Choice

"Bloodline Limits and the like—aren't those a bit too high-end for me right now?"

Li Ke stroked Yuhi Kurenai's cheek while mentally grumbling to Senju Tobirama.

"Besides, Second Hokage, aren't you overestimating me a bit too much?"

His words caused the Second Hokage to fall silent for a moment. Senju Tobirama used the corner of Li Ke's vision to glance at the wooden cabinet nearby before finally speaking.

"Your potential might just exceed your own imagination."

His tone carried an inexplicable weight.

In truth, Li Ke's three-day coma was his doing. Although on the first day he had indeed used his full strength to help the Konoha Village ninja heal Li Ke's heart—successfully saving his life and ensuring Li Ke wouldn't die after he left—the following days were spent researching whether he was truly in Konoha, how much control he had over Li Ke, and the limitations of this technique, which resembled the Reanimation Jutsu.

That's right: from start to finish, Senju Tobirama had never trusted Li Ke!

Everything he said before was merely to stabilize Li Ke. As the Second Hokage of Konoha, he could never so easily trust the words of a random ninja.

But clearly, Li Ke's background was so impeccably clean that there was nothing to fault.

He had heard of the Murata Clan during the founding of Konoha; they were a family from the Warring States period that specialized in charcoal production.

Yes, the Murata Clan had been charcoal sellers for generations. Their unique ninjutsu were all related to charcoal production, including various special types of coal and even charcoal specifically for ninjas. It was only in the previous generation that they had officially become Konoha ninjas.

He still had memories of this, because after Konoha was established, the head of the Murata Clan had handed over his useless secret ninjutsu just to woo a girl from the Senju Clan. His own older brother had even taken Tsunade to the wedding banquet.

And then... the two gamblers played cards at the banquet and nearly lost their pants.

So, Li Ke's identity was fine. After using more verification methods and even returning to his hidden laboratory, Senju Tobirama finally figured out that Li Ke's "technique"—or rather, his Bloodline Limit—could not completely deceive his senses, and he finally set his mind at ease.

But just as he intended to let Li Ke return him to the Pure Land once he recovered, the potential and vitality erupting from Li Ke's body made him unable to help but take notice.

Although it didn't reach the level of his older brother's vitality, which could instantly heal all wounds, even at that age, he himself hadn't possessed such vitality and physique.

In other words, as long as Li Ke could grow smoothly, the sheer volume of his chakra alone could surpass his own past self.

Moreover, his chakra affinities were Water, Earth, and Wind, which were perfectly suited for using his own ninjutsu. If he were willing to accept his guidance, he wouldn't need more than two or three years to become a Jonin who surpassed the average, and in a dozen years or so, he could even become the new Hokage of Konoha.

So, out of curiosity—and because he was also curious about the true nature of Li Ke's Bloodline Limit—he...

He ran a test.

He mainly wanted to know to what extent Li Ke's Bloodline Limit could function and whether it could replicate the special abilities of other ninjas. If so, even using the new cloning technology appearing in this world, one could maximize the power of Li Ke's Bloodline Limit or even perfect the Reanimation Jutsu.

When he tried to stimulate Li Ke's Bloodline Limit, he discovered that Li Ke could release Ice Release, Transparent Release, and a series of other not-so-complex Bloodline Limits by following the chakra comparisons he had researched.

So, he tried a little of his older brother's Wood Release, and then...

And then he didn't want to leave just yet.

"So, don't be self-deprecating. Besides, the fact that you can summon me shouldn't be a 'technique,' but rather a talent of your own body, right? In other words, Qingtan, you are a ninja with a Bloodline Limit yourself; it's just that your Bloodline Limit cannot be exposed casually."

Senju Tobirama calmly analyzed the situation for Li Ke.

"Although the Monkey's reign as Hokage is passable, the challenges and environment the Hidden Leaf Village faces now are different from our time. If your Bloodline Limit were exposed, you would very likely be turned into a ninjutsu weapon."

As he spoke, Senju Tobirama sighed.

"While the Monkey himself wouldn't do such a thing, if there were a 'Darkness' willing to shoulder everything to act on his behalf, he wouldn't oppose it either. So, Li Ke, you had best keep your Bloodline Limit a secret."

These words left Li Ke stunned. Did he hear that right? Senju Tobirama was actually advising him to hide his strength?

Senju Tobirama sensed Li Ke's emotions and chuckled softly.

"Surprised? Konoha is a village that protects everyone, not one that forces comrades to sacrifice themselves. If we forget even that, then Konoha Village is not far from decline and destruction... However, in times of necessity, dark methods are also essential. But clearly, your value far exceeds that of a disposable ninjutsu weapon."

Li Ke felt awkward. The main issue was that Senju Tobirama had picked a bad time; Yuhi Kurenai was looking at him with such intensity that multitasking was becoming quite troublesome.

However, because he wasn't used to this way of coexisting, he accidentally sent his mental grumbling to Senju Tobirama.

"I'm sorry for being an old man, but in your current situation, romance is not more important than life. Although it is indeed too early for you to face these things, you possess the mindset of a Hokage and have already fought fiercely on the battlefield; you should understand the priority of things."

Senju Tobirama immediately retorted, and Li Ke thought...

He must have been lonely after not speaking to anyone for three days, right?

Three days?

Thinking of this, Li Ke, who hadn't been awake long, suddenly realized: during those three days he was in a coma, had Senju Tobirama done something to him?

Suddenly realizing this, a cold sweat broke out on his back. Yet, at that very moment, Yuhi Kurenai hugged Li Ke's body.

"Don't you dare be so reckless again! Qingtan!"

The fragrance from Yuhi Kurenai pulled Li Ke out of his internal dialogue. He looked at her, pouring out her emotions before him, and then at Asuma, who was leaning against the corner like an outsider, and nodded.

Feeling the warmth the girl brought him, Li Ke fell silent for a moment and chose to respond.

"It won't happen again."

Stroking Kurenai's cheek and looking at the young girl whose eyes were red with agitation, Li Ke leaned his forehead against hers. It nearly made Kurenai think he was about to kiss her, and she even held her breath.

But Li Ke did nothing, because—

They were only twelve years old.

However, there were still some things Li Ke could say that were a bit much.

"After all, I still want to ask for your help taking care of my shop, and besides, the charcoal from my home makes delicious grilled meat."

Li Ke's words stunned Yuhi Kurenai. Although the technological advancement of the Naruto world was peculiar, with things like plastic already appearing in this era, its social customs were still relatively conservative.

Therefore, Li Ke's words translated to:

"I want to marry you."

Whether it was helping with the shop or considering the charcoal for cooking, these were tasks a housewife would perform. Thus, Yuhi Kurenai instantly understood Li Ke's intention.

She stared blankly at Li Ke, not expecting her probing to elicit such a strong response from him.

Seeing Yuhi Kurenai's dazed expression, Li Ke spoke again.

"As long as you don't mind me, that's all. After all, even if my arm can be reattached, I probably won't be able to be a ninja anymore."

Yuhi Kurenai jolted awake. She immediately pouted and, blushing, pushed Li Ke away.

"Of course, I don't mind!"

As she said this, she turned her head away, trying hard not to look at Li Ke, but was shocked to find Asuma's expression completely shattered.

The atmosphere suddenly became even more silent.

Yuhi Kurenai wasn't unaware of Asuma's feelings for her, but liking someone wasn't something that could be easily changed.

Asuma didn't know whether to cry or laugh. He laughed because his comrade, his brother with whom he had faced life and death, the only one who, despite his father's protection, didn't annoy him, had survived and his arm could be saved.

He cried because the person he liked was now with his best brother, and because Li Ke might no longer be able to be a ninja.

He didn't know how to face this reality, but looking at Li Ke and Yuhi Kurenai, his lips trembled as he spoke.

"Okay, Qingtan, when you're healed, we'll go eat grilled meat together! I, I'll go call the doctor first."

Asuma was still happy that Li Ke's arm could be saved, but his feelings were genuinely complex.

After saying this, he quickly turned to find a doctor, but unfortunately, the doctor walked in just as he turned, and he almost bumped into him.

Asuma was now a qualified Chunin, so such a low-level mistake could only be attributed to his distracted state of mind.

"So I always say, three-person teams are just breeding grounds for love triangles... Can't we have four-person teams?"

Li Ke couldn't help but complain inwardly. He had wanted to complain about this back on Earth. If it's like this, wouldn't everyone become rivals in love?

Especially since being a ninja was a high-risk profession, they often faced the "limbic resonance" effect. And once they were teamed up, they truly spent all their time together. During injuries or camping, it was truly...

Then, Senju Tobirama in his mind spoke.

"Three-person teams are the optimal configuration, allowing for..."

But Li Ke directly interrupted the Second Hokage.

"I'm talking about matters of the heart, Lord Second."

Senju Tobirama: "..."

Don't think I don't know you're talking about me not being married!

The Second Hokage really wanted to say something about that, but he held his tongue.

The doctor quickly examined Li Ke and, after confirming his condition, couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.

"Although we knew it, this is truly terrifying vitality! You've recovered very well. It looks like your limb reattachment surgery can proceed tonight. However, it's a shame for a ninja like you to be unable to continue being a ninja. If Lady Tsunade were still here..."

He sighed at the end.

With their medical skills, they were unable to regenerate the chakra meridians when reattaching Li Ke's severed arm. This would undoubtedly cut off Li Ke's ninja path.

The retirement of a ninja with such a large amount of chakra was undoubtedly a loss for Konoha Village, and he felt great regret about it.

Li Ke was somewhat surprised.

"So soon?"

The doctor subconsciously glanced at Asuma, who was leaning by the door. Asuma, however, wasn't looking this way but was gazing into the distance.

In fact, given Li Ke's condition, it would have been impossible to reattach his severed arm. It was thanks to Asuma's help that Li Ke's arm was preserved by a sealing scroll and occupied a Konoha hospital bed for an extended period.

After all, it was still wartime, and Li Ke's arm wasn't life-threatening.

"Yes, after all, when scheduling surgeries, we considered whether your ninja abilities could be preserved, but..."

The doctor didn't finish his sentence. His implication was clear: Li Ke needed to remember this favor. Li Ke nodded.

"I understand."

He glanced at the name tag on the doctor's chest and saw that he was indeed a medical ninja from the Sarutobi clan. He nodded to the doctor, indicating his understanding.

Once the doctor confirmed this, he continued with his instructions.

"Then please prepare yourself. You should not drink or eat anything from now on. Also, Young Master Asuma and Miss Kurenai, please leave. The patient will undergo surgery shortly."

"You'll be alright, Qingtan... No matter what, I'll be with you. Even if you can't be a ninja anymore..."

Yuhi Kurenai looked at Li Ke helplessly, but as she left, she suddenly leaned in and kissed Li Ke. Asuma, meanwhile, clenched his fist towards Li Ke.

"Don't be discouraged, Qingtan! We're comrades and friends! Don't let me see you being useless!!"

Asuma's feelings were incredibly complex, but he assumed Li Ke felt genuine sadness and humiliation at his own powerlessness, tears streaming down his face.

Li Ke smiled and nodded, then watched the doctor escort the two away, leaving him with time to accept the bad news.

After all, losing one's ninja aptitude was undoubtedly terrible news.

But at this moment, Senju Tobirama spoke again.

"He's a good kid... but your heart is quite calm, which is truly surprising. Most people would be utterly dejected."

Li Ke sighed and leaned back on the bed, but he didn't really feel much.

The impact was still there, though; not wanting to be a ninja was the biggest one.

While it was a shame that the ninjutsu he'd painstakingly practiced for ten years was gone, he now had a cheat, so completely losing hope in the world like other ninjas was naturally impossible.

Besides, he wasn't the type to regret things that had already happened.

"It's already happened, and resentment is the most useless thing. Instead, one should organize their current resources and abilities to plan for the future, or place their hope in the next generation, allowing them to display even more brilliant radiance."

"Is that so..."

Senju Tobirama was silent for a moment before speaking again.

"However, if you don't want to give up the ninja path, I actually have a way. But, it would require you to learn a technique yourself, further develop a new Bloodline Limit, and unlock more potential within your body."

"Huh?"

"Do you want to learn it? It will be very painful, more so than even the torture of the Anbu... and it's also very expensive. You'll have to continue taking missions to afford it."

"...You checked my accounts?"

"The password was simple, and you're too doting on your younger brother."

"..."

Li Ke covered his face. He knew it; Senju Tobirama would never just sit idly by!

Hadn't he dug up everything?!

Thinking of Yuhi Kurenai's worried eyes, Asuma's self-blame, and the way their teacher had desperately sent the three of them away, Li Ke closed his remaining eye and let out a long sigh.

When he opened his eyes again, only determination remained.

"I'll learn it."

He still had the expectations of many friends and family, and now he had a master guiding him. Not working hard would be foolish!

Besides, a cheat was a cheat, and personal effort was personal effort.

These two things couldn't be confused!