Potential

Kuro spent the entire day at Training Ground 39, fully dedicated to his training.

However, his progress was slow and, at times, frustrating. His physical condition gave him a higher starting point and upper limit than most, but it couldn't change his average talent.

After all, even Ashura had mediocre talent until he grasped the power of love for all beings.

But Kuro couldn't reach that understanding.

The information era of his past life had given him a clear view of human nature: humans are contradictory.

While there are people capable of selfless love, there are also those who are evil to the core.

Expecting the same from everyone or loving them equally was, for him, impossible.

Kuro had already formed his own convictions and wouldn't change them easily.

His talent, while not mediocre, wasn't outstanding either. It was average, something that could be compensated with hard work.

That's why he had learned the Kage Bunshin no Jutsu.

Although he couldn't produce the hundreds of clones Naruto managed at fifteen, he could maintain twenty without issue.

If he pushed himself a bit more, he could sustain up to forty.

However, that came at a high cost: after training with so many clones, he ended up so exhausted that he couldn't even eat and fell asleep directly, which was harmful to his growing body.

For this reason, he decided that practicing with twenty clones was the most appropriate. He could progress at a steady pace without jeopardizing his health.

Moreover, he still had plenty of time ahead. There was no need to rush or despair.

That was his perspective. But for Hiruzen, it was perplexing.

Kuro was one of this year's three most promising talents. Naturally, Hiruzen paid attention to his training.

But the pace of Kuro's training caught his attention.

Seeing the number of clones Kuro had created, Hiruzen was alarmed. He rushed to the training ground, fearing something had gone wrong.

However, observing from a distance, he noticed that Kuro remained calm and controlled the situation. Only then did his agitated heart settle.

But this left him pondering.

Where does this level of chakra and overflowing vitality come from?

It didn't take him long to reach a conclusion:

This boy must have inherited the Senju clan's blood.

It wasn't surprising.

The Senju clan had never forbidden mixed marriages with outsiders. Since before Konoha's founding, their blood had mingled with many people across the continent.

Moreover, Konoha, founded by the Senju and Uchiha clans, was home to many civilians with Senju lineage. Some had deserted, while others simply kept the heritage quietly within the village.

Even outside Konoha, the Uzumaki clan, destroyed years ago, were distant relatives of the Senju. It was rumored that even in Kumogakure, there were people with traces of Senju blood.

And Kuro's physical traits were entirely consistent with those of a Senju descendant.

Hiruzen wasn't surprised but was pleased.

The Senju heritage in Kuro was clearly strong. Even when the Senju clan thrived, individuals with such exceptional physiques were rare.

In their prime, the First and Second Hokage were examples of this strength.

Kuro, being so young, still had immense room for growth.

In the future, he could match or even surpass the first Hokages.

The possibility excited Hiruzen so much that his hands trembled, nearly causing him to drop the pipe he was holding.

But after decades as Hokage, he didn't let his emotions take over. He quickly calmed down and assessed the situation more realistically.

Surpassing the First Hokage might be unrealistic... but surpassing the Second Hokage... that might not be impossible.

With this thought, his gaze toward Kuro filled with expectation.

After a while, his expression turned serious again.

Although Kuro seemed to manage his training well due to his physique, the pace he maintained could harm his long-term development.

"This isn't good for his growing body."

After some thought, he slowly walked toward Lian.

Although he reduced his pace, he made no effort to hide, so Lian immediately noticed him and turned to look.

"Shhh."

Hiruzen raised a finger to his lips, signaling for silence, and gestured not to disturb Kuro, who was still training.

Lian nodded and, in a low voice, asked, "Hokage-sama, what brings you here?"

"I was just taking a walk. I came over and decided to take a look."

"I see…."

Lian nodded but internally rolled his eyes. You lied to the boy to come to this remote place, and you call that a walk?

However, he didn't let these thoughts show on his face and respectfully asked, "Then, does Hokage-sama have any instructions?"

"If this boy trains at this intensity, even if his body can handle it, it's likely to cause hidden problems in the long run. It's not good for his future development."

"If you have time, go to the Nara clan and get some medicinal materials. Then, take them to the hospital and have them prepare some special ration pills for him to consume."

"This..." Lian frowned slightly, feeling a bit uneasy.

Although he was a Jōnin, he didn't have much influence or fame. Why would the Nara clan give him medicines? And why would the hospital agree to prepare those pills?

Hiruzen, noticing his hesitation, smiled faintly. "Don't worry. Just say they're for this boy. I'll handle the details."

Hearing this, Lian understood everything.

The Hokage was using this opportunity to help Kuro establish connections with Konoha's clans and institutions, building relationships for the future.

Hiruzen's confidence in Kuro was evident. He believed in his potential so much that he seemed to consider him a possible candidate for Hokage.

Naturally, Lian had no reason to reject something so beneficial.

Hiruzen nodded in satisfaction, gestured farewell, and left.

---

On his way back, Hiruzen reflected on the possibility of Kuro becoming Hokage one day.

He has talent and strength. In the future, there's no doubt he'll be powerful…

However, he quickly dismissed the idea.

But his personality… it doesn't fit.

Kuro didn't seem to care much about others' opinions, a trait not ideal for a Hokage. However, it was undeniable that he deeply cared about those close to him.

Maybe he won't be Hokage, but he could become someone's right hand.

He recalled the numerous times he'd seen Kuro interact with Naruto.

Naruto was always causing trouble, while Kuro took care of the mess, comforted him when he was down, and guided him when he was lost.

Although their paths were different, the friendship between them was undeniable.

Additionally, the children of the Ino–Shika–Chō trio were also close to Kuro and Naruto, forming a group with great potential.

But… could Naruto become Hokage?

Hiruzen was a bit skeptical.

Although Naruto had a determined spirit and sometimes showed surprising intelligence, his lack of focus in the academy and impulsive nature kept him far from the ideal path for a Hokage.

"Sigh..."

He sighed, thinking about Kuro. If I could combine his talent with Naruto's personality, maybe I'd have the perfect Hokage.

Despite these concerns, he couldn't help but feel happy.

This reminds me of Danzo and myself...

Although their relationship was different from Naruto and Kuro's, they had depended on each other.

Besides them, he also thought about Itachi's younger brother and the young talents emerging from both clans and civilians.

Hiruzen could already see the bright future awaiting Konoha.

"The village is about to usher in a great era."

________

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