Early the next morning, Ren Takashi once again arrived at the academy's training field, accompanied by his father, Uchiha Nobuhiko.
Today, the Third Hokage was scheduled to deliver the entrance ceremony speech. As a result, not only new students but also those from upper grades had all arrived at the school early.
Half an hour later, once the crowd had gathered and the time was right, Hiruzen Sarutobi stepped onto the raised platform beside the field. He swept his gaze over the sea of students and the rows of parents seated in the stands.
His eyes effortlessly locked onto Ren Takashi within the crowd.
When he caught the admiring look in Ren's eyes, Hiruzen's heart lifted with satisfaction.
Looks like this kid already reveres me. My plan might go even smoother than expected.
With that thought in mind, he began his speech.
"Where the leaves dance, the fire lives on…"
As Hiruzen preached the Will of Fire—essentially brainwashing the young students—he split a portion of his attention to observe Ren and a few others.
To his delight, Ren's eyes only seemed to glow more reverently with each passing word.
Half an hour later, the speech finally ended.
Students and parents alike exhaled in relief.
Thank goodness that's over.
Quite a few parents quietly regretted attending. The speech had been long and draining.
After the ceremony, parents quickly said goodbye to their children and departed. The students were then led to their respective classrooms, where homeroom teachers began the self-introduction session.
…
"My dream is to grow stronger, to help Konoha thrive, and to see the Uchiha truly integrate into the village—so both Konoha and the Uchiha can grow stronger together."
Outside the classroom, Hiruzen stood by a window, listening. When he heard Ren say that, he couldn't help but smile with approval.
A good kid, he thought.
Whether it was Ren's wish for Konoha to prosper, or his desire to integrate the Uchiha into the village—Hiruzen saw it all as commendable.
As for Ren wanting his own clan to grow stronger? That was only natural. He was the clan leader's son. If he didn't care about the Uchiha, that would be far more troubling.
Just like Uchiha Itachi in the future—who, despite his loyalty to Konoha and willingness to massacre his clan, never truly earned Hiruzen's trust.
To Hiruzen, Itachi was a dangerous idealist.
What Hiruzen feared most was not a loyal Uchiha, but one who harbored resentment toward the village and lacked the Will of Fire. As long as Ren had that will—his love for Konoha—then Hiruzen could mold him into the perfect tool against the Uchiha.
Moreover, due to the lingering effects of Ren's wish-talent, Hiruzen found himself unconsciously overlooking inconsistencies in the boy's behavior and growing increasingly fond of him.
Of course, this miracle energy was slowly being consumed with time.
Ren, ever perceptive, had long noticed Hiruzen watching him through the Telescope Jutsu—but he pretended not to see. After sharing his dreams with the class, he calmly returned to his seat.
Over the next month, Hiruzen continued to observe Ren closely.
The more he saw, the more satisfied he became.
Ren displayed a calm and friendly demeanor. He actively befriended his classmates and quickly became well-liked. His personality, so unlike the proud and aloof image most associated with the Uchiha, reminded Hiruzen of Uchiha Kagami.
If I didn't know he was Nobuhiko's son, I'd swear he was Kagami's…
Nodding in satisfaction, Hiruzen ended the surveillance technique.
It's time to speak with Tsunade. Can't wait any longer—Danzo might make a move.
Indeed, Hiruzen had been monitoring Danzo's actions closely. The Root leader had already tried several times to send agents to contact Ren, only to be stopped by Anbu under Hiruzen's orders.
But Hiruzen knew Danzo wouldn't give up easily—especially as Ren's reputation as a prodigy continued to grow.
Only by formally having Ren apprentice under Tsunade—bringing him into the Hokage's inner circle—could Hiruzen ensure Danzo would back off, at least for a while.
…
Near the southern Kagawa River, in a clearing deep within the forest bordering the Uchiha compound—
Ren was instructing Minato in basic body-strengthening techniques.
This method was something Ren had devised himself, drawing from both Uchiha training methods and the fundamentals of internal martial arts. While not as powerful as his full internal cultivation system, it was far more effective than standard training methods used by most clans.
It was, in essence, an investment in Minato.
Not because Ren expected Minato to become the Fourth Hokage. With his own influence, that timeline was unlikely now.
He didn't expect to become the Fourth himself either—that was unrealistic.
But the Fifth? That was something he could work toward.
"Whew! Thanks, Ren. This body-strengthening method is amazing. It's way better than the random stuff I was doing before."
Minato wiped sweat from his brow. "But… are you sure it's okay? Isn't this one of your clan's techniques? Isn't it risky to teach it to someone like me?"
"Wouldn't it be better not to? I don't want you getting punished over me."
He understood what such knowledge could mean.
"Relax."
Ren chuckled and waved dismissively. "This is something I created myself, drawing from clan methods and my own research. I can pass it on however I want."
"And even if it were a clan technique, I'm the patriarch's son—no one's going to object."
"If you're really feeling guilty, just treat it as an investment. I believe in your future, Minato."
"Just grow strong—and someday, when I need a hand, lend it. That's more than enough."
And he wasn't exaggerating.
Ren had already discussed Minato with his father, who agreed the boy was exceptionally talented. If not for current political sensitivities, Nobuhiko would have met the boy himself.
Right now, it was too soon to expose Minato's full potential to Hiruzen.
If they moved too quickly, they risked pushing Minato into Hiruzen's orbit—making him harder to pull back later.
Underestimating Hiruzen, that sly old fox, was a mistake Ren had no intention of making.
"Still…"
Minato hesitated.
"Oh come on—are you really going to be this shy about it?"
Ren raised an eyebrow and said playfully, "What, are you afraid you won't be able to repay me? Or are you just embarrassed to admit we're friends?"
Minato blinked, then smiled.
"…No. We're friends. I'll accept it. And one day, I'll return the favor."