Third Generation: Be My Disciple, Xuming evening.

Evening - Sarutobi Clan Residence

The head of the Sarutobi Clan, Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen, sat at the dinner table, listening to his three disciples talk about their recent experiences.

Despite his demanding responsibilities, Sarutobi Hiruzen always set aside at least one day each week to meet with his students. He firmly believed that communication between master and apprentice was essential.

After hearing about the minor events in their daily lives, he turned to one of his students with a warm smile.

"Orochimaru, how is your training going?"

He paused, then continued, "I heard you've been working on a new jutsu with that Xu Ming kid recently?"

He chuckled, shaking his head. "Incredible... When I was ten, I had only just started learning ninjutsu."

As a teacher and Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen naturally kept an eye on his disciples' progress. He had already heard rumors that Orochimaru and Xu Ming were working together to develop a technique. However, he hadn't taken it too seriously—after all, they were just ten-year-olds.

Who would expect two children to successfully develop an entirely new jutsu?

"Actually, we've already completed it," Orochimaru admitted hesitantly, not wanting to hide the truth from his teacher.

Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded absentmindedly. "I see, you've completed—"

His words cut off mid-sentence as the realization hit him. His expression froze in shock.

"Wait... what did you say? It's already complete?"

Tsunade and Jiraiya, sitting beside them, exchanged stunned looks. This was the last thing they had expected to hear.

"Yes, it's finished." Orochimaru nodded. "I can't share the details without Xu Ming's approval, but I can demonstrate it for you."

He stood up, extended his hand, and released his chakra.

Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes narrowed slightly.

"No hand seals?"

A sharp whirring sound filled the air as chakra rapidly gathered in Orochimaru's palm, condensing into a perfectly smooth, bright blue sphere. The swirling currents within churned violently, resembling the eye of a storm.

"Wait... you don't need hand seals?" Jiraiya exclaimed in disbelief.

"Seal-less?" Tsunade's eyes widened.

Sarutobi Hiruzen's gaze darkened with deep contemplation. A single thought surfaced in his mind.

Tailed Beast Bomb...?!

"That's right. A seal-less jutsu—Rasengan," Orochimaru confirmed, nodding.

Without hesitation, he pushed the Rasengan toward the stone table in front of him.

BZZZ!

The moment it made contact, a high-frequency grinding sound echoed through the room. The stone surface shuddered as if a high-speed cutting tool was carving into it.

A thick cloud of powdered stone burst into the air.

The Rasengan showed no resistance. It drilled straight through the table like a hot knife through butter, leaving behind a clean, bowl-sized hole.

"..."

The room fell into complete silence.

Sarutobi Hiruzen, Jiraiya, and Tsunade stared in utter disbelief.

Xu Ming and Orochimaru had actually succeeded in developing a new jutsu?!

Not just any jutsu—a powerful, seal-less technique, created by two ten-year-olds!

Any one of those factors would have been shocking. But together? This was monumental.

A rush of excitement surged through Sarutobi Hiruzen.

His mind immediately began formulating plans to bring Xu Ming closer to Konoha. A genius of this caliber—how could he let him slip away?

Taking a deep breath to calm himself, he turned back to Orochimaru.

"Orochimaru..." he said slowly, his voice steady but firm. "You're a smart child. You must understand that keeping this secret is in your best interest. Do not reveal to anyone that you have successfully developed this jutsu."

Orochimaru nodded. "I understand, Sensei."

"Good!" Sarutobi Hiruzen's smile returned. Then, without another word, he abruptly stood up and rushed out of the room.

"Sensei?"

"Teacher, where are you going?" Jiraiya and Tsunade called after him in confusion.

But Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't stop. He didn't even bother using the door—he leaped straight over the wall and disappeared into the night.

His voice echoed back to them:

"I'm going to see that child! Eat without me!"

Jiraiya and Tsunade exchanged exasperated glances before immediately turning to Orochimaru, bombarding him with questions about Xu Ming.

Meanwhile, at Xu Ming's Residence

Boom! Boom!

A sudden knock on the door jolted Xu Ming from his relaxed state.

He lazily got up, stretching as he walked toward the entrance.

"Who would visit me at this hour?"

As he pulled the door open, his casual expression instantly froze.

Standing before him was none other than Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Xu Ming barely had time to react before the Hokage grabbed his arm with unexpected excitement.

"Xu Ming! You are truly Konoha's greatest gift!"

"I already heard everything from Orochimaru. You actually developed a new ninjutsu! And not just any ninjutsu—a completely original, seal-less technique!"

His eyes shone with amazement.

"Even Lord Tobirama wasn't as accomplished as you at your age!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke so rapidly that Xu Ming barely had time to process his words.

Then came the final, unexpected declaration.

"Xu Ming, become my disciple!"

"I will provide you with the best resources, the best training, and the best environment to help you grow!"

"With a talent like yours, it would be a crime not to nurture it!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen's eager gaze locked onto Xu Ming as if he had discovered the most precious treasure in Konoha.

Xu Ming stood there, momentarily stunned.

Wait... all because he heard I helped create Rasengan?

And now he wants me as his disciple?

Xu Ming's mind raced.

It wasn't a bad deal at all.

Being the Hokage's student would give him significant advantages—better access to resources, stronger protection, and greater influence within the village.

Moreover, this version of Sarutobi Hiruzen was still in his prime—wise, strong, and proactive—unlike the hesitant and indecisive leader he would later become.

After a moment of thought, Xu Ming made his decision.

There was no reason to refuse.