While Hiruzen Sarutobi was observing Yecheng, Yecheng was observing him as well.
The man before him supposedly commanded every ninjutsu and was revered throughout the Shinobi World as the "Ninja Professor." In his youth, he had even earned the illustrious name of "Shinobi Hero."
Yet now, he looked like nothing more than an ordinary old man, small and stooped, his face covered in age spots.
In particular, the weariness, helplessness, and loneliness that seeped from every part of him... all spoke of this Lord Hokage's inability to do as much as he wished.
Time truly spared no one, no matter how they resisted.
Of course, even a weakened giant was still a giant. Yecheng had no intention of underestimating him in the slightest.
In the original story, even the decrepit Hiruzen Sarutobi had still managed to take down the First Hokage and Second Hokage brought back through Impure World Reincarnation, along with both of Orochimaru's arms.
Although that had only been an incomplete version of Impure World Reincarnation, incapable of bringing out their full strength in life, it was still an exceptionally impressive feat!
"Grandpa Third, look at the fish I caught! Come eat with us! Yecheng's grilled fish is delicious!"
Naruto's stomach began to growl, and he promptly invited the Third to join them for lunch.
Yecheng thought this was an opportunity.
Whether it was the Shikotsumyaku kekkei genkai, the extraordinary abilities of the Six Eyes, or the many stronger cards he was sure to draw in the future, he would inevitably display talent far beyond that of ordinary people.
Without a powerful backer, he would probably be hounded to death by Danzo before he even had a chance to develop!
If possible, Yecheng would have preferred to choose Princess Tsunade, the future Fifth Hokage, as his backer.
A gorgeous woman with a superb figure and curves in all the right places would be a delight to look at even if she simply stood there.
But right now, he was as adrift as duckweed, with no room to choose. Making the most of every opportunity was what mattered.
He immediately said, "That's right, Lord Third. We caught plenty of fish today. Why not join us?"
"In that case, sorry for the trouble, Yecheng."
The Third smiled kindly and did not refuse.
On an official level, Naruto was the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki and an important fighting asset to the village. Strengthening his bonds with him could only benefit Konoha.
On a personal level, Naruto was the son of Minato Namikaze, his student's student, and was practically a grandson to him.
Ever since Minato had died in the Nine-Tails' Attack, the situation in the village had grown increasingly tense. Mediating between the various sides and maintaining a balance had already taken all his strength. He wanted to take better care of Naruto, but he was always stretched too thin to look after him properly, and had long felt that he owed him.
Now that he had a chance to share a meal with him and grow closer, he was naturally more than happy to do so.
Both officially and personally, it was entirely justified.
He could also improve the impression this little fellow Yecheng had of him along the way, preventing Danzo from tricking the boy into joining him.
Yecheng laid the black fish Naruto had caught on a stone slab. He was about to take out his knife to scale it when he realized the knife that had been hanging at his waist was gone.
Had he lost it?
Yecheng swiftly retraced his memories and realized that his knife had fallen into the river when he saved Naruto earlier. By now, it had most likely been swept away.
"What's wrong?"
Noticing something was off, Naruto hurried over.
He thought Yecheng had been injured while saving him earlier.
"I lost my knife."
"Doesn't that mean we can't make grilled fish?"
Naruto sounded a little dejected. It was rare for two people who cared about him to both be here, yet they could not share a meal. What a shame.
Yecheng smiled. "It's fine. Watch me show you a trick."
As he spoke, he refined chakra on the spot and gathered it at his fingertip. Then he manipulated its shape, turning it into a thin layer like a sharp blade.
His fingertip swept across, and the head of the black fish, which was half as long as Naruto was tall, was sliced clean off!
Using his finger as a knife, Yecheng removed the gills, scraped off the scales and black membrane, slit open the belly, and removed the innards. Then he threaded three wooden skewers through it and set it over the fire to grill.
With the observational power of the Six Eyes, he could grill the fish to absolute perfection. Even with only salt and no other seasonings, the flavor of the ingredients themselves was delicious enough.
Naruto watched with his jaw hanging open and exclaimed in amazement, "That's incredible! Just one finger, and you sliced it open with one swipe! Amazing! Yecheng, how did you do that?"
Yecheng smiled. "It's just a simple chakra shape transformation. Turn the chakra into a blade, and you can cut through fish.
"Stop shaking me! The fish is about to fall!"
Unfortunately, his words had no effect. Naruto was still incredibly excited and kept chattering away.
Watching from beside them, Hiruzen Sarutobi was even more shocked.
Naruto did not understand the intricacies involved, but as one of the strongest people in the Shinobi World today, how could he not?
First and Second Hokage above, what had he just witnessed?
A six-year-old child had actually mastered chakra shape transformation and could already turn chakra into a blade!
If he had worked it out himself, his talent was downright terrifying, far surpassing even the genius Kakashi from over a decade ago!
But considering his background, Yakushi Nonō might very well have taught him...
Even so, this level of talent was extraordinary!
He was only six!
That shape transformation just now had clearly already touched upon the Chakra Scalpel technique!
If word got out that a six-year-old child had trained his chakra shape transformation to this level, medical ninja across the entire Shinobi World would probably fight to take him as their apprentice!
At that thought, Hiruzen Sarutobi immediately raised his pipe and took several puffs, trying to calm his shock.
It did not help at all.
Watching the two children before him, still playing and roughhousing with all their childish innocence, Hiruzen Sarutobi narrowed his eyes slightly.
No, he had to protect this child immediately. He absolutely could not let Danzo learn of Yecheng's existence!
He made up his mind on the spot.
He absolutely could not let Danzo ruin such a promising child!
"Grandpa Third, have some fish! It'll taste fishy once it gets cold!"
Naruto handed him a wooden skewer bearing a large piece of fish. Then, as though remembering something, he hurriedly added, "But don't rush too much, either. Blow on it before you eat. Hoo-hoo-"
Watching Naruto puff out his cheeks and blow hard on the grilled fish, Hiruzen Sarutobi could not help laughing heartily.
It truly had been many years since he had experienced such a heartwarming scene.
The Third Hokage, who had spent most of his life working under enormous pressure, enjoyed a rare moment of relaxation today.
After the meal, Hiruzen Sarutobi returned to the Hokage Building carrying two buckets of fish.
"Lord Hokage, what is all this...?"
Shikaku Nara, his strategist, could not help asking curiously at the sight.
"Distribute these to everyone as a reward for their everyday hard work."
The Third waved a hand without dwelling on where the fish had come from, then asked about another matter.
"Where is Tsunade now? Can we confirm her location?"
"And Jiraiya, too. Contact him and have him return to the village as soon as possible."
All three of his students had been problem children in their youth, and they had shown no improvement even after growing up.
But now that Yecheng had appeared as an unexpected factor, he needed both of them to come back.
Because when the Third looked back over the vast village of Konoha, he realized he did not have a single capable confidant he could trust completely!
He would not feel at ease leaving Yecheng in anyone else's care!
It had to be one of his own direct students!
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