Asuma's Shock

"The Sarutobi Clan compound is up ahead. I'll be heading back."

The ANBU ninja politely nodded to Miki Xiaoai, then vanished in a flash.

Asuma Sarutobi happened to be returning home. When he saw a beautiful woman around his own age standing at his doorstep, his spirits immediately lifted.

Could she be here for me? Is she an admirer of the Twelve Guardian Ninja?

As he approached, Asuma was even more stunned by her beauty!

The girl before him had long, silky black hair, snow-white skin, and a voluptuous figure. She could only be described as perfect!

At this point, Asuma had yet to fully recognize himself for what he was.

The so-called Twelve Guardian Ninja were just a bunch of worthless trash. Asuma himself was hardly impressive either; at most, he would become a Jonin in the future.

Although Jonin were the backbone of every ninja village, they were not a decisive force.

The ones who truly determined victory or defeat were Kage Level experts and above. The First Hokage and Madara Uchiha alone could sweep across the Shinobi World. What use were more Jonin?

Besides, the only reason Asuma, with his Chunin-level strength, had managed to make a name for himself outside was entirely because of Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"Hello, is there something you need?"

Asuma did his best to strike his most handsome pose as he addressed Miki Xiaoai.

"Hello, may I ask if this is the Sarutobi Household residence?"

Miki Xiaoai lowered her head in a slight bow as she asked.

"That's right. These are all residences of the Sarutobi Clan."

Asuma was very proud. The Sarutobi Clan's compound was indeed quite large, with several businesses nearby as well. Though it could not compare to the Uchiha Clan or the Hyuga Clan, under Hiruzen Sarutobi's management, it was no small clan in Konoha.

Miki Xiaoai's eyes lit up. She had not expected Lord Hiruzen to be not only handsome, strong, and powerful, but also so wealthy!

As for Hiruzen Sarutobi's age, she completely ignored it.

After all, Hiruzen Sarutobi did not look old at all now. For a lovestruck young girl like her, he was devastatingly attractive.

"Hehe, our Sarutobi Clan has been passed down since the Warring States Era. My father is the head of the Sarutobi Clan, Hiruzen Sarutobi!"

Asuma was immensely proud. Judging from the girl's clothes, she was probably from some remote rural village.

With his status, was his appeal really not enough?

Upon hearing Asuma's words, Miki Xiaoai immediately looked at him.

This boy was about the same age as her, yet he was actually Hiruzen Sarutobi's son.

She had heard that Lord Hiruzen's wife had passed away. In that case, she would take care of this family from now on!

"What's your name?"

"My name is Asuma Sarutobi! I was once one of the Twelve Guardian Ninja, and now I'm a Chunin of Konoha!"

Asuma's heart pounded wildly. Could it be?! Was love finally coming his way?

Miki Xiaoai extended her hand toward Asuma.

"My name is Miki Xiaoai. From now on, I will follow Lord Hiruzen for the rest of my life!"

After all, Lord Hiruzen had promised her that she could follow him for the rest of her life!

Asuma's mouth fell open, and he stood there dumbfounded.

!!??!!

What? That old man?

Asuma's brain broke.

"Asuma, what are you doing?"

Naeko had just returned from buying groceries when she saw Asuma and a beautiful girl standing at the entrance to her home.

"S-Sister-in-law, she said she's Father's follower."

Naeko Sarutobi:?

Hinako's pupils shook as her mind went blank. She understood every single word, but when they were put together, she could not understand them at all.

"Lord Hiruzen saved my life. I want to follow him for the rest of my life."

After all, Hinako was already pregnant and about to become a mother. She was much more composed than Asuma.

She quickly came to her senses. No matter what, she should let the girl into the house first.

"Come inside first. We can talk there."

With that, she led Miki Xiaoai into the house. Asuma remained where he was, questioning his entire life as his whole demeanor changed.

After Hinako entered the house, she carefully asked Miki Xiaoai about her situation.

Only after learning what had happened recently did she nod.

This should have been a misunderstanding. The girl before her had been saved by Hiruzen Sarutobi and developed feelings for him.

Her father-in-law had clearly not thought much of it. Hinako had also noticed that Hiruzen Sarutobi had been acting strangely lately. Even his manner had changed, making him seem like an ascetic monk.

Hinako felt Hiruzen Sarutobi's recent changes more keenly than Asuma and Shinnosuke did.

After all, no matter how much Hiruzen Sarutobi changed, he was still their father.

But to Hinako, Hiruzen Sarutobi's changes were simply too great.

She could sense that Hiruzen Sarutobi had become different.

Perhaps Miki Xiaoai's presence would not be a bad thing.

Besides, Hiruzen Sarutobi now looked to be around forty at most. People would believe he was thirty.

She had heard that Hiruzen Sarutobi used to do bad things with a crystal ball all the time. It would be better to let this girl stay.

"You can stay here for now. We'll discuss what happens next after Lord Hiruzen returns."

Hinako had already begun addressing her formally.

Miki Xiaoai was delighted to receive Hinako's approval.

Behind them, Asuma wore a complicated expression. He had never expected his father to still possess such charm at his age.

Why could he never encounter a chance to save a beauty like that?

No, he had to go take on missions too!

Asuma had been provoked. He turned around and went to accept a mission.

Meanwhile, Jiraiya learned about the matter from Tsunade.

"What?!"

Jiraiya's reaction was much the same as Asuma's. He simply could not believe it.

That old man Hiruzen Sarutobi had actually managed to charm a beautiful girl from the village? Was there any justice in this world?

However, this was the scene of Itachi Uchiha's application for an early examination. Many of Konoha's clans and upper ranks had come, and Orochimaru himself was presiding over the examination.

After all, Itachi Uchiha was the eldest son of the Uchiha Clan head and a genius ninja. With Fugaku Uchiha possessing the Mangekyo Sharingan, Itachi Uchiha was highly likely to become the next head of the Uchiha Clan.

The major clans all wanted to see just how talented Itachi Uchiha was.

The examination was not complicated. Itachi Uchiha only needed to demonstrate his ninjutsu and basic skills such as shuriken throwing.

Although the requirements for Genin were not high, anyone seeking early graduation had to display abilities far beyond those of an ordinary Genin.

Itachi Uchiha's expressionless face served as a good cover. Being watched by so many people still made him a little nervous.

However, Itachi Uchiha's Great Fireball Technique and Shuriken Throwing Technique were both remarkably impressive, far surpassing ordinary Genin. Keeping him at the Ninja Academy truly would have been a waste of time.

After passing the examination, Itachi Uchiha found Orochimaru and asked the question he had kept buried in his heart for a long time.

"Lord Orochimaru, what is the meaning of life?"

Orochimaru's eyes lit up. If you're asking that question, then I'm not sleepy anymore! Of course—it was immortality!