The Will of Fire

Knock, knock.

"Come in."

A deep voice came from inside. Yueshu took a breath and pushed open the door with both hands.

The Hokage's office looked just as it had the last time he'd seen it. It had remained that way even when Naruto became Hokage.

"Yueshu? What's the matter? What brings you here alone?"

Though the Third Hokage asked the question, he showed no surprise at Yueshu's arrival.

That was only natural. This was the Hokage's office, after all, and it was protected by layer upon layer of security. Yueshu had made his way here without any trouble because he had come through the proper channels and was part of Tsunade's family.

"I'd like to apply for early graduation."

Yueshu replied calmly.

Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes narrowed slightly.

Yueshu knew this man had definitely been keeping an eye on him, so he must already understand Yueshu's situation.

The Third Hokage was a typical politician, no less so than Tobirama Senju. It was just that he was still in his prime, and hadn't yet reached the disappointing state he was in during the original story.

"Early graduation? Do you want to be like Minato Namikaze?"

"No."

Yueshu met Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes.

"I want to apply for early graduation for all three of us."

"..."

The air seemed to fall silent.

Yueshu and Sarutobi Hiruzen both fell quiet.

"Early graduation for all three of you?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen murmured the words, holding Yueshu's gaze.

It was hard to believe that a child barely eight years old could have such a resolute look in his eyes.

Sarutobi Hiruzen was the Third Hokage of Konoha and a Ninjutsu Professor who had distinguished himself in the Second Ninja War. He was in his prime, and his presence had long since taken shape. Yet Yueshu stood his ground before him without the slightest unease.

"That's right."

The Third Hokage smiled.

"That's the kind of ambition Konoha's children should have."

The Third Hokage stood up and looked out the window.

"I know a little about what you've been doing. You've done well. Few children are so disciplined about their training. The peace we've won for now has made everyone a little complacent."

The Third Hokage spoke slowly, and Yueshu listened.

No wonder the Third Hokage liked lecturing people. He'd had the habit even when he was young.

"Wherever the leaves dance, the fire burns. The fire illuminates the village and warms it."

"That is the Will of Fire."

Sarutobi Hiruzen turned to look at Yueshu.

"You are the ones who will inherit the Will of Fire. You are Konoha's future."

Yueshu looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen.

He had to admit that Sarutobi Hiruzen was good at making a case. Even Yueshu had been swayed.

Putting everything else aside, Sarutobi Hiruzen really was a man who devoted himself wholeheartedly to Konoha.

In his old age, he'd lacked the strength to do better and had resorted to the worst methods to protect Konoha.

"Where the leaves dance, the fire burns on."

Yueshu echoed Sarutobi Hiruzen's words.

"Thank you for believing in me. I won't let you down."

Yueshu didn't dislike Konoha. On the contrary, he liked it very much. The Will of Fire had also been a favorite topic among otaku.

The Will of Fire?

It couldn't hurt to live by it. It might even let him fulfill a fantasy from his previous life.

Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Yueshu, the corners of his mouth lifting.

"Good. I'll arrange your early graduation exam. It'll be in the next few days. Get ready, and we'll notify you when the time comes."

Sarutobi Hiruzen had heard the answer he wanted. With a wave of his hand, he settled the matter of the graduation exam.

Yueshu was an outsider to Konoha. Even with Tsunade's protection, Sarutobi Hiruzen still needed to make sure of things. Especially since Yueshu had shown even greater potential than Minato Namikaze. Sarutobi Hiruzen naturally hoped to bind such a genius to Konoha.

"Thank you, Lord Hokage."

Yueshu thanked him. With nothing else to discuss, he left the Hokage's office.

"Himeshima Tsuki... I never thought you really existed."

Sarutobi Hiruzen watched Yueshu walk away, murmuring to himself.

"Sensei, is that legend really true?"

With a touch of nostalgia, Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke softly of something no one else understood.

Meanwhile, Yueshu had successfully applied for early graduation for all three of them. He returned to the place where they'd been training.

Perhaps they were truly exhausted. Kushina and Mikoto were both leaning against a tree, fast asleep.

Their small noses twitched softly. The two girls seemed to blend perfectly into the surroundings as they slept, like a painting.

"They're tired."

Yueshu didn't disturb them. He quietly walked over to another tree nearby and leaned against it.

The breeze brushed his face like a girl gently kissing his forehead, as if whispering good night.

Yueshu glanced at the two girls, then closed his eyes too.

Yueshu had always liked Konoha's sunshine. It wasn't too hot or too cold; it was just right, the kind of warmth that made it easy to sleep comfortably.

The sunlight streaming down didn't burn. Instead, it felt like a mother gently stroking his hair, soft and warm.

Compared to the other four great ninja villages, Konoha had to be said to enjoy a very favorable location. The village's atmosphere wasn't bad, either.

With his eyes closed, Yueshu slowly pictured the future.

Just as he'd hoped, he'd open a little shop in Konoha, preferably a hot pot restaurant or something like that. He'd cook delicious meals for his customers and get to see them smile at the food he made.

Then he'd live like that, from sunrise until sunset. He wouldn't have to work too long, and he could take it easy whenever he wanted, resting or sleeping in.

That was the kind of life Yueshu had wanted ever since he'd crossed into this world.

For some reason, Yueshu no longer remembered his previous life. But as long as he lived well in the present, that was enough.

Still, before he could make those dreams come true, he had to uncover the meaning behind the name Himeshima.

He had to see through the original owner's obsession to the end.

As Yueshu thought about this and that, his mind grew hazy, and sleepiness washed over him in waves.

Just as he usually did, he gave in to the drowsiness and drifted off.

Sunlight fell across the three of them, their innocent sleeping faces so young and tender.

Their training days came to an end, and the bond between the three of them grew stronger.

"Yueshu, Yueshu."

A familiar voice reached Yueshu's ears, muffled and indistinct.

He struggled to open his eyes. As usual, the first things he saw were Kushina and Mikoto's little faces.

"Morning."

Yueshu said it out of habit.

"What do you mean, morning? The sun's already set."

Kushina teased him.

Yueshu looked around. Sure enough, the surroundings had turned golden.

It was already dusk.

"Seriously, you sleep so much, and you can still fall asleep now. You really are a sleepyhead."

Kushina put a hand to her forehead, at a loss with Yueshu. Yueshu could only laugh awkwardly.

"Come on, let's go home."

Yueshu tried to change the subject. Otherwise, Kushina would surely start scolding him again.

"You..."

Kushina saw right through him.

"Come on, let's go home."

Kushina said no more. She smiled and went along with Yueshu's suggestion.

Mikoto watched from the side, keeping up her quiet-girl demeanor.

Beneath the evening sky, the three of them walked together before heading back to their respective homes.

As usual, the three of them went to class. Two days later, their teacher suddenly summoned them.

The graduation exam was ready!