The Shock of the Third Hokage
Just as Xu Fan had expected, the next morning, Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, arrived at the Senju Clan's residence.
The leader of the Hidden Cloud Village wanted the Byakugan of the Hyuga Clan, so naturally, they wouldn't harm Hinata.
According to Xu Fan's calculations, Hinata would have woken up either late last night or by this morning at the latest.
The Senju Clan, combined with the abilities of a young ninja—who else could have been involved besides me?
Even if Sarutobi himself didn't come, he would have sent someone.
"Hokage-sama."
After finishing breakfast, Xu Fan paced back and forth at the entrance of the Senju residence. He wasn't sure how long he waited before he finally saw Sarutobi Hiruzen approaching. Taking the initiative, Xu Fan greeted him.
"Senju Xu." Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled and nodded in acknowledgment.
As the Third Hokage, Sarutobi made it a point to remember the names and chakra signatures of the younger generation in the village—especially the descendants of the Senju Clan.
"I can now extract chakra." Without hesitation, Xu Fan got straight to the point. "I want to enroll in the Ninja Academy."
Five years ago, he had the same desire, but due to his weak chakra levels, his request had been denied.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's heart tightened.
Could it be that the person who defeated the Hidden Cloud ninja yesterday was actually Senju Xu?
No…
That's impossible.
The Cloud Village had sent not just an elite Jonin but a whole squad.
Even Konoha's own Jonin couldn't have caused that level of destruction.
And yet… he's just a thirteen-year-old boy.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes narrowed as he recalled the legends of the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama—known throughout the ninja world as the "God of Shinobi."
Could Senju Xu have inherited Hashirama's unique Wood Release bloodline limit at such a young age?
Before coming here, Sarutobi had asked Anbu ninja Kakashi to bring a photograph of Xu Fan to Hinata for confirmation.
Hinata was certain that Senju Xu had saved her.
However, she had no memory of witnessing his battle with the Cloud ninja.
Because of this, it was impossible to confirm whether he had been alone at the time.
"Xu, you're quite impressive. Would you mind showing Grandpa Hokage your abilities?" Sarutobi asked with a warm smile.
If Xu Fan had truly awakened the First Hokage's bloodline, it would be no small matter.
"Of course." Xu Fan beamed with excitement.
But in reality, he had no intention of revealing his full power.
He only needed to demonstrate enough strength to gain admission to the Ninja Academy. His real goal was to become a shinobi, climb the ranks, and eventually join Konoha's leadership—maybe even become Hokage.
Not to flaunt his chakra.
Xu Fan formed a hand seal and began gathering chakra within his body.
He decided to reveal only about 10% of his full power.
Even at this level, his chakra reserves would appear impressive for someone his age.
Sarutobi Hiruzen watched closely, his throat tightening.
Though he outwardly maintained a calm demeanor, he was secretly using sensory techniques to analyze Xu Fan's chakra.
But what is this…?
The chakra in front of him felt entirely different from what he had expected.
In just a single breath, Xu Fan had spread his chakra evenly throughout his body. Soon, it began to overflow, forming a faint chakra cloak around him.
This level of chakra control—Sarutobi had only ever seen it in Jinchūriki.
For a moment, he was stunned.
Even with a conservative estimate, Xu Fan's chakra reserves were at least a hundred times greater than Hatake Kakashi's.
"He's only thirteen… and his chakra is already this vast…?" Sarutobi Hiruzen muttered in disbelief.
If this was him as a child, what kind of monster would he become in his prime?
No, not a monster like a Jinchūriki…
This boy…
He is the heir to the First Hokage's legacy.
The Senju Clan had weakened over the years, but now, an undeniable genius had emerged.
"Hah..."
Xu Fan exhaled deeply and stopped his demonstration. "Unfortunately, this is my limit."
"Your limit?" Sarutobi Hiruzen repeated, still in shock.
To many so-called geniuses, even this level of chakra would be completely unattainable.
Yet this boy... didn't seem satisfied.
Of course, the Third Hokage had no way of knowing—Xu Fan's definition of "limit" was very different from his own.
"If I pushed further, I might form a visible chakra cloak. But just for the sake of enrollment, that's unnecessary."
Xu Fan shook his head. Even he hadn't expected to mimic a Jinchūriki's chakra cloak so easily.
This was the effect of sheer quantity turning into quality.
With enough chakra, you could do just about anything.
"Grandpa Hokage, can I enter the Ninja Academy now?" Xu Fan asked with a smile.
"Of course."
Sarutobi Hiruzen, though still reeling from what he had just witnessed, reached out and gently ruffled Xu Fan's hair.
Although the Academy had just completed its enrollment for the year, making an exception wouldn't be an issue.
More importantly, Sarutobi Hiruzen was now eager to see how Xu Fan would grow.
After all, he was getting older…
And he needed a successor who could truly inherit the Will of Fire.
"When the time is right, I will remove Danzo from his position as an advisor and disband Root."
This thought had been in his mind for a long time.
But now, with Xu Fan's emergence, his resolve had solidified.
At the same time, the hidden operatives of Root had already delivered the news to Danzo.
"Senju Xu..."
Danzo murmured the name as he subconsciously clenched his bandaged arm. Though his expression remained calm, his mind was in turmoil.
The evidence was clear.
Senju Xu was likely the one who had annihilated the Cloud ninja and caused the destruction at the border forest.
"Are you absolutely certain?" Danzo asked.
A kneeling Root operative responded firmly. "Without a doubt. As a sensory-type ninja, I would not make such a mistake."
The chakra that boy possesses surpasses anything I've ever encountered.
"I see."
Danzo clenched his fists.
If the boy merely had immense chakra reserves, that would be one thing.
But if he could also use Wood Release…
Danzo's eyes darkened.
"You may leave."
His face remained blank, but deep inside, countless schemes were forming.