Chapter 3 : Teenage Troubles??

The next morning, bright and early.

After having breakfast, Sogetsu tidied up and set out to meet the Third Hokage.

"Good morning, Brother Sogetsu."

Just as he stepped outside, Sogetsu ran into someone.

Looking down, he saw a teenage boy with messy black hair sticking out in all directions like a hedgehog, and a pair of goggles covering half his face.

As a time traveler, Sogetsu had some knowledge of the storyline.

The somewhat naïve and earnest boy standing before him would become the greatest villain in the ninja world, a notorious love-struck idealist in the anime, and the mastermind behind the Fourth Ninja War—Uchiha Obito.

"Obito! What brings you here so early?" Sogetsu's expression softened as he reached out and ruffled the boy's hair.

Obito's cheeks turned a bit pink, and he hesitated before saying, "I... I want to experience it. Everything coming true, like you said."

"Oh? Well, my services don't come cheap." Sogetsu's eyebrows arched in interest. "Even the most basic trial costs at least 50,000 ryō. Do you have that much?"

"Of course! Don't underestimate me, Brother Sogetsu," Obito replied, puffing his chest out proudly and pulling a bundle of large-denomination banknotes from his pocket. "This is the 50,000 ryō I earned from missions!"

"Oh, I almost forgot you're already a Genin." Sogetsu rubbed his temples. He'd been so wrapped up in his own tasks that he hadn't been keeping track of plot developments.

However, he knew the broader events wouldn't change. Uchiha Obito's graduation was a sign that the Third Ninja War was approaching.

"It's been ages since I graduated, okay, Brother Sogetsu?" Obito protested with a frown. "Stop treating me like a kid!"

"Got it, Obito," Sogetsu replied with a smile as he ruffled the kid's hair. "But I'm sorry, I can't help right now. I have to meet with Hokage-sama. Maybe next time?"

[Side mission: Teenage Troubles]

[No matter how much I try, I can't win her over. Help Obito decide his fate.]

[Reward: Destiny Doll (prevents curses, exploration, and tracking)]

After glancing at the side mission description, Sogetsu had a pretty good idea of what Obito's "wish" was.

"Okay," Obito mumbled, his head drooping with disappointment.

"Next time, Obito."

Sogetsu reached out and ruffled his hair again. "I'll give you a discount, thirty thousand taels."

"Thank you, Brother Sogetsu!" Obito's eyes lit up with excitement, as if he suddenly had a twenty-thousand-tael weight lifted off his shoulders.

Uchiha Sogetsu walked through Konoha's bustling commercial district, his hands in his pockets. He'd just taken a Beyonder potion, and while he tried to contain it, some spiritual energy leaked out. It would take a while to adjust.

His dark eyes were like bottomless whirlpools, rippling with energy. If not for his special glasses, the pedestrians passing by might have been mesmerized just by a glance, their souls drowning in his gaze.

"We still need to get this under control," Sogetsu muttered to himself, rubbing his temples as he scanned the street with his heightened senses.

Red, yellow, blue. The colors swirled together like paint in a pool. It was the etheric aura of living beings, visible thanks to his Spirit Vision.

Unlike Sequence 7 Psychiatrist, who could only discern the aura's color to understand a person's mood, being at Sequence 6 gave him the ability to dive deeper into their minds.

"Hey, did you hear about that big news?" one passerby asked another.

"Yeah, I heard. It's really something, isn't it?"

"What a shame... Sigh."

"You're telling me."

The conversation piqued Sogetsu's interest. His eyes focused on the pair, his spiritual power silently reaching into their minds.

Psychological suggestion.

The two individuals barely resisted before their minds blanked out, falling into a stupor.

"Can you tell me what's happening?" Sogetsu asked.

"Hatake Sakumo took his own life at home, fearing the consequences of his crimes," was the response.

Uchiha Sogetsu was taken aback by this news.

It dawned on him that it was now the 44th year of Konoha.

Only four short years remained until the Third Ninja War.

"The plan must be expedited."

Sogetsu's expression shifted subtly as a wry smile played at the corners of his lips. He broke free from his introspective trance and swiftly made his way toward the Hokage Building.

The Third Ninja War was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Missing this chance meant waiting over a decade for the next one, and he didn't have that kind of time.

At the Hokage Building, outside the office door.

"Hokage-sama, it's Sogetsu Uchiha."

Sogetsu knocked and waited with polite deference.

"Come in," came a slightly older voice.

Sogetsu entered, noticing that besides the Third Hokage, Danzo was also present, causing his brows to knit slightly.

The displeasure was momentary, but he quickly composed himself.

As early as when he was in Sequence 9, Sogetsu had mastered the art of controlling his expressions and emotions to the point that even the Sharingan couldn't read him.

"Hokage-sama, Danzo-sama," Sogetsu greeted them with a gentle smile.

The Third Hokage, seated behind the desk, was in his prime. He hadn't yet become the aged and hesitant leader he would be in over a decade. He still exuded authority and ambition.

The Third Hokage held a pipe in his mouth, puffing a plume of smoke, and waved casually, saying, "Uchiha Sogetsu, right? I remember you. On several missions, you refused to leave your teammates behind and chose to stay with them, despite the risks. Your mission completion rate is exceptional, and you're skilled in medical ninjutsu—an uncommon talent for a Jonin."

"Thank you, Hokage-sama. It's just what I do," Sogetsu replied, rubbing the back of his head with a shy grin, pretending to be a bit embarrassed.

"Yes, you're a good young man. No need to be so formal," the Hokage replied.

The Third Hokage was pleased with Uchiha Sogetsu's performance, praising him, "In you, I see the future of Konoha. It is because of young people like you that I believe the Will of Fire, established by the First Hokage, will continue to be passed down."

"Thank you, Hokage-sama. I will keep working hard!" Sogetsu's face flushed with pride, unable to hide his excitement as he replied, "I will inherit the Will of Fire and protect the village, even with my life!"

"Haha, I believe in you, Uchiha Sogetsu." The Third Hokage nodded with a warm smile. "Even though you're young, you already understand things from the Hokage's perspective."

"Please, Hokage-sama, don't say that." Sogetsu rubbed his nose in embarrassment. "I just follow your teachings. It's only natural to think this way."

"Hahaha!" The Third Hokage's laugh was hearty and genuine; Sogetsu's flattery seemed to strike a positive chord.

"Hmph," a gruff voice interrupted. Danzo, who had been watching from the side, couldn't stand the joviality and let out a loud, annoyed snort.

What nonsense about the Will of Fire! 

Why is this Uchiha kid acting so polite? 

Aren't all Uchiha supposed to be prideful and arrogant? 

Where's your haughty demeanor? Where's your superiority? 

Danzo, who already had a deep-seated dislike for the Uchiha clan, found Sogetsu's behavior especially grating. There was a flash of malice in his eyes, a dark, intense disdain.

Sogetsu sensed Danzo's malice. It was like a dark, burning flame in his aura.

What's his problem? 

Sogetsu thought, puzzled. I've only met him a few times. Why is he so hostile? 

The Third Hokage wasn't pleased with the interruption. He glanced at Danzo, clearly annoyed, but decided to keep his thoughts to himself. There were too many people around to confront Danzo openly.

Instead, he coughed twice and addressed Sogetsu, "Uchiha Sogetsu, I'm glad you're joining the ANBU. Elephant will guide you to the ANBU quarters. Get to know the place, and we'll discuss more details later."

"Yes, Hokage-sama," Sogetsu replied with a respectful nod, then left the office.

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