The Arrangements of the Third Generation

Soon, the time reached the afternoon.

Entering the Hokage Office Building, Hane arrived at the door of the Hokage's office under the guidance of an Anbu ninja.

"Come in."

A steady voice emanated from within.

"Lord Hokage, Yakushi Hane has been brought here."

After entering, the Anbu ninja knelt on one knee to salute.

"You've worked hard; you may withdraw."

The Third Hokage, sitting behind the desk, spoke to the Anbu ninja before him.

He then turned his gaze toward Hane, revealing a kind smile. "Hane, you've arrived."

"Yes, Lord Hokage."

Feeling the Third Hokage's gaze, Hane immediately stepped forward to salute, while his eyes swept across the large office, discovering that Shisui was also there.

"Hane."

Seeing Hane walk in, Shisui greeted him as well.

"Shisui, you should head back first; I need to speak with Hane alone."

Seeing Hane arrive, the Third Hokage instructed Shisui to leave first, not forgetting to add a final reminder, "Remember to report to the Anbu tomorrow."

"Yes, Lord Hokage. Then I shall take my leave."

Hearing the Third Hokage's words, Shisui saluted and walked out of the office.

However, as he passed by Hane, he gave him a meaningful look.

Anbu... Shisui really was arranged by the Third Hokage to join the Anbu... Hane thought to himself as he watched Shisui walk out.

"I wonder why you summoned me today, Lord Hokage?"

After Shisui left, only Hane and the Third Hokage remained in the office.

While the Third Hokage scrutinized him, Hane was also secretly observing the Third Hokage.

Unlike the graduation exam yesterday, because it was wartime, the Third Hokage was wearing an old-fashioned set of ninja armor today.

Although he was only fifty-four years old, his hair and beard had already turned white, making him look far older than Danzo, who was the same age.

If not for the powerful aura inadvertently exuding from his body and the occasional flash of sharpness in his cloudy eyes, the Third would look no different from an ordinary, kind old man.

"Apologies, I was just feeling a bit sentimental..."

"Seeing that the village can cultivate a ninja with as much talent as you, I am truly gratified."

Seeing that Hane seemed somewhat uncomfortable under his gaze, the Third revealed a benevolent smile and puffed on his pipe.

"I called you here today to ask for your opinion..."

"Are you willing to accept the Hokage's order and join the Konoha Medical Corps?"

"The Medical Corps?"

Hearing this, Hane was stunned.

He had originally assumed the Third Hokage would arrange for him to join the Anbu, which was directly under the Hokage's command, just like Shisui.

He had not expected the Third to intend to place him in the Konoha Medical Corps.

"I specifically reviewed your file..."

"You are the child adopted by the former medical squad leader, Yakushi Nonō."

Noticing the surprise on Hane's face, the Third stared at him and explained.

"I also saw your exceptional medical ninjutsu yesterday, and the Konoha Medical Corps is currently severely understaffed..."

"That is why I made this arrangement. Do you agree?"

"I agree."

After processing this, Hane nodded in agreement without the slightest hesitation.

Striving to cultivate and increase his own strength was the fundamental goal; Hane did not really care which department he was assigned to.

Moreover, the Third Shinobi World War was currently in its most intense phase.

Konoha had just defeated the Sand Ninja of the Land of Wind, only to be ambushed by the Rock Ninja of the Land of Earth.

The Mist Ninja of the Land of Water were also stirring on the front lines, waiting for an opportunity to grab a piece of the pie in this war.

Just as Minato Namikaze said in the original story—Konoha's combat strength had never been as insufficient as it was now.

Hane, who often treated injured ninjas in the village for payment, was well aware of this.

Medical ninjas in Konoha were currently in short supply, and every day, a large number of casualties from the front lines were sent to the village for treatment.

Since he happened to possess medical ninjutsu that surpassed others, it made perfect sense that he had caught the attention of both the Third and Danzo.

"Hmm..."

Seeing Yu agree without a moment's hesitation, the Third Hokage nodded in satisfaction, his gaze softening further before he shifted the topic. "Beyond medical ninjutsu, I am also aware of your astonishing talent in ninjutsu and combat..."

"Therefore, to compensate for any shortcomings in your ninjutsu training after joining the Konoha Medical Corps..."

Pausing slightly, the Third Hokage gestured toward the numerous ninjutsu scrolls displayed on the bookshelves surrounding the Hokage Office Building.

"I can promise you... all the ninjutsu scrolls here are open to you."

"And if you have time, you may also come to consult me in private."

This good?!

Hearing what the Third Hokage said, Yu, standing before the desk, looked up in surprise.

The Third Hokage was being incredibly generous; not only was he granting access to all the scrolls in the Hokage Office Building, but he was also offering personal guidance.

He hadn't expected that by agreeing to join the Konoha Medical Corps, he would stumble upon such a massive windfall.

Who was the Third Hokage?

He was the Ninja Hero, hailed by the ninja world as the 'God of Shinobi' and the 'Professor of Ninjutsu.'

Not only had he cultivated legendary ninjas like the Legendary Sannin, who shook the world, but he was also proficient in all mainstream ninjutsu, including the five elemental releases.

If he could receive guidance from him, combined with his own exceptional talent, his strength would undoubtedly advance by leaps and bounds.

"Then... thank you, Lord Hokage!"

Looking at the old man who had poured his heart and soul into Konoha, Yu suddenly found himself somewhat moved.

Regardless of how the outside world judged the Third Hokage—whether as benevolent and tolerant, or indecisive and weak—one thing could not be denied: he treated every ninja in Konoha as his own child.

Even Orochimaru, who had completely diverged from his path in the original story, was someone the Third Hokage could not bring himself to kill.

Perhaps as a ninja and a politician, the Third Hokage was a failure.

But as a benevolent person and a mentor, the Third Hokage was undoubtedly a success.

"Your talent and strength are the best I have ever seen."

"Even Orochimaru at this age was nowhere near your level."

After casting a deep, sharp look at Yu, the Third Hokage reached behind him, took his white Hokage haori, and draped it over his shoulders.

"Let's go, we have time right now..."

"I will take you to see the Konoha Medical Corps first!"

With that, the Third Hokage led Yu out of the Hokage Office Building.

All the ninjas they passed along the way bowed, their eyes filled with surprise as they looked at the white-haired youth following beside the Hokage.

"We have arrived; that ahead is the Ninja Hospital."

Following the Third Hokage as he bypassed the Hokage Office Building and traversed several main streets, Yu and the Third arrived in front of a white building.

"Follow me inside."

Before even entering the Ninja Hospital, Yu had already seen many wounded people lying scattered along the way.

Following in the Third Hokage's footsteps, the two finally arrived at a hall marked 'Konoha Medical Corps.'