My Summoned Beast is Uchiha Madara

"Ah, I see…"

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded thoughtfully. "Then, Hirofumi, did you notice anything else interesting during your summoning? Any strange occurrences or unique sensations?"

"If there's anything worth mentioning, feel free to tell Grandpa Hokage…"

The Third Hokage's tone was casual, but his eyes held a glint of curiosity. He was hoping to glean some clues from Hirofumi's words—especially about whether the place he had visited might be one of the Three Great Sage Regions of legend.

Hirofumi tilted his head, putting on a pensive expression.

"Something interesting, huh…? Oh! Yeah, actually—there was something!"

"What was it?!" Sarutobi's eyes lit up, his tone edging toward excitement.Could it be…? Was Konoha on the verge of witnessing the rise of another prodigy, one as remarkable as Jiraiya?!

That would be incredible.

Right now, Konoha's younger generation was in a bit of a slump. His three disciples had either gone rogue or disappeared, leaving a noticeable gap in talent among the upcoming shinobi.

"Well, Grandpa Hokage… it might not sound that interesting, but…"

He scratched his cheek awkwardly.

"I just had this weird feeling… Like I had arrived too early. Yeah, that's it! It was like… something was telling me I came too soon. That's when I decided to come back…"

Sarutobi's mind spun.

Too early…?

Could it be that this boy… had already been acknowledged by that place?

But maybe the timing wasn't right—or maybe the boy was still too weak, so they sent him back?

How curious…

Even Jiraiya never mentioned anything like that happening during his early summoning experiences.

Still, this could be a good sign. If Hirofumi had really been allowed a glimpse of that place, then one day—he might return. And next time, he might truly be accepted.

Yes… I should mention this to Jiraiya.

With his experience, Jiraiya might even be the perfect person to guide this boy.

Even without this incident, Hirofumi was undeniably talented.

Plus, he was the young head of the Itō Clan—not one of the great clans, perhaps, but respectable enough. More than enough to become Jiraiya's student.

Yes… when Jiraiya returns, I'll speak with him.

With that decision made, Sarutobi gently ruffled Hirofumi's hair.

"If anything else interesting happens, come tell Grandpa Hokage, okay? I'm very curious about all of this."

He chuckled warmly. "You may not know, Hirofumi, but back in the day, one of my students also found himself in another dimension after attempting a summoning…"

"The two of you have more in common than you think."

Hirofumi blinked in feigned surprise.

"Really, Grandpa Hokage?!"

Of course he knew who the old man was talking about—Jiraiya of the Sannin, obviously!

"Of course it's true!" Sarutobi beamed. "When the time comes, I'll introduce you. He's an incredibly powerful ninja—you'll be amazed!"

Around them, the expressions of the others began to shift.

Shimura Danzo's brow furrowed deeply.

This brat was supposed to be his target. But now… Sarutobi clearly intended for Jiraiya to take him in!

Meanwhile, Hirofumi's father, Itō Aoyama, and grandfather Itō Yamato, were visibly delighted. They knew full well what Sarutobi meant—and what an honor it was.

If Hirofumi were to receive guidance from one of the Legendary Sannin…His future would be limitless!

"Thank you so much, Lord Hokage!!!"

Itō Aoyama bowed deeply, voice shaking with gratitude.

"No need to thank me," Sarutobi replied kindly. "Your father has served under me for years. To see his grandson thrive… It brings me great joy."

Sarutobi was about to say more, but—

"Hmph!"

Danzo cut in coldly, his gaze sharp.

"Let's continue this discussion at the Hokage Tower," Sarutobi said, sighing.

The two elders exited together, their conversation unfinished.

With that, Itō Yamato and Itō Aoyama also left, mindful that class time couldn't be disrupted for too long.

Inside the classroom, Iruka looked around at the buzzing students, all chattering with curiosity. There was no point trying to teach right now—no one would be paying attention.

And truth be told, he himself was dying to know what had just happened to Hirofumi.

"Alright, everyone! Take a short break—free activity time!"

"YEEEESSS!!!" Naruto leapt into the air, cheering.

He immediately dashed over to Hirofumi's desk.

"Iruka-sensei is the best!!!"

"Hirofumi! Tell me, tell me, what happened just now?! It was crazy! Did you use some kind of secret jutsu? Why did you vanish like that?!"

The rest of the class crowded around, their eyes sparkling with questions.

But then… Naruto suddenly froze.

He stared at Hirofumi for a second… then started fidgeting.

Something felt… off.

Weirdly familiar.

Why… why was Hirofumi giving off the same kind of vibe as that arrogant jerk Sasuke?

No, no, no! That couldn't be! Hirofumi was his best buddy—there's no way he'd be like that guy, right?!

"Hirofumi… why do you feel kinda… different?"

Across the room, Sasuke's eyes twitched.

He'd felt it too.

From the moment Hirofumi reappeared, something about him had changed.

And it wasn't just his chakra—there was an essence, something unspoken… that made Sasuke feel strangely connected to him.

Unlike the loudmouth Naruto, Hirofumi gave off a familiar pressure. Almost like—

Could it be…?

Was this guy… some kind of long-lost brother?

No—ridiculous.

Unless…

He has Uchiha blood?!!!

Sasuke's eyes narrowed.

Meanwhile, Hirofumi stared at Naruto in disbelief.

Seriously?! Naruto's perception was this sharp?

Of course his body had changed—he now held Indra's chakra within him.

Could this be the fabled attraction between Indra and Asura's reincarnations?

Tch… Dammit, Naruto! Your best buddy is Sasuke, remember?!

Stop looking at me with those weird eyes!!!