The Game Between the Third Hokage

To minimize the risk of exposure, Yun Xi decided to reveal only a portion of his talent.

The reason Yun Xi had this plan was entirely due to the influence of the original story.

Although the Third Hokage was portrayed in the original series as a kind-hearted, great old man willing to sacrifice his life for the Hidden Leaf Village, Yun Xi was not naive enough to believe that was all there was to him.

One does not become the ruler of a village with only a single dimension to their character.

Perhaps he could be very amiable toward Naruto or the Konoha 12, but when dealing with those who might threaten the village, the Third Hokage, having held power for so long, would certainly nip any danger in the bud.

While the Third Hokage was depicted as indecisive and having a few dark spots in the original series—such as letting Orochimaru go after his human experiments, or keeping Danzo around despite his attempts on his life—these actions were rooted in bonds built over many years.

One was his most beloved student, and the other was his childhood friend.

Yun Xi did not believe that he, a commoner orphan, would be forgiven by the Third Hokage without providing any explanation.

Although the Hidden Leaf Village was currently in a time of peace, sneaking out of the village was certainly grounds for suspicion.

Therefore, the best solution was to make the Third Hokage believe he possessed great talent.

Yun Xi believed that in order to cultivate a talented youth, the Third Hokage would never drive him away.

This was the optimal solution Yun Xi had devised.

After all, as the village where the protagonist of the original story resided, the Hidden Leaf Village was bound to have many hidden missions, and he did not want to become a rogue ninja so early and lose out on the rewards those missions provided.

That would be far too much of a pity.

"I might as well go see the Hokage now..."

Having figured out a way to resolve the crisis, Yun Xi no longer hesitated and headed straight for the Hokage Office Building.

Meanwhile, inside the Hokage Office Building, the Third Hokage was observing Yun Xi, who had just returned to the Hidden Leaf Village, through a crystal ball.

His expression was grave, and it was impossible to tell what he was thinking.

"Lord Hokage, the boy who left the village without authorization two days ago has returned and is heading toward the Hokage Building; it seems he intends to see you."

Just as the Third Hokage was observing Yun Xi, an Anbu Jonin suddenly appeared and reported that Yun Xi had returned to the Hidden Leaf Village.

"I am already aware. You may withdraw."

After hearing the Anbu ninja's report, the Third Hokage waved his hand to signal him to leave.

"Yes!"

Having finished his report, the Anbu Jonin vanished from the spot to carry out other tasks.

At that moment, Yun Xi happened to arrive before the Third Hokage.

"What exactly is your identity?"

"Are you a spy from another ninja village?"

"Or do you have some other background?"

Before Yun Xi could even speak, the Third Hokage locked his gaze onto him with eyes as sharp as a hawk's and took the initiative to question his identity.

Part of the reason the Third Hokage acted this way was because Yun Xi had left the village without permission, but the other, more significant reason was that he had discovered Yun Xi was not using an ordinary Clone Technique.

Instead, he was using the Multi-Shadow Clone Technique, which had been strictly prohibited by the upper echelons of the Hidden Leaf Village.

Furthermore, aside from a few Elite Jonin of the Hidden Leaf, the only way to learn it was recorded in the Scroll of Seals.

Yet, the Third Hokage had discovered that the boy before him actually knew the Multi-Shadow Clone Technique.

How could the Third Hokage not be suspicious?

"Everyone has their own fortuitous encounters, but I can assure you that I am not a spy or anyone else intending to harm the Hidden Leaf Village."

Yun Xi, who had originally planned to win the Third Hokage's favor by playing the innocent youth, changed his strategy after seeing the Hokage get straight to the point.

He decided to lay everything out in the open, preparing to use Talk-no-Jutsu to persuade the Third Hokage.

In truth, this was the result of Yun Xi's poorly thought-out plan.

When he first planned to leave the village, Yun Xi had not expected the Third Hokage to be so attentive toward him, monitoring him the entire time, which ultimately led to his plan going awry because of the Multi-Shadow Clone Technique.

Although, given Yun Xi's current strength, the greatest utility of the Multi-Shadow Clone Technique was merely as a means to assist in attacks.

Yet, within Konoha, this ninjutsu was absolutely considered an extremely rare technique.

It was also a forbidden technique; if Yun Xi were the Third Hokage, he would certainly have his suspicions as well...

"How do you expect me to believe that a six-year-old child could proficiently use the Multi-Shadow Clone Technique? How could you possibly be an ordinary civilian?"

Seeing Yun Xi's defense, the Third Hokage sighed.

If Yun Xi were a disciple of a Konoha clan or a direct descendant of the Hokage's lineage, the Third Hokage would surely cultivate this genius with great effort.

But Yun Xi was merely a civilian...

Unlike the illusory shadows summoned by the traditional Clone Technique, the clones summoned by the Multi-Shadow Clone Technique were physical entities.

At the same time, their duration was much longer, which meant that the combat effectiveness of this ninjutsu was vastly improved.

However, every ninjutsu had its pros and cons, and the drawback of the Multi-Shadow Clone Technique was that it required the user to possess a massive amount of chakra.

The Third Hokage had seen Yun Xi's clones earlier; if not for his own powerful chakra control, he might have even been deceived.

How could someone who had mastered such a high-level ninjutsu so proficiently be an ordinary civilian?

"Sigh, Lord Hokage, if I were truly a spy, would I have proactively come to find you after realizing you discovered me leaving the village?"

Watching the Third Hokage's heavy expression, Yun Xi could only continue to defend himself.

At the same time, he had already prepared for the worst in his heart...

"Besides, the first thing I did after returning was to come and explain everything to you. Do you think any spy would be so foolish as to not flee after being discovered?"

Seeing the Third Hokage's expression relax slightly, Yun Xi spoke again.

"Hmm..."

After hearing Yun Xi's words, the Third Hokage did not speak, but continued to look at Yun Xi, who stood not far away.

However, the hostility in his eyes eased slightly...

"Although I cannot explain to you, Lord Hokage, how I obtained the training method for the Multi-Shadow Clone Technique, I assure you once again that I harbor absolutely no hostility toward Konoha."

Realizing that the hostility in the Third Hokage's heart was diminishing, Yun Xi struck while the iron was hot and made his promise.

The Third Hokage, however, continued to stare at Yun Xi. Only after a long while did he speak again: "I admit that you have convinced me, but remember to tell me next time you leave the village..."

In the end, the Third Hokage still could not bring himself to send Yun Xi to the Anbu...

As for the reason, only the Third Hokage himself knew.

Perhaps it was because he cherished Yun Xi's talent...

Or perhaps he had truly been persuaded by Yun Xi...

"Done!"

Upon hearing these words from the Third Hokage, Yun Xi felt a wave of relief.

At the same time, he thought to himself, Finally, I managed to bluff my way through.