CHAPTER 7

Sarutobi Hiruzen took the diary and flipped it open.

As he read, his eyes narrowed in intrigue, drawn in by the words filling its pages.

This boy… his devotion to the Will of Fire is undeniable.

The diary entries began toward the end of the previous school semester.

July 1st.

Hiruzen immediately recalled that day—it was when he visited the Ninja Academy to speak about the Will of Fire. He remembered noticing Uchiha Tunan in the crowd, listening with intense focus.

He hadn't expected the boy to develop such profound insights just from a single speech. Some of these perspectives were so unique that even Hiruzen himself had never considered them.

And judging from the diary, it was clear—Tunan placed the Hokage's teachings above even his own family and clan.

Over 90% of his diary revolved around Hiruzen himself, while mentions of his parents and fellow Uchiha were fleeting and impersonal.

At just six years old, Tunan had already awakened the Sharingan and managed to hold his own against Kakashi in a sparring match.

A rare genius indeed.

With a little guidance—and a carefully nurtured belief in the Will of Fire—he could become a powerful and loyal asset.

Hiruzen smirked inwardly. Given time, this child may turn against the Uchiha of his own accord. If that happens, I won't even need to command it.

Yes, this one was worth protecting. Worth cultivating.

He closed the diary and turned to the masked Anbu standing before him.

"This boy has great potential," Hiruzen mused. "Do you think he needs any assistance at the moment?"

The Anbu, an experienced operative, understood immediately. When the Hokage asked such a question, it meant he had already decided to support the child.

"Lord Hokage," the Anbu began, "Uchiha Tunan's parents left him a sizable sum before they departed for the front lines. However, he seems to have spent most of it on books."

"Books?" Hiruzen raised an eyebrow.

"Yes. Primarily ninja theory and historical records. His shelves are lined with them."

Hiruzen stroked his beard thoughtfully. So, he tried to grow stronger through study. A good instinct—but insufficient on its own.

The Anbu continued. "Currently, his funds are running low. When we searched his home, we found very little food—only vegetables, no meat."

Hiruzen frowned. "Malnutrition at his age will hinder his growth."

It made sense. Before awakening his Sharingan, Tunan was physically weak and lagged behind in both taijutsu and ninjutsu. In his desperation to improve, he must have believed books alone would grant him power—only to realize that knowledge without training was meaningless.

A valuable lesson. But one I won't let break him.

Hiruzen nodded in approval. "Good work. Return the diary without a trace."

"Yes, Hokage-sama."

The Anbu vanished.

---

The Next Day—Ninja Academy

Uchiha Tunan sat in the classroom, reviewing a ninjutsu textbook, when a ninja instructor approached and whispered something to Umino Naoto.

Naoto turned back to the class. "Tunan, someone is looking for you in the faculty office."

Tunan blinked but nodded calmly. He stood up and followed the instructor.

Someone looking for me? He mentally ran through the possibilities.

He had no friends outside his classmates and clan members. But his clan wouldn't come to school unless something urgent had happened.

His system hadn't notified him of his parents' deaths, so it couldn't be about them.

That left only one possibility—Hiruzen Sarutobi himself.

When they reached the door to the faculty office, the instructor stopped. "He's inside. You can go in."

The fact that the instructor remained outside confirmed Tunan's suspicions—the person waiting inside held significant authority.

It's him.

Tunan took a breath, schooling his expression into one of polite confusion, then stepped inside.

There, seated behind the desk, was the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen. His kind smile and wise eyes regarded Tunan warmly.

Tunan's initial look of confusion vanished, replaced by wide-eyed astonishment.

His mouth opened, but no words came out. He looked like a child meeting his greatest hero, too awestruck to even step forward.

Hiruzen's smile deepened. Good. This is exactly how he should react.

"Tunan, come in. Close the door behind you," Hiruzen said in a gentle tone.

Tunan nodded rapidly, almost tripping over himself to obey. He shut the door and approached Hiruzen's desk, standing before him with an eager yet nervous grin, as if he couldn't believe this was happening.

Hiruzen reached out and placed a comforting hand on the boy's head. "No need to be so formal. Though I am the Hokage, I see all the children of Konoha as my own."

Tunan closed his eyes briefly, as if savoring the warmth of the gesture.

"I came to see you because I know your parents are away at war, and you're living alone," Hiruzen continued. "That must be difficult for you."

Tunan looked up, his expression shifting to one of fierce determination.

"Hokage-sama, I don't think of it as hardship. Not compared to what you go through."

Hiruzen raised an eyebrow.

Tunan's voice wavered slightly, his eyes glistening. "You work so hard for all of us. Even with the war, even with so much to do… you still take the time to care about someone like me."

His voice cracked, and he quickly wiped at his eyes.

"I—I don't deserve such kindness."

Hiruzen's heart swelled with satisfaction.

Perfect.

The Third Hokage chuckled warmly. "You are Konoha's future, Tunan. The Will of Fire burns within you."

He picked up an envelope from his desk and pressed it into Tunan's hands.

"I've been watching you, Tunan. I even saw your fight with Kakashi. You have talent, but your body is still weak. Use this to buy good food—proper nutrition is essential for a shinobi."

Tunan swallowed hard, staring at the envelope like it contained the secrets of the universe. His fingers trembled slightly, as though hesitant to accept.

Then, after a moment, he suddenly shook his head and pushed it back toward Hiruzen.

"No, Hokage-sama! You work tirelessly for the village. You should use this for yourself!"

Hiruzen hid his amusement behind a look of gentle insistence.

"The village will be fine, Tunan. But it needs strong young shinobi to protect it. Take it."

Tunan hesitated before finally accepting, clutching the envelope tightly. His eyes shimmered with newfound resolve.

"T-Thank you, Hokage-sama… No one has ever been so kind to me before."

He looked up at Hiruzen, his voice filled with devotion.

"I will work hard to become a great shinobi—to uphold the Will of Fire. To protect Konoha, just as you do!"

Hiruzen smiled approvingly. "Good. I look forward to seeing you grow into a splendid ninja."

He leaned back. "Now then… tell me, Tunan. What are your thoughts on the Will of Fire?"

Tunan straightened his back, eyes blazing with fervor.

And so, their conversation continued, with Hiruzen watching carefully, ensuring the flames of loyalty burned ever brighter in the boy's heart.