Hoshino Yoru walked through the streets of Konoha.
"Isn't that the genius champion from the Ninja Academy—Hoshino Yoru?"
"Yeah! That declaration he made yesterday was absolutely thunderous!"
"What a fine kid… he'll definitely become a great ninja in the future!"
The villagers whispered among themselves, all smiling at him with goodwill. Some even raised their thumbs in admiration.
Yoru responded with a calm smile as he made his way toward the Hokage Building.
Yes—
Early this morning, an ANBU had arrived to inform him:
The Hokage had summoned him.
…
Knock, knock.
"Enter."
"Hokage-sama! Hoshino Yoru has arrived," the ANBU reported respectfully.
"Good. You may leave."
"Yes!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Yoru with a warm smile.
Ever since yesterday's declaration—
The more he looked at Yoru, the more pleased he felt.
A boy who can inherit the Will of Fire…
Hiruzen felt a deep sense of satisfaction.
"Yoru, come."
Hiruzen personally took Yoru's hand and led him to sit on the sofa beside him.
"I called you here today to introduce you to a teacher," he said with a gentle smile.
"The instructors at the Ninja Academy are only Chunin. They can no longer properly guide a talent like you."
"I have three disciples. All of them are outstanding Jonin."
"They will surely help you grow faster."
…
"What did the old man call us here for?"
Jiraiya walked with his hands behind his head, looking completely carefree.
"Stop talking nonsense. We'll find out when we get there."
Tsunade replied impatiently.
"Ah, they're here."
Hiruzen smiled at Yoru upon hearing movement outside.
"Old man! We're here!"
Jiraiya shouted loudly without any restraint.
Bang!
"Idiot! Call him sensei!"
Tsunade punched him on the head without hesitation.
"We've arrived, Hiruzen-sensei."
Orochimaru greeted politely.
Hiruzen rubbed his forehead.
What a disgrace… I just praised you in front of Yoru…
"Ahem… Yoru, these are my three disciples."
He stood and introduced them with a smile.
"Jiraiya, Tsunade, Orochimaru."
"Hello, senpai!"
Yoru stood up politely and greeted them.
"Oh? It's you, brat."
Jiraiya rubbed his head where Tsunade had hit him.
"Yeah. The white-haired uncle."
Yoru showed zero mercy.
"W-What did you say, you brat?!"
Orochimaru calmly held Jiraiya back as he started to lose control.
"I'm Konoha's number one handsome man!"
Jiraiya struggled uselessly while shouting loudly.
"Oh."
Yoru responded flatly.
The disdain in his eyes was obvious to everyone.
"What kind of reaction is that?! You don't believe me?!"
Jiraiya was on the verge of exploding.
"Enough!"
Hiruzen finally couldn't take it anymore and cut him off sternly.
"I called you here because I want one of you to take Yoru as a disciple and guide him properly."
He stated the purpose directly.
"What?! I'm not taking this arrogant brat as my student!"
Jiraiya said dismissively.
"And don't worry—I wouldn't take a perverted old man as my teacher anyway."
Yoru replied with a look that clearly said you're overthinking it.
"Brat…!"
Jiraiya could only glare at him furiously.
Hiruzen sighed inwardly.
Originally, he had intended for Jiraiya to take Yoru as his disciple—
But now…
That was clearly impossible.
Among his three students, Hiruzen believed that—
Despite Orochimaru being the most talented—
Jiraiya was actually the most suitable teacher.
"What about you, Yoru? Who would you like to choose as your teacher?"
Hiruzen's attitude was unexpectedly accommodating.
He allowed Yoru to decide for himself.
Looks like yesterday's declaration really worked.
Yoru felt a trace of satisfaction.
"Hokage-sama—I want to take Tsunade as my teacher."
He answered without hesitation.
"You brat! Why do you call Tsunade 'big sister' but call me 'uncle'?!"
Jiraiya instantly became dissatisfied again.
"That's discrimination!"
"Well—beautiful people have privileges."
Yoru glanced at him casually.
"As for ugly ones…"
"YOU BRAT!"
Bang!
"Hahaha!"
Tsunade laughed as she punched Jiraiya again.
"You've got quite the mouth, Yoru."
"Alright, I'll take you as my student."
"And don't call me 'sensei.' Just call me Tsunade-nee."
"Good. Then it's settled."
Hiruzen nodded.
"Tsunade, I'll entrust Yoru to you."
"Make sure you guide him well."
"Leave it to me!"
Tsunade said confidently, patting her chest.
Yoru glanced subtly.
Damn… as expected of a legendary weapon…
"Then I look forward to learning from you, Tsunade-nee."
Yoru smiled brightly.
"Ah… right."
Tsunade froze for a moment before responding.
This kid… has a really nice smile…
she thought quietly.
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