Will of Fire

Knock, knock.

"Please, come in."

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

The scene was exactly as he had seen before; the Hokage's office remained unchanged, looking much the same even in the later years when Naruto would eventually take the seat.

"Yueshu? What brings you here to see me alone?"

Although the Third Hokage was asking, his expression showed no surprise at Yueshu's arrival.

It was no wonder, really. This was the Hokage's office, naturally protected by layers of security, but since Yueshu had arrived through proper channels and was a member of Tsunade's household, he had reached this point without any obstacles.

"I am here to apply for early graduation."

Yueshu replied softly.

Sarutobi Hiruzen narrowed his eyes.

Yueshu knew that this man had certainly been observing him and was naturally well-aware of his situation.

The Third Hokage was a quintessential politician, perhaps even more so than Senju Tobirama, though he was currently in his prime and had not yet reached the point of being as disappointing as he appeared in the original story.

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

"No."

Yueshu looked Sarutobi Hiruzen straight in the eyes.

"I am applying for the three of us to graduate early together."

"----"

The air seemed to grow still.

Both Yueshu and Sarutobi Hiruzen fell silent.

"Early graduation for three?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen murmured, his eyes locked with Yueshu's.

It was hard to believe that a child of just over eight years old could possess such a resolute gaze.

As the Third Hokage of Konoha and a "Professor of Ninjutsu" who had displayed his prowess during the Second Great Ninja War, Sarutobi Hiruzen was in his prime, his aura already fully formed; yet, Yueshu was able to stand his ground against him with such composure.

"Not bad."

The Third Hokage smiled.

"The children of Konoha should be this ambitious."

The Third stood up and looked out the window.

"I know a little about your affairs. You've done well; few children are capable of training with such self-discipline. The hard-won peace has made everyone start to slack off."

The Third spoke slowly, and Yueshu listened intently.

It was no wonder the Third was so fond of preaching; it turned out he had this habit even in his youth.

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

"This is the Will of Fire."

Sarutobi Hiruzen turned around to face Yueshu.

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

Yueshu looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen.

He had to admit that the Third Hokage was quite skilled at preaching; even Yueshu felt swayed by his words.

Setting aside other factors, one had to acknowledge that Sarutobi Hiruzen was truly a man who devoted his heart and soul to the well-being of Konoha.

In his old age, it was only because his own strength had waned that he had resorted to the most desperate measures to preserve the village.

"Where the leaves of Konoha dance, the fire will never die."

Yueshu echoed the Third Hokage's words.

"Thank you for your high regard. I will not let you down."

Yueshu did not dislike Konoha; on the contrary, he liked it very much. The Will of Fire was a topic that otaku had often discussed in his past life.

The Will of Fire, was it?

It wouldn't be bad to put it into practice; it would be a perfect way to fulfill a fantasy from his previous life.

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

"Very well. I will arrange your early graduation exam. It will be in the next few days, so prepare yourselves. I will notify you when the time comes."

Having heard the answer he wanted, Sarutobi Hiruzen waved his hand, and the matter of the graduation exam was settled.

Yueshu was technically an outsider to Konoha, and even with Tsunade as his protective shield, Sarutobi Hiruzen still needed to be certain. Especially since the potential Yueshu had displayed was even greater than that of Minato Namikaze; naturally, the Third Hokage hoped to bind such a genius to Konoha.

"Then thank you, Lord Hokage."

Yueshu expressed his gratitude, and having nothing else to say, he simply left the Hokage's office.

"Himeshima Tsuki? I never imagined he truly still existed."

Sarutobi Hiruzen watched as Tsuki walked slowly into the distance, muttering to himself incessantly.

"Teacher, is that legend really true?"

With a hint of nostalgia, Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke softly of things no one else understood.

Leaving that aside, Tsuki had successfully applied for the early graduation of the three of them, and he had now returned to their special training grounds.

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

Their delicate noses twitched slightly; the sight of the two girls sleeping blended perfectly with their surroundings, looking just like a painting.

"They're tired."

Tsuki did not disturb them, instead walking lightly to another tree not far away to lean against it.

The breeze blowing against his face felt like a girl gently kissing his forehead, as if whispering goodnight.

Tsuki glanced at the two girls and closed his own eyes as well.

Tsuki had always liked the sunlight in Konoha; it was neither too hot nor too cold, just right, always making one feel comfortable enough to sleep.

The direct sunlight did not burn, but instead felt like a mother gently stroking one's hair, soft and warm.

Compared to the other four great ninja villages, one had to admit that Konoha's geographical conditions were superior, and the village's atmosphere was not bad either.

With his eyes closed, Tsuki's mind slowly began to conjure up visions of the future.

Just as he had hoped, he would open a small shop in Konoha, preferably a hot pot restaurant or something similar, where he could prepare delicious food for his customers and see the smiles on their faces brought about by his cooking.

Then, he would spend his days from sunrise to sunset like that; it wouldn't need to be for too long, and he could be leisurely, resting whenever he wanted or sleeping in.

This was the kind of life Tsuki had wanted to live ever since he transmigrated.

For some reason, Tsuki no longer remembered his past life, but as long as he lived well now, that was enough.

However, before those fantasies could be realized, he still had to uncover the meaning behind the name Himeshima.

He had to properly fulfill the obsession of the original owner of this body.

As Tsuki pondered this and that, his mind slowly grew hazy, and waves of drowsiness surged into his heart.

Just as he usually did, he surrendered to this sleepiness and drifted off.

The sunlight spilled over the three of them, their innocent sleeping faces looking so youthful.

The days of special training had ended, and the bonds between the three had deepened significantly.

"Tsuki, Tsuki."

A familiar voice entered his mind, which Tsuki heard only vaguely.

With some effort, he opened his eyes to see, as usual, the small faces of Kushina and Mikoto reflected in his vision.

"Morning."

Tsuki said habitually.

"Morning, my foot! The sun has already set."

Kushina retorted.

Tsuki looked around, and sure enough, the surroundings had turned a dim, golden yellow.

It was already dusk.

"Honestly, you sleep so much normally, and you can still sleep now; you really are a god of sleep."

Kushina rubbed her forehead, speechless at Tsuki, who could only offer a few dry laughs in response.

"Let's go, time to head home."

Tsuki tried to change the subject, otherwise, he would surely be lectured by Kushina again.

"You—"

Kushina saw through his intent.

"Fine, let's go home."

Kushina didn't say anything more, just smiled and followed Tsuki's lead.

Mikoto watched from the side, maintaining her quiet, maiden-like demeanor.

Under the twilight, the three walked together, returning to their respective homes.

The three continued to attend classes as usual, and two days later, their teacher suddenly notified them.

The graduation exam was ready!