Huo Ren Sect's Third Generation

The previously noisy classroom fell silent in an instant.

Even Naruto, usually the most mischievous of the lot, had his eyes widened and his mouth slightly agape, as if he wanted to say something but could not find the right words.

Sasuke remained with his arms crossed, but he could not help but shift his gaze toward Denji; his eyes held less of their usual arrogance and more of a sense of scrutiny.

His brother had always whispered in his ear about the Will of Fire, the Will of Fire. He did not truly understand it, only feeling that whatever his brother said must be right.

Previously, whenever his brother asked him about it, he could never provide an answer.

But today, hearing Denji speak, Sasuke felt his understanding of the Will of Fire deepen. He would be able to show his brother his progress now.

In Hinata's pale, lavender eyes, there was a sense of heartache so pure it was almost transparent, her eyelids reddening as tears welled up.

Yamanaka Ino had not expected that beneath this handsome boy's bright and cheerful smile, such a sorrowful past was hidden. Her heart ached slightly, a surge of maternal instinct washing over her, and her favor for this transfer student grew even more. Denji's expression seemed all the more mysterious now, possessing an inexplicable allure.

The words were simple and direct, lacking flowery language, but when mixed with the boy's experiences in the Land of Rain, they served only to highlight the preciousness of the Will of Fire.

Iruka was stunned, seemingly not having expected Akimichi Denji to deliver such a speech, especially since he had originally intended to keep his own assessment hidden.

But as it stood, Akimichi Denji had passed that assessment perfectly.

In the shadows, the Third Hokage, watching through a crystal ball, wore a smile and nodded in satisfaction before shutting down the projection.

He had not misjudged him after all.

This child had a promising future.

This only solidified his thoughts: even if he were from an outside village, as long as he could be molded and constantly influenced by the Will of Fire, he could be used for his own ends.

Danzo, do you see? I am the one who is right.

Akimichi Denji sat down, only to be startled as the system prompted him.

[Wish Completed: I am the one who is right.]

[Wish Points +1.]

He felt that this phrase was strangely familiar, and connecting it to his speech just now, he realized that some old geezer with a voyeuristic habit must have heard his words.

Yet, he did not let his expression betray him.

"Good, very good."

Iruka affirmed Akimichi Denji's statement and turned to explain on the blackboard.

"Everyone's input was excellent, and what Akimichi Denji said was particularly good."

"The Will of Fire is the key content that our Third Hokage emphasizes and promotes; it is something every one of us needs to learn."

"It is more important than ninjutsu."

"A ninja without ideological guidance is not a good citizen of Konoha."

"The one who carries the Will of Fire forward is none other than our great Third Hokage, the Sun of Konoha, the Professor of Ninjutsu, the highest mountain and the longest river in the ninja world, the source of the warm light brought to us all—Sarutobi Hiruzen..."

Loyalty!

Akimichi Denji recalled the evaluations of Sarutobi Hiruzen from the forums of his past life.

Sarutobi Hiruzen, posthumously dubbed the "Benevolent Emperor of Fire" by historians, was hailed as a prodigy in his youth. He studied under the Second Hokage, Tobirama, possessed a vast memory, mastered all techniques, and was already a pillar of the village before he had even reached adulthood.

As he grew older, he was known for his kindness and sentimentality, using the "Will of Fire" as his guiding principle, hoping to make the villagers love one another and see ninjutsu flourish.

He abolished harsh laws, promoted education, and established the Ninja Academy.

Yet, while people called him benevolent, he was in truth indecisive; while they called him wise, he was in truth blinded by sentiment.

His tolerance for Danzo's "Root" organization led to the rampant behavior of the Anbu and the resentment toward the Uchiha clan, eventually brewing a tragedy. In his attempt to have the best of both worlds, he lost both. The suicide of the White Fang and the fall of Shisui both occurred under his tacit approval.

By the time Orochimaru attacked again, he used the Reaper Death Seal to seal his own hands.

The man had contributed to the village by fostering talent, but he also had his faults in indulging evil and fostering treachery.

All in all, he was a complex politician.

From Denji's perspective, Sarutobi Hiruzen had treated Naruto quite poorly. His own student's grandson had sealed the Nine-Tails into his own flesh and blood for the sake of the village, entrusting the boy to him with his dying breath.

The Chronicles of Naruto also recorded: The Fourth intended for the villagers to see him as a hero, bearing that wish, he sealed the demon and died.

As a result, Naruto suffered through the village's rumors, and the Third never clarified the truth; although he forbade discussion, it only deepened the villagers' resentment.

The Annals of Fire: The Era of the Benevolent Emperor, Volume 4 stated: The Emperor was forgiving by nature, respectful and frugal, yet lacked strict orders. He forbade the commoners from speaking of the Nine-Tails, punishing those who disobeyed. At the time, the young Martial Emperor was ignorant and sought only pleasure, causing much resentment among the people, yet the Benevolent Emperor favored him, leading to discord between the high and low.

This resulted in Naruto being sold expired food by villagers even as he grew up.

He was treated purely as a tool.

It was a miracle Naruto didn't turn into Homelander.

As Denji pondered this, he suddenly felt someone staring at him and turned to see Yamanaka Ino.

At this moment, Yamanaka Ino was still a child, wearing her hair in a ponytail with side-swept bangs covering one side of her face, her sky-blue pupils staring curiously at Akimichi Denji.

There was a strong emotion in Ino's eyes.

He knew that Yamanaka Ino was a typical "face-value" fan; she liked Uchiha Sasuke simply because Uchiha Sasuke was handsome.

The reason she eventually married Sai was because he possessed a certain melancholic handsomeness.

Like a substitute for the beloved, Ino was a substitute for Sasuke.

A young girl yearning for spring is nothing to be criticized.

"You seem so amazing. You came from the Land of Rain, right?"

"Yes," Akimichi Denji replied.

"Your skin looks even fairer than mine."

"Thank you for the compliment."

"Your hands are so small."

Contrary to her icy exterior, Yamanaka Ino was incredibly enthusiastic!

Akimichi Denji spread his hands and said with unquestionable certainty, "My hands are definitely bigger than yours."

Just kidding, I am the eldest son of the Akimichi Clan who has been dumping stat points into physique.

See that little fatty in the class? That's my half-brother.

Small hands? I could slap you into next week.

Yamanaka Ino did not retreat because of this remark; instead, she became even more excited. Whenever she asked Sasuke in the past, he would always give her the cold shoulder, only deigning to reply with a word or two every now and then.

But today, every single sentence received a response, and she felt as if her life had suddenly welcomed a warm spring.

Is this the Will of Fire? It's so heartwarming!

"I don't believe it, let's compare." As she spoke, Yamanaka Ino extended her hand and pressed it against Akimichi Denji's.

"Compare then, look, see? My hand is definitely bigger than yours."

Akimichi Denji shrugged.

Seeing her scheme succeed, Yamanaka Ino excitedly stomped her feet under the desk, her other hand clenching into a fist and pumping the air in a burst of hidden excitement.

"Alright then, I suppose you're right." As she spoke, she reluctantly let go of Akimichi Denji's hand.

Congratulations on fulfilling a wish: Yamanaka Ino's Affection. Wish Points +1.

Akimichi Denji glanced at Yamanaka Ino.

Is this what an honest face-value-obsessed person looks like? Just holding hands fulfilled the wish. Your "affection," I see this as just changing your target of infatuation, right?

But Akimichi Denji did not refuse.

Yamanaka Ino would grow up to be a curvaceous beauty... no, a mature woman!

A real man should drive the big vehicles, and the skills to drive them must be cultivated from a young age.

Following the teachings of the Grandmaster, Denji practices the philosophy: don't miss out on the good girls, and don't let the bad girls get away!

Mostly, he just wanted the Wish Points.