"Heh... you're awake."
'Hmm? That voice...?'
Toji blinked. 'Wait, why is HE here?!'
"Lord Hokage."
"Ahem," Sarutobi smiled. "I was just dropping by. That boy from the Nara clan... you saved him. Shikaku and I were already visiting the hospital, so I figured I'd check in on you while I was here."
Toji followed his gaze and noticed someone standing just behind the Hokage.
A moment later, Shikaku stepped forward with a nod.
"If it weren't for you, Takeshi wouldn't have a future as a shinobi. The Nara clan owes you a great debt."
"There's no need," Toji said. "I only did what I could."
But Shikaku wasn't letting it go. He bowed deeply, then turned to Sarutobi. "Lord Hokage, I'll go check on Takeshi."
"Go ahead."
Toji watched him leave, a thoughtful expression on his face.
'Wait a minute... they already saw him earlier, didn't they?'
'Which means... the old man wants to speak to me alone?'
He tilted his head, then asked, "Did the surgery save him?"
"Mm, barely. His hand was saved, though taijutsu will be harder for him from now on. Fortunately, the Nara clan doesn't rely much on physical combat. He'll still make a fine shinobi."
"Glad to hear it," Toji said, relieved.
The whole reason he'd gone through all that effort was to save the guy. If he'd failed, it would've been a waste of effort.
The reality was clear. Explosive tags weren't just flashy. They were deadly. Even Nawaki hadn't survived one.
"Hanpo told me your technique was crucial. Without your jutsu, the surgery would've failed. Konoha owes you."
The Third Hokage's expression grew serious. "You haven't asked for anything yet. So I'll ask. Is there something you want?"
Toji didn't hesitate.
"I've heard you know sealing jutsu. I want to learn it."
He'd been eyeing the fuinjutsu for a while now, as he knew its potential.
He didn't know why, but they never taught it in the academy, which left him disappointed.
He suspected that teaching such an important subject must have been abolished after Minato's death.
Seeing how easily Kyubi was dealt with at the cost of his life, Sarutobi must have recognized the danger of seals and banned teaching to new students.
A fuinjutsu master willing to die would be terrifying to face if he used that forbidden jutsu.
Toji wanted to learn it for a simple reason. Taijutsu had a ceiling.
He wasn't delusional. No matter how many tricks or techniques he developed, they would be child's play against Madara and Kaguya.
At least, fuinjutsu would give him a chance to draw the biju chakra and seal it within him. He might even be able to use their nature transformation.
When Toji decided to show his talent, that was the goal: to find a way into that collection. Now that the opportunity had arrived, he wasn't about to miss it.
No reason to be subtle. Asking openly was better than sneaking around.
Sarutobi's eyes twinkled. "Of course. You're welcome to study at the Hokage Office anytime."
"Some of the scrolls and books on the fuinjutsu basics might help. Considering your chakra control, you might even master that jutsu. Maybe your inability to use nature transformation was a blessing."
"Thank you for your guidance," Toji replied sincerely.
Toji smiled. Even if he couldn't manipulate chakra nature now, he could still learn techniques based on untyped chakra. The right strategy and application mattered more than raw power.
"If you ever get stuck or want to talk through what you're reading," Sarutobi added, "come visit me directly. Don't be shy. I'm old, and my memory's fading, but I still remember a thing or two."
They chatted a bit longer before he finally left.
Toji watched him go... feeling a bit weird.
'Does the old man... have an eye on me?'
He considered it. Honestly, it wasn't that strange.
A genius like him was rare in any era.
If the Hokage wanted to foster him as the next generation's pillar, that would make perfect sense.
Still... he shook his head.
No point reading into it. Better to focus on myself.
***
"I've been lying around too long," he muttered. "No reading today. Time to rest properly. Maybe a light run after lunch."
It was midday. He could still catch a meal at the hospital cafeteria. On the way, several people greeted him with warm nods and curious smiles.
After asking around a bit, Toji realized something that made him wince.
He'd become famous in the hospital.
A twelve-year-old taking the lead in surgery was unbelievable.
So, rumors spread fast.
Some staff had even begun comparing him to Lady Tsunade, much to his embarrassment.
Sure, his hand was steady and his technique sharp, but he didn't know nearly enough medical ninjutsu to deserve that kind of praise.
The successful operation had been thanks to precision and speed, not depth of knowledge.
At first, he tried to explain. Eventually, he just gave up.
Guess it doesn't matter what world you're in. Gossip is inevitable in the workplace.
He chuckled quietly at the thought.
While eating, he ran into Suki and took the opportunity to mention he was taking the day off. She readily agreed.
After lunch, he stepped outside for some fresh air and a light workout. After lying down for half a day, the feeling of movement, blood pumping, and muscles stretching was pure bliss.