Winning Hearts and Minds

"No, Sasuke hasn't graduated yet. Meeting him this early would inevitably invite suspicion. I'm not like that shameless Danzo. I'll wait until Sasuke graduates; by then, no one will doubt my intentions!"

Just as Sarutobi Hiruzen was considering using some Wind Release ninjutsu to trade for the Uchiha land, he suddenly realized that the Sarutobi clan was developing too rapidly. Furthermore, it hadn't been long since the Uchiha clan was wiped out. If he were to use both kindness and force on Uchiha Sasuke now, it would inevitably lead to unnecessary speculation.

"Wait a little longer. In five years, the Will of Fire will be deeply rooted in Sasuke's heart. By then, perhaps I can obtain the Uchiha land for just a small price! Five years—for the sake of the Sarutobi clan, I can afford to wait!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen stared at the crystal ball in front of him, calculating slowly. After all, as the Third Hokage, he understood that a tall tree catches the wind.

Nara Shikaku, standing to the side, watched Sarutobi Hiruzen's distracted expression with some confusion. What was wrong with the Hokage?

After his Shadow Clone Technique returned, Sasuke began to enjoy a meal. Naturally, the shadow clone had been dispelled during this time.

After finishing dinner, Sasuke began to rest. Tomorrow was another day off from the Ninja Academy, and Sasuke already had a very clear plan for it.

Early the next morning, after leaving five shadow clones in the basement, Sasuke first went to the Uchiha Graveyard, leaving the remaining five shadow clones at Naka Shrine.

These clones had a common goal: to dig holes. To be precise, they were using lightning-natured chakra to dig. Sasuke's purpose in doing this was, first, to train the nature transformation of his lightning-natured chakra, and second, he wanted to completely destroy the Uchiha compound when he eventually defected.

This was the Uchiha's territory regardless of what happened; how could he let others occupy it? Therefore, Sasuke's first step was to use lightning-natured chakra to connect the entire underground area here, and then blow it all up.

"It's a bit of a pity, but I have a place in mind that is more suitable for the Uchiha!" After obtaining two Uchiha Bloodline Crystals at the Uchiha Graveyard, Sasuke recalled his plan to destroy the Uchiha compound, sighed helplessly, and then headed toward the Konoha Library.

Sasuke's purpose for going to the library was simple: to acquire some taijutsu. As the Konoha Library, while it lacked advanced ninjutsu, it did contain basic Konoha taijutsu and basic swordsmanship, as those were standard issue for the village.

In the Hokage's office, Sarutobi Hiruzen discovered that Sasuke's destination was the Konoha Library. He took three scrolls from his drawer, summoned an Anbu operative, gave a few brief instructions, and handed the scrolls to the Anbu.

"Loyalty must be cultivated from childhood!" After the Anbu left, Sarutobi Hiruzen watched Sasuke, who was still on his way to the Konoha Library, through the crystal ball and smiled eerily.

After ordering the Anbu to carry out the mission, Sarutobi Hiruzen looked around sneakily. Finding that no one would disturb him for the time being, he began to use his crystal ball to engage in unspeakable activities again!

Sarutobi Hiruzen's face flushed red as he watched the scene in the crystal ball, drool unconsciously dripping from the corner of his mouth. A second later, a nosebleed erupted from him, staining the entire crystal ball red.

"This is much more stimulating than that guy Jiraiya's books!"

After finishing his peeping, Sarutobi Hiruzen wiped the lewd smile off his face, put away the crystal ball, and then began to handle official business with feigned nonchalance.

Upon arriving at the Konoha Library, Sasuke began to search for what he needed.

After half a day of searching, Sasuke finally found several taijutsu techniques: Konoha Whirlwind, Konoha Gale, Konoha Rising Wind, Konoha Great Whirlwind, and Konoha Strong Whirlwind. Although it seemed like a lot, after Sasuke's careful examination, he realized they were just different ways of kicking.

After memorizing these techniques, Sasuke began to look for the so-called Konoha swordsmanship. Since he was already there, he might as well take advantage of the opportunity to get something for free.

Soon, Sasuke found the Konoha swordsmanship, but unfortunately, it was only the most basic form, with no named sword styles.

Thinking about it, that made sense; after all, any named swordsmanship would have already been passed down as a clan legacy.

Having obtained these things and realizing there was nothing more to gain, Sasuke returned home.

Back in his courtyard, Sasuke found an Anbu waiting for him. Sasuke was taken aback; could it be that Sarutobi Hiruzen was finally going to make a move on him?

"This is from the Hokage. Keep working hard; the Hokage thinks very highly of you!" After seeing Sasuke return, the Anbu simply dropped the three scrolls and left. Throughout the entire interaction, aside from the task assigned by Sarutobi Hiruzen, he didn't say a single word to Sasuke, which left Sasuke feeling speechless.

"What a strange organization."

Watching the Anbu leave, Sasuke curled his lip in frustration and picked up the three scrolls left on the stone.

[Sword Leap Flame: B-rank; Fire Release swordsmanship]

[Gale Sword: B-rank; Wind Release swordsmanship]

[Sun Halo Dance: B-rank; Genjutsu swordsmanship]

Sasuke, who had originally thought Sarutobi Hiruzen had finally developed a conscience, felt his face turn green after seeing the contents of the scrolls.

"Using Uchiha swordsmanship to bribe an Uchiha—you really are something, Third Hokage!"

After putting the three scrolls away, Sasuke slowly walked into his house.

"Sarutobi Hiruzen, it seems I really can't just let you off easily. Your character is truly despicable!" Looking at the three scrolls in his hand, Sasuke's hatred for Sarutobi Hiruzen grew even deeper.

Hatred aside, he still had to practice these three scrolls, as they would increase his strength. Furthermore, it seemed that combining Sword Leap Flame and Gale Sword might result in Scorch Release swordsmanship—an unexpected bonus.

Returning to the basement, Sasuke wrote down the taijutsu and swordsmanship he had memorized at the Konoha Library and began to formulate his next training plan.

Although these taijutsu techniques seemed ordinary, their power was quite decent. Of course, this "decent power" only applied to the early stages; in the later stages, it seemed that aside from the Eight Inner Gates, there were no pure taijutsu techniques that were truly overpowered.

He had taijutsu, he wasn't lacking in ninjutsu for the time being, and as for genjutsu, it went without saying—with Kyōka Suigetsu, he could basically insta-kill most people, provided he didn't run into anyone particularly broken.

"Once everything I have reaches full proficiency, I can start collecting interest. I hope you all cherish your current lives!"

Stealing from the Uchiha to give to an Uchiha—you really are something, little Hiruzen.

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