Chapter 6: Top Actor-Level Performance, Attitude Towards the Third Hokage

(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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"Sorry...Grandpa Third Hokage, I've used up my chakra reserves so I can't heal anymore, do you feel better?"

Colt said weakly, looking at Hiruzen Sarutobi expectantly.

It was all an act.

In the past two weeks, Colt had mastered many skills in the healing arts granted by his Healer's Benevolence System. He could easily control the power output.

He just held back a bit, repairing only some of the Third's old wounds.

It was used to showcase the difference between his healing prowess and ordinary ninja medics.

At this stage, getting closer to the Third Hokage was a necessary choice, the only way to block the old man's prying eyes.

Appropriately displaying talent and expressing his thoughts could better attract the Third's appreciation and attention.

And reality unfolded as Colt expected.

After feeling the changes within his body, the Third Hokage hurriedly asked questions about his healing ability.

In the end, he concluded this was not ordinary medical ninjutsu, but some sort of bloodline limit.

Because even the most advanced Healing Jutsu couldn't make him feel so rejuvenated.

At this moment, the Third looked at Colt with softer eyes, almost treating him as his own grandson.

"Colt, do you have any dreams?"

How many lives could such a ninja with a special bloodline limit save for Konoha?

You know, ninjas often die during missions.

There were many who accumulated untreated injuries and were forced to retire.

When Colt grows up, becoming the next Tsunade is just around the corner!

At that time, Konoha's combat power could be further bolstered.

However, before that, he still had to confirm whether Colt had a heart for Konoha.

...

Man, what an old dreamer.

Colt inwardly complained about the Third, but he was not slow to respond.

"My dream is to become a great ninja so that I can protect my friends!"

Excellent!

The Third was simply overjoyed.

Colt spoke of protecting friends, but in Konoha, aren't everyone his friends?

"I'm optimistic about your dream, Colt. If you need anything, you can come to me!"

The Third directly offered a huge reward, handing Colt 100,000 ryo along with a bundle of kunai, shuriken, and even a stack of explosive tags with a wave of his hand.

100,000 Ryo was no small amount. Generally, only 80,000 to 200,000 ryo were earned for a B-rank mission requiring a full team.

As for the explosive tags, they were restricted munitions.

Don't be fooled by Konan's 600 billion explosive tags. In the real world, one explosive tag starts at 300 ryo.

It's worth five bowls of Ichiraku ramen.

It can be said that this wave of generosity from the Third had spared no expense.

Seeing the kindness shown, Colt made his own request.

"Grandpa Third Hokage, there is one thing I need your help with right now."

"I hope to go to the Konoha Hospital to help heal the injured ninjas there, is that okay?"

This was Colt's real purpose in revealing his medical abilities today.

Only by entering the Konoha Hospital and treating others could he rapidly grow stronger.

Hearing this request, the Third hesitated.

"Colt, aren't you a little too young currently?"

Colt shook his head frantically, "Grandpa Third, every time I pass by the hospital and see those injured ninjas, I feel very sad."

"They paid so dearly to protect our village, but I can't do anything to help."

"Now that I've learned this ninjutsu, this is a way I can contribute."

In the end, there seemed to be shining determination in his eyes!

An award-winning performance.

What a good boy!

With great relief, the Third agreed to his request without further thought.

"Okay."

However, he did set some restrictions, requiring Colt to stay at the Ninja Hospital for a maximum of half a day daily.

And not to neglect his own training.

What the Third wanted was for Colt to grow into a capable ninja, not to overextend himself as a child.

The Third still has this vision in mind.

Colt had no objection to these terms.

Although desperate to improve his strength, he would not overly expose the terrifying aspects of his healing abilities.

Being slightly beyond his peers would only see him regarded as a genius.

But a genius who completely subverted the norm was viewed as a monster.

Now, before fully grown, he must develop carefully.

...

The Third stayed a while longer, got to know Colt better, and then left.

In fact, in Colt's heart, he didn't have any ill feelings toward the Third Hokage.

As for the conspiracy theories about the Third circulated in his past life, he looked at them from a neutral perspective.

This man had a mixed reputation.

Yes, judging from current interactions, the old man's love for Konoha was undoubted.

Some ask why, instead of sacrificing himself, the Third sent the prime-aged Minato Namikaze to his death.

The reason was also given in the canon.

In order to prevent Obito's intrusion, Minato placed a barrier outside himself and Kushina, which no one could enter.

Moreover, the Third at that time did not hesitate, directly trying to attack the Nine-Tails.

As for the disappearance of the Senju clan, the deaths of Sakumo and Nawaki...

First, the Senju abandoned their surname and integrated fully into the village instead of being exterminated.

Even Tsunade no longer carried the Senju name openly.

As for Sakumo and Nawaki's fates, the Third must know something, but it's far-fetched to say he orchestrated them.

One can say the Third made foolish, indecisive choices, but he sincerely wished for Konoha's wellbeing.

It was completely different from a certain village leader who uses "everything for Konoha" as an empty mantra daily.

It can only be said his ability was insufficient and his scope was limited, but he tried his best.

For Colt, it was even simpler. Since rebirth, the Third had not mistreated him.

That's enough.

Besides, the Third brought him a great gift today.

[Healing the Third's Wounds: Gained Chakra +15, Earth Chakra Affinity, Ninjutsu +10]

Sure enough, as the patient's strength increases, so do the rewards Colt reaps each time.

"It seems in the future, I should go help the old man heal again."

Under the deep night sky, came his low murmur.