when the words reached his lips, he held them back.

"Grandpa Third, since we've decided, let me go to Konoha Hospital today," Nanfeng urged.

He was eager to get to Konoha Hospital. Treating other people's injuries could improve his own strength, after all.

"Today?"

The Third Hokage was taken aback.

"Yes, today," Nanfeng said.

The Third Hokage considered it for a moment. "All right, I'll take you to Konoha Hospital. But once we get there, stay quiet. Don't run around or touch anything."

Nanfeng nodded. "Understood!"

"Mm, let's go!"

The Third Hokage took Nanfeng toward Konoha Hospital.

Konoha Hospital was in the center of the village and covered an area of roughly six or seven mu.

It was where ninjas injured on missions were brought for treatment.

Of course, when ordinary villagers were injured, they were usually examined and treated by Medical Ninjas from the village's Medical Team. The injuries involved were generally minor.

The Third Hokage walked straight inside, with Nanfeng close behind.

"Lord Third Hokage, what brings you here?" As soon as they entered, the guard on duty recognized him.

"I've brought a young fellow," the Third Hokage replied.

Then he glanced at Nanfeng and continued, "Nanfeng, this is the hospital's guard captain and the Medical Team's captain. If you need anything, go to him."