The Third's Probe

"What?" Ling Feng raised an eyebrow.

Kakashi's eyes widened beside him.

"I said you don't need to apply, Ling Feng. The academy has already sent word. Whenever you want to graduate, you're free to leave."

"Your graduation certificate and genin forehead protector are already prepared."

With that, their homeroom teacher took out a box and opened it, revealing the forehead protector and graduation certificate prepared for Ling Feng.

Kakashi stared at them, transfixed. Was this how geniuses were treated?

Their classmates burst into cries of surprise.

Normally, students had to study at the Ninja Academy for at least six years before graduating. In other words, aside from a few gifted individuals, most of them would have to wait at least six years to get that graduation certificate and ninja forehead protector.

But all Ling Feng had to do was say the word, and both were his.

Graduation?

Wasn't it just a matter of opening his mouth?

Ding! Gained 40 points!

The envy of others had triggered another point gain.

Yet Ling Feng frowned slightly, not particularly pleased.

He knew this had to be the Third Hokage's doing.

Without his permission, would the academy dare prepare his graduation certificate and ninja forehead protector in advance?

That old man really wasn't going to let him off easily.

Of course, he knew Minato Namikaze's warning the night before had been well-intentioned. Ling Feng simply hadn't needed it.

"Thank you, sir."

Coming back to his senses, Ling Feng reached out with both hands and accepted the box, confirming his decision to graduate early.

The homeroom teacher then turned to Kakashi. "I'll pass your application along to the academy administration. If it's approved, you'll be tested next week..."

Ling Feng chose to leave. Since he had already graduated, there was nothing here worth lingering over.

Besides, Ling Feng had a suspicion.

After leaving the school building, Ling Feng glanced at an open area nearby. A moment later, the Third Hokage appeared, with Minato Namikaze beside him.

Seeing the graduation certificate and ninja forehead protector in Ling Feng's hands, the Third Hokage smiled.

That was proof enough that he had arranged for them.

Beside him, Minato Namikaze gave another soft sigh. Clearly, this wasn't a scene he wanted to witness.

Perhaps after spending so much time at the Third Hokage's side, Minato Namikaze knew what kind of man he was.

But Ling Feng had no fear.

"Ling Feng, your performance has been outstanding, and I'm very pleased with your decision."

The Third Hokage smiled happily, wearing his trademark benevolent expression.

But Ling Feng knew the Third Hokage was a schemer through and through. After all, he had lived through wartime. It wouldn't do to trust him too much based on appearances.

"Thank you for your praise, Lord Third. But you should really praise your son. If not for him, I might never have had the chance to show what I could do."

Ling Feng smiled too, his expression utterly innocent. It was a child's smile, far more infectious than the Third's wrinkled face.

But at those words, the Third's smile stiffened.

Minato Namikaze's expression grew grave as well, and his eyes kept signaling something to Ling Feng.

Watch what you say, kid. You're being far too cocky!

But Ling Feng chose to ignore him and continued, "It's a shame he isn't here. Otherwise, I'd really have to thank him in person. Without him, I wouldn't have earned your praise, Lord Third."

The Third Hokage fell silent for a long while, then took a deep breath, forcefully suppressing his anger. His eyes remained as unfathomable as ever, betraying no emotion.

He recalled everything the elite ANBU operative he had sent to watch Ling Feng that night had reported, and a plan quietly formed in his mind.

"Very good. You've acted as a ninja should, showing courage rather than cowardice. That's what makes a worthy Konoha ninja!"

"Asuma should learn from you. I'll have him take you as his role model."

The Third Hokage's tone suddenly grew formal. He had realized that he truly couldn't address Ling Feng as though he were some ordinary five-year-old brat.

"He's welcome to challenge me anytime. I'd be happy to spar with him," Ling Feng said with a hollow smile.

"But I'm afraid it won't be so easy for me to speak on your behalf to the Uchiha Clan. Are you really not worried?" the Third asked, narrowing his eyes.

Minato Namikaze was startled by those words. Was he really going straight to the point?

Ling Feng, however, wasn't surprised at all. He had guessed that once the Third ran out of things to say, he would inevitably bring up the Uchiha Clan.

But Ling Feng shrugged, unconcerned.

"Their own member used a ninjutsu scroll during a practice match, so I used a ninjutsu scroll too. What's wrong with that?"

The Third fell silent. He studied Ling Feng, trying to discern something, but ultimately found nothing.

"You're a clever child. You know what I'm talking about."

Ling Feng smiled. "Then you should also know what I mean, Lord Third."

"If you don't, I'll say it plainly."

"The Uchiha Clan is powerful, yes. But right now, they should have enough trouble protecting themselves. It wouldn't be worth it over a mere dead last."

Ling Feng knew every major event in the world of Naruto inside out. Whether past or future, no one knew it better than he did.

The groundwork would be laid during the coming Shinobi World War: the Konoha High Command planned to join forces with the ANBU to suppress the Uchiha Clan and gain control over the Uchiha's power.

The Third could be considered the driving force behind this major event, so he should understand Ling Feng's words better than anyone.

Sure enough, the moment Ling Feng finished speaking, the system notification sounded.

Ding! Gained 20 points!

Heh, picking up points like this feels so good!

For some reason, the Third Hokage suddenly felt restless and uneasy.

Minato Namikaze stood beside him, somewhat bewildered. He couldn't help glancing at the Third, hoping to pick up on something, but found nothing.

He was an old fox, after all. How could he give himself away over something so important?

After a long silence, the Third Hokage nodded in agreement.

"Yes, you have a point. That Obito Uchiha has been disappointing in every respect. I imagine the Uchiha Clan would be too embarrassed to take action against you for his sake. Still, regardless of that, you went too far. You shouldn't treat a classmate that way, should you?"

As he spoke, the Third actually began to reprimand him.

"Yes, you're right, Lord Third."

Ling Feng nodded in acceptance, but the smile on his face only deepened.

The Third's behavior was tantamount to declaring that his probing of Ling Feng was over.

And Ling Feng had also shown something of the weight he carried.

This meeting had been an exchange of probes and veiled messages between the two. Only, what had begun with the Third Hokage attacking and Ling Feng defending had turned into Ling Feng attacking and the Third Hokage defending.

And there was no doubt that Ling Feng had won.