Sparring with the Third Hokage

Hiruzen Sarutobi used a Body Flicker Technique to return to his office on the second floor of the Hokage building.

He ordered the Anbu, "All of you, stand down!" Then, he looked at Yugao, who was still in a standoff with Tsunade.

"Yugao, you should head out as well. Get the matters regarding the Chunin Exams sorted as soon as possible."

Once everyone had left, Hiruzen walked up to Shao Nan and said calmly.

"Good lad. Not only do you resemble Lord Hashirama in appearance, but you have also mastered the essence of his super strength.

It has been a long time since this old man stretched his limbs. Shall we spar?"

Tsunade could not stand it anymore. You are the dignified Third Hokage; how could you spar with someone who has never even been to the academy? Have you no shame left?

"That punch of his would be nothing but a tickle to you! Old man, you are going too far!"

Shao Nan walked over to Tsunade, wrapped his arm around her waist, and said to Hiruzen.

"Old man, you pick the time and place. I am ready whenever you are!"

With that said.

Tsunade pinched Shao Nan's waist hard with her fingers.

"Why are you sparring with this old man? Even if he is old, he still has the strength! In the Ninja World, he is known as the Professor of Shinobi!"

When Hiruzen heard Tsunade praising him, his face beamed with joy.

"We will stop at a light touch, just a light touch. I know my limits!"

"Tsunade, this is a contest between men!

It just so happens that I want to see if he is truly as formidable as the rumors suggest.

Let's go, old man. Lead the way."

Hiruzen walked beside Shao Nan and said to Tsunade, "How arrogant! Ninja Academy Training Ground 38!"

He then used a Body Flicker Technique, whisking Shao Nan away from the scene!

"Shizune, let's go too!"

Ninja Academy!

In the open area on the outskirts of the playground, many students and teachers were playing around!

In one corner of the clearing, two teachers and six students were sitting together!

They were Team 10, led by Asuma Sarutobi, consisting of Ino Yamanaka, Choji Akimichi, and Shikamaru Nara.

And Team 8, led by Kurenai Yuhi, consisting of Hinata Hyuga, Shino Aburame, and Kiba Inuzuka.

Asuma suddenly spoke up.

"Kurenai, has your team prepared to handle the Chunin Exams?"

"Asuma, I have great confidence in my students!"

A lively voice rang out.

"Asuma-sensei, Choji wants to eat barbecue, the kind where you pay!"

Asuma laughed heartily: "Ino, I think it's you who wants to eat, right!"

Choji: "Even though Ino is using me as an excuse, Asuma-sensei, I really am craving barbecue!"

Meanwhile, Shikamaru, Shino, and Kiba were playing Dou Dizhu together.

Just then, Hinata lowered her head and said in a very soft voice.

"Kurenai-sensei, the Third Hokage has come to the academy!"

Kurenai did not seem to hear clearly and looked at Hinata with a smile.

"Hinata, don't be so reserved! I didn't catch what you just said!"

Hinata then pointed her finger in a certain direction: "The Hokage has come to the academy!"

Kurenai looked in that direction and saw Hiruzen Sarutobi and Shao Nan slowly approaching the training ground.

Following behind them were three little brats—none other than the Konohamaru Trio!

Looking further back, Kurenai was surprised: "Is that Lady Tsunade?"

Asuma also stood up: "I just heard someone say that Lady Tsunade had returned, but I didn't expect it to be true!"

Shao Nan, following behind Hiruzen, suddenly spoke.

"Old man, I admire you!"

"Oh? What do you admire about me?" Hiruzen was curious!

"During the reigns of the First Hokage and the Second Hokage, whenever enemies dared to invade Konoha, they always took a hardline stance.

I admire you because even when enemies have reached the heart of Konoha, you only choose to yield, signing treaties and trading them for so-called peace!"

Hiruzen stopped in his tracks and stared at Shao Nan.

"What exactly are you trying to say!"

"I am saying that you are not fit to be Hokage! Just think about what you have actually accomplished during your tenure!"

Tsunade stepped forward and pulled Shao Nan back. "What are you trying to start!"

"Tsunade, let him continue!" Hiruzen's expression turned serious instantly.

Shao Nan thought for a moment and said bluntly: "Other ninja villages were afraid of the First Hokage's strength, so they dared not move against Konoha.

As for the Second Hokage, when the Cloud Village launched a surprise attack on Konoha, he drove them back.

It is clear that if anyone dared to bully Konoha, they would never let it slide.

Now look at you. The Cloud Village provoked Konoha, coveting the Byakugan, yet you made the Hyuga Clan sacrifice their own to trade for your so-called peace.

After the Third Shinobi World War, the Rock Village initiated a war against Konoha, which was eventually repelled by the Fourth Hokage.

And what did you do? After so many lives were sacrificed in the village, you still signed those so-called peace agreements with the Rock Village!

I won't even mention the distant past; let's talk about recent events. Orochimaru, who was Tsunade's contemporary, cost so many lives in Konoha!

You clearly had the ability to capture him back then, yet you let him escape!

And then there was the Uchiha Clan Downfall!"

"Enough!" Hiruzen shouted angrily.

He then continued: "If it were you, what would you have done!"

"If it were me, I would certainly have used strong measures to deter them, just like the First and Second!"

"Have you never considered that continuing to fight would only lead to more casualties?"

Hearing this from Hiruzen, Shao Nan felt a surge of irritation.

Although he was a transmigrator, this Hiruzen only spoke of that so-called peace behind the scenes.

He preached the Will of Fire, but it was all just empty talk.

When Orochimaru attacked Konoha, Hiruzen fought back, which could be considered part of his atonement!

"It would not lead to more casualties. If it were me, I would use my own strength to make the other great nations and villages submit to me!"

"Hmph, arrogant! Then let me teach you that there is always someone better!"

After saying this, Hiruzen stood at the edge of the training ground, quickly formed hand seals, and pressed his hands to the ground.

"Earth Style: Earth Rising Platform Technique."

The entire massive training ground rose from the ground in a rectangular shape, forming a vast arena.

Once the arena was constructed, Hiruzen leaped up onto it.

"Come on up, young man!"

"Since you have decided to do this, then go ahead. All I will do is support you!"

Tsunade smiled slightly at Shao Nan and then gently pecked him on the cheek.

Asuma and Kurenai were stunned by the sight!

Asuma: Has a man's ultimate dream been snatched away by someone else?

Kurenai: Lady Tsunade looks so happy when she smiles.

"Tsunade, I will clear the path for you! You should be the Hokage of Konoha!

I will go out and conquer the world, restoring the glory of the Senju! How about that proposal!?"

"Shao Nan, I have no interest in being Hokage!"

After saying this, Tsunade gave Shao Nan a push, urging him to get up there!

Then, she shouted at Hiruzen on the platform.

"Old man, remember, stop at a light touch! If he gets hurt, I won't be polite with you!"