The Third Hokage?
Otonashi really hadn't expected to be summoned by this person. But after pausing for a moment, he felt it was reasonable. Because after the Danzo incident, he had inquired about the structure of the ANBU and knew it reported directly to the Hokage.
As for why Danzo could also mobilize them, it was likely political struggle.
Since the Hokage summoned him, he immediately nodded and said, "I know the way. I'll be right there."
The ANBU member glanced at him, seeming unable to understand where his wariness came from, formed a seal, and immediately disappeared.
"Body Flicker Technique?"
"Yes, a unique ANBU ninjutsu. I've been researching it recently too." Shisui picked up the conversation and added with a smile, "Of course, the inspiration came from you."
"What does this have to do with me?" Otonashi didn't know whether to laugh or cry, and asked curiously, "How far have you gotten with your research?"
Shisui didn't keep secrets either, replying, "Simultaneously splitting into three solid bodies. Much better to use than shadow clones."
"Solid body clones, interesting. Well, I'm off. You guys play as long as you want. Oh, remember to wash the dishes." Otonashi shrugged and pushed the door open directly.
Otonashi left as if escaping, leaving only Shisui and Anko looking at each other blankly. They glanced at the empty living room, then at the bowls on the table.
Tricked again!
Otonashi walked on the street, which was still just as desolate. Coming out from the west district, he headed directly towards the office building beneath the Hokage Rock. From a distance, he saw the red building.
It sat at the foot of the mountain. Apart from the character '火' (Fire) written on it, there was nothing special. But this was the core of the entire Konoha.
Stepping onto the spiral staircase, glancing at the ANBU watching from the roof, he walked to a certain office on the fifth floor and stopped. After taking a deep breath, he knocked on the door.
"Come in."
An aged voice came from inside the door. Otonashi pushed the door open without hesitation. He saw that the office wasn't large, and the window happened to overlook the entire Konoha.
And in front of the floor-to-ceiling window was an office desk, and behind the desk sat a lean old man.
The old man had his head down, holding a pipe, seeming to be writing something. His body was lean, and in just a year, many age spots had appeared on his face. Only when he looked up, those eyes were bright and spirited, carrying a bit of the aura of looking down upon the ninja world.
That sharp gaze lasted for a moment, then changed to a benevolent smile: "Otonashi, you're here. Sit first. I'll finish processing the documents before we talk."
"Yes." Otonashi nodded and sat on the sofa on one side of the office. At this time, another Jonin came in and poured him a cup of tea.
Taking a sip of tea, listening to the rustling sound of the pen tip, Otonashi, slightly relaxed, started looking around again.
Desk, bookshelf, sofa, calligraphy reading 'Nindō' (Ninja Way)—the Hokage's office was simple to the extreme. Glancing at the bookshelf filled mostly with unimportant books, he tilted his head slightly again, looking towards the two photos on the wall directly opposite him.
One with long black hair, one with short white hair. He glanced briefly at the First Hokage, who could be called a cheat, and focused more on the face of the white-haired man.
That was the ancestor of this body; almost all his ninjutsu originated from him.
"Every time I see you, I'm reminded of sensei. You two are surprisingly similar." Sarutobi Hiruzen's voice came from the side, seeming to notice Otonashi's gaze, his face full of smiles.
Otonashi, whose thoughts were interrupted, turned his head to look at the old man: "Similar? Me and Lord Second Hokage?"
The Hokage, holding his pipe, looked at the photo with nostalgia and said, "Yes, very similar in ninjutsu and appearance."
"Really?" Otonashi looked again. He admitted the ninjutsu part, as it originated from him, but the appearance...
Nonsense, I'm clearly much more handsome than him!
Seeing the smile on the teenager's face, Sarutobi Hiruzen thought he was moved by the scene. It was just a pity this bloodline didn't originate from the First Hokage; otherwise, it would be of great use to Konoha.
"By the way, I heard you were Lord Second Hokage's student?" Otonashi suddenly asked.
"Yes, all my skills were taught by the Second. I believe you must have gained something too." Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't avoid the topic, his tone rather meaningful.
"My mother left me a notebook, probably Lord Second Hokage's insights." Otonashi replied. It couldn't be hidden anyway, just adding, "Does it need to be handed over?"
"Although the Senju family is gone, what was passed down is yours. Besides, for things like ninjutsu, just insights are useless." The Hokage tapped his pipe, pacing back and forth:
"Talent, hard work, resources—none can be lacking. What gratifies me is that you can combine all three. Rather than confiscating it, how about I give you another one?"
He took out a notebook with a mottled cover from his clothes, weighed it in his hand, and then tossed it to Otonashi.
"These are my insights over the years. Different from sensei's, I've also written down some ninjutsu. Take it and have a look."
The notebook felt as heavy as a thousand jin. Otonashi didn't know who was stronger in ninjutsu, the Second or the Third, but both definitely stood at the pinnacle of this world!
This was a clear gesture of goodwill. Any ordinary teenager would have been moved to tears. But he knew the Hokage wasn't simply looking out for him, or rather, he had the qualifications to be looked out for.
"Thank you!" Otonashi bowed gratefully. This was gratitude, not being moved emotionally.
"It's nothing. The ninjutsu lineage needs someone to pass it down after all." Hiruzen smiled. None of his three foolish disciples delved into ninjutsu. Rubbing his waist, he returned behind the desk and sighed, "I'm old. Some things should be handed over to you young people."
"Konoha still can't do without you." Otonashi subtly paid a compliment.
"No one is indispensable. Sooner or later, I will follow in the footsteps of those two. Forget it, let's stop the sentimental talk here."
"Please speak." Otonashi immediately sat up straight.
"Don't be so nervous. The first matter is nothing much. The path you've chosen now is correct. Combining ninjutsu, taijutsu, swordsmanship, and hidden weapons—a fighting style not confined to one type is very good, and also suits your talent."
Sarutobi Hiruzen said cheerfully, "The Senju body has an innate advantage in taijutsu, and the talent for chakra control is even more crucial. Not just medical ninjutsu, I've seen some of your battles too; the control is indeed very exquisite."
"You praise me too much." Otonashi also smiled. This was his innate talent; he didn't know where it came from either.
"Don't be too modest. If you only had chakra, at best you would reach my level. But the latter [control] is the foundation for you to surpass me. With both combined, the future is limitless."
The Third seemed to be hinting at something, subconsciously glancing at the photos on the wall.
He knew that pair of brothers were completely different species from ordinary ninjas. Even if the younger brother was far inferior to the elder brother, and their focuses were completely different.
'Exquisite chakra control? If it's truly that kind of constitution, the future is limitless.'
Otonashi saw the Third's thoughtful expression, thought some secret had been seen through, and could only interrupt: "Yes, whether it's Lightning Body or Wind Blade, without precise control down to the millimeter, they simply couldn't be developed."
Interrupted like this, the Third also came back to his senses and nodded:
"So continue developing your advantages. For taijutsu, the Eight Gates Release is enough. If you have the chance, you can learn from Tsunade. She comes from the same lineage and has gone far on the path of developing the Senju bloodline."
"I have this plan, but unfortunately, it's wartime now." Otonashi's eyes held some expectation. Could it be the old man was preparing to give him a vacation?
"Leave it until after the war." Sarutobi Hiruzen saw through the teenager's little thoughts at a glance and chuckled, "The situation is very bad now. Konoha still needs to rely on geniuses like you."
"Please give the order. I can go to either the eastern or western front." Otonashi immediately stood up. Having just received benefits, he naturally had to show a firm stance.
"No rush, no rush. Frontline matters don't need you yet." The Third Hokage crossed his hands, still maintaining a smile on his face: "However, there's one matter that requires seeking your opinion—"
"Hanyu Otonashi, the ANBU wants to recruit you."