A Well-Deserved Reward – When the System Finally Stops Being Stingy
Right after Maito Gai finally completed the tree-climbing exercise, Satoru was leisurely basking in the joy of his students' progress when the system suddenly chimed in his head.
*Ting! Congratulations, host! You have successfully completed the chakra control training program!*
*Progress Summary: All students have met the required standard. Outstanding achievement!*
*Reward: 1,000 points.*
*Bonus Reward: 'Armament Haki' (Basic Level, Rank A), converted into a chakra-based technique.*
*Skill Summary: Armament Haki allows the user to coat their body or weapon with chakra, enhancing attack power and defense. It can bypass conventional defenses and is particularly effective against strong defensive jutsu like the Eight Trigrams Rotation or the Kazekage's Sand Shield.*
Satoru's jaw dropped.
"Whoa… This is actually pretty damn strong!"
Just like that, he had acquired a new trump card, all thanks to the system finally deciding to invest a little in him.
But before he could test it out, a familiar voice called out from behind.
"Satoru, Hokage-sama wants to see you."
He turned around to see Renji-sensei standing there, arms crossed, looking at him seriously.
"The Hokage wants you to explain the changes you made to the curriculum."
Satoru: "…"
*Crap.*
---
### **When a Hustler Starts Plotting…**
Satoru swallowed hard, his mind racing.
But soon enough, he calmed himself down.
*Relax, Satoru. This isn't necessarily a bad thing…*
*If I show enough loyalty to the Hokage, I can solidify my position in the village.*
*If Danzo takes too much interest in me, and I end up being dragged into Root, then I'm screwed…!*
Satoru had read enough about Naruto to know that anyone who joined Danzo's Root division was as good as permanently shackled.
Lifelong oaths of loyalty, cursed seals, erasure of personal emotions…
*Nope. No way. That's a death sentence.*
Anyone who wanted to survive in this ninja world had to choose a side.
*So I'll side with the Third Hokage.*
With that thought, a sly grin spread across Satoru's face, his hands instinctively rubbing together like a scheming merchant.
"Hehehe, Hiruzen, you won't escape my flattery!"
Walking ahead, Renji suddenly felt a chill run down his spine. He snuck a glance at Satoru.
*This guy… has poverty finally driven him insane?!*
---
### **An Audience with the Third Hokage – When One Warrior Recognizes Another**
The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, was still a middle-aged man full of commanding presence.
He sat behind his desk, arms crossed, deep eyes unreadable as thin wisps of smoke curled from his pipe.
As soon as Satoru entered, he felt a crushing pressure settle on him.
The sheer chakra presence of the Hokage was immense—like an unshakable mountain.
Even with his Observation Haki, Satoru could perceive the vast chakra flowing within Hiruzen, an endless ocean stretching into infinity.
He gulped.
*This guy is a monster.*
He had underestimated the real-life version of Hiruzen, who was a far cry from the frail old man depicted in the Naruto series.
Hiruzen studied Satoru for a long moment before speaking in a deep, authoritative tone.
"Satoru, I've heard you've made some changes to the curriculum?"
Satoru took a deep breath, steadied himself, and activated his ultimate skill—flattery.
He bowed respectfully.
"Hokage-sama, I had no intention of defying the curriculum. However, I felt that… improving chakra control was the most crucial foundation for the students. Without a strong foundation, even the most advanced ninjutsu would fail to reach its full potential."
Hiruzen narrowed his eyes and set his pipe down, scrutinizing Satoru.
For a moment, he could sense the aura surrounding this young man.
A pure swordsmanship aura.
There was no deception in his words.
Hiruzen was briefly taken aback.
*This is a true swordsman.*
*One who has dedicated himself fully to the way of the blade.*
Even though he didn't completely trust Satoru yet, his instincts as a seasoned warrior told him that this young man was no schemer.
If his master, Tobirama, were still alive, he would have definitely taken an interest in grooming such a talent.
A shadow of sorrow flickered through Hiruzen's eyes.
*Danzo… If it weren't for our old brotherhood, I would have never tolerated you for this long…*
---
### **Satoru's Power Move – Gifting the Hokage**
Satoru cleared his throat, preparing to pull off a bold move.
Renji and Hiruzen both turned their attention to him.
Hiruzen nodded. "You have something to ask of me? Speak freely."
Satoru retrieved a sealed scroll from inside his robe and placed it gently on the desk.
Hiruzen's eyes gleamed as he opened it.
The more he read, the more intrigued he became.
"This is…?"
Satoru scratched his head and smiled modestly.
"Hokage-sama, this is a chakra sensory technique I created. It expands one's perception range and even allows one to fight effectively while blindfolded."
Hiruzen looked up, his expression turning serious.
"You… created this yourself?"
Satoru nodded sheepishly. "Yes, sir."
Hiruzen wasn't entirely convinced, but he couldn't deny the technique's value.
After a brief silence, he smiled approvingly.
"Well done. Konoha grows stronger because of young talents like you."
"What is your chakra nature?"
After Satoru answered, Hiruzen pondered for a moment before pulling out an A-rank ninjutsu scroll and placing it on the desk.
"Take this. Consider it your reward."
---
### **The Political Game – When Danzo Enters the Scene**
After Satoru left the Hokage's office, the atmosphere in the room grew heavier.
Hiruzen quietly exhaled a puff of smoke before snapping his fingers.
In an instant, a shadow appeared, kneeling before him.
Without turning around, Hiruzen issued a firm order.
"Summon Danzo."
The shadow disappeared instantly.
Within minutes, the office door creaked open, and Shimura Danzo stepped inside.
---
### **A Silent Clash Between Two Titans of Power**
Danzo strode into the office, his hawk-like eyes sweeping over the room.
Hiruzen remained seated, his expression calm but his gaze sharp.
"You summoned me, Hiruzen?"
Hiruzen set his pipe down, folding his arms as he spoke firmly.
"Satoru is under my jurisdiction from now on."
"Don't touch him."
Danzo frowned, his voice cold.
"Hiruzen, that boy has potential. Are you truly wasting such talent?"
"The village is on the brink of war. Root needs more recruits."
Hiruzen met Danzo's gaze without hesitation.
"I know what you're trying to do, Danzo. But I have chosen this boy."
Danzo let out a sharp breath, his tone icy.
"You'll regret this, Hiruzen."
He turned on his heel and left.
But Danzo never gave up so easily…