Chapter 41: The Power of Hikari’s Name

"All right, all right! I'll go," Gin said, helplessly raising his hands in surrender.

"Good!" Hikari nodded, satisfied, and gave him a gentle push toward Tsunade. "He's yours for now. I have work to do. Mikoto, you're going to be late! Off to the Academy with you!"

"Yes, ma'am!" Mikoto called out as she dashed off.

"We're heading out too," Tsunade added, motioning for Gin to follow her.

They arrived at the Hokage's office. Without hesitation, Tsunade lifted her leg and—

BANG!

The door slammed open, smashing against the wall and sending a puff of dust swirling through the air.

The Third Hokage: "…"

Gin: "…"

Both of their expressions tightened. Yep. Classic Tsunade.

"Tsunade! Can't you open a door like a normal person?" Hiruzen sighed, rubbing his temples as if fighting off a migraine. "This is the fifth time this month. You're a teacher now—set a proper example for the kids!"

He studied her warily. Tsunade had been unusually formal lately… and more volatile than usual. Had he offended her somehow?

"Hmph! I'm used to doing things my way," Tsunade huffed, crossing her arms proudly. "Anyway, I brought my student. Let's get this over with so I can take him to the Academy."

Her tone was cold—disillusioned. She no longer wanted Hiruzen's influence on her student. And smashing the door? A minor act of protest, compared to the harm she believed the Third had done to the Senju.

"You…" Hiruzen let out a disappointed sigh but turned his attention to Gin, smiling pleasantly.

"So, you're Uchiha Gin. I'm the Third Hokage—Sarutobi Hiruzen. Your teacher's teacher. She must've mentioned me?"

He could feel it. The vitality coursing through Gin was intense—stronger than any peer he'd seen. The boy no longer resembled the frail child with birth defects. The Uchiha must have discovered some kind of life-replenishing method… I must find a way to obtain it, Hiruzen thought greedily.

And his chakra… massive. Yesterday it was only a faint trace. Today, it rivaled a jōnin's. Genius? This kind of genius needs to be molded—controlled. He must be taught the Will of Fire. The Uchiha clan can't be allowed to grow too bold.

"Yes, she told me," Gin replied with a polite smile, carefully concealing the disgust behind his eyes. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Lord Hokage."

"Ha-ha! Just call me Grandpa!" Hiruzen laughed warmly.

Gin's expression stiffened. Grandpa? This guy really thinks I'll fall for that? He had his suspicions already—now they were confirmed. The old man wanted to use him.

"Heh!" Tsunade chuckled mockingly. "Don't mess with kids, old man. Even if Gin calls you 'Grandpa,' would you dare answer him? You better pray Hikari doesn't find out. She'll beat you into the ground."

How shameless could the Third be? He was from the same generation as Hikari, yet wanted her son to call him Grandpa?

"Uhh…" Hiruzen coughed, his composure cracking. Hearing Tsunade's warning—and imagining Hikari's wrath—he quickly backpedaled, waving his hands nervously.

"My mistake! Completely my fault! I forgot Gin is your student, Tsunade! Sorry about that!"

He turned to Gin, bowing slightly in apology.

"Gin! Forgive me! Just call me… Uncle Hokage, alright? I'm only a year or two older than your mother, so that's more appropriate. Tsunade led me astray! Ha-ha! No need to mention this to your mother. Let's not trouble her over something so small."

Yeah right, Gin thought. Like I'm not going to tell her.

Outwardly, he nodded. "Understood."

But now, it was clear—his mother's name alone terrified even the Hokage.

What did Mom do to make someone like Hiruzen so cautious? he wondered. He didn't dare ask. He valued his spine.

Of course, he'd tell her anyway.

What? I promised not to tell the Third? Oops. Broke my promise. What're you gonna do about it?

Still, he figured his mom wouldn't act just yet. The timing wasn't right. The Uchiha clan needed time—years—to quietly build their strength. The real confrontation would come later.

"Ha-ha! Wonderful!" the Third exhaled in relief.

He tried to make small talk with Gin, but Tsunade subtly blocked every attempt. Realizing he wouldn't get anything useful out of the boy today, Hiruzen gave up—for now.

Still, he held onto hope. The Academy will slowly influence him. No six-year-old can resist forever. I've got time.

Soon after, Tsunade escorted Gin to the Ninja Academy.

She first stopped by the deputy headmaster's office, explained the situation, then introduced Gin to the elite first-year homeroom teacher, Kuroda Ichito. After a brief handoff, Tsunade gave Gin a quick nod and departed.

Kuroda guided Gin toward the elite Class A, where the first-years were already mid-lesson.

The moment Gin stepped through the door, the classroom rippled with whispers and wide eyes.

"Whoa! Who's that?"

"He's kinda handsome!"

"Look at his clothes—he's from the Uchiha clan! But I've never seen him before."

"Why is he transferring in now?"

"Hey, Pina, you're Uchiha too—do you know him?"

"Uhh—eh—uh…" the poor girl stammered, overwhelmed.

Gin stood silently at the doorway, observing the curious, energetic children in front of him.

So this is the next generation of Konoha…? he thought, eyes calmly sweeping the room.

Let the games begin.