Talent and Sense of Crisis

After clarifying the earlier matter with Namikaze Minato, Sarutobi Hiruzen walked over to Sato Hideaka, patted his head, and said with a kind expression, "Hideaka, how have you been feeling at school lately? Are you keeping up with your studies, and have you made any good friends?"

Before Sato Hideaka could even open his mouth, Yuhi Kurenai chimed in, "Hideaka is amazing! He learns everything the teachers teach instantly. I'm his desk mate and his best friend."

"I see. It seems you and Kurenai get along very well. I hear the school is organizing the Genin Exam soon; have you both signed up?"

"Most of the class has already signed up. Hideaka is so talented he'll definitely pass, but I'm not sure if I can make it this time!"

Yuhi Kurenai's face fell. Students could begin signing up for the Genin Exam in the middle grades, and it required passing several rounds of testing to make the final list. She had been eliminated in the first round last year, and only Kakashi Hatake from their class had passed all the tests to become a Genin.

Although Sato Hideaka had only recently enrolled, he was already highly proficient in the Three Body Technique, Kunai Throwing Technique, and Tree Climbing and Water Surface Walking. Furthermore, Yuhi Kurenai had seen him use that crystal-style ninjutsu—it was not only dazzling but incredibly powerful.

"Kurenai, you must have confidence in yourself. You know, the genjutsu of your father, Yuhi Shinku, is something even the Sharingan of the Uchiha Clan cannot easily undo. If you work hard, you will surely become an excellent genjutsu-type ninja."

Yuhi Kurenai nodded and pointed at Uzumaki Kushina, saying, "Yes, yes! I want to be like that sister over there—brave when facing bad guys. I will become a brave ninja and definitely defeat those upperclassmen!"

Upon hearing Yuhi Kurenai's praise, a rare blush appeared on Uzumaki Kushina's boisterous face. Seeing Namikaze Minato staring at her with curiosity, she couldn't help but raise her fist and punch him.

Sarutobi Hiruzen shifted his gaze, acting as if he hadn't seen the couple's flirting, and turned back to ask Sato Hideaka, "By the way, Hideaka. I've heard you've been frequenting the Konoha Library to look up information on ninjutsu. How are your research results coming along?"

"Very well. I've already developed two types of ninjutsu, and I've discovered that I can create this..."

Sato Hideaka knew he was likely under the surveillance of Anbu members. Developing something as significant as Crystal Release could never be hidden from the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, who controlled the Anbu. However, to grow stronger, he had to research these Kekkei Genkai. He was gambling with his age and talent; success would buy him safety, while failure could lead to the unknown—dissection, death, or being abandoned to Root.

He raised his right hand, slowly circulating his Crystal Release chakra.

A bright red crystal condensed in his palm, rapidly taking shape until it formed a sharp kunai!

As if presenting a treasure, Sato Hideaka held up the crystal kunai and said with a touch of pride, "Grandpa Third, the kunai I condensed is even harder than the ones the teachers give us!"

"Is that so? Come, let Grandpa Third see!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen took the crystal kunai, felt its weight, and lightly dragged it across his desk. The sharp tip left a deep, long groove in the wood without any effort.

A material of this hardness, combined with the two ninjutsu the child had created himself, could indeed unleash immense power. The current Crystal Release Kekkei Genkai, added to the previously observed Lava Release...

It was truly two distinct Kekkei Genkai!

Sarutobi Hiruzen took a sharp drag of his pipe. Kekkei Genkai users were usually born through bloodline inheritance, and someone possessing even one was one in ten thousand. To possess two simultaneously was something almost unheard of in ninja history.

Investigations showed that the child's ancestors for three generations were farmers. Although his mother's family had once been noble, they had long since fallen into decline, and there was no record of ninjas on either side of his family. Was the lineage not traced back far enough, or was it...?

Seeing the Third Hokage's expression shift, as if he were deep in thought, Sato Hideaka felt a sense of dread. He quickly used a childish tone to change the subject: "By the way, Grandpa Third. I haven't seen Yakushi Nonō in a long time. What has she been up to lately?"

"Oh, Nonō. She is currently handling a major task with a friend. She will only be free once that is finished. After your Genin Exam is over, I will have her come to see you. How does that sound?"

"That sounds great! Thank you so much, Grandpa Third."

Sato Hideaka nodded vigorously, his blue eyes sparkling with a brilliant light, as if looking forward to the reunion, his expression filled with reliance.

Sarutobi Hiruzen shook his head. Looking at the innocent-looking Sato Hideaka, he felt his own suspicion was laughable. This child belonged to the Land of Fire and was now a part of Konoha. He was young and highly malleable; as long as he could foster a sense of belonging and pass on the Will of Fire, Konoha would gain another genius, and they would be one step safer against the surrounding "Four Great Nations."

Seeing Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression soften, Sato Hideaka added with a shy look, "Grandpa Third, Kurenai and I still have training this afternoon to prepare for the Genin Exam, but we haven't had lunch yet. Could we go grab something to eat first and train a bit later... is that okay?"

Once the Third Hokage nodded in agreement, he quickly grabbed Yuhi Kurenai's hand and hurried out of the Hokage Building, running toward the bustling streets in the center of Konoha. The frantic, terrified beating of his heart was masked by the intensity of his running. The scene just now had been truly terrifying.

The Sharingan had been gouged out by Shimura Danzō for study; the Byakugan had been snatched by Ao of Kirigakure; the special constitution of Uzumaki Kushina had once been targeted by Kumogakure; even an ordinary person like Nohara Rin had been captured to serve as a jinchūriki. He had no idea where he stood in the Third Hokage's heart.

Exposing two Kekkei Genkai at once was a gamble that had been far too risky. A single misstep could lead to disaster. He had to accelerate his path to strength. In his current weak state, he had no ability to resist—whether it was Sarutobi Hiruzen, Orochimaru, Shimura Danzō... or assassination and capture by foreign villages!

After Sato Hideaka rushed out of the Hokage's office, Namikaze Minato, who had remained behind, suddenly remarked, "So that is the child who possesses two Kekkei Genkai. What terrifying talent!"

"Indeed. If Konoha can hold onto such a genius, we will have a better chance of winning the wars of the future. It is a pity he is still so young!" Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded and said with a smile.

Namikaze Minato thought for a moment and asked with some confusion, "I feel this child lacks a sense of security and seems to have a defensive attitude toward everything happening in Konoha. Since he is the child Yakushi Nonō brought back, why not let her take care of him?"

"Nonō has her own responsibilities and missions. This child was likely frightened by Root, which is why he fears everything around him. But time will wash that away. I will have Nonō meet with him in a while to soothe his nerves. By the way, Minato, I leave that matter to you. I will have members of the Military Police Force cooperate with your actions..."

"Yes, thank you for your support, Lord Hokage. I will not let you down!" Namikaze Minato said solemnly.