After explaining the matter from earlier to Minato, Hiruzen Sarutobi came over to Sato Hideaka and patted his head. With a kindly expression, he asked, "Hideaka, how have things been at school lately? Are you keeping up with your lessons? Have you made any good friends...?"
Before Sato Hideaka could answer, Yuhi Kurenai piped up, "Hideaka's amazing! Whatever the teacher teaches, he picks it up right away. I'm his deskmate and his very best friend, too. Wwwcom"
"I see. It sounds like you and Hideaka are very close, Kurenai. The school seems to be holding Genin Exams soon. Have you signed up together?"
"Most of the people in our class have already signed up. Hideaka's so good, he'll definitely pass, but I don't know if I'll make it this time!"
Yuhi Kurenai looked crestfallen. Students could take the Genin Exam starting in the middle grades, and they had to pass several stages before the new Genin were selected. She had been eliminated in the first round last year. The only one in her class who had passed every stage and successfully become a Genin was Kakashi Hatake.
Although Sato Hideaka had only enrolled recently, he was already very proficient in the Three Body Technique, Kunai Throwing Technique, tree climbing, and Water Walking. Kurenai had even seen him use a crystal-shaped ninjutsu. It was not only dazzling, but powerful, too!
"Kurenai, you need to believe in yourself. Your father, Yuhi Shinku, has genjutsu that even the Sharingan of the Uchiha Clan can't break. If you work hard, you'll definitely become an excellent genjutsu specialist."
Kurenai nodded and pointed at Kushina. "Mm-hmm! I want to be like that big sister over there. I'll be brave when I face bad people and become a brave ninja. I'll definitely beat those older students!"
Hearing Kurenai's praise, Uzumaki Kushina's usually brash face unexpectedly flushed red. When she noticed Minato staring at her curiously, she couldn't help raising her fist and punching him.
Hiruzen Sarutobi shifted his gaze, pretending not to notice the couple's playful banter. Turning back to Sato Hideaka, he asked, "By the way, Hideaka, I've heard you've been looking up information on ninjutsu at the Konoha Library. How's your research going?"
"Pretty well! I've already come up with two ninjutsu, and I've also discovered that I can make this..."
Sato Hideaka knew that he was very likely under the protection and surveillance of Anbu members. There was no way a major development like Crystal Release would escape the notice of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, who controlled the Anbu. But if he wanted to grow stronger, he had to study Kekkei Genkai techniques. So he was using his age and talent to make a risky gamble. If he succeeded, he would gain some time to keep himself safe. If he failed, the outcome was anyone's guess: dissection, death, or being abandoned in Root...
He raised his right hand, and Crystal Release chakra began to flow...
A bright red crystal slowly gathered in his palm, quickly taking shape and transforming into a sharp Kunai!
As if showing off a prize, Sato Hideaka held up the Crystal Kunai and said proudly, "Grandpa Third, the Kunai I made is even harder than the ones our teacher gives us!"
"Is that so? Come on, let Grandpa Third have a look!"
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, took the Crystal Kunai and tested its weight. Then he lightly dragged it across the Hokage's desk. The Kunai's sharp tip left a long mark in the wood without the slightest effort.
With material this hard, combined with the two ninjutsu the child had created himself, it could certainly be put to devastating use. Now there was the Crystal Release Kekkei Genkai, in addition to the Lava Release Kekkei Genkai from before...
So it was true—he had two Kekkei Genkai!
Hiruzen Sarutobi took a sharp drag on his pipe. People with Kekkei Genkai generally inherited them through their bloodline. Even possessing one was a one-in-ten-thousand rarity. Someone with two at once was practically unheard of in the history of the ninja.
According to the investigation, the child's family had been farmers for three generations. His mother's family had once been nobility, but had long since fallen into decline. Neither side of his family had any known history of being ninja. Could they have to look back even further than three generations? Or was it...?
Seeing the Third Hokage's expression shift as he seemed to ponder something, Sato Hideaka sensed trouble. He quickly changed the subject in a childlike voice. "Oh, right, Grandpa Third. I haven't seen Big Sister Nonō in ages. What's she been doing lately?"
"Oh, Nonō? She's working on something important with another big sister. She won't have time until it's finished. Once you've taken the Genin Exam, I'll ask Big Sister Nonō to come see you. How does that sound?"
"Great! Thank you so much, Grandpa Third!"
Sato Hideaka nodded enthusiastically, his blue eyes shining brightly as if he couldn't wait to see her. His gaze was full of trust and affection.
Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head. Looking at Sato Hideaka's childish face, he couldn't help finding his own suspicions absurd. This child belonged not only to the Land of Fire, but also to Konoha. He was still so young and had tremendous potential. As long as they fostered his sense of belonging and helped him inherit the Will of Fire, Konoha would gain a talented ninja—and a better chance of staying safe with the "Four Great Nations" surrounding it!
Seeing that Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression had softened, Sato Hideaka continued, looking a little embarrassed. "Grandpa Third, Kurenai and I still have to train this afternoon so we can pass the Genin Exam, but we haven't had lunch yet. I'd like to go have lunch with Kurenai now, then train a little later... Is that okay?"
Once Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, nodded his approval, Hideaka quickly grabbed Yuhi Kurenai's hand and hurried out of the Hokage Building toward the bustling district at the center of Konoha. His frantic heartbeat, still racing with tension and lingering fear, was drowned out by his hurried footsteps. What had just happened had been terrifying:
The Sharingan had been torn from its owner by Shimura Danzō to be studied. Ao of Kirigakure had tried to take the Byakugan. Uzumaki Kushina, with her special physique, had once been targeted by Kumogakure. Even the ordinary Rin Nohara had been captured and made a Jinchūriki. And he had no idea how the Third Hokage saw him.
Gambling by exposing two Kekkei Genkai at once had been far too risky. The slightest misstep could cause trouble. It seemed he would have to speed up his training. As things stood, he was far too weak to defend himself—whether against Hiruzen Sarutobi, Orochimaru, Shimura Danzō... or against assassins and captors from other villages!
After Sato Hideaka rushed out of the Hokage's office, Minato, who had stayed behind, suddenly said, "So that's the child with two Kekkei Genkai. What incredible talent!"
"Yes. If Konoha can keep a talent like him, we'll have a much better chance in the wars to come. It's a shame he's still so young!" Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded with a smile.
Minato thought for a moment, then asked, puzzled, "The child doesn't seem to feel very secure. He also seems wary of what goes on in Konoha. Since he was brought here by our senior, Yakushi Nonō, why not let her take care of him?"
"Nonō has her own duties and missions. The child was probably frightened by Root, which is why he's afraid of everything happening around him. But time will dull those memories. After a while, I'll have Nonō meet with him and help put him at ease. By the way, Minato, I'm leaving that matter to you. I'll have members of the Military Police Force assist with your operation..."
"Understood. Thank you for your support, Lord Hokage. I won't let you down!" Minato replied solemnly.