Chapter 10: Your Good Friend is Sasuke

"So, that's how it is…"

"Hirofumi, did you discover anything else interesting or have any special findings? If you did, could you share them with Grandpa Hokage?"

The Third Hokage, Hiruzen, leaned forward, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully as he questioned Hirofumi. He was eager to gather any clues from Hirofumi's recent experience, hoping to determine if the place the boy had visited was one of the legendary three sacred lands.

Hirofumi paused, pretending to think deeply for a moment.

"Interesting things? Oh, yes. There is something."

Hiruzen's eyes lit up with anticipation. "What is it?"

Could it be that Konoha was about to have another prodigy, perhaps someone akin to Jiraiya? The idea thrilled the elderly Hokage. Konoha was currently in dire need of talented individuals. His three disciples had all left for different reasons, leaving the future generation somewhat lacking in leadership.

Hirofumi furrowed his brow slightly, as if in thought. "Well, Grandpa Hokage, it's not exactly something interesting. It's more of a strange feeling I had…"

"A strange feeling?" Hiruzen leaned in slightly, intrigued.

"Yes. It felt like I arrived too early. That feeling was so strong… like I wasn't supposed to be there yet. So, after sensing that, I decided to return," Hirofumi explained.

Hiruzen mulled over the words in silence. Arrived too early…? It seemed to him that the place Hirofumi had visited had already acknowledged the boy, but perhaps the timing wasn't right. Maybe Hirofumi still lacked the necessary strength, so they sent him back. How peculiar… Jiraiya had never encountered such a situation during his time.

But this wasn't bad news. In fact, it could be a positive sign. According to Hirofumi, he might have another opportunity to return there in the future—perhaps when he was stronger. It was highly possible that he would eventually gain full recognition from that place.

The Hokage's mind wandered for a moment. 'Hmm... Maybe I should consult with Jiraiya about this. After all, Jiraiya had experience with summoning and could offer insights. If the situation allowed, perhaps Jiraiya could even take Hirofumi under his wing as a disciple.'

The thought pleased Hiruzen. Hirofumi had significant potential. Moreover, he was the young head of the Itou clan. While the Itou family wasn't large, if Jiraiya were to guide him, the boy's future would be promising.

Satisfied with his decision, Hiruzen reached out and affectionately ruffled Hirofumi's hair.

"If anything interesting happens again, Hirofumi, don't hesitate to come and tell Grandpa Hokage. I'm very curious about your experiences. You know, one of my own disciples had a similar encounter once while using summoning techniques. He accidentally ended up in another dimension…"

Hirofumi feigned curiosity. "Really, Grandpa Hokage?"

Though he already knew who Hiruzen was talking about—Jiraiya, one of the legendary Sannin—he played along to keep the conversation flowing.

"Absolutely true. I'll introduce you to him when the time is right. He's a very powerful ninja."

At this revelation, the expressions of those present shifted in subtle ways. Danzo, who had been quietly observing the exchange, frowned deeply. Originally, he had set his sights on Hirofumi for his own purposes. Now, it seemed that Hiruzen was intending to have Jiraiya take the boy as a disciple.

Meanwhile, Hirofumi's father, Itou Aoyama, and his grandfather, Itou Daiwa, exchanged surprised yet pleased glances. Of course, they understood that the Hokage was referring to Jiraiya, and the idea of their Hirofumi becoming Jiraiya's disciple was nothing short of fantastic news.

With one of the legendary Sannin as his teacher, Hirofumi's future would undoubtedly be bright and filled with opportunities.

"Thank you, Grandpa Hokage," Hirofumi said, bowing his head slightly in gratitude.

"No need for that, Hirofumi. Your grandfather, Taiga, was once my loyal subordinate. It brings me great joy to see his grandson on the path to great things," Hiruzen said warmly.

He seemed about to continue when a voice interrupted him.

"Hiruzen," Danzo called out, his tone cold and insistent.

Hiruzen glanced at Danzo, clearly recognizing his intention. "If you have something to discuss, Danzo, let's head to the Hokage building."

Danzo's eyes narrowed, but he said nothing more. He merely grunted in response before turning to leave, clearly dissatisfied. Hiruzen followed him with a weary sigh.

As the two elder statesmen departed, Itou Daiwa and Itou Aoyama exchanged glances, knowing it was time for them to leave as well. The ninja academy still had classes, and it wouldn't be wise to linger any longer.

With that, they too took their leave, feeling lighter after the unexpected yet pleasant news of Hirofumi's potential future under Jiraiya's mentorship.

Seeing the curious expressions on the students' faces, Iruka Umino sighed inwardly. It was clear that continuing the lesson at this point would be pointless—no one was going to pay attention. Besides, Iruka was just as curious as the rest of them about what Hirofumi had just experienced.

With a wave of his hand, he dismissed the class for a short break. "Alright, everyone, take a break. Move around for a bit."

As soon as Iruka's words left his mouth, Naruto leaped out of his seat, his excitement palpable. In a flash, he was at Hirofumi's side, practically bouncing with anticipation.

"Iruka-sensei is the best!" Naruto turned before turning towards Hirofumi, "Hirofumi, tell me—what did you just experience? That was amazing! Was it some kind of special ninjutsu? Why did you disappear all of a sudden? Come on, spill it!" Naruto babbled, his voice overflowing with curiosity.

The rest of the classroom was just as intrigued, many of the students shifting their gazes toward Hirofumi, waiting for his response. However, before Hirofumi could answer, Naruto's enthusiasm gave way to a sudden bashfulness. His bright eyes flickered with an odd emotion as he looked at his friend, a strange hesitation overtaking him.

For some reason, Naruto felt like Hirofumi was... different. It reminded him of the feeling he got from Sasuke Uchiha—an odd mix of respect and rivalry.

'No, no way,' Naruto thought, shaking his head quickly. 'How could Hirofumi be anything like that arrogant jerk Sasuke? Hirofumi's my good friend!'

But the nagging feeling persisted. Naruto stared at Hirofumi with a confused expression, unable to shake off the unsettling sensation.

"Hirofumi, why do you seem... different all of a sudden?"

Hirofumi blinked in surprise at Naruto's words. He hadn't expected Naruto to pick up on the change in him so quickly. His body had indeed undergone a transformation—he had inherited Indra's chakra, and although the changes weren't obvious on the outside, it seemed that Naruto had somehow sensed it.

Could this be the legendary attraction between Indra and Ashura's chakras?

Before Hirofumi could respond, a familiar figure at the back of the classroom stirred. Sasuke Uchiha, who had been quietly observing the scene, raised an eyebrow in surprise at Naruto's comment. Even this idiot can sense it? he thought.

Sasuke had felt something was different about Hirofumi the moment he stepped into the classroom earlier. It wasn't anything specific he could point to, but there was an unspoken, inexplicable connection between them—a feeling Sasuke hadn't expected to find in anyone outside his clan. It was as though Hirofumi shared the same bloodline.

'But that's ridiculous. Hirofumi can't be my half-brother… right?'

The thought was absurd. But at the same time, it was hard to ignore the nagging feeling that Hirofumi possessed something similar to his own Uchiha blood. Could it be that Hirofumi had Uchiha lineage he hadn't known about?

Sasuke's dark eyes narrowed slightly as he pondered the possibility, his mind racing with speculation.

Meanwhile, Hirofumi was still recovering from Naruto's surprising perceptiveness. He had thought that his changes were subtle enough to go unnoticed, but clearly, Naruto had a sharper sense than he gave him credit for. This must be the legendary pull between Indra's and Ashura's reincarnations, Hirofumi thought with a mix of amazement and frustration.

And then there was Sasuke, watching him so intently from across the room. Hirofumi could feel the weight of the Uchiha's gaze, a silent understanding passing between them.

Damn it…

As he met Naruto's expectant eyes, Hirofumi stifled a groan. 'Naruto Uzumaki, your best friend is obviously Uchiha Sasuke. Please don't look at me like that…'