Chapter 5: Chapter 5: The Shock of the Third Hokage
Just as Haru thought, when the next day arrived, Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, indeed came to the Senju clan's residence.
The leader of the Cloud Village's envoy aimed to obtain the Byakugan of the Hyuga clan, so they would naturally not harm Hinata.
Based on Haru's calculations, Hinata would wake up as early as last night and no later than this morning.
The Senju clan, combined with the characteristics of a young boy.
Who else could it be but himself?
Even if Hiruzen hadn't come, he would probably send someone in his stead.
"Lord Hokage."
After finishing breakfast, Haru was pacing back and forth at the entrance of the residence when he saw Hiruzen walking over leisurely. He took the initiative to greet him.
"Senju Haru." Hiruzen smiled and nodded.
As the Third Hokage, Hiruzen had always kept the names and chakra of the younger generation in mind, especially the descendants of the Senju clan.
"I can now extract chakra." Haru got straight to the point after greeting him. "I want to attend the ninja school."
Five years ago, Haru had such intentions, but due to his sparse chakra and weak physique, he had been turned away.
Hiruzen felt a tightness in his chest.
Could it be that the one who defeated the Cloud ninjas yesterday was really Haru?
No...
'How could that be?'
The ninjas sent from the Cloud Village were elite jōnins; he had been at the scene himself afterwards.
Such a degree of destruction was something even the jōnin in the village couldn't achieve.
He was just a thirteen-year-old child.
Hiruzen's gaze sharpened, and he recalled the legends about the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju.
The being known as the God of Ninjas in the shinobi world.
Could it be that Haru awakened Hashirama's unique bloodline limit at this age?
In fact, before Hiruzen made up his mind to visit the Senju residence, he had specifically instructed Anbu ninja Kakashi to retrieve a photo of Haru and bring it to Hinata for confirmation.
She also believed that Haru was the one who saved her.
However, Hinata had no memory of Haru fighting against the Cloud ninjas.
Given this relationship, it was temporarily impossible to confirm if there had been anyone else around Haru at that time.
"Haru is quite impressive. Can you show this old man?" Hiruzen smiled kindly, his lips curling up.
If Haru had truly awakened the First Hokage's bloodline limit, that would be no laughing matter.
"Of course!" Haru appeared delighted.
However, he had no intention of showing his full power.
Ultimately, his purpose was merely to sign-in at the ninja school, become a true ninja, and eventually enter Konoha's higher echelons and even become Hokage.
Not to show off his chakra.
Haru made a gesture and began to concentrate his chakra.
'Let's show just ten percent of it.'
Even among his peers, this amount of chakra should not be considered weak.
Hiruzen swallowed hard, observing Haru closely.
Although he appeared merely curious, Hiruzen was conducting a chakra assessment.
But what was happening…?
The Haru before him was entirely different from the Haru he had previously encountered.
In less than a breath, Haru evenly distributed chakra throughout his body, even beginning to overflow, forming a faint layer of chakra armor around him.
Hiruzen had only seen such a change in chakra on a Jinchuriki.
For a moment, Hiruzen was stunned.
Even conservatively estimating, Haru's chakra was more than a hundred times that of Kakashi Hatake. (Kakashi the best chakra measurement tool)
"Only thirteen years old, and his chakra is so immense…" Hiruzen couldn't help but murmur.
'This is only his teenage years.'
If he were to reach his peak, how exaggerated would that be?
'This kid...'
'Is he a monster?'
'No, not the kind of monster like a Jinchuriki.'
'This kid…'
'Has inherited the legacy of the First Hokage…'
'That's right!'
'The strength of the dwindling Senju clan, and yet a genius like this has emerged!'
"Hah…"
Haru let out a long breath and stopped, unable to help but say, "Unfortunately, this should be my limit."
"Limit?" Hiruzen muttered.
'This child, Haru, has truly changed. With this level of chakra, he surpasses many self-proclaimed geniuses.'
Yet he felt insatiable!
Of course, the Third Hokage would never have imagined that Haru's "limit" was not the same as his understanding of the term.
"If I continue, I might form a chakra armor visible to the naked eye. There's no need to reach that level just to enroll."
Haru shook his head, not even realizing that he could simulate a chakra armor, which was usually exclusive to Jinchuriki.
One couldn't help but say that this was a qualitative change brought on by quantity.
Having more chakra truly allows one to do as they please.
"Lord Hokage, can I attend the ninja school?" Haru looked up, smiling.
"Of course." Hiruzen was already in shock but gently ruffled Haru's hair.
Although the enrollment for this year's ninja school had just concluded, it wouldn't delay the courses.
Most importantly, Hiruzen was filled with anticipation for Haru's growth.
After all, his own age was continually increasing.
He needed a successor who could inherit the Will of Fire.
"When the right opportunity arises, I'll relieve Danzo of his position as an advisor and disband his Root organization."
Hiruzen began contemplating.
He had long had such thoughts; it was Haru's appearance that strengthened his resolve.
At the same time, the secretly investigating Root organization reported this news back to Danzo.
"Senju Haru, huh."
Danzo repeated the name, unintentionally releasing a surge of power that crushed his teacup.
"Are you sure?" Danzo instinctively glanced at his bandaged arm. Though his expression remained calm, his heart was already in turmoil.
Because based on various clues,
Senju Haru was likely the one who killed the Cloud ninjas and caused destruction in the border forest.
"I'm certain." A Root member knelt on the ground, his tone incredibly firm. As a sensory ninja, he would never misjudge.
The amount of chakra that boy possessed was greater than anyone he had ever encountered.
"Is that so?"
Danzo clenched his fists. If it were just a large amount of chakra, that would be manageable. But if he also knew how to use Mokuton...
"I understand. You can leave now."
Danzo said expressionlessly, his mind calculating a multitude of plans.