The morning sun painted golden streaks across the Hokage's office as Hashirama convened an emergency council meeting. The unprecedented nature of Kenji's request had necessitated consultation with the village's most trusted advisors—the clan heads who formed the backbone of Konoha's power structure.
Tobirama sat to his brother's right, his expression characteristically stern as he reviewed the proposal's implications. Around the table sat representatives from the major clans: Hyuga, Nara, Yamanaka, and Akimichi, along with several senior Senju members. Each face reflected varying degrees of skepticism about the unusual arrangement.
"Let me understand this correctly," spoke Hyuga Tennin, the current clan head. "A foreign noble wishes to learn our ninja arts in exchange for substantial funding? The precedent this would set..."
"The precedent is irrelevant if it serves the village's interests," Hashirama replied firmly. "Our resources are stretched thin. The construction projects alone require more funding than our current missions can provide."
Nara Hisakage, ancestor of the future genius clan, leaned back thoughtfully. "The financial benefits are undeniable, but what assurance do we have that these techniques won't be shared with hostile nations? Nobles tend to have... complex political allegiances."
Tobirama's fingers drummed against the table as he considered the strategic implications. His analytical mind had been wrestling with this decision since the meeting with Lord Kibutsuchi. "I've been thinking about this extensively," he said finally. "Basic chakra manipulation and fundamental taijutsu pose minimal security risks. These techniques are known to varying degrees among all ninja nations."
He paused, his red eyes scanning the assembled council members. "What we absolutely cannot teach him are any clan-specific techniques, advanced ninjutsu, or village secrets. But elementary training? The benefits far outweigh the risks."
Yamanaka Inosuke raised a concern that had been troubling several council members. "Has anyone considered why a noble would suddenly desire ninja training? It's highly unusual for someone of his standing and age to make such a request."
"He explained his reasoning clearly," Hashirama responded. "A near-death experience can profoundly change a person's perspective. The desire for self-sufficiency after feeling helpless isn't uncommon."
Akimichi Masatora, known for his practical approach to village matters, voiced the question everyone was considering. "How much funding are we discussing? Is this arrangement truly worth the potential complications?"
Hashirama's expression grew serious. "Based on his initial offers and apparent wealth, we're looking at funding that could accelerate our development timeline by several months. New training grounds, improved infrastructure, better equipment for our ninja—the possibilities are significant."
The debate continued for nearly two hours, with various clan heads raising concerns about precedent, security, and the long-term implications of training a foreign national. However, Tobirama's methodical analysis gradually swayed the council toward acceptance.
"I propose a compromise," Tobirama announced, bringing the discussion to focus. "We provide the basic training he's requested, but under strict supervision. No advanced techniques, no sensitive information, and all sessions are monitored. Additionally, we require a formal agreement that prohibits him from teaching these techniques to others without village approval."
The council voted with surprising unanimity. Even the most skeptical members recognized that Konoha's rapid growth demanded creative solutions to their funding problems.
Three days after the council meeting, a messenger arrived at the Leaf Inn with a formal summons for Lord Kibutsuchi to attend a meeting at the Hokage Tower. The appointment was scheduled for mid-morning, which immediately presented Kenji with a familiar problem.
Kenji turned to the messenger with practiced concern on his face. "I'm afraid I must request a modification to the meeting time. My illness tends to worsen significantly under direct sunlight, making daytime travel quite difficult for me."
The messenger—who was also tasked with watching over Kenji and knew of his unusual aversion to sunlight—bowed slightly and asked, "Shall I inform them you'll attend only after sunset, my lord?"
"If you would be so kind," Kenji replied gracefully. "Please convey my apologies for the inconvenience and explain that my condition makes evening meetings a medical necessity."
That evening, as the last traces of daylight faded from the sky, Kenji made his way to the Hokage Tower with anticipation building in his chest. The familiar guards waved him through with respectful nods, and he climbed the stairs to find the office occupied by three figures instead of the usual two.
Hashirama rose from behind his desk with characteristic enthusiasm, his face beaming with what appeared to be genuine pleasure at seeing his guest. "Lord Kibutsuchi! Welcome, welcome! I trust your health has been stable?"
Tobirama remained seated, his expression maintaining its customary neutrality, though Kenji detected a hint of analytical interest in the white-haired Senju's gaze. The third occupant, a man in his thirties with the distinctive features of the Senju clan, stood with polite attention but unmistakable reserve.
"Thank you for accommodating my scheduling difficulties," Kenji replied with appropriate gratitude. "I hope the delay didn't cause any significant inconvenience."
"Not at all," Hashirama assured him, then gestured toward the third man. "Allow me to introduce Senju Kaito, one of our most capable instructors. The council has approved your request for basic training, and Kaito has volunteered to serve as your teacher."
Senju Kaito stepped forward with a polite bow, though Kenji immediately sensed the man's skepticism. "Lord Kibutsuchi, it's an honor to meet you. I look forward to... working with you."
The slight hesitation before 'working with you' spoke volumes about Kaito's true feelings regarding this assignment. Kenji had expected such reservations—in a world where ninja training began in childhood, the idea of teaching an adult noble must seem like a fool's errand.
"The honor is entirely mine, Sensei Kaito," Kenji replied with respectful formality. "I understand that this arrangement is quite unusual, and I appreciate your willingness to undertake such an unconventional assignment."
Tobirama leaned forward slightly, his analytical mind evidently working through the practical details. "Before we proceed, there are certain limitations that must be clearly understood. You will receive instruction in basic chakra manipulation and fundamental taijutsu techniques only. No ninjutsu, no advanced combat techniques, and absolutely no access to clan-specific methods."
"I understand completely," Kenji nodded. "I have no desire to access sensitive village secrets. My goal is simply basic self-defense capabilities and fundamental understanding."
Hashirama's expression brightened further. "Excellent! Now, regarding your other request about housing—we've identified several suitable properties that might meet your needs."
He handed over a scroll containing property descriptions and locations. "Given your particular scheduling requirements, we focused on homes with secure, interior spaces and minimal direct sunlight exposure."
Kenji accepted the scroll with genuine gratitude. "Your consideration for my medical limitations is most appreciated."
Kaito cleared his throat, drawing attention back to the training arrangements. "Lord Kibutsuchi, I should inform you that these sessions will require significant physical conditioning. Are you prepared for the demands this will place on your... constitution?"
The question carried barely concealed doubt about Kenji's physical capabilities. In a society where nobles were stereotypically viewed as pampered and weak, Kaito's skepticism was entirely predictable.
"I believe my recent recovery has left me stronger than I might initially appear," Kenji replied diplomatically. "I'm prepared to meet whatever challenges the training requires."
"We shall see," Kaito responded with professional courtesy that didn't quite mask his skepticism. "Training will commence once you've arranged payment for the services. The village requires compensation before instruction begins."
This practical requirement hadn't been unexpected, but it did present a temporary obstacle. "I understand completely. However, my financial arrangements are handled by my personal retainer, who is currently traveling to Konoha. He should arrive within the next few days, at which point we can finalize all necessary payments."
"Of course," Hashirama nodded understandingly. "There's no rush. Use the time to settle into permanent housing and prepare yourself mentally for what lies ahead."
As the meeting concluded, Kenji felt a profound sense of satisfaction. The first major hurdle had been overcome—he would soon have access to legitimate ninja training, albeit in a limited capacity. The restrictions were expected and wouldn't significantly impact his goals.
After bidding farewell to his hosts, Kenji spent the remainder of the evening examining the properties listed in Hashirama's scroll. One in particular caught his attention—a partially constructed compound featuring a central courtyard, multiple interior rooms, and notably thick walls that would provide excellent protection from sunlight.
The next evening found him at the construction site, examining the half-finished building with growing interest. The layout was perfect for his needs, with rooms that would receive minimal direct sunlight and sufficient space for private training sessions.
The property owner, a middle-aged man named Yoshida, greeted him with a mix of respect and curiosity, sensing a potential buyer. Once Kenji stated his intentions, Yoshida said,
"As you can see, construction is still underway, but the foundation and main structure are solid. With proper funding, it could be completed within two months."
They spent an hour discussing specifications, modifications, and pricing. Kenji was particularly insistent about reinforced interior shutters and additional soundproofing—requirements he attributed to his medical condition and desire for privacy.
"The total cost, including your requested modifications, would be approximately eight hundred thousand ryo," Yoshida calculated. "That includes completion of construction and all furnishing."
It was a substantial sum, but well within Kenji's financial capabilities. "Acceptable. My retainer will handle the payment arrangements when he arrives. In the meantime, please proceed with construction according to our discussed specifications."
That evening, after a satisfying meal at a local restaurant—Kenji returned to his temporary lodgings with a sense of progress. His new home would provide the security and privacy necessary for his unique circumstances, while official ninja training would soon accelerate his development.
In the privacy of his room, he activated his system interface to check his progress.
**TEMPLATE SYSTEM ACTIVATED**
**Host: Kenji Nakamura**
**Template: Muzan Kibutsuchi (15%)**
The percentage had increased by two points over the past days of physical training and adaptation, but the progress had noticeably slowed. *The template advancement requires more than simple exercise,* he realized. *Combat experience and life-or-death situations seem to be the primary catalysts.*
For now, however, legitimate training would have to suffice. When Takeshi arrived with the necessary funding, a new phase of his development could begin.
Two days later, Kenji's enhanced hearing detected familiar footsteps approaching his room at the inn. When Takeshi knocked on his door, Kenji felt a genuine sense of relief at his loyal retainer's arrival.
"My lord," Takeshi bowed respectfully as he entered. "I came as quickly as your message allowed. How may I serve you?"
As they discussed the financial arrangements and property purchase, Kenji felt increasingly confident about his position in Konoha. Everything was falling into place—housing, training, and the resources necessary to advance his goals.
The following evening, as scheduled, Senju Kaito arrived at the inn. His expression remained professionally neutral, though Kenji could sense the man's continued skepticism about this unconventional assignment.
"Lord Kibutsuchi," Kaito began formally, "the payment has been processed, and your training can commence immediately. Are you prepared to begin your introduction to the ninja arts?"
Kenji stood, feeling the anticipation of months of planning finally coming to fruition. "Sensei, I am ready to learn whatever you are willing to teach."