The Third Hokage Visits

Nichigetsu's pleasant school life had begun.

He used shadow clones to attend classes throughout the day, resting and replenishing his mental energy during history or political lectures, as all fatigue would eventually transfer back to his original body. Whenever the lessons covered chakra, ninjutsu, or taijutsu, Nichigetsu listened intently. When Ebiki had free time, he would even give Nichigetsu private tutoring, explaining more advanced techniques for chakra manipulation.

Nichigetsu discovered that the knowledge taught at the academy was indeed more comprehensive than what he had previously known; systematic study helped him solidify his foundation. For instance, he learned how much chakra was optimal for defensive maneuvers and where the limits of such defenses lay. He learned how to use Ninja Footwork with maximum chakra efficiency. Without opening the Eight Inner Gates or using secret techniques, he learned how to distribute his chakra to maximize his strength and speed. He also found the various taijutsu techniques taught to be incredibly beneficial.

Nichigetsu studied these lessons with great care. In his ninjutsu training, he learned which chakra pathways were most efficient, how to use his own chakra as a protective layer to prevent self-injury when performing elemental jutsu, the specific methods of chakra refinement and control for each hand seal, how to simplify seals, and the principles behind one-handed sealing. All of this provided him with a wealth of knowledge.

During practical sessions, Nichigetsu kept a low profile, aiming for average grades. Meanwhile, that boy from the Uchiha clan in his class took first place every time, acting as if the top spot were his birthright. His expression grew increasingly arrogant, convinced he was a genius. At first, Uchiha Jun had secretly kept an eye on Nichigetsu, but after noticing that Nichigetsu's grades were merely average, he stopped paying him any mind. Nichigetsu didn't care; many in the Uchiha clan were like that, so conceited their noses were pointed at the sky.

Of course, Nichigetsu's original body wasn't idle. When he wasn't training hard, he was at the school library reading. He devoured a vast amount of information about the world of the Hokage, including geography, national conditions, customs, culture, technology, and religion. He was desperately absorbing the knowledge of this world.

Whenever he had time, Nichigetsu sparred with Kushina. Her sealing techniques were truly formidable and opened his eyes, while Nichigetsu taught her quite a bit of taijutsu. He also taught her the Shadow Clone Technique. Shadow clones were a perfect match for someone with Uzumaki Kushina's massive chakra reserves, and as the Nine-Tails jinchuriki, her clones were every bit as powerful as Naruto's.

Using the moves Nichigetsu taught her, Kushina beat everyone who called her "Tomato" until they were as red as one, further cementing her reputation as the "Red Hot Habanero" of the ninja academy. With Nichigetsu as a good friend and other companions by her side, Kushina began to love her red hair, and her entire personality became much more cheerful.

In his spare time, Nichigetsu would invite Choza, Inoichi, Shikaku, and Kushina over to his house for dinner. They brought along two new friends—Aburame Shibi and Inuzuka Tsume. Nichigetsu's Sichuan-style cooking was delicious, and everyone praised it endlessly. Choza ate enough for five people; Nichigetsu had to stir-fry three full plates of Kung Pao Chicken just so Inoichi and Shikaku could get a single bite.

After dinner, everyone watched Nichigetsu and Shikaku play chess. The tension during their match was comparable to a real battle. Shikaku was indeed a tactical master; several times, Nichigetsu almost fell into his traps. However, Nichigetsu had played chess for much longer, and he was calculating and steady, with a unique strategic vision. The two of them were like Sima Yi and Zhuge Liang, trading blows until, after several games, they ended in a draw. Nichigetsu marveled at Shikaku's monstrous intellect, while Shikaku marveled at the sophistication of the game and was delighted to have found such a worthy opponent.

Inoichi brought over a few pots of flowers, and Nichigetsu demonstrated grafting techniques and the use of floral foam—a godsend for flower arranging. Inoichi treated it like a treasure. Shibi and Inuzuka Tsume, along with her partner Kuromaru, loved Nichigetsu's cooking, and Nichigetsu was quite curious about Kuromaru, the talking dog.

The group even organized a camping trip. It was thrilling and exciting, and everyone had a wonderful time—mostly because they were terrified by Nichigetsu's ghost stories and shadow clones.

"Suddenly... the candle was blown out by the wind... A vengeful spirit! A vengeful spirit... is right behind you!!" Nichigetsu said with a grim expression. The flickering candlelight made his face look dark and eerie, and then, the candle actually went out.

"Ah!!" "What's going on?" "A ghost?"... Screams erupted. Just then, a white shadow drifted past them. Long, black hair obscured a pale, hideous face, with rotting, wrinkled skin that looked like it had been soaked in formaldehyde, and long, filthy, black fingernails. Naturally, Miss Sadako had arrived.

"Ugh... ah... gah... woo..." The vengeful spirit Sadako let out an incoherent sound. This was, of course, Nichigetsu's shadow clone draped in a white sheet, but the effect exceeded his expectations.

Inoichi froze: "It's actually floating... a ghost..."

Kushina screamed repeatedly, hiding at the very back: "A ghost! Don't come over here!" Naruto's fear of ghosts and spirits must have been inherited from his mother.

Shikaku looked tense: "Hey, hey, there isn't actually a vengeful spirit, is there..."

The usually calm Shibi said slowly: "Could it be a vengeful spirit coming to claim a life..." His voice, however, was trembling.

Choza, Inoichi, and Shikaku turned pale, huddling together and backing away. Inuzuka Tsume's Kuromaru, meanwhile, was pushed to the very front by the others.

Then, the white spirit suddenly vanished, leaving only the robe fluttering to the ground. Everyone looked around in panic. When they turned back, the disheveled spirit crawled out of the tent, bones clicking, pale hands groping blindly. This was Nichigetsu's original body, using the Transformation Technique while the shadow clone distracted them, mimicking the classic scene of Sadako crawling out of the television.

"Ah... ugh... ha... heh..." The spirit crawled slowly toward them.

"Ah! Ah, help! A ghost!" Everyone screamed and scattered in all directions. Kushina was so terrified she fainted on the spot.

"Ugh... no way. They all ran away just like that?" Nichigetsu took off the black wig. Aside from the fainted Kushina, everyone else had vanished without a trace.

This made things difficult for Nichigetsu; he didn't manage to find everyone until dawn.

Later, Nichigetsu learned that the two Anbu ninjas secretly protecting Kushina were likely rookies. One had been scared unconscious, and the other had run back to request reinforcements. These two Anbu greenhorns were severely reprimanded by the Third Hokage and subsequently reassigned. Nichigetsu inwardly scoffed at how cowardly these Anbu recruits were.

And so, three months of wonderful times passed.

One morning, Nichigetsu was eating breakfast at home. Hearing a knock at the door, he grabbed his bread and went to answer it. A middle-aged man wearing a long robe and smoking a pipe stood on the doorstep. He had short black hair and a thin face with a small goatee. He smiled, his eyes appraising Nichigetsu.

Could this old man be... Sarutobi Hiruzen! Nichigetsu asked while chewing his bread: "Hello, you are... the Third Hokage, right? May I ask what brings you here?"

"Child, you are Hyuga Nichigetsu, aren't you?" the Third said gently.

"Yes." Nichigetsu nodded.

"Well? Won't you invite me in for a seat?" the Third laughed.

"Lord Hokage, please, come in!" Nichigetsu hurriedly ushered him inside.

The Third walked into Nichigetsu's home; it was clean and simple. He found a chair and sat down, and Nichigetsu poured him a cup of tea. He was puzzled—if the Third wanted to see him, he could have just summoned him to the office. Why come in person?

In truth, the Third had his reasons. If he summoned Nichigetsu to the office, many people would know about it and start paying attention to him. Nichigetsu's strength would soon be discovered by the likes of the Hyuga main branch, the Uchiha clan, and the Anbu Root.

Having lived to this age, the Third had seen too many promising seeds wither from lack of proper cultivation, and too many geniuses die prematurely. He wanted to protect this promising seed. He didn't want Nichigetsu's growth to be hindered by too much interference, nor did he want others to ruin a child he valued. Even less did he want certain people to secretly turn Nichigetsu into their own pawn for personal gain; Nichigetsu had to be a ninja of the Leaf.

With him, the Hyuga clan could produce a Hokage candidate in ten years, but would certain people in the main branch let this child grow up? Could the Uchiha clan sit idly by while such a genius emerged in the Hyuga clan? Danzo was expanding his "Root" organization, and this child was, in a sense, a descendant of the Senju clan—would Danzo not be tempted? Thus, the Third visited secretly to plan for Nichigetsu's future growth.

The Third took a sip of tea, puffed on his pipe, and said, "Child, are you used to living alone?"

Nichigetsu nodded: "I am, Lord Hokage."

The Third got straight to the point: "I came to see you today because you are about to graduate from the academy. A five-year-old graduating to become a genin, and likely a chunin soon after—such a growth rate is astonishing. Even my three disciples didn't graduate until they were six or seven. Nichigetsu, your potential is startling. All parties will soon be watching you, including your own Hyuga clan. I don't want too many things interfering with your growth. Do you understand?"

Nichigetsu nodded. This was inevitable; rather than being secretly killed by the main branch, it was better to attract attention. The Third wanted to protect him, which was why he had come in secret.

"So, your situation will soon be known. I want to help you find a master. I could teach you myself, but as Hokage, I am too busy. Therefore, I will recommend a master for you. Besides, I think it would be better for you to hone your skills outside the village. You feel a lack of combat experience, don't you?"

The Third wants to find me a master to act as my backer, and he wants me to leave the village to train. Is he afraid I'm in danger here? Nichigetsu thought to himself, then replied: "Yes, Lord Hokage."

The Third nodded in satisfaction and continued: "I have three disciples who earned the title of 'Legendary Sannin' on the battlefield in the Land of Rain last year. They are currently commanding Leaf forces on the front lines. Would you be willing to apprentice under one of them?"

"Are you referring to Lord Jiraiya, Lord Orochimaru, and Lady Tsunade?" Nichigetsu asked respectfully.

"Yes. Orochimaru is a master of ninjutsu and taijutsu, and he often develops unique techniques. Tsunade is a master of medical ninjutsu and taijutsu. Jiraiya is proficient in ninjutsu, taijutsu, and sealing techniques, though his genjutsu is somewhat lacking. I will recommend you to one of them."

Nichigetsu thought: The Pervy Sage is a great teacher; he trained two Hokage, Nagato, the Fourth, and Naruto—each disciple more formidable than the last. But I don't have the five elemental affinities, and I have Kushina to teach me sealing. I'll leave the 'Child of Prophecy' role to Minato, Nagato, and Naruto.

Orochimaru loves human experimentation, develops forbidden jutsu, and likes to plant 'seeds' in his students. His ninjutsu is bizarre, and he is treacherous and cunning. As a doctor, I wouldn't get along with him.

Tsunade is great. Medical ninjutsu and taijutsu are my favorites. My chakra control is excellent, so learning medical ninjutsu shouldn't be a problem. The Byakugan, acting as both a scope and a microscope, is a surgical artifact. Combined with my existing medical knowledge, I could become the strongest medical ninja!

Riyue thought for a moment before making his decision. "Lord Hokage, I have decided. I wish to become Tsunade's apprentice."

"Hmm? Won't you reconsider? For instance, Orochimaru—he is my most outstanding student," the Third Hokage asked. Riyue had chosen Tsunade quite quickly, though the Third Hokage had actually hoped Riyue would choose Orochimaru, as Orochimaru was a genius.

"My mother was a doctor, and I am very interested in medical arts. I want to become a medical ninja. Lady Tsunade can provide excellent guidance in both taijutsu and medical ninjutsu," Riyue stated his reasoning earnestly.

"Very well. Then it is decided!" The Third Hokage nodded to himself. Riyue was decisive and meticulous, and the teacher he chose was the most suitable for him. He did not dither or hesitate, possessing a maturity that other children lacked, which the Third Hokage greatly admired.

Although Riyue did not choose the Third Hokage's preferred student—Orochimaru—nor the most attentive and kind-hearted Jiraiya, he had chosen Tsunade. Yet, Tsunade was indeed the best fit for Riyue, as she was the little princess of the Senju Clan and the granddaughter of the First Hokage. In a sense, Riyue was also a descendant of the Senju Clan.

"When the time comes, I will recommend you to Tsunade. Work hard! At the very least, before you become a chunin, I will not let anyone hinder your growth, child," the Third Hokage nodded.

"I will. Thank you, Lord Hokage!" Riyue was overjoyed and bowed to the Third Hokage.

"By the way, Riyue, I have a few questions for you," the Third Hokage continued.

"What questions, Lord Hokage?"

"How do you train? You should know that most people barely possess the strength of a genin by the age of ten." The Third Hokage was somewhat curious.

"Half of it was self-taught; my father left me quite a few scrolls, and the rest was taught to me by Mizuki."

Mentioning Riyue's father, the Third Hokage's expression softened with pity as he said, "Riyue, your father... he was on the battlefield..."

Riyue nodded calmly. "I know, Lord Third." Only a hint of loneliness flickered in his eyes.

The Third Hokage nodded. "I see." He did not continue.

For a moment, the atmosphere grew heavy. Riyue began to describe his training regimen.

When Riyue mentioned that he had cultivated chakra in just a few hours by following the scrolls his father left behind, the Third Hokage could not hide his admiration. When Riyue spoke of his self-created Shuriken Jutsu, the Third Hokage nodded repeatedly. When Riyue mentioned his Tree Climbing and Water Walking training, the Third Hokage could not help but give him a thumbs-up.

What the Third Hokage valued even more was Riyue's years of diligent, unwavering hard work; such perseverance was incomparable to ordinary people. While talent was important, it only allowed one to move faster than others; only a firm conviction could ultimately lead a person to their dreams.

This child is very mature. Losing his parents at a young age and being bullied often—it is easy for him to be precocious, the Third Hokage sighed inwardly.

Of course, Riyue did not mention his medical knowledge and experience from his past life. He had no way to explain it; he couldn't exactly say he was a transmigrator and that Lord Third Hokage would eventually die at the hands of his beloved student, Orochimaru.

"And what about your Gentle Fist?" the Third Hokage asked, clearly interested.

"Through Byakugan observation and medical research, I discovered that besides the 361 chakra points, the human body has many other unique pressure points. For example, there is a point under the earlobe that does not circulate chakra. It is merely a site where a large number of nerves converge, but if struck, a person will experience temporary tinnitus and dizziness."

The Third Hokage nodded with satisfaction; this child was truly cut out for medical ninjutsu. He felt that he had only just met a true genius today, strengthening his resolve to protect Riyue. Konoha had to protect this sapling; when the day came for him to grow into a towering tree, Konoha would naturally become even more prosperous.

Before leaving, the Third Hokage gave Riyue a scroll as a gift to congratulate him in advance on becoming a genin.

Riyue saw the Third Hokage off and opened the scroll.

"This is... the Body Flicker Technique!"