“I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you, Uncle.”
Renye watched Senju Tobirama’s retreating back, muttering softly.
Ever since he started being mentored by Senju Tobirama, he could clearly feel that the other party was subtly instilling in him the concept of loving the Village.
If it were an ordinary child, they would have been subtly influenced.
But Renye was different; he had lived two lives, and his worldview was already formed and difficult to change.
Senju Tobirama had been implicitly telling Renye that for the sake of Konoha Village, one could even sacrifice their life if necessary.
The Village’s safety was above all else, including one's own life.
However, Renye didn't think so; ultimately, he was an “outsider” and didn't have a strong sense of belonging to the Village or his clan.
In his opinion, only his own survival was the most important thing.
He constantly worked to become stronger, precisely so he could survive the future Ninja World War.
Renye stood up, gazing into the distance, and softly said, “If I become strong enough in the future, I wouldn’t mind helping you protect the Village…”
There's a saying that goes: “When poor, be good to yourself; when rich, be good to the world!”
If one has the ability, they are naturally willing to help.
If one lacks ability, taking care of oneself is more important than anything else.
Renye began to continue his rigorous training; becoming stronger was a very long process, unless you were a cheat, otherwise it would take several years or even decades.
— — — — — — — —
Sarutobi Clan Territory.
The Sarutobi Clan joined Konoha during its early founding, making them an elder-level clan of Konoha.
It was easy for Ninja proficient in all five elemental ninjutsu to appear within the clan, and their combat power was strong; this was an important reason why Senju Hashirama valued them and invited them to join.
At this moment, Sarutobi Sasuke, the current clan head of the Sarutobi Clan, had an excited, flushed face.
The reason was none other than the fact that the First Hokage’s younger brother, Senju Tobirama, who had the best chance of becoming the Second Hokage, had actually come to visit his home!
“Lord Tobirama, may I ask what brings you here?” Sarutobi Sasuke asked cautiously.
For so many years, Senju Tobirama had only visited once with his elder brother when the Sarutobi Clan first joined Konoha.
As the saying goes, one doesn't visit without a reason.
Since Senju Tobirama had come, he must have something important to announce.
Sarutobi Sasuke unconsciously rubbed his fingertips, speculating on Tobirama’s intentions in his heart.
Senju Tobirama’s personality and working style were vastly different from his elder brother, Senju Hashirama.
One must be careful and cautious when talking to such a person, and it’s best not to try to guess his thoughts, as this can easily lead to disadvantage…
Sarutobi Sasuke dismissed the idea of trying to fathom Senju Tobirama’s thoughts.
Senju Tobirama did not answer immediately, but instead picked up the teacup on the table and slowly savored the black tea.
Sarutobi Sasuke was not in a hurry either, just watching quietly.
After a long while, Senju Tobirama put down the teacup.
Seeing this, Sarutobi Sasuke’s expression tightened.
Is it coming?
What exactly is the purpose of his visit?
“Clan Head Sasuke, I would like your son to be my disciple. Are you willing?”
The expression on Sarutobi Sasuke’s face changed from initial nervousness to shock, then to pleasant surprise, and finally to excitement.
“You… You are truly willing to take my son as your disciple?” His voice was hoarse, and his hands trembled uncontrollably.
Was he not dreaming?
Lord Tobirama actually wanted to take Hiruzen as his disciple!
With Senju Tobirama’s prestige in Konoha Village, becoming the Second Hokage was a foregone conclusion.
In this way, Hiruzen would have a Hokage as his teacher and backing.
When he retired in the future and Hiruzen became the clan head, which clan in Konoha Village would dare not give the Sarutobi Clan face then?
The clan’s status would definitely rise under Hiruzen’s leadership.
Perhaps in the future, the Sarutobi Clan could become a great clan like the Senju and Uchiha!
The more Sarutobi Sasuke thought about it, the more excited he became, almost fainting from happiness.
Don't be fooled by this seemingly simple act of taking a disciple; there were many implications involved.
Senju Tobirama nodded: “Sarutobi Hiruzen is a very excellent child. I believe with my guidance, he will surely become an excellent Ninja.”
“I thank Lord Tobirama on behalf of my son!” Sarutobi Sasuke bowed deeply, his eyes gleaming.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, the rise of the Sarutobi Clan depends on you!
At this moment, Sarutobi Hiruzen finally arrived, belatedly.
He had been training just now, and upon learning that Lord Tobirama wanted to take him as a disciple, he rushed over without delay.
Senju Tobirama noticed the signs of training on Hiruzen and nodded almost imperceptibly, “Sarutobi Hiruzen, are you willing to be my disciple?”
Sarutobi Hiruzen’s breathing was heavy, and he quickly responded:
“Yes, I am very willing!”
He had always dreamed of becoming Lord Tobirama’s disciple…
Just yesterday, they were still fantasizing about being chosen by Lord Tobirama, and unexpectedly, the dream came true today, which gave him a sense of unreality.
Seeing Hiruzen agree, Senju Tobirama said, “Tomorrow at the Hour of the Tiger, meet at the Konoha Forest training ground. Remember not to be late.”
After speaking, he turned and left.
“Understood, Teacher!” Sarutobi Hiruzen said excitedly.
Senju Tobirama was speechless; this kid was quick to change his address…
Next, he successively found Uchiha Kagami, Danzo Shimura, Utatane Koharu, and Homura Mitokado.
Originally, Utatane Koharu was not within Tobirama’s consideration, but remembering her potential as a medical Ninja, he ultimately made an exception and accepted her.
After all, when executing missions in the future, there should always be a medical Ninja in the team, right?
Furthermore, with a medical Ninja among his disciples, the intensity of training could be increased, as injuries could be immediately treated anyway.
“Heh heh, this way these brats won’t be able to use injuries as an excuse.” Senju Tobirama smiled very sinisterly.
Having taken a few talented disciples, he was in a very good mood.
Today, he wouldn't research the Uchiha; he would research a forbidden jutsu for fun.
Putting sleeping medicine in Renye’s milk every day was also not a long-term solution.
As time went on, Renye’s drug resistance was getting stronger and stronger; if this continued, the sleeping medicine would become ineffective.
Senju Tobirama planned to develop a new type of sedative while researching forbidden jutsu.
Otherwise, the sleeping medicine matter would inevitably be exposed sooner or later.
By then, he would definitely be labeled by that kid Renye as 【Pervert】, 【Evil Scientist】, 【Doesn't even spare children】, and similar tags.
Just thinking about that scene, Senju Tobirama felt his scalp tingle.
No matter what, this matter absolutely could not be exposed!
Leaving aside Renye’s reaction, if his elder brother found out that he was using Renye for research, he would definitely be beaten to death…
That night, Sarutobi Hiruzen and the others were too excited to sleep.
They were all looking forward to what tomorrow’s training would be like.
However, that night, Renye unusually suffered from insomnia.
“Why can’t I sleep?”
Having been in the Ninja World for over a year, this was his first time experiencing insomnia, without even a hint of drowsiness.
Normally, he would fall asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow, but today he just couldn't sleep no matter what.
Renye was completely baffled.