The atmosphere seemed to freeze. Haruto Saito stared at Sarutobi Hiruzen for a full three seconds, then suddenly kicked off the ground and screamed, "Sensei, don't hit me! I was wrong!"
Bang!Crash!
Haruto Saito slammed open the wooden door, flew out, and landed heavily on the ground, rolling to a stop right at Tsunade's feet. Covered in dust, he looked absolutely miserable.
Sarutobi Hiruzen turned to look at Haruto Saito, his facial muscles twitching unnaturally.
He had a headache—this kid was really something else!
Uzumaki Mito almost burst out laughing but quickly composed herself, forcing the amusement down.
Ignoring Haruto Saito, Sarutobi Hiruzen respectfully bowed to Uzumaki Mito and greeted her, "Lady Mito."
Sarutobi Hiruzen held great respect for Uzumaki Mito. Although he was the current Hokage of Konoha, she was the wife of the First Hokage, the sister-in-law of his mentor, Senju Tobirama. Moreover, Hashirama himself had once taught Hiruzen, though not officially as his direct disciple.
In truth, Hiruzen regarded Uzumaki Mito as a mentor's wife. Over the years, he often sought her advice on training. While there wasn't much she could teach him in general—Hiruzen was already a master of all elemental jutsu—when it came to sealing techniques, there was no one in the world more skilled than Uzumaki Mito.
Sarutobi Hiruzen had a broad knowledge of jutsu, studying them extensively to develop stronger techniques. Many of the sealing techniques he mastered were taught to him by Uzumaki Mito.
"Yes, you're here." Uzumaki Mito nodded before gracefully stepping outside.
Haruto Saito had already gotten to his feet, rubbing his waist with a disgruntled expression.
The ANBU shinobi in the courtyard remained silent, not daring to show any unusual expressions. They all stood respectfully. Even Uzumaki Kushina, who was being held by Tsunade, looked fearful—she was afraid of Sarutobi Hiruzen!
As Uzumaki Mito stepped outside, Sarutobi Hiruzen followed behind her, while White Fang slightly bowed his head as a sign of respect.
"You are all excellent young shinobi of Konoha. You must not engage in senseless conflicts. Haruto Saito, do not repeat your mistakes, or I will not be so lenient next time," Uzumaki Mito said with a natural air of authority.
"Yes!" Haruto Saito nodded, looking as if he had learned his lesson.
"Kushina, you must also stop being so unruly. Learn to be more tolerant, understand?" Uzumaki Mito turned to Kushina.
"I understand," Kushina replied obediently.
"Good. Now shake hands and make peace." Uzumaki Mito instructed.
Haruto Saito glanced at Uzumaki Kushina, who also looked at him. They extended their hands and shook in a seemingly friendly manner, though Haruto Saito shot her a look of disdain while Kushina's eyes sparkled with smug satisfaction. Seeing him scolded had made her quite pleased.
"Hiruzen, what brings you here?" Uzumaki Mito asked, turning back to Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"I came for him." Sarutobi Hiruzen tilted his head slightly toward Haruto Saito.
"It seems you care about this disciple of yours. Are you afraid I'll make things difficult for him?"
"I wouldn't dare. I had merely arranged to meet with him here at this time—there is something we need to discuss."
"Very well, you two carry on. I will return inside." With that, Uzumaki Mito turned and walked back into the house.
Sarutobi Hiruzen lowered his head slightly. In front of Uzumaki Mito, he was entirely in the role of a junior. Beyond their personal connection, she had also watched him grow up. It was only after she walked past him and closed the door behind her that he straightened his posture, regaining the dignity of a Hokage.
"Haruto Saito, did you bring it?" Sarutobi Hiruzen asked.
"Right here." Haruto Saito reached behind his black robe and pulled out several scrolls. His clothing had looked slightly bulky earlier, as it had been stuffed with the thirteen scrolls of the Meiji Clan.
White Fang stepped forward to receive the scrolls. Sarutobi Hiruzen gave him a glance, and White Fang immediately turned and left with them.
"Come with me." Sarutobi Hiruzen turned and walked toward the courtyard exit.
Haruto Saito quickly followed.
Tsunade, still holding onto Kushina, paid little attention to where Sarutobi Hiruzen was taking Haruto Saito. She had more important matters to attend to. The reason she had gone home briefly and then returned here was that she still needed guidance from Uzumaki Mito—her Yin Seal was not yet fully stable and remained in its early stages.
As Sarutobi Hiruzen led Haruto Saito out of the courtyard, Tsunade took Kushina back into the house.
The ANBU shinobi scattered and concealed themselves around the courtyard, except for one—Shinsuke—who silently followed behind Sarutobi Hiruzen and Haruto Saito. Hiruzen noticed but said nothing—after all, Shinsuke was his son.
Beyond the courtyard, they walked north along a small path. Not far ahead was a large lake.
The lake's shore was a vast open space. Under the setting sun, golden light bathed the landscape. The lush grass swayed gently in the breeze, painting a picturesque scene.
"This is the place." Sarutobi Hiruzen stopped and turned. "You may use your full strength. Do not hold back."
The test began, straightforward and direct.
"Sensei, I mean no offense!" Haruto Saito drew his Heavy Mountain Blade, his expression becoming serious.
"Mmm." Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded, standing with his hands clasped behind his back, making no move to prepare. In the tranquil setting of the lake and mountains, he seemed to blend seamlessly with nature itself.
Haruto Saito, however, entered full combat mode. His focus sharpened, eyes narrowing as he locked onto Sarutobi Hiruzen—and then he moved!
Channeling chakra into his legs, he burst forward with enhanced strength, transforming into a blur as he closed the distance. His blade flashed like lightning!
Sarutobi Hiruzen stepped back slightly, twisting his body just enough to evade the attack with ease. Haruto Saito spun and shifted his stance, slashing horizontally, unleashing a spiraling blade of wind!
A samurai technique!
Sarutobi Hiruzen was not surprised—he knew Haruto Saito had the ability to replicate techniques. It was only natural for him to possess an extensive and varied skill set.
Not far away, Shinsuke stood on a tree branch, utterly bewildered.
What the hell?!
Why were they fighting?
How reckless did Haruto Saito have to be to challenge Sarutobi Hiruzen like this?
Boom!
Haruto Saito's slash missed again, the powerful energy carving a deep trench into the ground. Sarutobi Hiruzen had effortlessly sidestepped, still standing calmly with his hands behind his back.
Whoosh!Boom!Swoosh!Crack!
Haruto Saito unleashed strike after strike. Sarutobi Hiruzen moved like a drifting leaf in a storm—always on the verge of being struck yet never actually in danger. Their reflexes were leagues apart. What felt like Haruto Saito's fastest attacks seemed like slow-motion to Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Why use a sword?" Sarutobi Hiruzen suddenly asked. "You are not a taijutsu specialist. Your understanding of the blade is still shallow—your strikes are strong but lack variation. You are a shinobi… Where is your ninjutsu?"
"Sensei, you're not blocking or counterattacking, just dodging. If I use ninjutsu, I might hurt you," Haruto Saito replied smugly.
"Hah! Confidence is good, but you're just being arrogant now." Sarutobi Hiruzen smirked. "Do you want to pass this test or not?"
"Then… I truly mean no offense!" Haruto Saito quickly weaved hand signs mid-air.
"Lightning Release: False Darkness!"
Boom!