"Another day of work is over."
Under the hazy moonlight, Sarutobi Hiruzen finished his day's work and walked towards home.
Although today's work wasn't smooth, not just because of the news that Jiraiya brought back, but also because of the idiotic things that he did.
But he had to admit, with Jiraiya messing around like this, his mood seemed to have improved quite a bit.
"Especially that child, Takemi, he seems really good."
Thinking of Jiraiya's evaluation, Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn't help but smile. Konoha really needs the growth of the new generation.
Moreover, he is even more eager than Jiraiya to see a new 'Minato' appear.
"It's just that I don't know if that child can learn the Flying Thunder God Technique, but even if he can't, it's nothing..." Sarutobi Hiruzen muttered to himself.
This wasn't him looking down on Takemi. It's just that the Flying Thunder God Technique is just too difficult.
Naturally, Minato wasn't the only one to try to learn it over the years, but only he succeeded after the Second Hokage.
"With that Purple Electricity, plus enough combat experience, he won't be any worse than anyone else."
Sarutobi Hiruzen hummed a tune in his heart as he walked towards home. But as he walked, he noticed a signal from the Anbu hidden in the shadows.
Looking up, he saw a little guy holding a large pot and looking around near his front door.
"Naruto?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen was a bit confused. He subtly waved his hand to signal the Anbu to withdraw, and a kind smile appeared on his face as he walked over.
"Ah, Grandpa Hokage, I finally found you!"
Naruto immediately got excited when he heard the voice. He ran over with the large pot, and Sarutobi Hiruzen reached out and rubbed Naruto's head.
"What is it, Naruto? Do you need something from me so late?"
"Here..."
Naruto held up the large pot and handed it over, saying with a smile on his face.
"Grandpa Hokage, this is for you."
"What is this?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen was a bit confused, while Naruto rubbed the back of his head and laughed.
"This is soup I made myself, Grandpa Hokage, please try it."
"Soup?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen felt a strange sense of emotion.
Suppressing his thoughts, he asked with a smile, "What made you think of bringing it to me?"
"Well, it's because of Takemi. He said I should respect the old and cherish the young, so..."
"Takemi?"
Hearing Naruto's answer, the smile on Sarutobi Hiruzen's face became even brighter.
The power of example is very important!
Although Takemi used to always take advantage of Naruto, he also knew that he was truly poor.
Plus, Naruto himself didn't mind and he even gained a cherishable friendship. Now it seems this is a good thing.
"You've grown up."
Thinking of this, Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled and took the pot from Naruto's hand.
"Thank you, Naruto, I will definitely savor the fruits of your labor!"
"You're welcome."
Naruto shrugged and laughed carelessly, then suddenly remembered something and pursed his lips with a bit of displeasure.
"Oh, right, Grandpa Hokage, there's one more thing."
"What is it?"
"That bastard Takemi later advised me not to bring it, but I didn't listen to him. So he asked me to tell Grandpa Hokage that you must look carefully first."
Look carefully?
Sarutobi Hiruzen was a bit confused. He casually opened the lid of the pot, and then his face turned green.
Inside the pot were colorful mushrooms!
"Where... where did you get these?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen asked tremblingly, while Naruto shrugged, not understanding why.
"From the forest behind the mountain, there were tons there! And they were free, they must look delicious too, right?"
"..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Naruto speechlessly, then turned to look at the pot in his hand. He finally understood.
That kid Takemi saw the problem but couldn't persuade Naruto, so he just gave up and threw the problem to him, right?
Although he is nice, his personality is indeed a bit mischievous, just like Jiraiya said.
"Here, Grandpa Hokage."
As he was thinking, Naruto's big, sparkling eyes blinked at him.
"Hurry and try it, this is the result of my hard work stewing for a long time..."
"..."
For a moment, Sarutobi Hiruzen felt like he shouldn't ruin the atmosphere, and maybe he really should take a sip.
.....
"You kid, what did you do now?"
The next day, in a training ground in Konoha, Kakashi stared at the completely innocent-looking Takemi.
"Don't look like that, okay? Do you know? Late last night, Lord Hokage held a meeting, emphasizing the need to strengthen cognitive education in the Ninja Academy, especially regarding various poisonous substances."
"He even specifically kept Jiraiya-sama and me back, telling us to strengthen the education of our disciples, especially in enhancing their sense of responsibility. Can you say this has nothing to do with you?"
"..."
Takemi gave an awkward laugh. Actually, he really couldn't be blamed. He mentioned it to Naruto as a joke but he took it seriously.
Takemi reluctantly tried to persuade him but found it useless.
So he stopped trying to persuade him. To avoid blame, he didn't forget to force Naruto to remind Sarutobi Hiruzen.
He just didn't expect Sarutobi Hiruzen's reaction to be so strong.
"Honestly..."
Seeing Takemi not speaking, Kakashi sighed helplessly, covering his face.
"Lord Hokage was already dissatisfied with some situations in the Ninja Academy. Didn't you see it yourself when you graduated? Attacking your own people?"
"Now, who knows what you've done again? Konoha is truly in chaos because of you..."
"Hey, hey, hey, Kakashi-sensei, honestly, can you blame me for that graduation incident?"
Takemi was a little unhappy, but he also felt guilty, because both of these incidents seemed closely related to him.
Shaking his head, he immediately changed the subject, "Alright, let's not talk about that, Kakashi-sensei. How are you feeling now?"
"I'm alright, there shouldn't be any problems." Kakashi also seemed reluctant to continue this topic. He shook his head and said, then touched the eye covered by his headband.
"It's just that this Sharingan always feels a bit strange, probably because of that guy..."
The Sharingan is a bit strange?
Takemi glanced at Kakashi. He felt this probably had little to do with Obito, but rather that this eye was truly about to react.
From what he knew, Kakashi was hit by Itachi's Tsukuyomi, and only then did he slowly begin to explore the secret of his Sharingan.
Even if the effect isn't deep this time, it's not impossible that this incident has been brought forward.
"Mangekyo Sharingan..." Takemi muttered to himself.
Although he didn't have any particular thoughts about this eye, having such an eye would help him deal with Obito better.
Besides, with the corresponding exclusive side mission, maybe he can get something out of it.
"Alright, Jiraiya-sama has been taking care of you during this time. Now that I'm back, I need to catch up with your progress."
While Takemi was thinking, Kakashi shook his head and spoke again, "Also, I heard you plan to apply for Chunin?"
Takemi nodded and said, "Yes, I think I can try. Although the number of missions might be a bit short, I think my abilities are fine."
Kakashi agreed, "Indeed, I also think it's fine. After all, at your age, I think I was already a Jonin."
"..."
"Don't worry about it, times are different now. But you still need to work hard."
"..."
Seeing Kakashi's exposed eye turn into a curve, Takemi really didn't want to say anything.
It would have been better if he hadn't said anything.