Chapter 3: Suprised

Running out of the conference room, Takumi didn't stop and ran back to his room.

Taking a long breath, he was ready to add points.

"Recently my back has been hurting, so let's reduce my age first," he decided.

He added four points to age. Instantly he felt his back stop hurting, his legs and feet grew stronger, and his spirit greatly improved.

After hesitating, Takumi evenly distributed the remaining six points between Strength, Physique, and Spirit.

Host: Senju Takumi

Age: 56

Strength: 70 Physique: 70 Spirit: 70

Unlocked Attributes: Earth Release: 70 Wind Release: 70 Fire Release: 70

Mental Abilities: Perception

Strength Level: Chunin

Plot Points: 0

Scanning the stats, Takumi clenched his fists. Surging power flowed through his body into his fists.

"Just six points took me to Chunin level!" he muttered excitedly.

It was just Chunin strength, nothing to get so worked up about, he told himself. If only he had killed Madara back then, he could have reached Kage level instantly.

Shaking off those thoughts, he studied his attributes. "A few plot points can increase my powers by ten," he realized.

As Strength, Physique and Spirit grew, so did his Earth, Wind and Fire powers. He understood - those three attributes increased his chakra amount.

Likewise, more chakra meant he could perform more advanced ninjutsu. After all, Takumi deeply understood various techniques, having researched ninjutsu for decades.

The only problem was his research had stayed theoretical, not put into combat.

Closing the panel, Takumi thought deeply. Just by completing a minor plot task, he jumped from Genin to Chunin. What if he changed the main story?

He could likely skyrocket from Chunin to Jonin, even approach Kage level!

A character from the story flashed through his mind, and Takumi's thoughts raced.

Quickly he went to the table and jotted down names. "I know the full history, while you..." he murmured, smiling at the list.

After wiping the ink away, he headed out. "As eldest of the clan, I should guide the juniors in ninjutsu," he declared.

Teaching them would simply require opening his mouth, right?

...

Noon.

In the Sarutobi clan's living room, Hiruzen Sarutobi sat at the table while Senju Kira fawned over him.

Across from them, an anxious envoy from the Land of Rivers pleaded, "Hokage, Suna keeps sending spies into our land. They likely plan to attack! Once we fall, Suna can invade the Land of Fire anytime."

"We implore you to send troops to aid us," begged the envoy, hoping to persuade the Third Hokage through mutual interest.

"Oh? Suna is only spying so far, not attacking?" remarked Kira, glancing at indifferent Hiruzen before continuing slowly.

"If we wait for Suna's attack, our country will be finished!" exclaimed the envoy, agitated.

The envoy knew awaiting Suna's attack meant certain doom for the Land of Rivers in a day or less.

Sandwiched between the Lands of Wind and Fire, the Land of Rivers dared not offend either side. With Suna plotting against them, their only hope was aid from Konoha.

But Hiruzen remained silent, worrying not about the Land of Rivers' fate but the Land of Fire's border.

With troops diverted to the Land of Rivers, Konoha's border defenses would weaken, allowing Ame to invade the Land of Fire. This outcome concerned him more.

"For Suna's infiltration, I can issue a warning. As for reinforcements, I will send ten elite Senju to aid you," Hiruzen finally replied.

"A warning? Ten ninja?" exclaimed the dumbfounded envoy. What good were those? The envoy had hoped for real reinforcements, not token forces for Suna to easily crush.

"Hokage, I assure you Suna will invade us! And once we fall, Suna will target the Land of Fire next!" pleaded the envoy, kneeling in desperation.

"Enough! See the guest out!" ordered Hiruzen, done listening.

Konoha had to defend the Land of Fire first and could spare no more troops. The ten elite Senju he offered were already generous - one Senju could match dozens of Sarutobi.

With the Senju elder in his pocket, Hiruzen considered the clan his personal army. As for the Land of Rivers' fate, what did it matter if Suna conquered it? Konoha bore no responsibility.

"Wait!" interjected Kira suddenly. "Some of those ten Senju have defeated Madara Uchiha," he revealed, eyes glinting.

"Defeated Madara?" exclaimed the envoy, immediately hopeful.

But Hiruzen was stunned, realizing the elder's ploy - revenge by sending away the meddlesome elder as one of the ten.

Kira was thrilled to have his chance at last. No more respecting the elder's status or age! He would dispatch the nuisance directly to the battlefield, never to return!

"Hokage, I agree! Whether you send the other nine Senju or not, the one who beat Madara is essential!" begged the envoy, kneeling sincerely once more.