"Third Hokage-sama, this is what happened…"
In the Hokage's office, Kamisato Tsukika stood straight, calm but respectful, as he relayed the events of the night to Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"I was in the middle of training when I saw Naruto carrying a large scroll and moving suspiciously through the forest. I followed him, thinking something was off. That's when everything unfolded."
At this moment, Iruka and Naruto were already being treated in the hospital for their injuries.
The old Hokage listened in silence, his wise eyes observing every detail—not just in Tsukika's words, but in his tone, posture, and the steadiness in his eyes.
After a moment, he smiled gently.
"I see. You did very well, Tsukika."
There was warmth in his voice.
Of course, Sarutobi already knew what had happened. He had watched the entire scene unfold through his crystal ball. He hadn't stopped it because he wanted to observe how far Konoha's most talented civilian-born genius had come.
He already saw immense potential in Tsukika, but tonight proved something more:
This boy had the strength—and heart—of a true shinobi.
"That technique you used to stop Mizuki…" Hiruzen's expression turned curious. "That was the Eight Inner Gates, wasn't it?"
Tsukika hesitated for a second, then gave a small nod.
"Yes, Hokage-sama. The technique was taught to me by Might Guy-sensei."
Then, almost awkwardly, he rubbed the back of his head.
"I, uh… sort of begged him to teach me. I didn't think it would cause trouble…"
But Hiruzen let out a small chuckle and waved a hand dismissively.
"It's fine. The Eight Gates are a secret technique of the Guy clan. If Guy chose to teach you, that's his right. And clearly, he made the right choice."
Tsukika relaxed slightly, relieved.
"To be honest, I've only trained up to the Fourth Gate." He added humbly, not trying to boast.
But the Hokage's eyes widened slightly in response.
"The Fourth Gate already…?" he murmured.
Even though he had guessed as much from watching Tsukika's fight, hearing it confirmed left a deeper impression.
Opening the Gate of Pain before officially becoming a Genin?
That was something only a rare few in history could claim—not even Rock Lee had advanced that far at Tsukika's age.
And unlike Lee, who focused purely on taijutsu, Tsukika was an all-rounder—a genius who excelled in ninjutsu, genjutsu, and now taijutsu.
A true prodigy.
"It wasn't just power, either," Hiruzen thought. "He showed control… judgment… mercy. He could've killed Mizuki, but he chose not to."
He smiled with approval.
"The Scroll of Seals is important, yes, but far more important are the lives of our shinobi."
Tsukika blinked, then nodded slowly.
"Understood, Hokage-sama."
He didn't show it, but those words left a deep impression on him. In his past life, strength often outweighed life. Here, it was different.
"Come to think of it…" Hiruzen leaned forward, eyes gleaming slightly. "It's been a while since I've visited the Ninja Academy. I didn't expect you to be so strong already."
He stroked his beard and smiled thoughtfully.
"How about it, Tsukika? Would you be willing to show me the full extent of your current strength?"
Tsukika was taken aback.
Was the Hokage testing him?
He didn't show it outwardly, but inside he was quickly evaluating the opportunity. A chance to showcase his power directly to the Third Hokage might lead to future promotion—or at least greater trust and autonomy.
He nodded firmly.
"Of course. I would be honored."
Training Ground No. 3 – Border of the Forest of Death
The two stood facing each other in the moonlit field.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, was no ordinary spectator. Though aged, he was known as "The Professor"—a man who had mastered all forms of shinobi arts.
Kamisato Tsukika, still officially an Academy student, stood across from him. His body was relaxed, but focused. Calm. Sharp.
"Go ahead," the Hokage said, his tone light but expectant. "Let me see what kind of shinobi the Academy's true top student has become."
Not Sasuke. Tsukika.
That name now carried a weight.
Tsukika closed his eyes and inhaled deeply.
Then—
"Gate of Pain… OPEN!"
WHOOSH!!!
Chakra surged from his body in a violent rush, his hair and clothes whipping in the wind. His skin glowed with green energy, his muscles tightening, his veins bulging slightly.
BOOM!!
He vanished.
Hiruzen's eyes widened in surprise as the boy reappeared in front of him, throwing a flurry of high-speed punches and kicks.
Fast! Too fast!
Each strike was perfectly timed, precisely aimed—not wild like raw power, but disciplined. Trained. Refined.
"He's not just strong… he's a technician." Hiruzen realized, parrying the blows calmly.
Still, he could feel it. Each punch carried enough force to break bone. Tsukika was pulling his strikes—this wasn't his full power.
"Remarkable… he's holding back out of respect."
That thought made Hiruzen smile slightly as he increased his own speed.
Their spar continued—blow for blow, movement for movement.
But what impressed the Hokage most wasn't Tsukika's physical prowess.
It was the restraint.
The discipline.
The instinct not to go too far.
A few minutes later, they both stepped back.
Tsukika dropped out of the Eight Gates state, his breathing heavy but controlled.
"Thank you for the match, Hokage-sama."
Hiruzen chuckled, wiping a speck of dust from his robe.
"No, thank you, Tsukika."
Then, with a knowing smile:
"I look forward to seeing how far you go. Your future… is promising."
Tsukika bowed deeply.
"I won't let you down."
In his heart, a new fire had been lit.
Not just to grow stronger—
—but to protect this village, and the people within it.
No matter what.