Xu Fan's Troubles
Xu Fan was not trying to show off, nor did he have some kind of ultimate pretender system. He had no need for elaborate tricks—he simply described the facts as they were.
Although Xu Fan initially proposed attending the ninja academy, a significant part of his reasoning had to do with the process and location of his check-ins.
Even under his original plan, he had intended to graduate early.
If he remained at the ninja academy, following the usual schedule, by the time he graduated alongside Naruto, Orochimaru would already be launching his attack on Konoha.
At that point, no matter how strong he was, he would still be just a Genin.
He would still be incomparable to figures like Jiraiya or Tsunade.
Looking at Konoha's timeline, the death of the Third Hokage marked the easiest opportunity to become Hokage.
Xu Fan had not expected that his fourth check-in would grant him the Wood Release Bloodline Limit.
He thought such a thing would take much longer to obtain.
In the meantime, he had planned to learn ninjutsu at the ninja academy.
But now, there was no need.
"Come to think of it, none of Konoha's Twelve really learned their signature abilities at the academy," Xu Fan mused.
Naruto's two major techniques—Rasengan and Shadow Clone Jutsu—were learned from Jiraiya and stolen from the Scroll of Seals, respectively.
Sasuke's Sharingan was innate, and his Chidori was taught by Kakashi.
The others either had clan-exclusive techniques or learned from Jonin mentors.
The only truly practical skills from the academy were the Clone Technique and Transformation Jutsu.
However, with his newly acquired Bloodline Limit, he now possessed the most powerful clone technique—Wood Release clones.
As for Transformation Jutsu, it was a basic ninjutsu, easily mastered with self-study.
Even if he graduated early, he wouldn't be missing out on anything.
In fact, regardless of whether his fourth check-in had granted him Wood Release, Xu Fan had already intended to discuss early graduation with Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Graduating early and becoming a Genin under the guidance of a Jonin was the most logical path for him.
It wasn't unheard of. Take Uchiha Itachi, for example.
He had graduated early, became a Chunin at seven, and was already an Anbu Captain by Xu Fan's current age.
Meanwhile, his peers were only now graduating.
If Uchiha Itachi could do it, why couldn't he?
Because Itachi was an Uchiha?
Well, Xu Fan belonged to the Senju clan.
Because Itachi had a Mangekyō Sharingan?
Xu Fan had the power of sign-in rewards!
Even if Uchiha Itachi suddenly activated Susanoo, Xu Fan could calmly ask, "Do you also wish to dance?"
However, Sarutobi Hiruzen did not immediately respond to Xu Fan's request. He sat in silence for a moment, contemplating.
Though the request surprised him, it was far more reasonable than something outlandish like a name change.
Besides, Xu Fan's recent actions had already proven that his strength far surpassed his peers—even exceeding some Genin.
Allowing him to graduate early and assigning a Jonin mentor wasn't unreasonable.
"I will consider this matter," Sarutobi Hiruzen finally said. "The next graduation exam is in just over two months. Until then, you will continue your studies under Iruka."
Xu Fan nodded.
Though Sarutobi Hiruzen hadn't given a definitive answer, his intentions were clear.
If Xu Fan passed the graduation exam in two months, he could graduate early.
At the same time, this period gave Sarutobi Hiruzen room to reconsider should any complications arise.
But from Xu Fan's perspective, this was no issue at all.
"By the way…"
Sarutobi Hiruzen suddenly stood up, as if he had just remembered something. "Would you like to visit Hinata?"
"Hinata?"
"Yes. After being held hostage by the Cloud ninja, she was only frightened. She has recovered, but she is still on sick leave as an excuse to stay home."
Sarutobi Hiruzen made no effort to hide the matter.
According to the information he had, Xu Fan had been the one who saved Hinata that day.
If anything, Xu Fan likely knew the details of the situation better than he did.
Moreover, Sarutobi Hiruzen was quite pleased with Xu Fan's performance. With the right training, even if he didn't become the next Hokage, he could still inherit the Will of Fire and protect Konoha.
There was no harm in introducing him to the Hyuga clan in advance.
Most importantly, this was an opportunity to strengthen relations with the Hyuga clan.
"I was planning to visit the Hyuga clan anyway," Sarutobi Hiruzen said, adjusting his Hokage hat. "Shall we go together?"
"Sure," Xu Fan agreed, though he had a feeling Sarutobi Hiruzen wasn't just inviting him for a casual visit.
When Naruto became the Seventh Hokage, he was drowning in work like a corporate slave.
By contrast, the Third Hokage's daily workload seemed to involve little more than wandering the village and making home visits.
Both were Hokage, but the difference in responsibilities was staggering.
People blamed Sarutobi's leniency on Danzo's influence, but Naruto had strong support from Sasuke and Shikamaru.
Given all this, Xu Fan suspected that Sarutobi Hiruzen was using the Hinata visit as a cover.
In reality, he was likely meeting with the Hyuga clan to discuss the fallout from the Cloud Village incident.
On top of that, he might have wanted Xu Fan to form a bond with Hinata.
After all, the Hyuga clan had a strict hierarchy. As the eldest daughter, Hinata was the future head of the clan.
If Xu Fan was being groomed as a future Hokage, forming ties with Hinata was a strategic move.
But…
That was just Xu Fan's theory. Only Sarutobi Hiruzen knew his true intentions.
"Let's go."
Sarutobi Hiruzen adjusted his Hokage robe and walked past Xu Fan, opening the office door to head toward the Hyuga residence.
Xu Fan followed quickly.
"Come to think of it, I wonder how close Naruto and Hinata are at this point."
"After all, I did save her. What if she ends up liking me instead?"
Xu Fan recalled that the reason Hinata liked Naruto was because he had helped her when she was in trouble.
In other words, shy girls like Hinata tended to fall for those who showed them kindness.
But they were also incredibly loyal once they did.
"Sigh…" Xu Fan sighed. "A good guy like me is bound to attract girls."
"But what if too many girls like me?"
"I just want to sign in, become stronger, and become Hokage. I don't have time to waste on romance."