Konoha at Four in the Morning

Hokage Office.

"Genichi, regarding the matter from our last meeting, we have decided to proceed with the early graduation exams as planned. However, we will be increasing the difficulty to a certain extent. Rest assured, we won't be sending unqualified children to the battlefield."

Sarutobi Hiruzen held his pipe, exhaling a cloud of smoke, and said with a chuckle, "If you're still worried, why not lead a squad yourself?"

Before Genichi could answer, he continued:

"Heh, it's truly incredible. I never expected you to awaken the Magnet Release kekkei genkai on your own. I specifically checked the files of your parents and other relatives; you are the only one. This indicates it isn't a bloodline inheritance, but a true, original kekkei genkai."

"I fear you have already surpassed your teacher, Orochimaru. In a few more years, even this old man won't be a match for you."

"I'm getting old, and I talk too much. Don't mind my rambling. First, take a look at these files; they are the outstanding students in the academy."

Hearing the Third Hokage express such confidence in his own strength, Genichi remained noncommittal and turned his gaze to the files on the desk.

The first one was clearly someone who had already graduated early and was no longer an academy student: Hatake Kakashi, ninja registration number 009720.

Noticing that Genichi was paying close attention to Kakashi's file, the Third Hokage spoke up: "Kakashi is a rare genius in the history of the ninja academy. You weren't in the village for the past two years, so you might not be aware. This child 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 the youngest Konoha jonin at thirteen."

"Moreover, he is the child of the White Fang. You and Sakumo met long ago, heh, do you remember? Back then, Sakumo's codename in the Anbu was 'Genhu'."

Ninjas prioritize information security when carrying out missions. Furthermore, Hatake Sakumo was the Anbu commander at the time, moving like a ghost—only his name was known, never his face.

"I never imagined 'Genhu' was the White Fang of Konoha." Genichi was somewhat surprised. He had gone to the battlefield right after graduation and then to Ryūchi Cave shortly after returning, so he truly hadn't known Hatake Sakumo was "Genhu."

Setting Kakashi's file aside, he continued flipping through the others.

Many familiar faces appeared; the ninjas who would later shine in the Shippuden era were already beginning to show their potential.

There was the future special jonin and high-level intellectual, Ebisu.

Might Guy, who almost brought about the series finale early.

Aoba Yamashiro, the special jonin capable of manipulating crows.

Namiashi Raidō, a bodyguard for the Fourth Hokage who could coordinate with teammates to use the Flying Thunder God Formation and possessed a certain talent for space-time and sealing jutsu.

Genma Shiranui, a member of the Fourth Hokage's guard who always had a senbon dangling from his mouth.

Rin Nohara, with her gentle smile and purple face-paint markings symmetrically distributed on her cheeks.

Obito Uchiha, whose eyes were always filled with Rin, and whose heart was heavy with the sorrow of Kamui.

Tekka Uchiha, who had excellent grades in the academy.

Hayate Gekko, who looked frail but had mastered the "Transparent Release" kekkei genkai.

Shizune, who was training by Tsunade's side.

Kurenai Yuhi, the elite genjutsu jonin of Konoha who would later be defeated by Itachi in a single move.

At this moment, Sarutobi Hiruzen handed over a new file, blinking with a meaningful, pointed look:

"This is my good-for-nothing youngest son, Asuma. He was spoiled too much by his mother growing up, and now he's always rebellious, which is quite worrying. Fortunately, his talent is decent. If you could..."

"He's the one!"

Having absolutely no interest in Sarutobi Asuma, Genichi pulled out a new file and slapped it on the desk—Might Guy.

Sarutobi Hiruzen hadn't expected that even after hinting—no, explicitly stating—his wishes, Chiba Genichi would refuse to take Asuma. And why Might Guy?

In Sarutobi Hiruzen's mind, Chiba Genichi was a genius ninja just like Orochimaru had been as a child, insatiable in his pursuit of ninjutsu knowledge and even having awakened a kekkei genkai on his own; he was a brilliant ninjutsu-type ninja.

As for this academy student named Might Guy, Sarutobi Hiruzen had some impression of him. He had no talent for ninjutsu and hadn't even passed the academy entrance exam; he had only been admitted as an exception because his cheerful personality and diligent, hardworking taijutsu training aligned with the Will of Fire.

There was absolutely no common ground. He bypassed the Hokage's own son, he bypassed the exceptionally talented Kakashi, and even if it were an Uchiha—even if it were an Uchiha...

"Why Might Guy?"

Genichi looked toward the window, gazing into the distance. His tone carried a faint, lingering pause, each word seemingly wrapped in layers of unspoken meaning:

"Lord Hokage, have you ever seen the sun in Konoha at 4:30 in the morning?"

"Of course not." Sarutobi Hiruzen thought to himself, I live a normal nine-to-five life, sleeping soundly at four in the morning without a care in the world. Where would I go to see the Konoha sun?

"You mean that child Guy is very hardworking, starting his training at four every day? Is he really that diligent?"

Suddenly, as if realizing something, Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression froze, and his face darkened: "Four in the morning? It's not even light out yet. Where would there be a sun in Konoha?"

Ignoring Sarutobi Hiruzen's reaction, Genichi continued:

"I, for one, do not dislike people who work hard."

"Aside from taijutsu, Guy is always at the bottom of his class, yet he still trains himself until he is covered in injuries, day after day, year after year. He understands clearly that since he lacks talent, he has only his constant effort and persistence."

"Speed or slowness at a given moment means nothing. Every ninja has their own path to walk. Lord Hokage, do you think such effort can support the future of Konoha?"

"Speaking of which, taking on an apprentice requires mutual consent. So, I shall take my leave."

With that, Chiba Genichi turned and left, leaving the Third Hokage behind with a face full of confusion and helplessness.

At this time, Might Duy had not yet kicked the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist into the "Three Lucky Survivors," and was still just the village's "Eternal Genin." Sarutobi Hiruzen was unaware of the potential of the Eight Inner Gates Formation and remained full of doubt and confusion regarding Genichi's choice.

"Youth! This is truly youth! I never expected Lord Genichi to be willing to take me as his apprentice! This is great! I must tell my father this good news, then do ten laps of frog-leaping around the village, followed by 2,000 handstand push-ups..."

Watching Might Guy run off into the distance, tears in his eyes before he had even finished speaking, Genichi felt a sense of helplessness: "Forget it. Next time, I'll just go to his house and formally visit to take him as my apprentice."