Chapter 07: The Diary's Contribution, A Meeting of Great Actors
Sarutobi Hiruzen opened the diary, and the words immediately captured his full attention. The Will of Fire was evident, practically leaping off the page.
He quickly realized that the entries were written during the final days of the last semester.
July 1st — Hiruzen remembered that day clearly. He had visited the Ninja Academy to give a lecture on the Will of Fire. He'd seen Tonan among the students and still recalled how the boy's expression had shifted—from initial confusion to genuine agreement as the lecture went on.
He hadn't expected a child to form such unique thoughts based on a single speech. Even Hiruzen himself hadn't reflected so deeply on these ideals.
Judging by the contents of the diary, Tonan placed more value on the Hokage's teachings than on his own parents or clan. Over 90% of the entries were about Hiruzen's ideology and philosophy. Mentions of his parents or clan were brief and superficial at best.
Despite being only six years old, Tonan had already awakened the Sharingan. The fact that he could exchange blows with Kakashi, even briefly, was proof enough—he was a rare genius.
"If I just give him a bit of guidance and personally teach him the Will of Fire now and then, he could definitely become a trusted confidant. One day, if I ordered him to annihilate the Uchiha clan, he might not even hesitate.
But for him to stand on my side, I must cultivate and protect him carefully."
Though Hiruzen hadn't consciously realized it yet, deep down he had already begun to see Tonan as one of his people.
"This young boy has the potential to inherit the Will of Fire. Do you think he needs assistance?"
The nearby Anbu instantly understood what this question implied—Hiruzen intended to personally foster Tonan and draw him to his side.
"From what I've gathered," the Anbu replied, "Uchiha Tonan's parents left him with a decent amount of money before they went to the frontlines. However, he seems to have spent most of it buying unnecessary books."
He was referring to the ninja manuals filling Tonan's cupboard. After that purchase, Tonan would barely have enough left for daily living expenses.
"When I checked his refrigerator, it only had vegetables. If this keeps up, he may become malnourished."
Lack of money…
Hiruzen fell into thought. Tonan hadn't awakened his Sharingan at first, and his ninjutsu and taijutsu had been among the worst. But he had a desire to grow stronger, so it made sense that he'd invest in books.
"I'm just not sure if this boy realizes those books alone won't improve his strength. He's basically paying for theory instead of results. But now that he's on my radar, I can't just leave him be. This might be a good chance to build a closer relationship."
Satisfied with his plan, Hiruzen handed the diary back to the Anbu.
"Good work. It seems you've been thorough. Return this to him discreetly. Make sure no one realizes you were there."
"Yes."
In the next instant, the Anbu vanished.
The following day, while Tonan was attending class, a teacher came in and whispered something to Umino Naoto, who was lecturing at the time. Naoto nodded, turned to the students, and said, "Tonan, someone's looking for you in the office."
Tonan stood up and followed the teacher out of the room. As they walked through the hallway, Tonan had already guessed who it was.
He didn't have connections outside his classmates or clan members, and neither group was likely to call him out like this. Clan members would've waited until he got home. The system hadn't notified him of his parents' deaths, so it likely wasn't an emergency.
That left only one possibility—the Third Hokage.
"The person is inside," the teacher said, stopping in front of the office and motioning for Tonan to go in alone.
The implication was clear: the visitor's status was high enough that even the teacher stood aside respectfully. That confirmed Tonan's suspicion—it had to be Hiruzen.
He opened the door, wearing an appropriately puzzled look. Inside, Hiruzen was seated behind the desk, a warm smile on his face.
Tonan's feigned confusion faded, replaced by visible delight. He opened his mouth as if to speak but was too overwhelmed—like a child meeting a hero. He stood frozen in place.
"Tonan, right? Come in and close the door," Hiruzen said gently, clearly pleased by the boy's reaction.
"Y-Yes, sir," Tonan quickly shut the door and almost rushed to Hiruzen's desk, smiling sheepishly and scratching his head.
"No need to be so nervous, child," Hiruzen said, reaching out to gently ruffle Tonan's hair. "I may be the Hokage, but to me, you're all like my own children."
Tonan narrowed his eyes happily, as if being embraced by a close relative.
"I came to see you because I heard your parents have gone to the frontlines. You're living alone now, right? That must be difficult. If anything is troubling you, don't hesitate to come to me," Hiruzen said kindly, like a caring neighborhood grandfather.
Tonan looked up at him, firm and sincere.
"Lord Hokage, it's not that hard. You work so much harder than I do, day and night for the whole village. Now that the war's gotten so serious, you must be under a lot of pressure. But still, you took the time to check on me, I… I…"
He choked up but quickly wiped his face on his sleeve, putting on a brave expression.
"Good boy," Hiruzen said. "You are all the future of Konoha. When the tree leaves dance, the fire will continue to burn. As long as you all grow strong and healthy, all my effort will be worth it."
He picked up an envelope from the desk and placed it in Tonan's hands.
"I've had my eye on you for a while. I also watched your fight with Kakashi. The Sharingan is powerful, but your body's still weak. Use this money to buy some good food and take care of yourself."
"Training takes a toll—physically and mentally. If you're ever short on money, don't be shy. Come find me at the Hokage's office. I've got nowhere else to spend my salary anyway. Better to invest it in Konoha's future."
Tonan stared at the envelope and swallowed. He looked like a kid imagining a table full of treats. But then he shook his head and tried to return it.
"No, Lord Hokage, you work so hard. You should use this to buy good food for yourself and stay healthy. If anything happened to you, Konoha would fall apart. I'll find food on my own."
Hiruzen was even more pleased. He gently pressed the envelope back into Tonan's hands.
"Take it, child. Konoha still needs you to carry on the Will of Fire."
Tonan's eyes welled up. He looked at Hiruzen, voice thick with emotion.
"Thank you. No one's ever treated me so kindly. I'll work hard to become a great ninja and carry on the Will of Fire. I'll uphold your ideals, Lord Hokage, and dedicate my life to protecting Konoha."
Hiruzen smiled and nodded.
"Very good. I'm looking forward to seeing the ninja you become. For now, though, I'd like to hear your thoughts on the Will of Fire."