Chapter 5: The Third Hokage Comes to the Door, exposed?

(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 20 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)

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Inside the Hokage's office, smoke lingered.

The Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi continued to puff on his pipe, but his eyes were fixed on the crystal ball on the table, motionless.

On the crystal ball were images of Colt and Hyuga Hinata respectively.

It was his signature ninjutsu - Telescope Technique.

It's also one of the ninjutsu that perverts like Jiraiya want to learn most.

As Hokage, he often used this technique in his spare time to observe the happenings of the entire Konoha village.

Especially the attractive women taking baths around town.

Hiruzen would have liked to watch for 12 hours a day if it weren't for the fact that too much peeping could drive one insane.

Today, the Third Hokage, as usual, was going to enjoy the hot spring baths at the east end of the village, but unexpectedly, he saw an interesting scene.

"Colt..."

There was a look of reminiscence on the Third Hokage's face.

Colt's father, once his escort guard, had strength that reached Elite Jōnin level.

Of course, there was no official Elite Jōnin rank in the village, it's just a private name for those exceedingly powerful Jōnin.

The ninja ranks were: Genin, Chūnin, Tokubetsu Jōnin, Jōnin, and then Kage.

And Colt's father was a Jōnin among Jōnins.

On the night of the Nine-Tailed Fox's attack, Colt's parents blocked a critical blow for Hiruzen, buying him time to summon Enma.

Therefore, they can be said to be benefactors who helped save the Third Hokage's life.

Colt's mother, an excellent medical ninja, also died in that battle.

This was the reason why the Third treated Colt more favorably.

Not only was he arranged to be protected by caretakers when young, but even after becoming independent, his pension was never reduced and was quite generous.

The smoke pipe in his hand burned out, the faint burning sensation pulling the Third out of his memories.

Once someone gets old, it's easy to reminisce too much.

However, recalling how Colt taught those arrogant children a lesson, yet also healed them after, a smile appeared.

In his opinion, this child had inherited the Will of Fire.

Protecting companions without bullying, able to use medical ninjutsu already.

He was a future backbone of Konoha, no doubt.

But learning such high-level medical ninjutsu at that young age, was it his mother's legacy?

Some doubts remained, and the Third needed more information.

With a swing of his hand, an ANBU with a cat mask appeared in the office.

"Go get all intelligence on Colt you can find."

"Yes, Lord Hokage!"

The voice fell, and the ANBU had disappeared.

...

Meanwhile, after sending Hinata home, Colt purchased some supplies and returned home.

This shopping trip cost a decent amount, leaving him feeling distressed without a source of income.

While cooking dinner, Colt was thinking about the road ahead.

Healing those three rascals gave him attribute gains that would take half a day's training.

If he had access to wounded ninjas...

He was sure his rate of progress would be unimaginable.

However, how should he take this first step? Go directly to the Third Hokage?

It's okay, but it's unusual for a child to request an audience with the Hokage.

Who does he think he was, Naruto who can barge in anytime?

Moreover, expressing eagerness would only arouse suspicion.

"Dong-dong!"

There was a rhythmic knock at the door, puzzling Colt.

Who would come calling at this hour?

"Coming!"

With a shout, Colt put down the meal he'd prepared and went to the door.

"Grandpa Third Hokage?"

Looking at Hiruzen Sarutobi wearing the Hokage hat, Colt was very surprised.

Although he'd met the Third twice before when receiving funds, the Hokage had never paid a surprise visit.

There was a smile on the Third's wrinkled face, "Colt, won't you invite me in to sit?"

"Uh, please come in."

Would Colt dare refuse?

...

In the living room, Colt and the Third sat opposite each other, neither speaking first.

Holding a cup of hot tea, the Third glanced around at Colt's living environment.

The appearance of one's room can reveal much about the occupant's character.

Although just a four-year-old child, the room was spotlessly cleaned, with no excess trash, and very tidy.

In the ANBU's report, Colt not only trained rigorously since childhood but also treated neighbors kindly.

A portrait of someone devoted to the village.

The Third was increasingly satisfied.

From now on, Colt's carefully crafted image was working.

And Colt was thinking.

'What is the Third's purpose in coming today?'

"Colt, I think you have already unlocked your chakra, correct?"

Colt's heart froze, not knowing when he'd been exposed.

Although inwardly nervous, he quickly put on a bright smile.

"That's right, Grandpa Third, I tried the chakra control exercise my parents left me a month ago, and I already have chakra!"

"Not only that," his expression very excited, as if sharing a big secret, "I also have a special ability to heal others!"

Seeing Colt didn't hesitate to admit this, the Third's eyes showed even more appreciation.

He believed this child must be an heir to the Will of Fire.

Striking a Hokage pose!

He feigned interest and asked, "What kind of ability? Can you show me?"

Colt didn't talk nonsense either, his right hand directly lit up with healing chakra, "Grandpa Third, do you have any injuries? I can heal you!"

The Third smiled and stretched out his arm while inwardly shaking his head.

In recent years, he hadn't been on the battlefield, how could he have injuries?

Only old wounds remained from long ago.

But this was just the child's kindness, he would not refuse.

Yet soon, the Third's expression changed.

The moment the palm touched him; a warm current entered along Colt's hand.

This warm flow constantly repaired the old ailments he carried, his originally hunched posture subconsciously straightening.

"This level of medical ninjutsu!"

At this time, the Third's heart was in turmoil.

He found he had greatly underestimated Colt's healing power!