Hatake Sakumo

Konoha, Ninja Academy.

Following the ANBU member, Ryōken soon arrived.

Though he was somewhat puzzled about why he had been brought here, who was Ryōken? He naturally would not show it. This was the heart of Konoha; no one would dare cause trouble here.

Upon entering the academy, he found many people already waiting. Winners such as Minato Namikaze and Kouichi Uchiha were among them, while many Konoha jonin in green flak jackets stood around, talking quietly.

Seeing Ryōken enter, Minato Namikaze walked up with a smile. "I didn't expect you to apply for graduation too, Ryōken. But with your strength, there's no point in staying at the Ninja Academy any longer."

"Yeah."

Ryōken replied with a smile as well.

"When we get the chance, let's spar again. If you don't improve, I'll surpass you."

Minato Namikaze said brightly, a hint of fighting spirit in his eyes.

"Don't worry. I'll become the goal you spend your whole life chasing. I definitely won't stop and wait for you."

Ryōken naturally refused to yield, his tone firm and decisive.

As they chatted, more people gradually entered. However, Hiwa was nowhere among them, which left Ryōken a little puzzled.

Then, considering her status as the eldest daughter of the main family, he understood.

What a petty, overly cautious clan.

Ryōken shook his head. How could a clan like that ever compare to the Uchiha?

Their magnanimity and vision were worlds apart.

Before long, Hiruzen Sarutobi arrived first, dressed in the Hokage Robe with a gentle smile on his face. Behind him came Hatake Sakumo, who had removed his mask, along with Tsunade and Orochimaru.

As the group approached, everyone consciously fell silent and looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi with respect.

"Everyone, there's no need to be so tense. Relax."

Seeing their solemn expressions, Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke kindly.

His voice seemed to possess an indescribable power of persuasion. As it spread through the room, everyone relaxed, faint smiles appearing on their faces.

"Alright, let's begin."

As he spoke, his gaze turned toward Ryōken, and he smiled.

"You're Ryōken, right? Your performance yesterday was excellent. You let us witness a wonderful battle."

A fitting trace of excitement appeared in Ryōken's eyes. Seeing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi revealed a satisfied expression and continued.

"As a reward for winning, you have the right to choose your own teacher."

After saying that, he looked at Ryōken expectantly.

Ryōken was briefly stunned. He had not expected this.

The other students were equally surprised, then looked at Ryōken with envy and jealousy. Being able to choose one's own teacher was naturally better than being selected.

What was more, it was also a form of acknowledgment from the Hokage himself.

Ryōken was only slightly surprised before he began to think, his gaze sweeping over all the jonin present, including Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru.

Every jonin Ryōken looked at wore an expectant expression. Who would not want a genius student like Ryōken?

Even knowing that their chances of being chosen by him were slim, they could not help but hope.

Yet Ryōken's gaze merely passed over them, not lingering on any of them for even a moment. They were somewhat disappointed, though they also felt it was only natural.

They could not possibly teach a student like him anyway.

When his gaze reached Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru, Ryōken froze for a moment and began to struggle internally. These three were no ordinary people. Not only were they the future Legendary Sannin, but they also possessed an endless array of secret techniques.

Under Jiraiya, he could learn all kinds of ninjutsu, even sage techniques.

Under Tsunade, he could learn top-tier medical ninjutsu. Super Strength was also an extremely powerful taijutsu.

As for Orochimaru, there was even less need to say anything. Though he was a little dangerous—who knew when he might dissect him.

However, after hesitating only briefly, Ryōken spoke directly. "Lord Hokage, may I choose you?"

His eyes were filled with longing and anticipation.

Hearing that, Hiruzen Sarutobi immediately became awkward. He gave a dry cough and was just about to refuse when Ryōken added, "But I know that's impossible. Lord Hokage, you're occupied with countless duties every day. You surely don't have the time."

His voice sank.

That made things awkward. Hiruzen Sarutobi could not say anything further and could only wait for Ryōken to continue.

"In that case, I'll choose Lord Hatake Sakumo. White Fang's swordsmanship is famous throughout the ninja world. It must be incredible."

At that point, Ryōken finally showed his true intentions. Hiruzen Sarutobi could not help laughing wryly, but since it matched the original plan, there was no reason to object.

"Have you decided?"

"Yes!"

Ryōken answered firmly. This had been his goal from the start.

"Then it's settled. White Fang will be your teacher from now on."

As those words fell, all the students, including Minato Namikaze, looked at Ryōken with envy. Hatake Sakumo was one of the only two openly acknowledged Kage-level experts in Konoha, making him the ideal teacher in their hearts.

Even Minato Namikaze felt the same. After his previous battle with Ryōken, he had been gradually developing his own unique fighting style. If he could become Hatake Sakumo's disciple now, it would naturally speed up his progress tremendously.

After all, Hatake Sakumo was exceptionally skilled in taijutsu.

With the matter settled, Ryōken calmly stood to the side, though he could not conceal the excitement in his eyes. Anyone could see it was not an act; it came entirely from the heart.

At last, he would no longer have to feel his way forward alone. The difference between having a teacher and not having one was enormous.

Ryōken's reaction undoubtedly satisfied Hiruzen Sarutobi. He felt somewhat reassured and said casually, "Next, we'll assign the remaining students."

Upon hearing that, Jiraiya, who had long been unable to endure it any further, finally jumped out and pointed at Minato Namikaze. "No one is allowed to steal Minato from me!"

As he spoke, he glared around like a protective parent guarding his child.

Tsunade could not help showing an embarrassed expression, several dark lines appearing across her forehead. She wanted nothing more than to kick him flying.

Still, the final result did not change. Jiraiya was not only the disciple of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, but also possessed elite jonin strength. Though the others were dissatisfied, they could not compete with him.

As Jiraiya's teammates, Tsunade and Orochimaru did not argue with him either. In the end, Minato Namikaze smoothly became Jiraiya's student.

Seeing this, Jiraiya could not help grinning smugly. Hmph, Minato may have lost once, but under my guidance, he'll surpass that brat Ryōken sooner or later.

Seeing how unreliable his teacher was, Minato Namikaze could not help looking mournful. He felt that his future was utterly bleak. Fortunately, he knew Jiraiya's status and strength, which gave him considerable hope.

The other students were selected one by one as well. Tsunade naturally chose Rosen Senju, while Orochimaru chose someone Ryōken did not recognize.

Still, that person probably would not meet a good end. Ryōken could not help observing a moment of silence for him.

Ryōken consciously walked behind Hatake Sakumo and quietly stood there looking handsome.

Hatake Sakumo said nothing. With an icy expression, he simply took the lead and walked out.

This left Ryōken rather confused. He simply knew too little about this man and could not read his personality at all.

But with a son as troublesome as Kakashi, he probably was not all that cold, right?

Well, perhaps.

Thus, Ryōken silently followed behind him, constantly grumbling to himself.