Noah's words caught Shisui's attention. Based on what he knew of Noah, the boy wouldn't say something like that unless he was certain. After the warning, Shisui decided to keep a closer eye on Sasuke. After all, he was his best friend's brother. Though Shisui misunderstood his older brother, he still believed the situation could be resolved.
Noah didn't elaborate further. After leaving, he had a good night's rest. Around noon the next day, he headed to the Hokage's office. He wasn't about to miss a scheduled meeting-especially one offering free benefits.
The rewards the Third Hokage gave him left Noah stunned. Far more than he had imagined.
The Hokage handed over two scrolls. Noah was slightly disappointed not to see the Scroll of Seals, but it wasn't surprising-he wasn't the Hokage. He didn't rush to open them. The titles alone were impressive: one was the Flying Raijin Jutsu, the other a Wood Style technique.
Noah had obtained the Flying Raijin before, but that was just the cultivation method. Whether he learned it or not, the material had been set to self-destruct after a set time. Opening this new scroll, he found something complete.
It contained the full Flying Raijin details, plus insights from the Second and Fourth Hokage. Notes from Jonin who failed to master it individually were included, explaining the "Flying Raijin Formation." Different perspectives helped a new practitioner avoid pitfalls.
The amount of material was staggering. Anyone else would need nights just to memorize it. For Noah, who had already mastered the jutsu and added his own flair, the notes were simply a reference.
That was the Third Hokage's assumption. He didn't know Noah's true abilities. He acted as though the boy were a beginner, believing the experience of others would allow shortcuts.
Regardless, Noah read and memorized everything quickly.
The Wood Style material was what truly interested him. The jutsu might seem "outdated" for someone like him, but everything had value. In this world, its utility was high. At the very least, he could modify it for reforestation or defensive magic circles.
There wasn't much on Wood Style; the First Hokage hadn't left detailed records, only hand signs for certain techniques. Noah finished reading in minutes.
"You've memorized it already?"
"Yes. Every bit."
The Third Hokage was surprised. Noah's academy scores had been mediocre-he clearly hadn't shown his true abilities. Despite this, the Hokage trusted his word and took back the scrolls.
"Is there anything you don't understand?"
"Quite a lot."
"I see. Don't worry, I've prepared a mentor. Tenzo, come out."
Tenzo? Isn't that Yamato?
Noah hadn't expected the Third to bring Yamato. His appearance confirmed one thing: one of the Anbu following Naruto previously had indeed been him. Chakra signatures don't change-otherwise, someone like Karin Uzumaki couldn't track Sasuke so consistently.
The Third introduced Yamato briefly. Noah could ask him anything about Wood Style. Noah nodded and began asking questions-not for show. Many terms in the scrolls were obscure. The text described techniques he hadn't seen before.
He had studied much ninjutsu theory, but Wood Style was new. It was high-level, difficult, and fused, like magic but different in essence. Without prior exposure, even the strongest would struggle.
The Third Hokage observed. The boy had indeed memorized the scrolls perfectly. What remarkable talent, he thought.
Yamato, however, was limited. As Noah's questions became fewer but deeper, even Yamato couldn't answer. Proficient, yes, but not a natural. He was Orochimaru's experiment. The gap between him and someone like Noah was vast.
"I'm sorry. That's all I can answer. You'll have to figure out the rest on your own."
"No problem. That's more than enough, Senior. Also, it's a pleasure to meet you properly for the second time."
Noah didn't mind. He had enough to proceed but didn't skip manners. Yamato nodded. The Hokage remained silent-he remembered Noah's status as a sensory ninja.
The Hokage wasn't worried. Noah had already manifested a tree; the only missing step was weaponizing it. Since the hardest part was done, the rest would follow.
Within hours, Noah had leads and a plan. His confidence was visible.
"That's wonderful," the Third said.
For safety, he asked if Yamato should continue. Noah agreed. After returning the scrolls, he departed.
The month was for gathering intel, preparing strategies, and resting. Naruto and Sasuke would likely train frantically. In the original story, Kakashi had entrusted Naruto to Ebisu, leading to Jiraiya and the Summoning Jutsu. Sasuke learned Chidori and began his Lightning Style arsenal.
Now was similar, with slight differences. Sasuke trained under Kakashi and his clan. Noah noticed Shisui always nearby when Sasuke trained alone.
Noah didn't interfere. He didn't seek Jiraiya. His routine: train with Yamato and gradually release his understanding of Wood Style. To an observer, his progress seemed gradual, but in a power like Wood Style, even small gains were huge.
Eventually, Yamato gave up. He told the Third he had nothing left to teach. The Hokage could only smile bitterly. The only other possible mentor was Tsunade. No one knew if the Senju left additional records.
Without a mentor, Noah's days became leisurely. He exercised and monitored others' progress.
The days passed. The month of preparation ended. Noah readied himself for the arena.
"It's been twelve, nearly thirteen years. Thank you, Orochimaru. Not only did you bring me what I wanted, but you're giving me the chance to have some real fun."