"Lord Hokage, good day!"
The moment Natsume Yō stepped into the office, he bowed politely, his voice steady.
This Sarutobi Hiruzen was not the frail, withered man from Yō's memories. At fifty-four, the Third Hokage was still at his peak, overflowing with strength and presence. The instant Yō entered, he felt it—that quiet, crushing pressure, like standing before a mountain. It made his skin crawl.
"Natsume Yō, isn't it? Relax. Sit down."The Hokage lifted his gaze, studying Yō carefully. Then, with a faintly satisfied smile, he gestured for him to sit.
That smile only made Yō's chest tighten.
"Tell me, Natsume Yō—what do you think of the Will of Fire?"The old man's first words were already a minefield.
Yō's mind stalled. This wasn't a question he wanted to answer… but refusing wasn't an option. The wrong reply, and the Hokage could just as easily crush him on the spot.
He forced a casual tone. "Mm… I think the Will of Fire is when everyone gets along, plays together, helps each other out. You know, unity and harmony."
Of course, he understood the true meaning of the Will of Fire. But if he spoke with the insight of an adult transmigrator, it'd only draw suspicion. Better to give the answer expected of a child.
"This is your answer?"The Hokage's eyes sharpened, his voice calm.
Gulp.
Under that gaze, Yō felt like a lamb locked in the eyes of a lion. His body shivered involuntarily, pupils shrinking into pinpoints.
The silence stretched for two unbearable minutes. Just when the tension was about to snap—
"Haha. Don't be so stiff. I like your answer."Sarutobi suddenly laughed, the pressure evaporating. "What I want to know now… is your next step."
He leaned back, voice soft, almost grandfatherly. "At your level, you won't learn much more in the Academy. Have you considered other paths?"
Yō swiped the sweat off his forehead, forcing an innocent smile. "What does Grandpa Hokage recommend?"
His back was soaked. Those two minutes had felt like a century.
"For example—joining the ANBU, and taking on missions."The Hokage's face was calm, but his words cut deep.
Yō's eyes widened. "Eh? But isn't ANBU only for elites who've passed the Chūnin Exams? I haven't even killed anyone yet. Wouldn't putting me there be… kind of a joke?"He tried to look timid, the picture of youthful inexperience.
"Hahaha!"Sarutobi chuckled heartily. "If I authorize it, you can join first and gain experience. With your talent, I believe you won't be inferior to those so-called elites."
The truth was more complicated. War loomed, and the Academy's best were already taken by famous jōnin leaders. Yō had drawn the short straw. His would-be squad leader's team was full. So the Hokage had only one option—let an ANBU captain mold this anomaly.
Otherwise, he'd never risk throwing a child straight into the shadows.
"I see. If that's how it is… I'll give it a try."Yō lowered his gaze, feigning innocence tinged with fear, like a boy swept into something far beyond his control.
Inside, though, he was grinning. ANBU, huh? This is gonna get interesting.