Wood Release… genuine, naturally-awakened Wood Release!
Not the grafted, makeshift power Yamato carries, but something that stirs to life of its own accord!
The very might that once belonged only to the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama —the legend who pacified the warring world and created Konoha!
At this instant, Sarutobi Hiruzen felt every drop of blood in his veins ignite and burn!
After the first great shock came joy and relief that swept through him like a tsunami!
He jerked his head up, eyes riveted on Tejima Shinichi's youthful face, chest heaving with excitement.
So that's why… that's why!
No wonder the boy possesses such monstrous Chakra.
No wonder he crushed the competition to become top student.
No wonder he stayed calm and decisive in the face of danger.
No wonder his grasp of the Will of Fire was so unique and profound!
Everything finally makes sense!
Every question has an answer!
Because he carries the greatest power of the Senju clan!
The First Hokage's legacy has awakened in him!
Now only the seat of Hokage can match the destiny of such strength!
No!
Wrong!
Sarutobi's gaze turned razor-sharp and resolute.
'Precisely because this power exists—because he is the inheritor of the First's might—he must become Hokage!'
'Only the Hokage's title will let him wield that power openly and use it to guard Konoha and illuminate the Ninja World!'
'My earlier judgment wasn't mistaken—it simply underestimated the boy's potential and importance!'
'I bet right!'
'I bet right!!!'
Sarutobi shouted it wildly inside his heart.
'Staking Konoha's future, staking every scrap of my political capital and my remaining credibility on this youth will be the most correct —the wisest—decision of my life!'
'Danzo, Root, internal strife, outside threats… before the power that symbolizes Konoha's origin and apex, they all look petty and ridiculous!'
He looked at Tejima Shinichi, the awe in his eyes giving way to blazing heat.
'This is Konoha's hope!'
"Haha… ahahaha…!"
He laughed again, the sound no longer just delighted but ecstatic —as though he saw a straight road to the heavens.
He reached out and slapped Shinichi's shoulder so hard the boy raised an eyebrow.
"Good! Excellent, Shinichi!"
Sarutobi's voice trembled uncontrollably, tears of excitement shining in his eyes.
"Sensei truly… did not misread you!"
"No —Heaven has not forsaken Konoha, nor me, Sarutobi Hiruzen!"
He stared fixedly at Shinichi, as if gazing into Konoha's future, and declared word by word:
"With this power, you are destined to stand at the summit of the Ninja World!"
"The title of Hokage belongs to you alone!"
"Rest assured —this old teacher will sweep every obstacle from your path, even if it costs my last breath!"
"From today on, you are my one true heir!"
At this moment all weariness, all doubt, all self-questioning vanished before those two swaying sprouts.
Sarutobi felt a strength and fulfillment he had never known.
He could already see how, in the near future, this youth would lead Konoha into an unprecedented age of glory with absolute power and will!
—Let Konoha be… great once more!!!
Watching the Will of Fire blazing in Sarutobi's eyes, Shinichi could feel the surging passion and unconditional support inside his teacher.
The last trace of worry he'd had about revealing his trump card melted away.
What he needed was exactly such a guide who could provide resources without holding back.
So Shinichi voiced his most urgent need.
"Sensei, now that you know my power… I need a way to master it." He met Sarutobi's gaze with clear eyes. "I want the Wood Release scrolls."
"Haha, of course!" Sarutobi swept an arm wide, face radiant. "Come with me! Only one place in all Konoha holds the most complete, most primal mysteries of Wood Release!"
Energized as if twenty years had fallen from his shoulders, he spun about and strode ahead.
Shinichi followed right behind.
They passed through layer upon layer of guards and arrived at the vault where the sealed scroll was kept, a place under heavy watch by elite Anbu.
"Lord Hokage!"
The Anbu on duty bowed at once; spotting Shinichi behind him, they showed surprise but asked no questions.
Sarutobi produced the Hokage token and said solemnly,
"Open the inner vault."
"Yes, sir!"
Confirming the token, the guards formed seals together and released the complex barrier on the gate.
The massive door slid inward, revealing a deep, solemn passage.
Unlike last time, when only specific Water Release techniques could be chosen, Sarutobi now searched the sealed scroll himself.
In moments he found the four bold characters—Wood Release Ninjutsu.
"Take it, Shinichi." He held the scroll out with grave expectation. "Inside are every known Wood Release Jutsu the First Hokage devised, along with his insights and speculations —his most precious legacy."
Shinichi drew a slow breath and reached out with both hands to accept the scroll.
The instant his fingers closed on the smooth wooden handle a thrill like lightning shot through him!
'This is it!'
'At last… it's mine!'
'A broad road to the pinnacle of power lies open before me!'
Eyes crimson, he gripped the scroll while his heart pounded as though announcing the dawn of a new era.
With it —and his own vast Chakra and the legendary Wood Release —Elite Jonin, even the threshold of Kage, would no longer be distant dreams but steps he could foresee and easily cross!
'Sharingan, Rinnegan —side paths; the Wood of all creation is truth!!!'
'Under Wood Release, all beings are equal!!!'
From this instant Tejima Shinichi truly possessed the trump card to stride across the perilous Ninja World and live by his own will!
No more hiding, no more careful schemes to meet every crisis.
Power —true wings of freedom!