I Call You Brother-in-Law, You Call Me Martial Uncle! (Three-in-One)

"Lord Hokage?"

The person sitting in the living room was none other than the Third Hokage, known as the Shinobi Hero. His appearance was completely unexpected for Kuming, who stood frozen outside the living room door after his exclamation, unable to move for a long moment.

"Kuming, why are you standing at the door? Come in."

"Sit down over here by me. Look, this is the ninjutsu teacher I've found for you."

"Are you satisfied?"

Mito Uzumaki beckoned to Kuming, who was standing outside the door, a smile on her face. Hiruzen Sarutobi, seated at her side, nodded at Kuming with a smile and began to size him up.

As expected of the child Mito calls a genius; such a physique is clearly the result of years of rigorous training.

His aptitude for taijutsu must be quite formidable.

Hiruzen thought to himself as he watched Kuming sit down opposite him.

This was not his first time seeing Kuming. They had met once at the start of the school year, and Hiruzen had kept an eye on Kuming's progress during his speeches at the ninja academy. However, those occasions were never like this, where he had the leisure to observe the boy in detail.

Up close and over time, one naturally notices much more.

"Grandma Mito, I'm just a child who hasn't even graduated from the academy, not even a genin. A random chunin would have been more than enough to teach me."

"There was no need to trouble Lord Hokage."

"Besides, at a time like this, Lord Hokage must be incredibly busy. Isn't it a waste of your time to come out here to instruct me?"

Although Kuming did not explicitly express a refusal, he tactfully voiced his thoughts. As a teacher, Hiruzen Sarutobi—the Shinobi Hero of the ninja world, the Professor of Ninjutsu, and the mentor of the future Sannin—was undoubtedly qualified.

But from Kuming's perspective, Hiruzen was not the ideal choice. After all, once he became Hiruzen's disciple, he would be directly embroiled in the internal power struggles of Konoha. No matter how much Kuming denied it, becoming Hiruzen's student would inevitably brand him as part of the Hokage's faction.

It wasn't that being in the Hokage's faction was inherently bad, but given Kuming's current strength, entering the sights of Konoha's top brass too early was not a good thing.

"It's no trouble at all, Kuming Uzumaki."

"Although Lady Mito requested it, I am actually quite happy to be your teacher."

"Cultivating the next generation is my responsibility as Hokage, after all."

Before Mito could speak, Hiruzen said with a smile. He was, in truth, very satisfied with Kuming. There were only two people in Konoha currently qualified to be jinchuriki. One was Kushina Uzumaki, who had already found her bonds within the village, making her a safe bet.

Even if Mito chose Kushina as the jinchuriki later, as Hokage, he wouldn't need to worry about her harboring resentment toward the village. He had already looked deeply into Minato Namikaze and knew he was someone he could trust.

However, Hiruzen was less certain about Kuming, the other potential candidate. Based on his performance at school, it was clear he hadn't formed many deep bonds with his classmates. His only real connections in Konoha were likely Mito and his sister.

But once he became the boy's teacher, he would have plenty of time to instill his Will of Fire. That way, regardless of which of the siblings became the jinchuriki, they would be fiercely loyal to Konoha. Mito asking him to be Kuming's teacher played right into Hiruzen's hands.

"I see."

"Then thank you, Lord Hokage."

Seeing that Hiruzen had already put it that way, Kuming could no longer find a reason to refuse. His previous words had been tactful, and in the eyes of others, he was just a sensible child afraid of inconveniencing the Hokage. But if he refused after the Third Hokage had already spoken, it would be truly ungrateful.

Doing so would only invite the Third's dissatisfaction and suspicion.

A normal child would likely be unable to sleep for nights out of excitement if the Hokage were to become their teacher; for Kuming to push this opportunity away would be an abnormal act.

"Haha, then Kuming, I look forward to working with you."

Hiruzen said with a smile, nodding slightly at Kuming. Kuming was sensible enough to know that since the situation couldn't be changed, he should let things take their course. It was necessary to build a good relationship with Hiruzen now. Since he was destined to be labeled as part of the Hokage's faction, he might as well make that label prominent.

Sometimes, neutrality is the most dangerous path of all.

Thinking this, Kuming left his seat, walked over to Hiruzen, and sat cross-legged. He bowed deeply to Hiruzen and said:

"Teacher Hiruzen, I leave myself in your care."

Seeing Kuming's actions, Hiruzen's expression turned serious. If they had been in a simple teacher-student relationship before the bow, then after it, their bond became something more significant. If Hiruzen accepted, Kuming would officially become a member of his inner circle.

As a mentor, Hiruzen would then be obligated to protect his disciple.

Kuming did not lift his head, and after a moment of surprised hesitation, Hiruzen's face blossomed into a smile.

He had only ever taken three personal disciples, each of them a brilliant genius. Now, Kuming already held the reputation of a genius; guiding such a child would certainly not tarnish his name.

Hiruzen's expression became solemn as he returned the bow to Kuming.

"From this day forward, you are my disciple."

Hearing Hiruzen's words, Kuming finally lifted his head, a smile appearing on his young face.

"Yes!"

Sitting in the main seat, Mito watched the meeting between Kuming and Hiruzen go so smoothly, a look of relief on her face. She knew her own condition and that she could no longer protect the siblings as they grew. She had intended to use the search for a teacher as a way to secure a new guardian for them.

As the current Hokage, Hiruzen was clearly the best candidate. Among all of Konoha's high-ranking officials, Hiruzen was famously known for his kindness and tolerance toward his own people; Mito knew she wasn't wrong about that. After she was gone, Hiruzen would be the siblings' new protector.

"Very well, since you are now master and disciple, Kuming, you must study hard under Hiruzen."

"I am a bit tired, so I will return to my room to rest."

As Mito finished speaking and prepared to stand, Hiruzen moved with lightning speed, reaching her side to support her. He was so fast that even Kuming, who had intended to help her, was several beats behind.

"Haha, Monkey, you sit here for a while. Kuming, you take me to my room."

Leaning on Hiruzen's strength to stand, Mito beckoned to Kuming. Kuming immediately walked to her side, letting her rest her arm on his shoulder.

"Teacher Hiruzen, please wait a moment."

Kuming greeted Hiruzen Sarutobi, then acted as a cane for Mito, leaving the living room together. Once the two had departed, Hiruzen Sarutobi sat back down in his chair, sighed softly, and muttered to himself:

"Even someone as powerful as Lady Mito cannot escape the fate of aging."

"I wonder how much longer the village's final foundation can hold out."

Seeing Mito's condition today left Hiruzen Sarutobi deeply worried. Although the war on the front lines was progressing smoothly, if something were to happen to Mito, the Jinchuriki, at this juncture, the advantage Konoha had painstakingly built up on the battlefield could vanish in an instant. Should the situation develop in that direction, the threat would reach the heart of Konoha itself.

This was the scenario Hiruzen Sarutobi, as Hokage, least wanted to see.

Not long after, Kuming returned to the living room after escorting Mito back to her quarters. In front of the Third Hokage, Kuming was no longer reserved and immediately said, "Teacher Hiruzen, please teach me Lightning Release ninjutsu today."

Watching Kuming's excited expression, Hiruzen Sarutobi felt as if he were seeing Jiraiya and the others from years ago, and his furrowed brow finally relaxed.

"Very well. I happen to have some time this afternoon, so let me first see what level you have reached."

"Let's head to the training ground; that is the only place where you can truly let loose."

Hiruzen Sarutobi did not stand on ceremony; he picked up his conical hat, stood up, and walked out the door first. Kuming did not bother with any preparations and followed the Third Hokage straight out.

"Lord Hokage! I still have some eggs at home; I'll bring them to you later."

"Lord Hokage, thank you for taking care of my husband. If it weren't for you, he would have died in the hospital long ago."

"..."

As Kuming walked through the streets of Konoha with the Third Hokage, he finally realized just how high Hiruzen Sarutobi's prestige was in the village. The walk from Mito's house to the training ground was less than ten minutes, but along the way, countless villagers greeted Hiruzen.

The number of people expressing their gratitude was endless. The Third Hokage's response was remarkably approachable; he would chat with even the strangers he didn't recognize, to the point that the ten-minute walk took a full thirty minutes to reach the training ground.

Seeing all this, Kuming couldn't help but doubt the conspiracy theories about the Third Hokage he had read about online in his past life. From what he could see, the Third was undoubtedly a dove, but according to the analyses of netizens, the darkness in his heart was likely beyond what an ordinary person could imagine.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's chakra is clearly thick and warm; he shouldn't be that kind of person.

Kuming hadn't been idle along the way; he had secretly activated his Mind's Eye of the Kagura to probe the Third Hokage. He could feel the strength of Hiruzen's chakra and perceive that it was filled with warmth. Although Hiruzen could sense someone observing him, he assumed it was just the Anbu members protecting his safety nearby.

While the world of Naruto didn't have the saying "the face reflects the heart," the feeling one's chakra gave off often represented their true character.

I hope I'm just overthinking it.

Before he knew it, Kuming had arrived at the training ground with Hiruzen. This was Konoha's Training Ground No. 1, covering nearly 500 square meters. Since most of the village's ninjas were currently on the front lines, there were very few people training here.

"Look, it's the Third Hokage!"

"Old man? Why is he here?"

"Kuming? Why is that kid with the Third?"

In the training ground, the three members of Minato's team were practicing. The trio, who had been working on shurikenjutsu, couldn't help but stop their training when they saw Hiruzen Sarutobi and Kuming arrive together.

"Oh, Kotaro, Kushina, and Minato Namikaze, you're here too," Hiruzen Sarutobi said, looking somewhat surprised to see his own son at the training ground.

"Kotaro, didn't you have a mission? You finished it so quickly? I didn't receive any related reports."

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at his son and asked.

"I returned to the village at noon to finish the mission. I didn't see you when I went to the Hokage Building to submit my report; a middle-aged man accepted it."

"Speaking of which, old man, you aren't in your office, so what are you doing here? And with the brat Kuming, no less."

"If you're here to guide my training, you can save it. I don't need your guidance!"

Sarutobi Kotaro turned his head away with a huff; it seemed he was currently in his rebellious phase. Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't get angry at his son's attitude and smiled, explaining, "I am here to teach Kuming; he is my newly accepted disciple."

As soon as Hiruzen finished speaking, Kotaro looked toward Kuming, his eyes tinged with a hint of jealousy. Meanwhile, Kushina had already rushed to Kuming's side. Upon hearing that Kuming had been accepted as a disciple by the Third Hokage, she excitedly grabbed Kuming by the neck and shook him vigorously.

"Kuming! Is this true? Did Lord Third Hokage really take you as his disciple? Really?" Kushina Uzumaki had always dreamed of becoming Hokage, and hearing that her younger brother had been taken as a disciple by the Hokage made her jump with excitement.

"Really... really..."

"I'm dying..."

Kushina's sudden assault left Kuming stunned. For a moment, he couldn't break free from her grip and could only pat her hands, struggling to speak.

"Ah? Sorry."

Kushina realized what she was doing and let go. Once freed, Kuming coughed heavily several times before he felt better.

"Almost died there," Kuming said, rubbing his neck, still feeling a lingering fear.

"Thank you, Lord Hokage! I leave Kuming in your care from now on!"

While Kuming was still rubbing his neck, Kushina had already bowed deeply and respectfully to Hiruzen Sarutobi. This sudden gesture surprised the Third Hokage. After watching her quietly for a moment, a smile appeared on his face as he patted Kushina on the shoulder and said, "Don't worry, I will teach Kuming well."

"Sister." Kuming looked at Kushina, who was bowing so sincerely, and was momentarily speechless. He felt a lump in his throat, and his eyes grew slightly moist.

"You better study hard under Lord Hokage from now on! If I find out you aren't putting in the effort, just see what I do to you!"

Without warning, Kushina punched Kuming on the top of his head. Kuming, who had been feeling a bit touched, immediately crouched to the ground, clutching his head in pain.

"That hurts!"

"Why did you hit me?!"

Kuming couldn't understand Kushina's train of thought; the small spark of emotion he had just felt vanished instantly.

"Haha, you all continue your training. Kuming and I will only need a small corner of the field."

Hiruzen Sarutobi watched the bickering siblings and chuckled as he spoke.

"It's fine to put training aside for a moment; I'd like to see how you teach your disciple!"

Sarutobi Kotaro crossed his arms over his chest and walked over to the shade of a nearby tree with a haughty expression before sitting down. He seemed to be throwing a little tantrum, though Jiuming could mostly understand why; as the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi likely had very little time to spare for tutoring Kotaro.

This was evident when looking at Konohamaru Sarutobi later on; sometimes, as Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi was indeed a bit too generous with his affection toward others.

Seeing Sarutobi Kotaro stop his training and sit to the side, Minato and Kushina exchanged a look and went to sit with him as well. Minato did it to accommodate Kotaro's mood, while Kushina was curious to see how the Third Hokage would instruct her younger brother.

Jiuming, meanwhile, noticed Minato training alongside Kushina and Sarutobi Kotaro, and couldn't help but think to himself, I didn't expect to become the Third's disciple before he even apprenticed under Jiraiya. Wouldn't that mess up the seniority? If he marries Kushina in the future, should I call him brother-in-law, or should he call me uncle-master?

Or should we just treat our relationships separately? I call him nephew-disciple, and he calls me little brother?

"Heh." Just as Jiuming was harboring these mischievous thoughts, the Third Hokage let out an awkward laugh. Unfazed by Kotaro's attitude, he pulled a piece of paper from his pocket as if no one else were around and placed it in Jiuming's hand.

"Jiuming, this is Chakra Induction Paper. It can test your current chakra nature."

"Generally speaking, a ninja of your age can possess one nature. As you train and grow older, it is possible to master multiple chakra natures."

"Although I heard from Lady Mito that you have a Lightning nature, I would like to teach you any other natures you might possess as well."

The Third Hokage's words piqued Jiuming's curiosity about the paper. He had never used one in his life; back when he was condensing chakra under the guidance of Uzumaki Mito, he had triggered a chakra outburst that had already manifested as a powerful Lightning nature.

Furthermore, in the days that followed, Jiuming had spent most of his time practicing sealing techniques, with very little focus on ninjutsu.

"Try channeling your chakra into this paper, and I will be able to see what your chakra nature is."

Jiuming took the paper in his hand, curiously examining both sides of the white slip before pinching it between his fingers.

"I'll give it a try." As Jiuming spoke, he began to channel his chakra into the paper, and a moment later, he heard a faint, almost imperceptible sound. The paper in Jiuming's hand suddenly crumpled into a ball, and the next second, it burst into flames.

"Sss~" Seeing the paper ignite without warning, Jiuming quickly tossed it away.

Sarutobi Kotaro, who was watching from the side, jumped to his feet and shouted in surprise, "That's a Fire nature? Kushina, didn't you always say your brother had a Lightning nature?"

Kushina, hearing Kotaro's question, shook her head in confusion, while Minato, standing nearby, said thoughtfully, "It might be a dual nature. Jiuming should have both Lightning and Fire chakra natures." After saying this, Minato gave Kushina a strange look.

As a teammate, Minato knew that Kushina's chakra natures were Water and Wind; logically, as her younger brother, Jiuming's nature shouldn't be Fire and Lightning.

"He is my biological brother, alright!" Seeing Minato looking at her strangely, Kushina angrily waved her fist at him.

"Well, I haven't even said anything yet~"

"Maybe girls take after their father and boys take after their mother~"

Minato muttered guiltily, while Hiruzen Sarutobi, standing in the training ground, was somewhat stunned.

I shouldn't have been mistaken; it was definitely a Lightning nature. The paper crumpled into a ball instantly—there is no doubt about that.

As for the paper burning afterward, is it because the child also possesses a Fire nature, or is it...

Chakra Induction Paper could detect basic natures: burning meant Fire, cutting meant Wind, getting wet meant Water, crumbling into dust meant Earth, and wrinkling meant Lightning.

A possibility flashed through Hiruzen Sarutobi's mind, but Jiuming knew exactly why the paper had suddenly caught fire. He was certain he didn't have a Fire nature; the paper had burned simply because he had channeled too much chakra, causing it to completely overload.

"Whether it is what I suspect or not, a test will tell."

Hiruzen Sarutobi made up his mind and said, "Jiuming, I will now teach you a C-rank Lightning Style ninjutsu: Lightning Style: Lightning Pillar."

"This is a technique that produces a piercing, intense light, capable of blinding an enemy's vision. It is quite useful in combat."

"I will demonstrate it for you now."

As he spoke, Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly performed three hand seals, and then a brilliant flash erupted from his hands, instantly flooding the already sunny training ground with light pollution. The glare was so intense that Jiuming and the three spectators couldn't see anything, and they instinctively covered their eyes.

"Holy crap, he turned into a lightbulb!"