"I'm sorry, Sensei. I couldn't control my strength while training," Xu Ming said as he stood up, the golden-red glow in his eyes fading. He suppressed the power of Sage Transformation within his body, causing the surrounding temperature to gradually drop.
However, the aftermath of his training was evident—within a 20-meter radius, the once-green vegetation had been reduced to blackened, charred remnants, consumed by the lingering flames.
"So this is the power of Sage Transformation…"
The Third Hokage approached with a sense of awe, finally daring to get closer now that the heat had dissipated. If he had stepped into the intense temperature earlier, he might have been scorched like the dried grass in the flames.
"It's truly terrifying. You've already achieved the power equivalent to C-rank ninjutsu, and this is merely the residual energy from your training…"
The Third Hokage surveyed the scorched area, astonishment evident on his face.
If Xu Ming were to unleash his full power, it could rival an A-rank Fire Style technique. And since this ability stemmed from his eyes, it likely required no hand seals—meaning instant activation.
In other words, Xu Ming had mastered an A-rank Fire Style technique that could be activated in the blink of an eye.
The Hokage played out a hypothetical battle scenario in his mind and felt a chill run down his spine. Even against him, there was a possibility that Xu Ming could overwhelm him in an instant.
"After all, it's natural energy—something everyone desires."
Xu Ming smiled as he took out a pair of colored contact lenses, slipping them on to conceal his uniquely patterned eyes, restoring them to their usual dark color.
"A year ago, you were just developing ninjutsu alongside Orochimaru, and your reputation as a genius had only begun to spread," the Third Hokage reminisced with a sigh. "Now, you've mastered natural energy and possess power that could threaten even me. Your growth has been astonishingly fast."
"Sensei, why do you suddenly sound so melancholic?" Xu Ming asked with amusement.
Having interacted with the Third Hokage, he realized that in his younger years, the man had an incredibly broad perspective and an open heart.
Aside from his combat strength, he was the ideal Hokage in terms of wisdom and leadership—just as the Will of Fire described.
A true protector of the village.
This was a stark contrast to the Third Hokage of later years.
"It's just that I've been contemplating something for a long time… and today, I've finally made a decision."
The Hokage's expression turned solemn as he spoke in a low voice.
"Xu Ming, what are your thoughts on the First Hokage's Wood Style?"
Wood Style?
Xu Ming was momentarily stunned, looking at his teacher in shock.
A flood of thoughts surged through his mind.
"Sensei… are you trying to research the power of Wood Style?" he asked, his expression turning serious.
"Yes. And the research is already underway."
The Third Hokage admitted this openly, though with a wry smile.
"This project was originally initiated by my teacher, the Second Hokage. After his passing, we—the students he left behind—continued his research in secret."
Xu Ming fell silent.
He had always suspected that Konoha had been researching the First Hokage's unparalleled Wood Style technique, but he hadn't expected the research to have started so long ago.
"Why are you telling me this?" Xu Ming asked after a deep breath.
"Because I believe you have the maturity to face the darker aspects of the village," the Third Hokage replied. "Both in terms of your mindset and strength, you meet the qualifications. So, I thought it was time for you to know about things that aren't openly discussed."
Xu Ming remained quiet for a moment before asking, "Does Lady Mito know about this?"
"Of course she does. How could she not?"
The Third Hokage shook his head with a bitter smile.
"But what can she do? Many within the Senju Clan itself support this research. She can only turn a blind eye and tacitly allow it to continue."
Xu Ming exhaled slowly, feeling a pang of sympathy for Uzumaki Mito.
After her husband's death, his body was subjected to research.
And it wasn't just anyone—this research had been initiated by her late husband's own younger brother, with the approval and support of the Senju Clan.
To make matters worse, even the current Hokage was backing the project.
As a woman who had married into Konoha, there was little she could do to stop it.
"I'm not an extraordinary person," the Third Hokage continued. "The only thing I have is a sense of self-awareness."
He spoke slowly, his voice tinged with a quiet determination.
"I know full well that I alone cannot protect Konoha."
"The best I can do is provide support—placing the right people in the right positions, allowing them to fulfill their roles."
"Only by involving everyone can we truly safeguard the village."
As he finished, he fixed Xu Ming with a gaze full of expectation.
"And that includes you, Xu Ming. As my student, I believe it's time for you to step beyond the role of a mere student and become a part of the group that understands and protects the hidden side of Konoha."
"Join us, Xu Ming."
The Third Hokage extended his hand, his invitation sincere.
But Xu Ming shook his head without hesitation.
"Apologies, Sensei, but I have no interest in such matters. Perhaps Orochimaru would be more inclined to participate in this research."
"...I see."
The Third Hokage wasn't surprised by the rejection.
He simply nodded, accepting the response with calm composure.
"I expected you to refuse. But it doesn't matter—I just felt it was time for you to know about the shadows lurking within the village."
"After all, ninjas cannot avoid bloodshed and darkness."
With that, the Third Hokage patted Xu Ming on the shoulder before turning and descending the mountain.
On the Mountain
Xu Ming watched his teacher's retreating figure, deep in thought.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, darkness gradually settled over the landscape.
Just then, another figure appeared at the mountaintop.
"Xu Ming."
The familiar voice called out.
"Orochimaru," Xu Ming greeted, opening his eyes with a small smile. "What did Lady Mito say to you?"
"She spoke about the Second Hokage. It was mostly warnings and advice—she seemed concerned that I might stray down the wrong path," Orochimaru replied as he sat down beside Xu Ming, his expression heavy with thought.
"Anything else?"
"She also talked about Sensei," Orochimaru sighed. "He invited me to participate in the First Hokage's Wood Style research. I agreed."
"That's good news. So why do you look so troubled?" Xu Ming asked.
"I just… suddenly feel that the village isn't what I imagined it to be. It's a bit disheartening."
A trace of sorrow flickered in Orochimaru's eyes.
Xu Ming merely chuckled, reached out, and patted his friend's shoulder.
"Orochimaru… welcome to the world of adults."