Chajinra's Level Third Generation

"The current Third Hokage hasn't reached the aged, chakra-depleted state of his later years yet."

"At the very least, he's at the level of Chajinra,"

"With a chakra reserve far exceeding Hatake Kakashi's."

Sarutobi Hiruzen assessed his current strength, deeming it sufficient to handle most situations for now.

He could already picture it: the younger Third Hokage on the battlefield, casually unleashing high-level ninjutsu with an inexhaustible chakra pool, like a war fortress, slaughtering ordinary ninja with ease.

"For a ninja, just past fifty is relatively the prime of life."

"At this age, physical strength and chakra haven't noticeably declined, while experience in ninjutsu and combat has reached full maturity and cunning..."

"Enough to handle any level of enemy."

"Just like the Sannin in the later Shippuden era."

"So the current Third Hokage is undoubtedly a top-tier powerhouse in the ninja world..."

"Though against opponents of the same rank, he may be at a disadvantage due to the lack of special bloodline techniques..."

"But his versatile fighting style and vast, ocean-like knowledge of ninjutsu allow him to find openings in battles of equal standing."

"His claim of being able to beat Orochimaru to death isn't just empty boasting."

Sarutobi Hiruzen was satisfied with the combat power of this body, yet he also understood the principle of staying vigilant in times of peace.

"Unfortunately..."

"This body's prime won't last many more years."

"At most two years..."

Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at the aging marks beginning to appear on his palms and the chakra volume still lacking compared to his peak, a chill running through his heart.

"Or even shorter..."

"I'll become that Ninja Bear who can only die together with his student."

Sarutobi Hiruzen knew well that even the nearest threat, Orochimaru's attack, was at least over a decade away.

But there was one thing that urgently needed his attention.

That was the issue of lifespan.

The shock of going from a young man in his twenties to a man in his fifties needed no elaboration.

And if he didn't solve the lifespan problem, Sarutobi Hiruzen might not even live to see the Fourth Ninja War, dying of old age instead.

"Actually, there are quite a few ways to solve the lifespan problem in the ninja world."

Sarutobi Hiruzen recalled the plot in his mind, "For example, the secret techniques of the Immortal Duo, Sage Art..."

"Or the God Tree Fruit..."

But in the end, he shook his head.

These methods of immortality were not only hard to replicate but also came with varying degrees of limitations and side effects.

"With the backing of the Heavens and Myriad Worlds,"

"I don't need to limit my sights to the ninja world alone..."

Sarutobi Hiruzen asked inwardly, "System, with my current Space-Time Source Energy,"

"What level of world can I travel to?"

The system gave its reply.

One thousand points of source energy were enough to travel to a Two-Star World.

That is, a world that has just begun to touch upon the supernatural, but where it is not widespread.

As for worlds like Naruto, where supernatural power runs rampant and the strongest can traverse the stars and move mountains and seas, those are Four-Star Worlds.

Their intensity is already quite high, and top-tier fighters could be described as humanoid nuclear bombs.

"Unfortunately, I'm far from reaching that level..."

A hint of longing flashed in Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes, "That kind of realm is exclusive to the Otsutsuki bloodline."

"In theory, I've already reached the peak of what a mortal can achieve..."

Suddenly, a figure appeared behind Sarutobi Hiruzen and bowed, "Lord Third, Hatake Kakashi requests an audience..."

Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression remained calm. According to the original plot, Kakashi was indeed supposed to meet with the Third Hokage.

"Let him come over."

A white-haired youth flickered and appeared before Sarutobi Hiruzen in a few swift movements, displaying considerable skill in the Body Flicker Technique.

The Kakashi of now was far from the slacker he would become in the future; he was still a rather green youth.

"Lord Third..."

Kakashi bowed formally, his gaze sweeping over the terrain that had been scoured by ninjutsu, and a sense of admiration welled up in his heart.

As expected of Lord Third—the sheer power of terrain-altering ninjutsu like this was nothing short of astonishing.

At the very least, the Kakashi of now was still far from reaching that level.

Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at the somewhat stiff Kakashi before him and found it a little amusing.

"Kakashi, no need for formalities..."

"Is there something you came for?"

A flicker of hesitation passed through Hatake Kakashi's single eye, but it was quickly replaced by the unwavering resolve of the Will of Fire.

Then, without further delay, Kakashi laid out the whole matter—how Danzo had tried to recruit him, and the plan to assassinate Sarutobi Hiruzen on his way to the Land of Fire's capital.

"Is that so."

"I understand..."

Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded calmly, his expression steady, while taking in every nuance of Kakashi's demeanor.

He could guess that Danzo, in his attempt to win over Kakashi, had likely spoken some ill of the Third Hokage, sowing doubt in the young man's still-developing heart.

Fortunately, after enduring the deaths of his teacher and his closest friends, Kakashi's Will of Fire had largely solidified.

He wouldn't be swayed by any stray thoughts.

"Kakashi."

"How is that eye holding up?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Kakashi's covered left eye, his tone laced with concern.

"It's fine..."

Kakashi replied honestly, his head lowered.

"The power of the Sharingan is immense. I can't fully control it yet..."

Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke with earnest gravity.

"If you can't handle it, don't force yourself."

"Unlike the Byakugan, the Sharingan has never been stolen by anyone from another village."

"That's not without reason."

The reason the Byakugan needed to be controlled by the Caged Bird Seal, aside from its overwhelming strategic value, was that wielding it came at almost no extra cost.

But for someone who wasn't an Uchiha to wield the Sharingan, it would drain not only chakra but even the user's life force.

Just from the price Uchiha clan members themselves paid when using the Mangekyo, it was clear what a troublesome dojutsu the Sharingan truly was.

Every user of the Mangekyo, unless they were Indra's reincarnation, met a grim end.

If he had the choice, Sarutobi Hiruzen would rather see a Kakashi at his full potential, unburdened by the Sharingan.

Than the so-called "Copy Ninja" who always fought to a draw.

After all, in terms of a ninja's innate talent, Kakashi's potential even surpassed Sarutobi Hiruzen's own.

Becoming a jonin at twelve wasn't a matter of seniority—it was a matter of raw, undeniable strength.

Compared to its heyday, Konoha was now undeniably in a period of decline. If Sarutobi Hiruzen wanted to improve the village's situation and change his own fate, he would need stronger allies.

And Kakashi, with his unparalleled talent and natural loyalty to the Hokage's line, was practically the perfect candidate for the next Hokage.

"..." But all that met Sarutobi Hiruzen was Kakashi's silence.

Or rather, the firm conviction in his heart.

As Obito's legacy, Kakashi would never give it up—even if it cost him his entire ninja career.

Kakashi was, of course, an exceptionally sharp ninja. He had already sensed the heavy price that came with using the Sharingan.