Chapter 6: A Showdown with the Third Hokage

"Sorry... Grandpa Third Hokage, I've run out of Chakra," Tetsuya said weakly, looking at Sarutobi Hiruzen with an expectant gaze.

It was all an act.

Over the past two weeks, Tetsuya had mastered the healing techniques provided by the system, allowing him to control his power with ease. He had only used a small amount of his Chakra to repair some of the Third Hokage's dark wounds, making it clear that his healing was different from ordinary medical ninjutsu.

At this stage, aligning himself with the Third Hokage was a necessary move to shield himself from prying eyes. Showing a bit of talent and his intentions would draw the Third Hokage's appreciation and attention.

As Tetsuya had expected, Hiruzen's eyes softened after feeling the changes in his body. The Third Hokage asked a few questions about the healing technique and concluded that it wasn't ordinary medical ninjutsu but a unique bloodline limit. No advanced Healing Jutsu could make him feel so rejuvenated.

Hiruzen's expression turned affectionate, almost treating Tetsuya as his grandson. "Tetsuya, do you have any dreams?"

Tetsuya knew this was his moment. "My dream is to be a great ninja so that I can protect my friends!"

Hiruzen was overjoyed. "Good, good! I'm optimistic about your dreams, Tetsuya. If you need anything, you can come to me!"

The Third Hokage generously gave Tetsuya 100,000 ryo, along with a bunch of kunai, shuriken, and a stack of explosive tags. This was no small amount; a B-rank mission usually paid between 80,000 to 200,000 ryo, shared among a team.

Seeing the Third Hokage's kindness, Tetsuya made his request. "Grandpa Third Hokage, I need your help with something. I hope to work at Konoha Hospital to help injured ninjas."

This was the real reason Tetsuya revealed his medical abilities. By working at the hospital, he could quickly grow stronger.

Hiruzen hesitated. "Tetsuya, isn't your current age a little too young?"

Tetsuya shook his head vigorously. "Grandpa Third Hokage, I feel sad every time I pass by the hospital and see the injured ninjas. They've sacrificed so much for Konoha, and I want to help them with my ninjutsu."

His eyes seemed to sparkle with determination. It was a performance worthy of an actor.

The Third Hokage, moved by Tetsuya's sincerity, agreed but with restrictions. "You can stay at the Ninja Hospital for half a day each day, but don't neglect your training."

Tetsuya nodded, understanding the wisdom behind the restriction. "Thank you, Grandpa Third Hokage. I promise not to let you down."

As the Third Hokage sat for a while longer, getting to know Tetsuya better, Tetsuya reflected on his situation. He held no ill will toward Hiruzen. Despite the conspiracy theories from his previous life, he viewed the Third Hokage from a neutral perspective.

Hiruzen's love for Konoha was undeniable. The criticisms against him, like why he didn't use the Reaper Death Seal instead of Minato, were explained in the original series. Minato had placed a barrier to prevent anyone, even Hiruzen, from interfering.

Regarding the Senju clan's disappearance and the deaths of figures like White Fang and Nawaki, these were more complex. The Senju clan had integrated into Konoha, and it would be far-fetched to blame Hiruzen directly for their demise.

The Third Hokage's biggest flaw was perhaps his indecisiveness and the limitations of his abilities. But his intentions for Konoha's well-being were sincere, unlike certain individuals who exploited the village for their own agendas.

For Tetsuya, the Third Hokage had been kind since his rebirth, and that was enough.

Besides, today Hiruzen had brought him a significant gift.

[Cure the dark wounds in the Third Hokage, get Chakra +15, earth attribute Chakra, points +10]

As Tetsuya pondered the rewards, he thought, "It seems if anything's wrong, I should visit the old man and offer him some healing."

Under the deep night sky, Tetsuya's low voice echoed his determination and strategy for the future.