Pure bloodline

Shimura Danzō watched the supreme genius Hiruzen had spoken of enter, his face expressionless as he pondered.

This was the ninja whose talent surpassed Uchiha Itachi's?

He looked rather ordinary, didn't he?

Besides, how could someone from the Hyuga Clan, and the Branch Family at that, be more talented than Uchiha Itachi?

A host of questions arose in Danzo's mind.

Still, Hiruzen Sarutobi had personally said that Yemu's talent surpassed Uchiha Itachi's. They were here today to verify that claim.

In truth, Hiruzen Sarutobi was just as puzzled.

He felt that Yemu Hyuga was merely an ordinary student, with nothing particularly special about him.

If Uchiha Itachi hadn't come specifically to report to him on the night of the clan annihilation, warning him and stressing that Yemu Hyuga's talent far surpassed his own,

Hiruzen Sarutobi would never have made such elaborate arrangements or set aside time specifically to speak with Yemu Hyuga.

At least, after a week of discreet observation,

Hiruzen Sarutobi hadn't discovered any way in which Yemu Hyuga surpassed Uchiha Itachi.

Perhaps he could be called a genius, but certainly not a supreme genius who could surpass Uchiha Itachi.

Wait.

Something wasn't quite right.

Hiruzen Sarutobi finally noticed something unusual.

He realized that Yemu Hyuga's gaze seemed far too calm. It felt less like he was looking at a Hokage and more like he was looking at an old man in his twilight years.

That sparked some interest in Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"Yemu Hyuga, there's no need to be nervous."

"Today, we simply want to get to know you a little. After all, our observations these past few days have shown that you're an outstanding student, already capable of graduating early from the Ninja Academy."

Hiruzen Sarutobi wore a friendly smile.

He gestured for Yemu Hyuga to sit in the chair in the center of the room.

It felt just like being grilled by interviewers one after another in his previous life.

What followed was a round of solicitous small talk.

He said things like how noble the sacrifice of Yemu Hyuga's parents had been.

And how he, Hiruzen Sarutobi, had been so busy with official duties that he couldn't devote his attention to orphans like Yemu Hyuga.

He hoped Yemu Hyuga could forgive him for that.

Then he expressed his hope that Yemu Hyuga would graduate early, as recognition of his exceptional talent.

He also mentioned in passing that every ninja in Konoha who had graduated early was now a powerful, dependable pillar of the village.

"Sorry, but I don't consider myself a genius."

Yemu Hyuga slowly shook his head.

He rejected Hiruzen Sarutobi's suggestion.

Wasn't this guy just trying to put him to work early like a beast of burden?

Unless he was out of his mind, he wasn't going to graduate early.

Not a genius??

Hiruzen Sarutobi hadn't expected Yemu Hyuga to answer like that.

The corner of his mouth twitched.

Fine, fine. If you don't count as a genius, kid, then there's probably no one in this world who deserves the title.

"Yemu Hyuga, you're being far too modest. After a week of assessment, we've determined that you're qualified to graduate early and become one of Konoha's outstanding Genin."

"You should know that once you become a Genin, we'll assign you a Jonin instructor to help improve your strength further. Doesn't that appeal to you?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi gave a light cough and offered the temptation.

Ordinary Genin had no chance of being led and instructed by a Jonin.

The ninja who could form three-person teams and receive a Jonin's guidance were either children of major clans or civilian ninja with exceptional talent or some other value.

"No."

Yemu Hyuga once again refused without mercy.

Why spend four years working like a beast of burden when he could coast through them instead?

Besides, he wanted to use that time to further refine his ninjutsu. If he became a Genin, he probably wouldn't have much time to himself.

"Boy, can't you see this is an order from the Hokage!"

"It's an order! You're being ordered to graduate early. Understand?"

Shimura Danzō clasped his hands, his words carrying the oppressive authority of a superior.

"Danzo, shut up!"

Seeing Danzo resort to his usual methods again, Hiruzen Sarutobi quickly interrupted him.

In truth, that was more or less what he had in mind as well.

Danzo's methods were simply a little more forceful.

Otherwise, Hiruzen Sarutobi would never have called Danzo over.

Seeing that Yemu wasn't flustered at all, Hiruzen Sarutobi looked resigned. "Since you're so firm about this, Yemu, we won't force you. If you have any requests, you can tell your substitute teacher directly."

"We can give priority to matters concerning outstanding students."

After another round of pleasantries,

Yemu Hyuga walked out of the Hokage's Office.

There had been no attempt to test his strength.

That made sense. He was too young, so he probably wasn't worth too much of the Third Hokage's attention.

However, Yemu had underestimated his own significance.

Once he walked out of the Hokage building, Hiruzen Sarutobi began questioning the Yamanaka Clan Head.

"Yemu Hyuga wasn't lying, was he?"

That was the only question Hiruzen Sarutobi asked.

Inoichi Yamanaka shook his head, sounding amazed. "Never mind lying-his heartbeat didn't even speed up while he was facing us."

"I see. Then you may all leave."

Hiruzen Sarutobi waved Inoichi Yamanaka and the two Konoha elders away, leaving only Shimura Danzō.

Although Danzo's methods were somewhat extreme,

Hiruzen Sarutobi had to admit that his intentions were good. He wanted Konoha to grow stronger.

It was just that the old bastard was always eyeing his position.

Hiruzen Sarutobi considered for a moment, took a sip of the hot tea on his desk, and said slowly, "Danzo, any thoughts?"

"Hand that boy over to my Root. I like that fearless look in his eyes."

Shimura Danzō made no secret of his intentions.

Their Root was sorely lacking in supreme geniuses.

"Danzo, has a fever addled your brain? What do you mean, hand him over to your Root? Yemu Hyuga's future lies with Konoha."

Naturally, Hiruzen Sarutobi wasn't going to easily let go of Yemu Hyuga, who had earned such high praise from Uchiha Itachi.

Shimura Danzō snorted. "Hmph. If you don't give him to Root, do you think your indecisive methods can bring him to heel?"

"What's there to fear? He's a member of the Hyuga Branch Family. What could he do, rebel?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi dismissed the concern.

Members of the Hyuga Branch Family were controlled by the Main Family their entire lives. Any attempt to rebel meant death.

"Ha ha ha! Hiruzen, you're far too naive. If he were bound by the Caged Bird Seal, do you think Uchiha Itachi would rate him so highly?"

"Besides, do you think everything Uchiha Itachi told you was true?"

Shimura Danzō's eyes were filled with disdain.

With the village in this old fool's hands, it would probably keep going downhill.

"What are you trying to say?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze sharpened.

Danzo looked serious, casting him a sidelong glance. "It's simple. That boy acted as though he had nothing to fear. He must be hiding a major secret. Hand him over to me, and everything will come to light."

"Absolutely not!" Hiruzen Sarutobi continued, "That settles this matter. We'll wait until he graduates from the Ninja Academy. And don't cross the line."

Hiruzen Sarutobi paused briefly, then his eyes flashed coldly. "Do not treat Yemu Hyuga the way you treated Shisui. Remember that!"

"Why the hell not!"

Shimura Danzō slammed his hand on the desk, his face furious.

"Why? Because I'm the Hokage!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression was stern.

"Fine."

"Some Hokage you are."

Shimura Danzō stood straight up.

"Hiruzen, you'll regret this!"

Bang!

Shimura Danzō left with his customary slam of the door.

The sound lingered, quietly ushering in a world where only the door got hurt.