C20 Hiruzen Sarutobi Was Disappointed

In the Hokage's office of Konoha, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, was casually puffing on his pipe as he sifted through documents on his desk. He absorbed the report from the Ninja School teacher without so much as a glance upward.

However, upon receiving a certain update, he abruptly lifted his head, a trace of astonishment in his tone, "The top student of this year isn't from the Hyuga clan? Then who might it be?"

"It's Tensho's son, the owner of the Ninja tool shop. His name is Tenno," the Chionin teacher relayed with precision.

"Oh?" A spark of curiosity lit up in Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes. He couldn't fathom how a child from a non-ninja family had managed to outshine a gifted youngster from the esteemed Hyuga clan.

"Fetch me the combat profile of this boy," commanded Hiruzen Sarutobi, his eyebrows lifting, his voice resonating with authority.

"Immediately, Lord Hokage!" The Chionin teacher quickly handed over the meticulously organized file.

After the teacher departed, Hiruzen Sarutobi delved into the report on his desk. His forehead creased slightly, his expression turning more solemn.

The sound of a knock broke his concentration. Guy Might stepped into Hiruzen Sarutobi's office and asked, "Lord Hokage, you wanted to see me?"

"Ah, you're here? Indeed, I have something to discuss," the Third Hokage greeted him with a genial smile. "Tenno has ranked first in his class."

"Is that so? What wonderful news!" exclaimed Guy Might, his face brightening.

"He used your technique, the Konoha Whirlwind, during the exams. How did that come about?" Hiruzen Sarutobi inquired further.

"Lord Hokage, Tenno is extraordinarily talented and diligent in Taijutsu. I've been considering him for mentorship, so I taught him my Taijutsu techniques."

"I understand," the Third Hokage nodded, filing away the information. He wasn't particularly concerned with that detail.

But the next topic piqued his genuine interest. "Tell me about the Kunai that Tenno crafted, the one that can execute the Three Body Technique?" The Third Hokage's tone became serious.

"I'm somewhat acquainted with it," Guy Might admitted with a nod. "Tenno has an exceptional knack for forging, creating a variety of Ninja tools. It's quite a distinctive path he's chosen for his training."

"Do you think there's a chance we could mass-produce the Ninja tools Tenno has created?" Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes gleamed with sharp interest as he posed the question.

The possibility had occurred to him the moment he laid eyes on the report.

If Tenno's hand-forged Ninja tools could be replicated on a grand scale, it would be a game-changer for the combat prowess of Konoha Village!

However, Guy Might's next words quickly quelled Sarutobi's enthusiasm.

Regretfully shaking his head, he replied, "I'm afraid that's not feasible."

"I too considered that possibility when I first recognized Tenno's exceptional talent. I inquired about his process. Crafting a Kunai of that kind takes him a week, and a functional sword? A whole month."

Of course, Tenno hadn't been entirely forthright with Guy Might about the actual time it took to forge these items.

He had foreseen the potential for his Ninja tools to be coveted and had thus chosen to guard the truth, keeping his cards close to his chest until he had fully come into his own.

"It takes him that long to forge a single tool?"

Sarutobi's face darkened with disappointment at Guy Might's confirmation.

Yet, he wasn't ready to abandon all hope and suggested, "Tenno is still young. Perhaps, with time, he'll be able to quicken his pace."

"Lord Hokage!"

Guy Might interjected, shaking his head once again, "Even if we set the time factor aside, there's another distinctive feature of Tenno's Ninja tools that we must consider."

"What sets Tenno's craftsmanship apart?"

Guy Might spoke with a serious tone, "The Ninja tools he forges are unique to him. No one else can activate them. I've personally verified this."

He had been eager to wield the power of the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi after seeing Tenno use it. But when the sword passed to his hands, its luster dimmed, and it was no more effective than any ordinary blade, certainly not for performing Ninjutsu.

"I understand."

A heavy sigh escaped Hiruzen Sarutobi as a sense of deep disappointment washed over him.

While others might mislead the Third Hokage, Guy Might was a man of integrity, and Sarutobi held his word in the highest regard.

"Alright, I understand. Keep tabs on that kid Tenno. Once he graduates, I'll transfer him to your class," Hiruzen Sarutobi said, his expression returning to its usual composed state. "Unless there's something else, you may go."

"Lord Hokage, there is one more issue," Guy Might spoke up.

"What's on your mind?"

Guy Might looked up with determination. "I know you've issued orders against early graduation, but Tenno's skills surpass those of a lower ninja. It would be a waste of his talent to keep him in the Ninja School any longer."

"Therefore, I'm asking for your permission to take Tenno out of the village for training. We'll ensure our return before the Ninja School term concludes."

"Training, huh? You're quite taken with this boy," Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a smile. "I can approve your request, but not right now."

"You can't approve it at this moment?" Guy Might asked.

"I need you in Konoha Village at present. We're facing some instability."

"The conflict with the Uchiha family is intensifying. They could attack at any moment. For this reason, I need all Elite Jonin available for immediate action."

Hiruzen Sarutobi let out a heavy sigh and continued, "I trust you understand. I'd much prefer a peaceful resolution, but we must prepare for the worst scenario until then."

Guy Might understood that the family Lord Hokage mentioned was the Uchiha.

He nodded subtly in agreement.

No wonder he and other Elite Jonin, including Kakashi, hadn't received any missions beyond the village borders recently.

Lord Hokage was focused on strengthening the village's defenses.

The depth of the Uchiha's dispute with the village had taken him by surprise.

While Guy Might was known for his candor, he was not naive.

He recognized the intricate power dynamics within the village.

Nevertheless, his dedication to Body Technique training often kept him out of such political entanglements.

"I understand, Lord Hokage," Guy Might conceded.

"I'll remain here in Konoha, ready for your orders."