Liuxia walked slowly along Konoha's bustling streets. Crowds streamed past the shops on either side, and hawkers' cries mingled with laughter, creating the lively scene unique to Konoha. But inside, Liuxia was anything but calm. He had just come through a battle of obvious significance—not only a test of his own abilities, but also a test by Konoha High Command, or perhaps an intervention in the village's politics.
He knew the Third Hokage had personally chosen Uchiha Fugaku as his opponent for complicated political reasons. Fugaku was not only the Uchiha Clan's young heir, but also its future leader. The outcome of this battle would undoubtedly affect Konoha's internal power structure. Liuxia was young, but he knew that win or lose, he had already made an enemy of the Uchiha Clan.
Liuxia stopped in front of the Hokage Office Building and took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. Now that Konoha High Command had taken notice of him, he understood that until he was strong enough to flip the table, he would have to tread carefully at every turn.
Inside the Hokage Office Building, Liuxia saw the familiar figure of the Third Hokage. A warm smile rested on the Hokage's face, but Liuxia knew that behind that kindly expression lay the unfathomable heart of a seasoned politician.
"Liuxia, you're here." The Third Hokage's voice was calm and firm.
Liuxia bowed respectfully. "Uncle Third, sorry for the wait."
"Not at all. I've already heard the report on your battle. Very impressive! I originally meant for Fugaku to put you through some adversity and help you grow, but I didn't realize you'd be even more capable than I'd thought." The Third Hokage's words made his approval of Liuxia clear.
Liuxia had some reservations about the Third Hokage's actions, but he understood that respecting elders and superiors was basic etiquette in Konoha. He kept up a respectful appearance while privately grumbling. Though the old geezer wasn't like Shimura Danzō, with nothing but power on his mind, he still had plenty of problems. Konoha's rot had been allowed to spread under his deliberate and inadvertent indulgence.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, watched Liuxia's respectful yet slightly mischievous demeanor, unaware that the boy already harbored ambitions of defying him. A smile crept into Sarutobi's heart. He knew Liuxia was a promising young man, straightforward and easygoing. And as a descendant of the Senju Clan, he was unquestionably part of the Hokage faction—a natural ally.
"Liuxia, your performance really made an impression," the Third Hokage said with a smile. "Your combat skills, intelligence, and courage have all proven that you're an excellent ninja."
"I still have plenty of room to improve!" Liuxia replied modestly.
"Of course. A ninja's path never ends." The Third Hokage nodded in agreement. "Still, you've already taken a solid first step."
With that, Hiruzen Sarutobi pulled an exquisite wooden box from a nearby drawer and handed it to Liuxia. Liuxia took it and opened it to find several items neatly arranged inside: a Forehead Protector bearing Konoha's symbol, a ninja identification card printed with his name and number, and some basic ninja equipment.
"This is your beginner's ninja kit, Liuxia," the Third Hokage explained. "The Forehead Protector represents your identity, and the ninja ID is your identification in Konoha. Your number is 009527. I originally wanted to use my birthday, but I decided to pay tribute instead. This is your number in Konoha, and a mark of honor."
Liuxia took the Forehead Protector and ID in both hands, then tied the Forehead Protector around his forehead. This was where his legend in the Ninja World began!
"Lord Hokage, I won't let you down," Liuxia said firmly.
The Third Hokage looked at Liuxia's determined gaze and felt gratified. He knew that Konoha's future would be protected by young people like him.
"Go on, Liuxia. The skies of Konoha are waiting for you to soar," the Third Hokage encouraged him.
Liuxia bowed deeply, filled with anticipation and resolve for the future. He knew this was only the beginning; his ninja career had just started. He turned to leave the Hokage Office Building, ready to face new challenges.
"Oh, one more thing!"
The Third Hokage's voice suddenly came from behind him. Liuxia nearly lost his balance. Turning around, he gave a slightly helpless smile.
"Sure thing, Uncle Third!"
Liuxia didn't care much about his team. He knew that, for both himself and the village, the most important thing now was the upcoming Chunin Ninja Exams. As for his team, he trusted the Third Hokage to make the best arrangements.
Seeing that the Third Hokage had nothing else to say, Liuxia turned to leave again.
"One more thing! The Chunin Ninja Exams will be held in two months, so give it your best then." The Third Hokage's voice rang out once more, this time with a note of encouragement.
"Got it, Uncle Third. I'll do my best." Liuxia felt even more helpless. Was the Third Hokage turning into his dad or something? Why couldn't he just say everything at once? What if he threw his back out? He was still young, and he didn't even have a girlfriend!
"Uncle Third, is that everything?" Liuxia asked, checking once more before he left.
"Mm, that's everything. Remember to close the door on your way out," the Third Hokage replied, sounding relaxed.
Liuxia nodded and left the Hokage Office Building. He didn't notice the sly smile that appeared on the Third Hokage's face once he was gone.
"I suppose I should take a break for now. Biwako's been wanting a child so badly lately that she's got me forgetting everything. I'll just stay and work at the Hokage Office for a few days. For the village's sake, she'll understand... right? Mm!" The Third Hokage muttered to himself, wearing an awkward smile.
Then he reconsidered and decided to patrol the village first, just to make sure everything was safe. He began using the Telescope Technique to "patrol" the village.
Setting aside the Third Hokage using the Telescope Technique to sneak a peek—cough, patrol—the village, though that pervert did spend a little too long at the bathhouse...
Liuxia had returned home to celebrate his and Nawaki's graduation party with his family. The house was filled with joy, and everyone wore a happy smile.
Nawaki had also gladly accepted Hiruzen Sarutobi's suggestion that he graduate early. His strength had already improved by leaps and bounds compared to the Nawaki of the original timeline. It was all thanks to the rigorous training he'd done alongside Liuxia since childhood. Under such intense training, Nawaki had grown tremendously stronger, enough to match or even surpass an ordinary Chunin. He excelled most at Taijutsu and Water Release Ninjutsu, after all, he'd been beaten into learning from experience.
After the party, Liuxia sat alone on the roof, gazing at the stars in the night sky. It was the same sky as a few years ago, but he himself had changed at last!
"Check the achievement reward for becoming a Genin!"
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