The Hokage Building.
"Genichi, about what we discussed at the last meeting: after deliberating, we've decided to hold the graduation exams early after all. However, we'll make them somewhat more difficult. We won't send any children who fail to the battlefield, so don't worry."
Sarutobi Hiruzen held his pipe, puffing away as he said with a chuckle, "If you're still worried, why not lead a squad yourself?"
Before Genichi could answer, he continued:
"Heh, it's hard to believe. I never expected you to awaken Magnet Release Kekkei Genkai on your own. I specifically checked the records of your parents and other relatives. You're the only one, which means it wasn't inherited through your bloodline. It's a true, first-generation Kekkei Genkai."
"You've probably already surpassed your teacher, Orochimaru. Give it a few more years, and even this old man won't be your match."
"When you get old, you start talking too much. Don't mind this old man rambling. Take a look at these files first. They're all outstanding students from the academy."
Hearing how confident the Third Hokage was in his own strength, Genichi made no comment and looked at the files on the desk.
The first file belonged to Kakashi Hatake, who had clearly graduated early and was no longer an academy student. His ninja registration number was 009720.
Noticing Genichi paying particular attention to Kakashi's file, the Third Hokage began, "Kakashi is a rare genius in the history of the Ninja Academy, too. You weren't in the village for the past two years, so you might not know this, but the boy entered the academy at five and graduated at five. The following year, he passed the Chunin Exams and became a Chunin. He might even break your record as Konoha's youngest Jōnin at thirteen."
"Besides, he's White Fang's son. You met Sakumo long ago, heh. Do you remember? Sakumo's codename in Anbu used to be 'Genhu.'"
Ninja missions placed great importance on keeping information secret. What's more, Hatake Sakumo had served as the Anbu captain, always coming and going like a ghost. People knew his name, but never saw his face.
"So 'Genhu' was Konoha's White Fang," Genichi said, somewhat surprised. He had gone to the battlefield right after graduating, then headed to Ryūchi Cave not long after returning. He really hadn't known Hatake Sakumo was "Genhu."
He set Kakashi's file aside and continued looking through the others.
Quite a few familiar faces appeared. The ninjas who would feature in Shippuden were already beginning to make a name for themselves at this time.
There was Ebisu, a future Special Jōnin and highly educated intellectual.
Might Guy, who had nearly brought the story to an early ending.
Aoba Yamashiro, a Special Jōnin capable of controlling crows.
Namiashi Raidō, one of the Fourth Hokage's guards, who could work with his teammates to use the "Flying Thunder God Formation" and had some talent in space-time ninjutsu and Sealing Jutsu.
Genma Shiranui, who always had a Senbon between his teeth and was also a member of the Fourth Hokage's guard squad.
Rin Nohara, with two purple markings symmetrically painted on her cheeks and a gentle smile.
Obito Uchiha, whose eyes were full of Rin, unable to conceal his tears even with Kamui.
Tekka Uchiha, an excellent student at the academy.
Gekko Hayate, who had mastered the Kekkei Genkai "Transparent Release" and looked frail.
Shizune, who was training under Tsunade.
Kurenai Yuhi, a Konoha elite genjutsu Jōnin who would later be taken down in one move by Itachi.
Just then, Sarutobi Hiruzen handed over another file. He blinked, his expression meaningful, and hinted, "This is my good-for-nothing younger son, Asuma. His mother spoiled him too much growing up, and now he's always rebelling. I can't help worrying about him. At least he has decent talent. If you could—"
"He's the one!"
Genichi had no interest in Asuma Sarutobi at all. He pulled out another file and slapped it onto the desk: Might Guy.
Sarutobi Hiruzen hadn't expected that even after hinting—no, practically spelling it out—Chiba Genichi still wouldn't take Asuma. And why had he picked Might Guy?
In Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes, Chiba Genichi was a genius ninja like Orochimaru had been as a child. He was insatiably curious about ninjutsu and had even awakened a Kekkei Genkai on his own. He was the intellectual, ninjutsu-focused type.
Sarutobi Hiruzen vaguely remembered the academy student named Might Guy. He had no talent for ninjutsu and hadn't even passed the Ninja Academy entrance exam. Back then, he had only been admitted as an exception because of his cheerful personality, diligence in Taijutsu training, and embodiment of the Will of Fire.
There wasn't a single thing they had in common. He'd passed over the Hokage's own recommended son, and even the exceptionally talented Kakashi. Even if he'd picked a Uchiha—even if he'd picked an Uchiha—
"Why Might Guy?"
Genichi gazed out the window toward the distance. His voice carried the faintest pause, every word cloaked in unspoken meaning.
"Lord Hokage, have you ever seen the sun over Konoha at four-thirty in the morning?"
"Of course not," Sarutobi Hiruzen thought. "I keep regular hours, nine to five. At four in the morning, I'm fast asleep, resting easy. Where would I see the sun over Konoha?"
"Do you mean that boy Guy works hard and starts training at four every day? Is he really that dedicated?"
As if he had suddenly realized something, Sarutobi Hiruzen stiffened. His face darkened. "Four in the morning? It's not even light out. How could there be a sun over Konoha?"
Genichi ignored Sarutobi Hiruzen's reaction and continued:
"I don't dislike people who work hard."
"Guy is at the bottom of his class in every subject except Taijutsu, yet he still pushes himself until he's covered in injuries every day, year after year. He understands perfectly well that, without enough talent, he has no choice but to keep working hard and persevere."
"Whether someone is fast or slow in the short term doesn't matter. Every ninja has their own path to walk. Lord Hokage, do you think that kind of hard work can support Konoha's future?"
"Besides, taking on a student has to be something we both want. So, I'll take my leave."
With that, Chiba Genichi turned and left, leaving the Third Hokage looking puzzled and helpless.
At this point in time, Might Duy hadn't yet kicked the Mist Ninja's "Seven Ninja Swordsmen" into the "Three Lucky Stars." He was still the village's "Eternal Genin." Sarutobi Hiruzen also didn't understand the potential of the Eight Inner Gates Formation, and was baffled by Genichi's choice.
"Youth! This is so youthful! I can't believe Lord Genichi is willing to take me as his student! This is wonderful! I have to tell my father the good news, then frog-jump ten laps around the village and do two thousand handstand push-ups..."
Watching Might Guy tearfully sprint away and disappear at the end of the street before he could even finish speaking, Genichi felt a little helpless. Forget it. Next time, I'll go to his house and formally ask to take him on as my student.
Before you continue