The Great Martial art system of Naruto

Chapter 8: I Saw a Fake Third Hokage

"ROOT" refers to the special mobile unit of the ANBU, essentially functioning as the ANBU training department," Danzo said with interest, watching Takeda Yoshiharu as he slowly explained.

Takeda Yoshiharu wrinkled his nose and replied, "So, it's basically the same as the ANBU? Can I think of it that way?" Noting Danzo's noncommittal expression, he continued, "But don't you think I might be a bit too young for this? I believe you know I'm only six years old, Lord Danzo."

Danzo, unusually, showed a smile on his face and said in a persuasive tone, "Age is not a problem. As long as you have a sincere heart loyal to Konoha, that's all that matters."

Takeda Yoshiharu didn't buy into Danzo's nonsense. He was all too familiar with what ROOT represented; joining would certainly lead to brainwashing.

After being brainwashed, they would likely impose restrictions on him. Moreover, their style of operation was quite different from ordinary ANBU agents. In Takeda Yoshiharu's eyes, entering ROOT seemed even more terrifying than joining a cult.

At this moment, the only one who could determine Takeda Yoshiharu's fate was the Third Hokage sitting directly in front, smoking his pipe. With a pleading look, he turned his gaze toward the Third Hokage. Takeda Yoshiharu believed that as long as the Third made a statement, Danzo wouldn't be able to forcibly take him into ROOT.

Unfortunately, the Third was gazing intently at the ceiling, as if he were inspecting something of great importance up there. Realizing this, Takeda Yoshiharu understood he needed to present something compelling to sway the Third's decision.

After pondering for a moment, he figured out what the Third wanted. He then spoke up obediently, "Grandpa Third, my divination bloodline limit can currently only be used three times a week."

"So, Grandpa Third, if you need anything, just call me over." Having received Takeda Yoshiharu's definite promise, the Third Hokage shifted his gaze from the ceiling back to him.

With a smile, he said, "What are you talking about? Ultimately, joining ROOT should be based on your own choice, right? Danzo, what do you think?" As he spoke, he turned to the visibly irritated Danzo, who stood there with a grim expression.

The two had thus reached a tacit agreement about this matter. At this point, Danzo didn't have the strength to openly oppose the Third, so he could only nod reluctantly, "Takeda Yoshiharu, you're impressive!"

After leaving that remark, Danzo turned to leave. Takeda Yoshiharu let out a sigh of relief; he was not as composed as the Third when facing Danzo's intimidating presence.

"All right, child. Since you've chosen this path, I will protect you. From now on, I'll only call you twice a week, understood?" The Third Hokage said with a smile.

"Could I really refuse? Just provoking Danzo has already put me on edge; if I don't cling to your leg tightly, my family might have trouble surviving in Konoha," Takeda Yoshiharu thought to himself while putting on a pure smile.

"No problem! Whenever you need me, just ask the ANBU to pick me up," he replied. The Third nodded in satisfaction.

Just as he was about to let the ANBU escort Takeda Yoshiharu back, the boy seemed hesitant, shifting awkwardly.

Exactly! Takeda Yoshiharu wanted to wait until the Third asked about it so he could respond accordingly. Watching him appear as if he had more to say, the Third spoke up again, "What's wrong, little Yoshiharu? Is there anything else you'd like to discuss?"

You've caught on! Takeda Yoshiharu shyly lowered his head and said, "Grandpa Third, I want to participate in the Genin exam!" This statement nearly choked the Third Hokage, who had just taken a puff from his pipe.

Even the ANBU ninja standing beside Takeda Yoshiharu shot him a look of surprise, as if to say: "You're just a six-year-old kid; shouldn't you be home drinking milk instead of wanting to take the Genin exam?"

At this moment, the Third Hokage's thoughts echoed those of the ANBU around him. While it's true that in Naruto, the Genin often seem like mere cannon fodder on the battlefield, in reality, Genin hold significant importance. Without a large number of Genin, how could so many talented Chūnin and Jōnin emerge?

A ninja village can run without Jōnin, but it cannot function without Genin. Even if Genin seem trivial in the eyes of Jōnin, there are instances in which they can come through unexpectedly!

The Third understood that while this rowdy child was still young, he was remarkably sensible. So he asked, "Are you really ready for this?"

After receiving a firm nod of affirmation from Takeda Yoshiharu, the Third Hokage decided to trust the boy one more time, especially since he had previously saved his subordinates from harm.

The Genin exam, in essence, involved preparing a real Genin to fight against you. If you win, you would officially become a true ninja, but if you lose, you would have to return to the Ninja Academy to catch up on what you missed!

Takeda Yoshiharu was well aware of what he was doing. It wasn't just about earning the reward of Li's Kunai (Beginner Level); most importantly, becoming a Genin was the only way to receive missions.

After all, even the dumbest clients wouldn't trust a ninja who hadn't graduated from the Ninja Academy with a task, right? Therefore, the foundational requirement for taking on missions was to become a true ninja.

Completing missions would allow him to increase the goodness and evil values stated by the system. Higher values meant he could trade for mouth-watering martial arts manuals, divine weapons, magical fruits, elixirs, and other assorted items.

Of course, the rewards for completing tasks at this stage were also quite generous. As a reincarnator without any ultimate techniques, Takeda Yoshiharu didn't want to disgrace the predecessors. In his view, a reincarnator without a special move wasn't a good reincarnator.

In his previous life, whenever Takeda Yoshiharu read about Li Xunhuan using his signature technique, the Little Li Flying Dagger, to defeat enemy after enemy, he felt an exhilarating thrill. As an underdog, who hasn't dreamed of becoming a great hero?

Thus, whether for his future development or the immediate rewards he needed to seize, Takeda Yoshiharu had to give it his all in defeating a Genin who was destined to be stepping stone for him.