Early the next morning, Riku once again arrived at the academy's training field, accompanied by his father, Nobuhiko.
Today, the Sandaime also had a speech prepared for the new students, so not only the incoming class but students from other years had also arrived at the school early.
Half an hour later—
When everyone had gathered and the time was about right, the Sandaime emerged from the principal's office and stepped onto the elevated platform beside the training field. His gaze swept across the students below and the many parents seated in the stands to the sides.
Effortlessly, he locked his eyes onto Riku's figure in the crowd.
And when he saw the admiration in Riku's eyes directed at him as Hokage, a smile crept onto the Sandaime's face.
"It seems this little guy is a fine seedling, and he holds deep admiration for me!"
"Looks like my plan might go smoothly after all."
With that thought in mind, the Sandaime began his speech:
"Where the leaves dance, the fire will continue to burn..."
While preaching the Will of Fire and attempting to indoctrinate these young minds, a part of his attention remained focused on observing Riku and several other students.
To his satisfaction, Riku's gaze only grew more reverent as he listened to the ideals of the Will of Fire.
Half an hour later—
The Sandaime's brainwashing session finally came to an end.
Both the students and the parents released a collective sigh of relief.
Finally!
Quite a few parents regretted attending—such a long speech was utterly exhausting.
After the speech concluded, parents quickly greeted their children and then left in a hurry.
Meanwhile, Riku and the other new students were assigned to their classes and led into their respective classrooms.
Soon after, the homeroom teachers began conducting the self-introduction sessions.
...
"My dream is to become strong, to make Konoha better and better, to help our clan truly integrate into the village, and to make the Uchiha better as well."
Outside the classroom, the Sandaime stood by the window and heard Riku say this through the glass. A satisfied smile appeared on his face, and his fondness for Riku grew even deeper.
"A good child indeed," the Sandaime couldn't help but nod slightly and reflect inwardly.
Whether it was Riku's desire to make Konoha better, or his wish for the Uchiha clan to truly integrate into the village—both sounded excellent to him.
As for Riku's wish for the Uchiha to flourish as well...
The Sandaime found no fault in that.
After all, Riku was the son of the Uchiha clan head. It would be odd if he didn't care about his own family's well-being.
In fact, someone who didn't care about their family at all was the one to be feared.
Like that Uchiha from the future—Ita—no, someone who had been completely brainwashed by the Will of Fire, and for the sake of the village, would go so far as to slaughter his entire clan with his own hands.
Even so, the Sandaime never fully trusted him.
And after that massacre, he became even more wary.
To the Sandaime, such a person was an idealistic madman.
He wasn't afraid of Riku having deep familial ties—he only feared that Riku would one day become hostile toward the village and have no fire in his heart.
As long as he carried the Will of Fire, as long as he loved the village, then the Sandaime had methods to slowly mold him into a tool to counterbalance the Uchiha.
Moreover, under the subtle influence of that miraculous wish-based power, the Sandaime would often overlook any inconsistencies in Riku's behavior and find himself increasingly fond of the boy.
Of course, during this process, that hidden miracle power within the Sandaime's mind was being steadily consumed.
Riku, with his sharp perception, naturally noticed the Sandaime watching from outside the window, but he pretended not to and simply took his seat after finishing his self-introduction.
In the month that followed, the Sandaime continued keeping a close eye on Riku.
The more he observed, the more pleased he became.
He saw that Riku had a calm and friendly demeanor, willingly befriending his classmates and getting along well with many of them.
His humility and approachability stood in stark contrast to the typical Uchiha pride, reminding the Sandaime of Kagami.
"This kid... if I didn't know he was Nobuhiko's son, I'd think he was Kagami's."
"Well, I've seen enough—it's time to speak with Tsunade."
Nodding with satisfaction, the Sandaime deactivated his Tōmegane no Jutsu (Telescope Technique) and pondered.
No point in delaying this any longer.
Otherwise, he feared Danzō might try to stir up trouble.
He had already ordered people to keep a close watch on Danzō's movements recently.
There were several attempts where Danzō tried to send people to approach Riku, but all were intercepted by the Anbu stationed nearby under the Sandaime's orders.
But he knew Danzō wouldn't give up so easily.
Especially now that Riku's name as a prodigy was becoming increasingly widespread.
The only way to keep Danzō in check for a while was to get Riku accepted as Tsunade's disciple and firmly tie him to the Sandaime's faction—along with a stern warning to Danzō.
...
South Naka River, in a forest clearing near the Uchiha compound—
Riku was currently teaching Minato a set of basic taijutsu techniques.
This taijutsu style was something he had personally created, combining elements from the Uchiha clan's training methods and the foundations of guoshu (traditional martial arts).
It was far more effective than most clan training styles but still quite different from both guoshu and Uchiha taijutsu.
This was his way of investing in Minato's future.
Not because he thought Minato would become the Yondaime Hokage.
With his own presence here, that possibility was unlikely.
Of course, Riku didn't really see himself becoming the Yondaime either.
That wasn't very realistic.
But the Godaime… that was a future worth aiming for.
"Hah… Riku, thanks a lot. This systematized taijutsu is amazing! Way better than the random training methods I came up with on my own!"
"But… are you sure this is okay?"
"This has to be your clan's taijutsu, right? Isn't it a problem teaching it to an outsider like me?"
"Maybe I shouldn't take it. I don't want you to get in trouble with your clan over me!"
Minato was impressed by the comprehensive training method but couldn't hide his concern.
He understood all too well the weight such a legacy carried.
"Relax!"
Riku smiled and waved dismissively. "First off, I created this by combining ideas from my clan's methods with my own insights, so how I pass it on is my decision;"
"Even if it were a clan technique, given my status, neither my father nor the clan would object;"
"If you're really uncomfortable, just think of it as me investing in you!"
"I have high hopes for your future, Minato!"
"Just accept this investment, and when you become strong one day, help me out if I ever need it."
This wasn't an empty promise. He had already discussed Minato with his father.
When Riku mentioned that Minato had exceptional talent and potential Hokage qualities, Nobuhiko believed him and took it seriously.
If he weren't so occupied right now trying to consolidate power and prepare reforms in the police force and clan structure, and if he weren't unsuitable to meet Minato directly, he would've wanted to meet the boy himself.
Currently, he felt that Riku and Minato's bond wasn't strong enough to expose Minato's full potential to the Sandaime and his faction.
Doing so prematurely would only make it harder to win him over later.
Never underestimate that old fox, the Sandaime.
Underestimating someone like that would come at a steep price.
"This…"
Minato was deeply moved but still somewhat hesitant.
"Jeez, can you not be so wishy-washy?"
"Aren't you a man? Be decisive!"
"Or are you worried you won't be able to pay me back? Or do you not want to admit I'm your friend?"
Riku frowned and scolded him.
...
(End of Chapter)
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