Kakashi's seemingly casual but precisely targeted "pointers" and Ling's "genius" ability to grasp everything at once seemed to have brought a new, faintly unsettling "harmony" to the Hatake Residence. Yet both Ling and Tobirama inside his mind knew that this harmony rested on enormous risks-they were playing a nerve-racking game of deception right under the nose of Kakashi, an elite jonin.
The pace of Ling's "progress" was nothing short of astonishing. In his use of Water Release and Wind Release, he gave Kakashi a "little surprise" almost every few days. His shuriken throws grew increasingly precise and unpredictable, the sound of wind accompanying his movements became harder to catch, and even his fine chakra control reached a jaw-dropping level-for instance, he could maintain three basic clones simultaneously for over ten seconds, though they remained blurry, or take dozens of perfectly steady steps across the surface of the water in a vat without falling in.
Kakashi silently took it all in. He remained as lazy-looking as ever, but Ling could sense the growing curiosity in that scrutinizing gaze. Occasionally, a flicker of amazement even crossed it, unnoticed by Kakashi himself.
[That's enough,] Tobirama said coldly one night. [If you keep "improving," you'll move beyond what a "genius" can explain and start provoking alarm and deeper suspicions. Maintain your current level and consolidate what you've learned. You can occasionally "hit a bottleneck," or even show a little "regression."]
Ling followed his advice, deliberately slowing his "progress" and even feigning stagnation and inconsistency in certain exercises. Kakashi said little about it, apparently considering this a normal learning curve.
Yet even when the tree wished for stillness, the wind would not cease.
One afternoon, Ling was doing his usual water-walking practice in the courtyard, acting slightly clumsier than his true ability warranted. As always, Kakashi leaned beneath the veranda, reading a novel.
Suddenly, both sensed something almost simultaneously and paused.
Ling detected it through the Ice-Breath Concealment Technique's acute awareness of his surroundings, while Kakashi relied on the instincts of an elite ninja.
The air in the center of the courtyard rippled faintly like water, and a figure appeared there without warning.
A white head covering, Hokage robes, a kindly face, and a pipe between his lips-it was the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Heh, have I come at a bad time? Am I interrupting your training?" The Third wore a warm smile, his gentle gaze passing over Ling and Kakashi.
"Lord Third." Kakashi closed his book and bowed slightly. His tone remained flat, but his bearing was impeccable.
Ling hurriedly jumped down from the water vat as well and stood a little "nervously," copying Kakashi's bow. "Lord Hokage."
"No need for formalities." The Third smiled and waved a hand, his gaze settling on Ling with an elder's affection. "You must be Ling. It looks like you've settled in well here with Kakashi. You look much healthier."
His gaze seemed casual, yet it swept lightly over Ling's entire body like the most delicate probe. Ling immediately felt a gentle but immensely powerful sensory presence envelop him, leaving him nowhere to hide, as though he stood in sunlight, yet strangely causing no discomfort. He pushed the Ice-Breath Concealment Technique to its limit, locking down his true chakra fluctuations and physical condition and revealing only the level expected of a four-year-old child with "a little talent and some training."
"Y-yes. Thank you for your concern, Lord Hokage." Ling lowered his head, playing the part of an obedient, reserved child.
"I hear from Kakashi that you're quite talented at chakra control?" The Third took a puff of his pipe and asked with apparent nonchalance.
Ling's heart tightened slightly. Kakashi really had reported to the Third!
"It's because Mr. Kakashi teaches me well..." he said quietly, giving Kakashi the credit.
"Heh, no need to be modest. Kakashi doesn't praise people lightly." The Third smiled and turned his gaze toward the training post and water vat in the courtyard. "It looks like you've been practicing very hard."
He strolled over to the wooden post, his fingers brushing seemingly idly across the marks of varying depths on its surface, then glanced at the wet footprints along the edge of the vat.
Ling's heart leaped into his throat, terrified that this Professor of Ninjutsu might spot a flaw.
But the Third merely nodded, his tone approving. "Your fundamentals are very solid. Your wind and water affinities are excellent as well. You have a promising future."
He seemed not to have uncovered the deepest secret, merely confirming that Kakashi's report was accurate.
Next, the Third chatted with Kakashi for a while, asking whether they had any difficulties with daily life, whether their living allowance needed to be increased, and so on. He behaved entirely like a gentle elder concerned for his subordinate and a younger child.
But both Ling and Tobirama knew that this unexpected visit was far more than a simple gesture of concern.
[Monkey came to confirm things himself,] Tobirama said coldly. [Kakashi's report caught his attention. He's assessing your value, deciding whether you're worth more of his attention, and... evaluating the risks you might pose.]
Finally, the Third offered Ling a few words of encouragement and told Kakashi to "guide him well." Then, just as he had arrived, he quietly departed using the Body Flicker Technique.
The atmosphere in the courtyard did not ease with his departure.
Kakashi stared at the spot where the Third had vanished, something flickering in his lone visible eye. There was no telling what he was thinking. After a moment, he withdrew his gaze and turned it on Ling.
"It seems you've caught Lord Hokage's attention." His tone betrayed neither pleasure nor displeasure.
Ling lowered his head without speaking.
"The title of genius isn't an easy burden to bear." Kakashi's voice seemed to deepen slightly. "It will bring you resources, but it will also bring more... eyes. Watch yourself."
With that, he turned and went back inside.
Ling stood alone in the courtyard, the setting sun stretching his shadow long.
The Third's personal scrutiny and Kakashi's meaningful warning both conveyed one clear message: this "uncut gem" had officially entered the sights of the Konoha High Command.
His performance as a "genius" had successfully won him more room to survive and the prospect of further resources, but it had also pushed him into a brighter spotlight. The venomous snakes lurking in the shadows would likely grow even more restless.
Misfortune lurked within good fortune.
He had to be even more careful and grow stronger faster.
As night deepened, Ling returned to his room and clenched the tiny grain of chakra metal in his hand. Its cold touch kept him clearheaded.
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