[Hiruzen Sarutobi]

Hiruzen had a goal in mind today. After three long weeks of battling his Arch-Nemesis Hiruzen decided to do things. 1: He was going to enjoy his second retirement as fast as he could. 2: He had already decided on Kukui being his apprentice because there was nobody else that fit besides Sasuke Uchiha whom is too mentally unstable at the moment thanks to the actions of his brother. Oh how Hiruzen wished he could have killed Danzo before he got to Shisui.

When Itachi brought the young man to him he had to get an Aburame medic to heal him. He barely survived. Hiruzen was seriously considering Shisui to be Hokage Material in a few years then so when he next met his old friend he wanted to kill him. In fact he nearly did. He crippled him and took Shisui's eye back which was stolen. He was tired in his second term as Hokage. But he wasn't stupid. Hiruzen is still sure Itachi killed most of his clan because of Shisui's Mangekyo Sharingan affecting him. He said he saw Danzo use the thing on someone but he didn't know who. It was still rather unfortunate that Itachi killed his kinsmen. They were all incredible at their jobs.

Nonetheless Itachi was a great informant and gave him a rough time table for when the group that was composed of S-rank missing nin would act against the villages. Hiruzen wanted to make sure his successor was as ready as possible.

Hopefully this time Hiruzen could enjoy retirement for a few years. He would have chosen death but he wants to see his grandson grow up into a wonderful ninja of the leaf first. Once that happens he'll be content to die.

But for that to happen he needed to pass the mantle of Hokage onto someone ready for it. And unfortunately unless Kakashi suddenly went back to being as strong as he was in Anbu with the desire to be Hokage then the only other option was either finding Tsunade to see if Shisui could be healed or groom Kukui for the seat. Shisui was content with his life and watching over his sister and he didn't want to take that away from him. Not to mention it'd let Danzo know he was still alive. Even in the sorry state he left him in he'd try something. Unfortunately he was too useful to permanently dispose of.

So for now the only options he would consider at the moment are academy students and his old student. But the chances of Tsunade taking the hat are like the chances of Naruto hating Ramen one day. Impossible.

Now he had to have a meeting with his successor and get him eased into the idea of being Hokage one day... Yeah that sounded easy enough to Hiruzen. He had done harder things before. Explaining why Kushina couldn't only live off of ramen to the woman when she was young was something that almost killed him.

Hiruzen walked up the door and quietly knocked. He heard someone curse before ruffling some papers. His notes on Fuinjutsu maybe? Either way it sounded like he was in a rush. Hiruzen then remembered something. Kukui was a sensor. Even he couldn't completely conceal his massive reserves.

The boy opened the door soon after and Hiruzen could smell the beautiful smell of Tea. The distinct smell of Midori Tea permeated throughout the apartment. Kukui looked very surprised and very apprehensive. Nonetheless upon seeing him the boy bowed, "Hello Hokage-sama?" His tone was questioning. He obviously didn't know what he was here for, " May I ask what you are doing here?" His tone of voice told Hiruzen that the young man was wary of him.

Not that it would matter if he actually decided to attack him. People called the boy a prodigy and that he may be in some areas of being a shinobi. But the only person that could beat him at the moment in Konoha not counting Naruto or Shisui with his Sussano and Mangekyo as Gai. "Hello Kukui-kun. Can't a kage just visit his people?" Kukui narrowed his eyes at the older man.

Kukui eventually nodded and put up a forced smile, "Well would you like to come to Hokage-sama? It's a rather cold day today and would you like some tea?" Okay good the easiest part is over. Also he offered him Tea which was already good.

Hiruzen nodded, "That very much would be appreciated Kukui-kun. And yes I would love to come inside." Kukui then gestured inside as he stepped in to pour him some tea apparently. Hiruzen inspected the place. Standard for an orphan. There some papers containing ink Hiruzen recognised. The Stabilizer seal was rather tough to get down for a level four seal. It seems Kukui was attempting to work on it. Kukui then gestured the old man to have a seat and Hiruzen obliged as he was handed a nice warm cup of Tea.

Kukui then sat down across from him and rubbed the back of his head, "Sorry for the mess everywhere. I was studying a seal," This reminded Hiruzen of how Jiraya mentioned Minato acted in his early days before he became truly organized. Hiruzen knew Jiraya knew the trick but wouldn't tell him. Jerk.

Hiruzen chuckled, "Do not worry. I have seen worse places before," Now what was a topic he could use to get the ball rolling? Oh yeah... "Speaking of studies I have heard many things about you from your teachers. You are among the top three in your year. Academically and physically. Impressive for someone with so little resources," It was genuinely impressive. Whilst Naruto had the Nine tails healing him and giving him an unfair amount of chakra and Sasuke had his clans training and techniques Kukui had none. If he had a teacher then his progress would surely skyrocket.

Kukui let out a nervous laugh, "I wouldn't say it's impressive. I just kept studying and training in my free time. anyone could have done it really," Now he was trying to downplay himself. "If someone else was as motivated as I am I'm sure they'd achieve the same thing."

Hiruzen nodded, "Indeed they could have. But it is you who gained that drive which shows strength of character. I know you have started off as a slacker but you have overcome that and become better than ever. Not many would choose to do that." Not many academy students had the drive to be shinobi actually. It was why the genin exams had a 33% pass rate. Most were too lazy to do anything these days. A real shame too since there was bound to be some missed diamonds.

Kukui simply blinked, "Thanks..." He seemed to be a bit less apprehensive now. Good. Now he was rather curious about the Flame seal. Now was a wonderful time to ask about it.

"Do not worry about it. Now I do have another question for you," Kukui's head snapped back up to look at him, "I heard about your Ember seal experiment from one of my Jounin and how it's incomplete. Tell me more about it please." From his observations, talking about the one thing he was proud of made Kukui sing like a canary.

A smile formed on Kukui's face but Hiruzen could tell he was distracted by something momentarily. An idea perhaps? "Well it's incomplete at the moment as I assume the Jonin. Copy Ninja Kakashi," Not many people recognize that name these days. Impressive. "Told you since the massive inferno caused." Hiruzen nodded, "Well that's it at its development stage pretty much. I need to add a stabilizer seal to it so I can use it more than once and so I can use it for more than just a big inferno,"

FIre whilst the deadliest element was regarded as the least versatile and the weakest due to its default shape either being balls or spread out. Maybe he'd come up with something unique? "Well that sounds impressive. I assume with the Stabilizer seal you would be able to make more complex and powerful jutsu with the fire?"

Kukui nodded, "Yeah. But its main purpose will be for large-scale offense. Whilst I will use it for more complicated creations I would rather learn an affinity such as earth for the more complicated things instead," Hiruzen quickly thought over the capabilities of earth manipulation without seals. The results would be devastating as Earth's versatility and availability made it the best element.

Hiruzen smiled at the thought, "That would make sense as I assume you have thought of the capabilities earth manipulation without seals could bring into the context of a fight?" Hiruzen wouldn't even mention the potential for infrastructure.

Kukui nodded once more, "I have. This also leads me to another thing. Seals on my sandals. With them I could use Earth jutsu without moving. I imagine most would not expect to be impaled by an earth spike by an unmoving opponent. " Now that was versatility. Whilst one could predict what one would do with their hands. Feet was an entirely different matter.

Minato would have loved this kid.

"Is there anything else you thought of with your seals? They seem rather impressive and from what Kakashi described the Ember seal was pretty advanced already." An academy student making a level five seal would have made Minato froth at the mouth. He didn't make his first seal until he was a chunin. Kukui made his first level five seal in the academy.

Kukui took a second to grab a massive notebook. "I have a lot of ideas actually. Some are more plausible than others. You could take a look if you like?" Hiruzen grabbed the notebook and flipped to a random page, "The first one hundred and fifty are ideas revolving variations of the ember seal. I have a few other ideas and theories sprinkled in too."

The Notebook was nice and neat and was labeled too apparently. Hiruzen stopped at page 130. 'Genjutsu seal. Seal storing massive amounts of Yin chakra to be used on unsuspecting victims.' The basic idea for this one appeared to be simple. Take the elemental seal and modify it for Genjutsu and then use his already completed formula to make a genjutsu seal. Said seal would be applied to weapons of hands to be used mid taijutsu battle. "Impressive. " It detailed on how to possibly modify the elemental seal to make the seal needed to store a concentration of Yin Chakra.

Suddenly Hiruzen felt a little tap on his neck. Anbu were calling for him it seemed. "What's wrong, Hokage-sama?" There was a mix of fright and curiosity written on his face.

"My anbu are calling me I'm afraid." He had more to talk about with the young man but it seems life was going to cut it short today. A real pity too. He had planned on asking the boy a few questions on shinobi life in general. "Do you mind if I keep this for a few days? I would like to go through it." He would give it back if asked but the ideas were something he wanted to send to Jiraya just to see if he could make some of them. The Genjutsu seal was something he'd love to give to Gai.

Kukui nodded. Although he looked like he didn't actually want to, "You can but please don't go beyond pages one hundred and fifty one through one sixty three. I have an idea regarding barriers there and I don't know if it would work yet."

Hiruzen nodded, "I can do that. Thank you for the Tea by the way, Kukui-kun. It was magnificent. But for now I shall be off. I will return this as soon as I can, which hopefully shall be soon. " Hiruzen then decided to leave him a gift. Nobody would know if he accidentally dropped a scroll right?

Hiruzen then disappeared as soon as he left his seat.

[Kukui Tanku]

After what had been the most terrifying day of my life three days ago things had been relatively peaceful. Hiruzen was either telling me that he wanted me to do better or he wanted me to actually do good for some reason. He also very kindly left me a scroll about the stabilizer scroll in detail. It also contained some rudimentary medical information that would be useful.

Nobody but me and I hope Hiruzen knows about that day.

After that I had been training in the Stabilizer seal non stop for the last three days whilst also sparring with Mika in preparation for a fight I know is coming soon. Sasuke. That was going to be tough but I think I can manage. It didn't stop me from feeling a bit apprehensive about the fight. Sasuke could beat Naruto whom I can't beat.

It has been a good day today already. The academy went by smoothly and Naruto was already doing something. So I was currently walking with Mika to our training ground we had basically claimed for ourselves at this point. We were going to spar with Tenten and take turns today.

"Nervous?" Mika suddenly asked from beside me.

I sighed and nodded. She could read me well. "Yeah a bit. And no I'm not nervous that you're gonna kick my ass. We both know you're gonna kick my ass at this point." It was a long accepted fact at this point that Mika reigned supreme in our group of four physically. I apparently won in intelligence.

Mika hummed for a second, "Nervous about your exams in a few weeks?" Three weeks until the exams. Not a lot of time left to train unfortunately.

I looked down, "A bit yeah. But that's not really what I'm too worried about." They would either have me fight Sasuke or Naruto. Probably Sasuke as he is the one I've yet to fight. "I'm likely going to fight Sasuke in the exams." I had fought everyone but him at least once.

"So you're nervous about losing and being weak." Mika surmised and I nodded, "Dunno how much this'll comfort you but even if you lose today. Tomorrow. Or the next day you as long as you live can still get stronger. You can still learn from your fight and win the next time." That was... mature. Especially coming from a battle maniac, "You're strong though Kukui. Maybe not as strong as me in Taijutsu but you're strong enough that you'd give Neji a semi-decent run for his money. And he can beat me."

That was more comforting.

A smile clung to my face slightly, "Huh that good?" Mika nodded, "Well that makes me feel a bit better. Thanks Mika..." I could be stronger. Even if I lose I can win the next time... Of course after some crippling training, "I assume I'm going to get a beating daily until the tests now just to prepare me?"

Mika nodded, "Yep! Gotta get those doubts out of you somehow. Actions speak louder than words and when I say I'm gonna beat you into the ground just know that's an understatement. Okay?" For some reason that smile on my face from before grew.

Someone cared... "I'm gonna be the best there is in my year then with that hellish training." My smile turned into much lighter one, "I'm sure I'll even be able to challenge Nsruto and win then,"

Mika chuckled, "Now I wouldn't go that far unless you had your seals. Naruto's stamina is top notch," Hey! I could beat Naruto in Taijutsu! "I can tell what you're thinking. No matter how many times you hit him he won't go down unless you're me or Tenten saying she wants to work on a seal with him."

...Now that she said that I realize Naruto and Tenten are really close, "Fair enough. He hits harder than you do now too. The only reason Sasuke can beat him is with tricks now. Although I'm sure he'd win in an all out fight." Sasuke had lightning. I managed to sneak into Ninjutsu class to tell Sensei about the Phoenix Flower jutsu and saw Sasuke reading about the Electromagnetic murder. The Electromagnetic murder was stronger.

Mika shrugged, "Well you can probably beat both at your full power. Not at the same time though. I know Sasuke well enough and he's gonna give you a run for your money," Oh yeah. Mika and Sasuke were cousins, "Him with Naruto would destroy you,"

"Yeah." I nodded and grinned, "We're here now. Ready to kick my ass?"

Mika laughed, "I should be asking you that."

Sometimes I forget how beautiful Konoha was in the evening. The night sky was amazing and all but the nice feel of the evening. Just before it became dark. Had to be the best feeling of the year. It was nearing April. Especially as high as I was right now in the sky. The Hokage Monument was truly a nice place to be.

It has been almost a year since I entered this world. Almost a year since I'd died. Almost a year since I vowed to be the strongest. Just to enjoy retirement one day. I had dreamed in my past life of having a family with a shit load of grandkids to spoil after living a life of helping others. I originally wanted to be a police officer.

Now I had long since accepted the idea of killing and dying. Killing because I didn't want to die and I often thought about what I'd do if it came to it. And dying because I well... yeah. I didn't want to die but I wasn't bothered by the thought.

But the idea of killing dozens of potentially innocent people. Even indirectly. For the village nearly broke me. I nearly went civilian. But then... I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I didn't know what I was getting myself into. I still don't. But if I can save people rather than harm then... I can live with killing. Only bad guys obviously.

Since that day I met Tenten, Naruto, and Mika. My three friends. Although Mika was much more of a friend to me than the other two were to be honest. The other two mostly talked about Fuinjutsu or other subjects... For some reason they just... clicked. Nothing wrong with that but still I felt like a third wheel sometimes. But I trained with them and Mika. I spilled my thoughts and some fears to them. We were all friends.

Thanks to training with them I had become decently strong. Strong enough to gain the attention from the Hokage. That or he's worried about Naruto and me possibly being evil. No issues with that. But still fuck Hiruzen or putting the fear of god into me.

Now though in two weeks I was going to graduate. Into a dangerous world I didn't know if my foreknowledge applied too. I was probably going to die young at some point... But if I could make a difference then I gladly would. I looked down at Konoha. I didn't know if the propaganda at the academy got to me but I felt like I should protect it.

Most of its people are innocent. They don't deserve to die via Pain's Almighty Push. If that happened of course. I couldn't let it happen. 'I suppose I should fight for a better tomorrow too huh?' My goal had always been to become the strongest.

Maybe I can expand it into something more?

Yeah... 'I'll fight for a better tomorrow today so that tomorrow will be easier for me and everyone else.' Yeah that felt right. Maybe shorten it though? "I'll fight for a better tomorrow... Yeah that sounds good." I might graduate early. I might not. Either way I'd get strong. Strong enough to fuck over anyone who attempted to ruin my tomorrow.

Suddenly I felt a chakra signature I recognised from a few weeks ago when I learned the Phoenix fire Jutsu. 'Hanabi?' Why would she seek me out? Here? "I know you're there. Sensor and all." If she wanted to talk then fine. I was in a talking mood. "Have a seat." I did my best impression of Chris Hanson. Oh wow it worked! Hanabi suddenly stepped out from behind the one tree here.

Suddenly she sat down, "How did you do that?" She was as surprised as I am.

I grinned. Well that's something I'd use in the future, "I dunno but hey it worked. So what do you want?" So Chris Hansoning people worked in this world... That was going to be tested later.

"So um... That theory you had with the Byakugan worked more..." That was incredible news. "And you seem really smart and my father says that multiple sources of knowledge is always a good thing so I was wondering if you could be my sensei." She had a blush on as she looked down... Huh people wanted me to teach them already.

'Ah fuck it.' I'd regret this later. But oh well. Leaving behind a legacy was important, wasn't it? "Sure."

Hanabi's neck snapped up, "Really? It's that simple?" She looked absolutely perplexed. I'd be too. "I thought it'd be a lot harder..."

I chuckled, "You just caught me at a good time. Now I think we should talk a bit if I'm going to be your Sensei. What do you think about Fuinjutsu?" Might as well try my luck.

The exams were happening sometime next week. I still hadn't sparred Sasuke but I could see how Iruka was looking at us too for the past week. We were going to fight soon. I knew that. Sasuke seemed to know that based off of the nods I got from him. Everyone knew it. we were bound to fight eventually and it might as well be sooner or later. I just hoped Mika's words would be correct.

'Stats.'

[Name: Kukui Tanku

Title: Gamer of Konoha

Chakra: 440/440

Energy points: 440/440

Dexterity: 23

Strength: 22

Constitution: 22

Chakra: 22

Chakra control C]

I was confident my stats were better now. Any fight would result in my victory. Unlike Naruto whom was only starting to develop a desire to learn a taijutsu style. I had one. And I was pretty good with it too. It was level 24. I could beat him.

"Sasuke Uchiha vs Kukui Tanku." I could see Sensei's sweat. He was nervous too. I smirked as I walked to the ring. As did Sasuke. I had to act confident. Sure my stats were likely far higher than his but I needed to stay vigilant. He was Sasuke. I was well... Me. "Are you two ready?" I and Sauske, both Nodded and Iruka, simply jumped back.

"You know," Sasuke suddenly spoke up, "You've become strong in just the span of around Ten months. You've surpassed me in speed," I saw him grip until his knuckles turned white for a second, "But I won't let you beat me here," He then looked up with actual determination in his eyes, "I won't lose this Kukui." He settled into a stance I was very intimately acquainted with. The interceptor fist.

I smiled. How did I get Sasuke Fucking Uchiha to want to beat me? I settled into the Humming-Bird fist, "I've looked forward to this fight for a while now," Sasuke was probably the best "Shinobi" here besides Iruka... 'Speaking of... Mizuki isn't here? Canon change huh.' I shook my head, "I've trained and gotten my ass kicked far too many times to lose. I'm faster than you. You're probably more skilled. Lets see what wins, Yeah?" I got a simple grunt from the Uchiha who began to run at me.

'Running.' I imagine it looked like I shunshined in front of Sasuke. "Remember. I'm fast Like Naruto." I grinned as Sasuke blocked the first kick I sent his way. "Dance with me!" I grabbed Sasuke's arm and flung him across the ring to which he flipped and landed in the ring. 'A classic. Man I should stop acting like Mika high on Caffeine.'

I jumped toward Sasuke and kicked him in the back and then jumped in front of him to quickly hit his chin. I then grabbed his head and slammed it into the ground. Making him cough up blood. Sasuke grabbed my arm and then flipped me onto the ground. Driving a punch into my chest. "You hit hard." He said in between breaths.

I grinned. "Unfortunately you need training weights because that didn't hurt." I grabbed Sasuke and threw him into the sky. 'God bless Mika's hellish training ideas.' I jumped in the air after Sasuke and punched him down as he blocked the hit. He winced with the hit seemingly doing a lot of damage. 'This feels... weird...'

I kicked Sasuke away who grit his teeth and ran toward me. I swiftly dodged. and kicked his leg. Sending him directly into a knee. 'Running is decidedly bullshit.' Yeah no. This was practically double my normal running speed. 195% of it in fact Thanks to running's boost I was effectively pulling a Rock Lee. "Sorry Sasuke but I think I should end this soon." I didn't want to actually hu- Okay I failed that mission a long time ago. I grabbed Sasuke's shoulders and lifted him up.

Sasuke grabbed my arm before I could throw him out of the ring. "I won't let you win yet..." He sounded like shit. He twisted my arm and I winced before getting a kick to the face. I grabbed another kick and twisted his leg. I could copy too bitch. He winced and I pulled back. Letting go at the last second. I turned back only to see Sasuke hanging on by the sin of his teeth. Lucky bastard. He spat out some blood, "Is that all you got." He was feisty. I made sure my arm was okay real 't do to have it injured.

I then ran toward Sasuke who tried to punch me in the face. I grabbed his leg and slung him over my shoulder. "You're a heavy bastard." I couldn't lift entire people for long. Contrary to popular belief of course. I then threw Sasuke out of the damn ring.

Finally it was over.

Sasuke was looking at how the pretty clouds looked. Good... God Fanon really hated him for no reason. He's going to bug me in a few minutes now. Naruto was already making his way here. Might as well enjoy the last minute of qui-

[Quest complete: Become the best in your class

Rewards: Title: Aspiring Prodigy, +1 lvl to all skills.

[Basic Kenjutsu has maxed out]

[Intermediate Kenjutsu unlocked]

[Basic Humming-Bird fist Maxed out]

[Intermediate Humming-Bird fist Unlocked]

Dafaq?

Forgive me if the fight was anticlimactic. Mika was wrong. Kukui kicked Sasuke's ass. You see Kukui is used to fighting faster and stronger opponents than Sasuke. Yes Mika is stronger. Sasuke in comparison is a small fry. Also some pretty baller quest rewards. Wanna find out what they do? Well wait until next week.

Edit: Man... that explanation is stretching it by a long shot but It sorta makes sense I think? Kukui by this point has weeks(months? Can't remember) worth of sparring and training with people who either just can't go down no matter how much he tries at this point. Plus Kukui has Running. If your fast enough it doesn't matter how skilled your opponent is.

Okay, Done trying to cover up my past writing. We're back everyone and it's time to get the ball rolling.

Short AN today since its 9:30 am and I'm tired. All Nighters for the win!