Naruto: My Unique System

Chapter 5: Sakumo's Challenge

However, as he delved into their explanations of the Will of Fire, Sarutobi Hiruzen's initially furrowed brow gradually smoothed. After a moment, he turned to the ANBU ninja and remarked:

"Where are these two children now?"

"They should still be at the Third Training Ground."

"Good, level-headed and not arrogant. They are good kids."

Sarutobi Hiruzen set aside the exam papers, stood up, and declared, "Go change your clothes; accompany me to see how these two are doing. It's better to check on them now to avoid having Danzo come over later to question me."

"Yes, Lord Third-sama."

The ANBU ninja nodded and swiftly departed. Sarutobi Hiruzen also made a quick adjustment before descending from the Hokage Tower. Just as he exited the tower, a white-haired young ninja approached him.

Observing the serious expression on the ninja's face, Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled and said, "How many times have I told you? Once you take off the ANBU uniform, you are Sakumo Hatake. There's no need to be so gloomy."

Upon hearing this, Sakumo Hatake suddenly grinned and remarked, "Hokage-sama, please refrain from using such vulgar terms like taking clothes off, especially considering our hierarchical relationship."

"Well, the vulgarity can only be found in your perverted mind."

Sarutobi Hiruzen shook his head in resignation. He had a clear understanding of the elite ninjas of the Hatake clan in this generation. Once they put on the ANBU attire and donned their masks, they transformed into ruthless killing machines.

However, when they changed back into their regular clothes, they became something else entirely. Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn't find a term to describe them, so he just shook his head and headed towards the Third Training Ground.

"Hokage-sama!"

"Good afternoon, Hokage-sama!"

"Lord Third-sama."

En route, Sarutobi Hiruzen exchanged greetings with numerous Konoha ninjas and civilians. Upon reaching the Third Training Ground, he observed two children in a corner practicing throwing techniques with discarded targets.

With Sarutobi Hiruzen's discerning eyes, he quickly assessed the skill levels of the two individuals. The child with blue and white spiral hair had already mastered Ninja Tool Throwing at the level of a ninja school graduate. As for the kid with golden hair, although he was slightly behind, he still demonstrated more proficiency than some current ninja school students.

"Are they truly geniuses?" Sarutobi Hiruzen muttered to himself, then took a step forward.

"Minato, your progress is indeed impressive. However, in this match, my skills still surpass yours!" he heard as he approached.

Drawing nearer, Sarutobi Hiruzen caught snippets of the conversation between the two children. Their dialogue swiftly ceased as they noticed Sarutobi Hiruzen's distinctive attire.

"Lord Third-sama."

"Lord Third-sama."

Tatsuma and Minato quickly saluted. Tatsuma scrutinized Sarutobi Hiruzen and Sakumo Hatake, unsure of why they were here. While their performance today was commendable, he couldn't fathom why it would warrant the attention of the Hokage.

Even if Tatsuma is a time traveler, he probably wouldn't have anticipated that his sudden appearance, by taking the place of a child from the Shimura Clan, would lead Sarutobi Hiruzen to come out to avoid Danzo's criticism.

Observing Tatsuma's scrutiny, Sarutobi Hiruzen also discreetly examined Tatsuma. His initial impression of Tatsuma was quite favorable, perhaps because of the child's infectious smile.

"Are you both Academy students?" Although he already knew their identities, Sarutobi Hiruzen intentionally asked. Tatsuma and Minato nodded, with Minato adding, "Yes, Lord Third-sama. We just enrolled today. I am Minato Namikaze, and this is my friend, Sakamoto Tatsuma."

"To have such Ninja Tool Throwing skills right after enrollment is truly remarkable. Back in my day, I wasn't as good as you," Sarutobi Hiruzen remarked. After saying this, Minato's eyes visibly brightened. Sarutobi Hiruzen continued, "However, targets are ultimately inanimate. Ninja face living adversaries. Do you have confidence in hitting moving targets?"

"What do you mean?" Tatsuma asked in confusion. Sarutobi Hiruzen looked towards Sakumo Hatake, who was overseeing the female ninja training in the distance, and said, "He is the most outstanding ninja by my side and also my bodyguard. Would you like to test his skills? Sakumo, give our future ninjas a little challenge. If you find them satisfactory, how about rewarding them?"

"Huh? Me?" Sakumo Hatake snapped back to attention, realizing he had been lost in thought for a moment. Catching Sarutobi Hiruzen's somewhat reproachful gaze, he swiftly refocused and turned his attention to the two little children in front of him, saying, "One minute. If you're still standing after one minute, I'll give each of you a set of new ninja tools. How about that?"

Minato was intrigued, but he still looked to Tatsuma, seeking his opinion. It wasn't the allure of ninja tools that interested Minato but rather the rare opportunity to spar with the Hokage's bodyguard.

Even though Tatsuma had only been friends with Minato for a little over a day, he understood Minato's wishes. He nodded and said, "Really? Uncle, being the bodyguard of the Hokage, your strength must be formidable. However, if it's just one minute, I will definitely hold on."

"Uncle? What an unflattering way to address me," Sakumo Hatake's expression darkened. In his early twenties, and he was being called "Uncle"?!

Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn't help but smirk. It seemed that without the ANBU gear, Sakumo Hatake was quite unpredictable.

Despite this, Sarutobi Hiruzen decided to let the little test continue. Sakumo Hatake showing some fighting spirit wasn't a bad thing. Otherwise, given his personality, he might just goof off for a minute and then hand these two kids a set of ninja tools.

"Let's begin then!"

With that, Tatsuma and Minato swiftly moved to opposite sides.

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