Hokage building, top floor office.
Sunlight poured in through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the room brightly, but it could not dispel the solemn and oppressive atmosphere in the air.
Hiruzen Sarutobi sat behind his desk, smoking his pipe one after another. The lingering smoke blurred his wrinkled face, making his expression unclear.
Opposite him, stood Orochimaru and Senju Chen.
On both sides of the room, Shimura Danzō was leaning on a cane, like a sculpture in the shadow, silent. The two consultants, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, were sitting on the sofa with serious faces, looking at the master and apprentice who had just returned from Land of Rain.
"That's what happened." Orochimaru's hoarse voice sounded in the silent office. In a straightforward tone, he described everything that happened to Land of Rain, including The whole story of how Hanzo of the Salamander's heir was killed, how Konoha intervened, how Senju Chen found out the real culprit, and finally the strategic cooperation with Amegakure was briefly reported.
Of course, in his narrative, Senju Chen's shocking analysis and layout were cleverly downplayed as "child's intuition" and "unintentional actions", and more of it was attributed to Konoha's prestige and his "old relationship" with Hanzō.
Even so, when they heard that a six-year-old child had accurately identified the Kirigakure spy who had been lurking for five years in such a tense situation, the expressions on the faces of the Konoha High Commands present could not help but change.
Utatane Koharu pushed up his glasses, and a glimmer of light flashed in his eyes behind the lenses. "Orochimaru, you mean, Little Chen, the kid, found the murderer that even Hanzō couldn't find by just observing?"
"Perhaps it is some kind of special perception ability in the Senju Clan's bloodline." Orochimaru licked his lips and gave an ambiguous but irrefutable answer, "After all, no one can fully analyze Master First Hokage's ability so far."
This explanation made the two consultants temporarily shut up.
The power of "God of Shinobi" is one of the biggest mysteries of Shinobi World. One more magical ability does not seem to be something difficult to accept.
Only Danzo, the single eye under the bandaged right eye, was shining with a dark and unclear light.
Special sensory abilities?
No.
This was clearly an insight and logical analysis ability that was beyond ordinary people's and was terrifyingly meticulous. This child was more valuable than he imagined.
"Ahem..." Hiruzen Sarutobi knocked his pipe in the ashtray and finally spoke. His voice was a little hoarse, but it carried Hokage's unquestionable majesty.
"You have done a great job in this mission." He affirmed at first, his eyes slowly swept over Orochimaru, and finally fell on Senju Chen. His eyes became much softer, with a trace of unnoticeable guilt mixed in them.
"Especially Little Chen, you not only solved the potential crisis for the village, but also contributed to the alliance between Konoha and Amegakure. This contribution is irreplaceable."
He knew about Tsunade leaving.
In fact, Tsunade was the last person he saw before he left. The always strong disciple cried like a child in front of him, accusing the village of being cold and accusing him of yet another "sacrifice" to his relatives.
Every word was like a heavy hammer hitting his heart.
Therefore, when he looked at Senju Chen now, his heart was full of thoughts of compensation.
"Little Chen, you did a good job this time." Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice became slower, "In order to reward you for your achievements this time, the village can satisfy you a request. Whether you want any Ninjutsu scrolls or precious ninja tools, you can ask for it."
As soon as these words came out, even Danzo, who had always been calm in the ancient well, looked slightly sideways.
The reward promised by Hokage personally is so important.
However, no one raised a voice to object this time. After all, each of them has a certain responsibility for Tsunade's departure.
Now they all feel a sense of debt to the child in front of them.
Moreover, they were all curious about what kind of request this little devil who had created miracles would make.
Senju Chen kept his head down from beginning to end. After hearing Third Hokage's words, he slowly raised his head and scanned everyone present with a pair of emotionless eyes.
He first glanced at Orochimaru beside him, and then at Third Hokage on the main seat.
"Lord Hokage..." His voice was crisp, "I don't have any particular ninja tool that I want. The Thunder God Sword my sister gave me is already very powerful. As for Ninjutsu, the teacher also taught me a lot."
Hiruzen Sarutobi discovered that the child opposite him did not call himself grandpa Hokage as usual, but Lord Hokage.
But out of guilt in his heart, he still asked softly.
"Then..." Hiruzen Sarutobi patiently guided, "Do you have any other ideas?"
Senju Chen He took a deep breath, raised his head, looked into Hiruzen Sarutobi's cloudy eyes, and said, "Lord Hokage! I want to learn your Summoning Technique!"
"I want to sign Summoning Contract with the Enma Clan!"
For a moment, the air in the entire office seemed to freeze.
Time stands still at this moment.
Orochimaru's playful smile froze.
The serious expressions of Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura instantly turned into complete astonishment.
Even Shimura Danzō, who had always looked like a sculpture, had a frightening light erupting from his one eye, and his hand holding the cane tightened unconsciously.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was stunned on the spot. The pipe in his mouth fell to the table with a "clack", and the hot cigarette ash was scattered everywhere.
Enma?
He wants...Enma?
This kid, does he know what he is talking about?!
Psychic beast·Enma, that is not only the psychic beast of Third Hokage, but also a symbol of Konoha! It is the one who accompanies "" Professor of Ninjutsu"Hiruzen Sarutobi is a partner who has made great achievements in Shinobi World! His status in Konoha is, in a sense, no less than that of an elder!
A six-year-old Genin asked for Hokage's psychic beast contract?
This is not arrogance, this is crazy!
Senju Chen seemed not to notice the strange atmosphere around him, he still looked at Third Hokage expectantly.
'Old man, if you dare to refuse, I will immediately pack up my belongings and travel around the world with my sister. Do you believe it?'
Senju Chen sneered inwardly.
Of course he knows what Enma means.
That's more than just a powerful fighting partner.
More importantly, is the political significance it represents!
Once you sign a contract with Enma, you will be labeled as the most core and direct descendant of the Third Hokage series!
This is announcing to everyone - I, Senju Chen, am the person covered by Hokage!
After Sister Tsunade left, he had to find a solid enough backing in this village. And what else could be more stable and direct than the psychic beast Hokage?
He wants to use this method to hit back hard at those senior officials who regard him as "bait".
Don't you want to take advantage of me? Yes.
But from now on, if you want to touch me, you have to think carefully first. If you mess with me, it will be like slapping Third Hokage directly in the face!
He just wants to use this most direct, arrogant, and even childish way to tie himself to the power of Hokage!