In the Hokage's office, Sarutobi Hiruzen sat silently, staring at the crystal ball displaying Yuki Seisui and Minato. His brows were furrowed in deep thought. Just moments ago, Yamanaka Yukion had finished summarizing Yuki Seisui's abilities. Since then, Sarutobi had been in this contemplative state.
"So that's how it is…"
"A first-generation inheritor of a Kekkei Genkai…"
Just then, the office doors flew open with a loud bang. Shimura Danzo strode in and immediately wrinkled his nose at the heavy cloud of second-hand smoke in the room.
"Every time I come in here, it's like walking into a chimney. Do you even remember you're the Hokage?"
He approached the desk and caught sight of Yuki Seisui in the crystal ball, a flash of surprise in his eyes.
"Root is short on personnel. I want you to transfer a few people to me."
"It's normal to be short-staffed right after forming a new unit," Sarutobi replied, puffing on his pipe. "I'll send over another squad from the Anbu."
Danzo's gaze returned to the crystal ball.
"Then give me those two kids as well."
He was referring to Seisui and Minato. He didn't know why Sarutobi was paying attention to them, but he knew from experience, if the Hokage took notice, they were probably prodigies.
It was just a casual request, really. If Sarutobi agreed, great. If not, no big deal.
Sarutobi gave Danzo a sideways glance and let out a cold snort. "Out of the question. Those two children are newly sprouted leaves bathed in sunlight."
Danzo's face twisted in frustration at the immediate rejection. "You'll regret this, Hiruzen!"
"Enough!" Sarutobi slammed his hand on the desk and stood up. He was still in his prime, known across the ninja world as the "Professor of Ninjutsu," a legendary shinobi.
"Danzo, I am the Hokage."
"Hmph." With a snort, Danzo turned and left, the door slamming behind him.
Unbothered by the noise, Sarutobi picked up the file on his desk.
Name: Yuki Seisui
Age: Six
Parents: Yuki Santo and Yuki Yukiko
History: Entered the Academy at age three
Staring at the report and recalling what he had witnessed at the opening ceremony the previous day, Sarutobi thought to himself:
So he really is a new leaf carrying the Will of Fire...
"I should find time to meet that child."
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Meanwhile, at the Ninja Academy, Yuki Seisui was attending class as if nothing had happened.
He had already made up his mind to reveal his Duel Arena ability. After all, it wasn't like he could hide it forever. Not using it just wasn't an option. Now was the perfect time to reveal it, publicly, it would just appear to be a training function.
As for features like "Battle Mode," chakra enhancement, and card draws, those could remain hidden. He could mask his power growth as something that came solely from the Duel Arena.
By the third period, Inuzuka Ryo had finally regained consciousness. Muttering about how surprised he was to still be alive, he glanced thoughtfully at Seisui.
"So… that's your special ability?"
Ryo mumbled to himself, his eyes fixed on Seisui. The heat of battle still burned inside him. Minato, sitting nearby, could almost feel the fire radiating off Ryo.
"Damn it! Even if that's the case, there's no way I'm giving up!"
"As soon as I learn ninjutsu, you're finished!"
Seisui completely ignored Ryo's dramatic declaration. He was too busy preparing for the afternoon's practical class. The Academy's daily structure was simple: culture lessons in the morning, combat training in the afternoon.
Thankfully, they provided standard ninja tools for the class, which was a relief to Seisui.
His homemade wooden tools were barely presentable.
The practical session was straightforward, throwing kunai, shuriken, and the like.
The next two days were filled with a repetitive routine: wake up, go to class, finish school, go home, train with Minato, and duel at night.
Monotonous, but fulfilling.
"Minato, after school today, come with me to Uncle Hayata's place."
"Mm!" Minato nodded, visibly excited. This would be his first time owning real ninja tools.
Then he paused, suddenly remembering something.
"Oh no, I haven't paid you yet!"
He quickly fumbled in his pocket and pulled out 5,000 ryo. "Seisui, here! I don't know how much it costs to craft ninja tools, but this is all the money I have. If it's not enough, I'll pay you the rest later."
He scratched his head, embarrassed.
Seisui looked at the money, then tapped Minato on the head and handed it back.
"Keep it for yourself."
"That metal was chakra-infused. You couldn't afford it even if you sold yourself."
"But I found it, so the leftover materials after making our tools are the payment."
"I didn't spend a cent."
Minato didn't know what chakra metal was, but he sighed in relief upon hearing Seisui hadn't paid either.
Still, he insisted, "Just take it."
"I don't know what chakra metal is, but it must be really valuable. Otherwise, Uncle Hayata wouldn't have accepted just the scraps as payment."
He stuffed the money into Seisui's hands.
"I don't want to take advantage of you. I'll pay the difference later."
Seeing how stubborn Minato was, Seisui reluctantly accepted the money and slipped it into his wallet with a smirk.
"Fine. But if you ever can't afford to eat, come to my place."
"If I have a single grain of rice, you won't go hungry."
Minato nodded, visibly touched.
"Too bad you're not a girl," Seisui added with a dramatic sigh. "Then you could repay me with your body."
Startled, Minato scooted closer to Inuzuka Ryo for safety.
"You two sure are close," said a lazy voice from behind. It was Pineapple Head.
"Hey, aren't the three of us just as close?" Seisui turned around in his seat, facing away from the blackboard.
"I guess you're right."
The "Pineapple Head" was none other than Nara Shikaku. Beside him sat Akimichi Choza and Yamanaka Inoichi, this generation's Ino-Shika-Cho trio.
Fathers of three of the future Twelve Guardian Ninja.
Also in their class was Aburame Shibi, father of Aburame Shino, another of the future Twelve.
Seisui internally dubbed their class: The Class of the Twelve Titans, because so many parents of the future elite were here.
"Hey, want to play shogi?" Shikaku pulled a set from his desk and waved it at Seisui.
"Shogi?" Seisui shook his head. "I don't know how to play. But I do know a more interesting game."
"Wanna learn?"
"Oh?" Shikaku perked up. "What kind of game?"
"I'll bring it tomorrow and show you."
"Just give me a preview."
Seisui sighed and gave a quick explanation of chess.
"Sounds fun," Shikaku said, stroking his chin in interest. "I'll go have a set made. That way, you don't have to bring one."
"Sure, that works." Seisui nodded, not bothered either way.
He was pretty good at chess, after all.
"Want some chips?" Choza passed a bag over. Shikaku expertly tore it open and handed it to Seisui.
Without hesitation, Seisui began snacking.
"Yuki Seisui! Nara Shikaku! Namikaze Minato! Akimichi Choza!"
"You four, out in the hallway, now!!"
Yamanaka Yukio hurled four chalk pieces, each hitting its target squarely on the head as he roared in fury.
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250 Power Stones = Bonus Chapter
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