Early the next morning, not long after arriving at the academy…
Riku was called to the principal's office by Tsunade, and there, he also saw his homeroom teacher.
When they heard that Tsunade had officially accepted Riku as her disciple, and that from now on he would only be attending school through a kage bunshin (Shadow Clone) while his real self followed her to study iryō ninjutsu (medical ninjutsu), both the principal and teacher were quite shocked.
"To think Tsunade-sama would take you as her disciple, Riku-kun! Congratulations!"
"As for using a shadow clone to attend class, that's perfectly fine!"
"Actually, you don't even really need to come. I've heard about your recent performance—you've been progressing at an incredible pace."
"There's honestly not much left that we can teach you at the academy!"
"Just focus on learning under Tsunade-sama from now on."
The principal praised and encouraged him for a few sentences, then approved the arrangement without hesitation.
The homeroom teacher stood quietly on the side, nodding repeatedly, not daring to interrupt.
"Still, having a shadow clone attend class is important. This kid's still young—besides learning, it's vital for him to have contact and interaction with his peers."
Tsunade nodded slightly at that. "True, that's a good point."
"Tsunade-sama is very thoughtful—then we'll go with your suggestion!" the principal agreed quickly.
"Alright then! I'll be taking him with me."
With that, Tsunade led Riku out of the office, both the principal and teacher seeing them off.
After Riku sent a shadow clone to replace him in class, Tsunade began leading his real self toward the Hokage Tower.
"Eh? This isn't the path to the hospital, sensei."
Riku noticed halfway and couldn't help asking.
"Mhm."
Tsunade nodded. "This is the way to the Hokage Tower. The old man insisted I bring you to see him first—nothing I can do."
"But—"
Suddenly, she stopped, waving her hand to cast a barrier that enveloped the two of them. She turned serious as she looked at Riku and warned, "I'm guessing the old man is going to keep calling you over often in the future—for little chats, checking up on you."
"You must be cautious."
"He might not have good intentions."
"He's probably planning to brainwash you, to turn you into a tool for controlling and suppressing the Uchiha in the future. Don't fall for it. Understand?"
Riku was genuinely touched by how honest and concerned Tsunade sounded. His heart warmed.
"I understand, sensei. I'll be careful. I won't be tricked by him."
"You know, I'm not exactly stupid."
"Hehe!"
Tsunade chuckled, reaching out to pinch his cheek playfully again. "True. Judging from yesterday, you're definitely a little fox."
"The old man probably miscalculated from the start if he thinks he can manipulate you."
"As long as you're clear on that. Just keep your guard up."
"Let's go."
She dispelled the barrier and continued walking with him.
Nothing seemed to change outwardly, but Riku could clearly feel that Tsunade's steps had become much lighter and more relaxed.
Clearly, being honest with him had lifted a weight off her chest.
"She's a foolish woman in some ways."
"Don't worry, sensei. I won't let you suffer the same tragic fate you originally had."
Riku made a quiet vow in his heart.
He wasn't a saint, but he always returned the kindness shown to him.
Before long, the two reached the Hokage Tower and went up to the second floor.
BANG!
To Riku's surprise, Tsunade kicked open the Hokage's office door.
The door slammed into the wall with a crackling groan, almost as if it were wailing.
Inside, the Third Hokage was mid-conversation with Danzo and looked up in shock and frustration.
Once he saw it was Tsunade, his expression shifted to helplessness and resignation.
He truly had no way of dealing with this disciple of his.
He realized—none of his three students were what one would call normal.
"Tsunade, could you please just open the door normally for once? I'd even settle for you not knocking—this is the third door I've had to replace this month!"
Hiruzen rubbed his temples and sighed.
"Sorry, habit."
Tsunade replied completely without remorse. She then dragged Riku forward and said, "Here. I brought my student. Say whatever you need to quickly—I still need to take him to the hospital for his lessons."
The Third's attention immediately shifted. He turned to Riku and offered what he believed was a kind and grandfatherly smile, about to speak—
But Danzo cut in.
"Hold it!"
Danzo pointed furiously at Riku and shouted, "What's the meaning of this, Hiruzen? You handed this brat over to Tsunade? You let her take him as a disciple? Are you insane?!"
Clearly, he believed Riku should've been sent to ROOT for proper training. That would have been the smart choice.
Instead, Hiruzen had allowed him to become Tsunade's student.
Now the kid was practically part of the Hokage's bloodline, stamped with the Senju's seal.
Did Hiruzen even understand what that meant?
Was he trying to create another Uchiha Kagami? Was he trying to plant the seeds for a future Hokage candidate from the Uchiha?
Danzo was absolutely livid.
He could not comprehend what Hiruzen was doing.
"Danzo!"
Getting openly challenged in front of Tsunade and Riku made Hiruzen lose his temper. His gaze turned sharp. "I already made my decision long ago."
"Riku is a gifted medical ninja in the making. He also shows unwavering loyalty to the Will of Fire."
"Having him apprentice under Tsunade is the most suitable arrangement. You have no right to interfere. Do you understand?"
Then he looked at Riku and offered a gentle, apologetic smile. "Sorry about that, Riku-kun. Didn't mean to startle you."
"Not at all!"
Riku shook his head modestly, feigning surprise and flattery. He gazed up at the Third with admiration. "So it was thanks to your recommendation that Tsunade-sensei accepted me as her student!"
"Thank you, Hokage-sama!"
"Haha!"
The Third beamed at him. He absolutely loved seeing that admiration in Riku's eyes—it confirmed he'd made the right call.
"No need for such formality! Just call me Hokage-jiisan! Be sure to study hard under your teacher."
"I have high hopes for you to become one of Konoha's future pillars."
"I will! I'll definitely contribute to Konoha's future!"
Riku nodded firmly, full of conviction.
Tsunade watched all this play out with an unreadable expression.
But inside?
Pfft! I actually worried this kid might get brainwashed here, maybe fall into the old man's trap…
Just look at that performance—he's got the old man dancing in the palm of his hand.
If I hadn't talked to him beforehand, I'd have believed him too!
This little brat's a total monster.
I'm getting the feeling my old man sensei might be the one getting played here…
Danzo, meanwhile, had a similar but far more hostile reaction.
Even though Riku's behavior was sincere, respectful, even charming—Danzo just found it nauseating, fake, and insufferable.
He wanted to rip the smile off that kid's face.
But seeing Tsunade standing behind him…
He ultimately held himself back.
He knew full well—if he tried anything, that crazy woman would pound him into the floor with her monstrous strength.
...
(End of Chapter)
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