Mission!

Despite the current predicament, time passed extremely quickly. Zeus enjoyed a simple yet relaxing routine, whereas he would expend most of his time improving his energy control and sleeping. Experimenting, Zeus understood that this energy was not that easily manipulatable and required a certain trigger to release.

One time, when Asuma was sitting in his room, Zeus saw the man do some hand signs and then puff out some wind from his mouth. Naturally, Bikawo beat the shit out of him later for using that energy in his room, much to Zeus's entertainment. Anyway, from this interaction, Zeus understood that this energy required a set of proper hand signs in order to be released.

However, Zeus really didn't know which or how to use them, so this was practically useless information for him. Yet, there was one moment when Bikawo forgot to close the main door, and Zeus managed to catch a glimpse of a bunch of scrolls in the other room. For now, they were his main target.

All in all, life in the Sarutobi household proved to be pretty mundane, despite Hiruzen's authoritative position. Actually, Zeus still had barely any information about Hiruzen's job or the world itself, and the lack of knowledge was causing a lot of headaches. At the very least, Zeus knew that Hiruzen was someone important, for his face was plastered on a mountain for the entire village to see.

Bikawo, on the other hand, was home much more frequently, but Zeus knew that she always left during the night. Of course, first, she made sure that Zeus fell asleep, and only then left. Considering that there was a war going on, Zeus predicted that her role was quite important as a medical ninja.

There was another issue with this woman. She tried to hide it, but she was quite sick herself. Zeus saw her coughing up blood multiple times, and she clearly tried to hide the fact. After spending so much time with her, Zeus felt some empathy for her. Thus, he wanted to grow up faster and released her from the burden of having to watch over him.

Finally, there was Asuma, who was basically enslaved in this household. He rarely came out and constantly trained, as Hiruzen was most probably afraid of sending Asuma to the frontlines. Whether that was reasonable or not, Zeus didn't care, as he quite enjoyed the teenager's company. He was laid back and didn't talk much, something that Zeus appreciated a lot.

All in all, there was nothing notable that Zeus experienced despite the quick passing of time. There was one time when he was taken for some grocery shopping, but he didn't see a lot of things, except mundane-looking civilians and the village.

Just like that, a year passed, and Zeus had grown in size. His features had become much more defined, and his white hair had grown a few centimeters, hiding a part of his forehead. What attracted the most attention were his pristine blue eyes. It seemed like even reincarnation couldn't take away his natural beauty.

'Today. I am going to do it today.' Zeus thought to himself, looking through the window in a seated position. He didn't circulate his energy or try to exhaust himself in any way, for he planned to do something unordinary today. As always, Zeus heard a similar click of the door outside, indicating that Bikawo had left the house.

However, before doing anything, Zeus reconsidered his plan. Currently, Asuma was sleeping in another room, and he was quite a sleepyhead. Hiruzen had recently departed on a special mission, and he had not been home for over a week. It was a perfect time to act.

'I have to be fast and quiet.' Zeus concluded, forcing his energy toward his legs. With some difficulty, Zeus managed to stand on the ground, his knees stumbling a few times. However, after some time, he stabilized and stood properly, a huge smile plastered on his face.

It was something so insignificant, yet it felt so good. He had long ago forgotten what it was to walk on his own, but Zeus didn't let that affect his purpose. He already knew that he could stand up some time ago, but he hid the fact from others.

Considering that Hiruzen didn't let Asuma wander anywhere due to the war happening outside, then it was probably given that Zeus wouldn't get those scrolls if he asked. Additionally, Zeus couldn't even speak properly yet.

'Alright, now onto the other task.' Zeus looked up, seeing the huge wooden bars in front of him. They seemed even bigger upon standing, but that didn't unmotivate Zeus. It was a challenge. Glancing down, Zeus took the longest blanket in his bed and peeked toward the desk and a wooden chair.

Then, Zeus twisted the blanket and tied it together, creating a gap that would latch onto something. With a deep sigh, Zeus concentrated all the energy on his hands and aimed toward the chair. Wishing for the universe to lend him a hand, Zeus threw it with all his might, and it fell just at the right spot.

'Fuck yeah!' Zeus tightened it just the right amount and then tied the other end around his own bed. Immediately, he started climbing the blanket, carefully distributing his weight, so as to not move the chair. Thankfully, everything went smoothly and he got to the other end. Zeus untied the knot around the chair and threw the blanket on the ground, creating an easy escape route.

'Alright, alright, let's not get too excited.' Zeus climbed up onto the desk, finally feeling exhaustion kicking in. After basically not moving for a year, this was the first time he performed any difficult exercises at all, so it was a bit straining. Still, Zeus didn't give up. Thankfully, the desk was placed just next to the door, so he easily reached the doorbell and opened it.

Staring through it, Zeus was grateful that no one had come back. He promptly climbed down from the desk and exited through the door. Finally, he was momentarily out of his prison and got to explore on his own. It was a much bigger room, with a big sofa and an eating table. There were also many doors leading to various rooms, but that wasn't what interested him.

'Let's see.' Zeus made his way towards the corner with hundreds of scrolls, scanning them with a thoughtful eye. Throughout the year that he had been listening to everyone's conversations, Zeus got somewhat familiar with the language. Additionally, back in Heaven, there were a few years when Zeus had directed all his time in pursuit of knowledge, and all languages had become somewhat undistinctive to him.

Hence, it wasn't too difficult to make out what was written on his scrolls. Scanning each and every one of them, Zeus finally found what he has been looking for. It was a scroll of moderate size, which could be easily hidden within the bed.

It was titled: [Basic Chakra Usage and Genin Level Ninjutsu]

'So, it was chakra...' Zeus thought to himself, grabbing the scroll and putting it into his pants. Then, he misplaced a few scrolls, as to make up for the blind spot. It was perfect since there were a few more identical scrolls. Unless Hiruzen decided to go through them one by one, he would never be found out.

Giggling and smiling at his success, Zeus slowly tapped back toward his room. 'That's why I have held the title of a god for so long. No one can ever be more prosperous than I am.' Zeus joked to himself, continuing to carelessly walk.

However, he frowned upon looking down below. Had this room always been this dark? Sweat started gathering at his temples, as he slowly turned his head. His eyes almost bulged out of his sockets when he saw three figures looming over him.

Hiruzen, Bikawo, Asuma - they were all there, staring at Zeus with surprised expressions. Asuma was holding a cake with the number one written on it, yet he had clearly almost dropped it on the ground, considering that his jaw was basically on the floor.

"Zeus...since when did you know how to walk?" Hiruzen asked, his expression changing constantly until his eyes landed on the scroll in Zeus's hand. "And what is it that you are holding in your hands?"

Zeus smiled, scratching the back of his head.

He was fucked.

Mission abort.