Chapter 20

Sarutobi Hiruzen flipped through the combat report on his desk.

His brows furrowed slightly, and a look of solemnity settled on his face.

Knock, knock!

There was a knock on the door to the Hokage's office.

Might Guy stepped in with his usual energy and a bright smile. "Lord Hokage, you summoned me?"

"Oh, Might Guy, I was just about to call you," the Third Hokage responded with a warm smile. "You may not know yet, but that boy Tian Yu has emerged as the top student in his class."

"Huh? Really? Outstanding! That's truly youthful news!" Might Guy gave a hearty laugh.

"In the actual combat assessment," Hiruzen continued, "he used your technique—the Konoha Whirlwind. What's the story there?"

"Hokage-sama," Guy answered respectfully, "Tian Yu is exceptionally gifted in taijutsu and trains with unwavering diligence. I had long hoped to take him as my disciple, so I passed on my techniques to him."

"I see," Hiruzen nodded thoughtfully.

That wasn't his main concern, though. What came next was the heart of the matter.

"What do you know about the kunai Tian Yu crafted—one that can release a version of the Transformation and Clone Techniques?"

The Hokage's tone turned serious.

Guy's expression became equally earnest. "Yes… I'm aware of that. Tian Yu's talent for forging is remarkable. Creating ninja tools seems to be his personal method of training."

Hiruzen's gaze sharpened. "Do you believe those tools could be mass-produced?"

The moment he had read the report, that thought had sparked in his mind.

If those tools could be widely distributed among Konoha's shinobi, the village's overall combat capability would rise substantially.

But Guy's reply dimmed that hope.

"I'm afraid not, Lord Hokage."

He shook his head firmly.

"When I discovered Tian Yu's talent, I considered the same question. I asked him directly—he told me that crafting just one of those specialized kunai takes an entire week. And if it's a more complex tool, like a functional long sword, it can take him a full month."

What Guy didn't mention was that Tian Yu had lied to him.

Tian Yu had long foreseen that his ninja tools would attract attention. So he never revealed the truth. Until he was strong enough, he had no intention of becoming a pawn in anyone else's plans.

"A whole week per kunai…"

Hiruzen exhaled deeply, the hope in his eyes dimming.

Still, he wasn't ready to give up.

"He's still young. As he grows, his forging speed might increase—"

"Lord Hokage," Guy interrupted, shaking his head again, his expression solemn.

"If it were just the time, that'd be one thing. But there's something else."

"Oh?"

"The ninja tools Tian Yu creates—aside from standard kunai—can only be used by him. If they fall into anyone else's hands, they become no better than scrap metal. I've tested this myself."

Guy's voice was firm and honest.

He recalled when he had asked Tian Yu to lend him the Grass Pheasant Sword. But when he held it, there was no special reaction. In fact, it felt duller than a basic blade. No chakra resonance, no enhancements—just a heavy piece of steel.

"So even that..." Hiruzen sighed.

The disappointment in his eyes was unmistakable.

He knew Might Guy well—his honesty, his integrity. If Guy said it, it was true.

"Very well," Hiruzen said at last. "Keep an eye on that child. I'll assign him to your squad after graduation."

Guy nodded. "Yes, Lord Hokage."

"If that's all, you may return."

"Hokage-sama," Guy spoke again, suddenly serious.

"Yes?"

"I know the village currently forbids early graduation… but you've seen Tian Yu's strength. He's clearly surpassed the level of a Genin. It would be a waste to keep him confined to the academy."

Guy lifted his head, gaze unwavering.

"I'm requesting permission to take Tian Yu on a training journey outside the village. We'll return before the academy's curriculum ends."

"Training, hmm? You've taken quite a liking to him…" Hiruzen smiled faintly. "I'll allow it. But not right now."

"Not now?" Guy asked.

"I need you in the village for the time being."

Hiruzen's tone turned grave.

"Konoha isn't at peace right now. The friction between the Uchiha Clan and the village leadership grows daily. It may explode into open conflict at any moment."

He looked down at the village map on his desk.

"I must keep all our elite jōnin stationed in the village for now—to prepare for the worst."

He sighed and added quietly, "I pray we can resolve this without violence. But I can't leave the village vulnerable while I hope."

Guy's expression turned serious.

The Uchiha Clan…

Now it made sense.

He and Kakashi hadn't received a single mission requiring them to leave the village lately.

It wasn't coincidence.

Hiruzen was intentionally holding back the strongest jōnin to ensure the village's defense was airtight.

Although Guy wasn't the type to involve himself in political maneuvering, he understood what was at stake.

"I understand, Lord Hokage."

"I'll remain in Konoha and await your orders."