Inside the Hokage's office.
Hiruzen looked at Makoto, who was now wearing the Konoha's forehead protector, and smiled kindly: "Makoto, from today onward, you are an official Konoha's Ninja. According to regulations, you should be placed into a team with two other Genin, led by a Jonin Instructor, to carry out missions together. What do you think..."
"Hiruzen-sensei, I don't think that's necessary," Makoto immediately stated his position.
"Oh? Why is that?" Hiruzen asked with interest.
"Following the normal process, as a newly appointed Genin, I would need to start with D-rank missions. But as you know, Sensei, my family situation is such that I have many people to support. I hope to become stronger as quickly as possible, take on higher-ranked missions, so I can earn money to support my family. Moreover..."
"Moreover what?"
Makoto's face was serious: "Moreover, I hope to become stronger quickly so that in the future, I can assist young master Konohamaru and help him become the Fifth Hokage."
Hearing this, Hiruzen's eyes lit up.
If it were someone else, he might have suspected flattery.
But after reading Makoto's earlier essay, he had no such doubts.
Besides, what ulterior motives could an eight-year-old child have?
Hiruzen waved his hand cheerfully. "Makoto, I'm very happy that you have such thoughts. However, you could certainly aim for the Hokage's position yourself."
Nishikawa Makoto shook his head: "Sensei, you don't need to comfort me. I know that without a Kekkei Genkai, my limit is the level of an Elite Jonin. I dare not covet the position of Hokage. I only hope that in the future, I can assist young master Konohamaru in a supporting role and do my part for Konoha."
This answer pleased Hiruzen to the core.
He looked at his newly accepted disciple, and the more he looked, the more he liked him—
Strong talent, no background, no greed for power, and unwavering loyalty.
Makoto was simply the best gift god could give Hiruzen in his later years.
"Hehe, it's still too early to talk about that now. Your teacher has high hopes for you."
Hiruzen was in an excellent mood and waved his hand generously. "In that case, you don't need to rush into missions. First, go to the Sarutobi Clan's scroll library and pick out some Ninjutsu that you find suitable for training. I'll also have the finance department transfer five million ryo to you later."
Five million ryo… this was roughly equivalent to the income of a Jonin for two years.
Clearly, Makoto's flattery had hit the mark perfectly, making Hiruzen spend generously.
The last disciple treated this generously was probably Orochimaru.
"Yes! Thank you, sensei!"
Makoto shouted, then turned and left.
The moment he turned around, he couldn't help but curl the corners of his mouth.
'Damn, no wonder there were so many flattering sycophants in the workplace in my previous life… with just a bit of saliva, you could gain so many benefits.'
...
Because Hiruzen had informed them in advance, Makoto had a clear path.
The Sarutobi Clan's members also knew that this boy was their clan head's newly accepted disciple, so they naturally treated him politely and led him all the way to the scroll library.
As the current Hokage and a Ninja with all natures, Hiruzen naturally had many Ninjutsu scrolls at home.
Makoto mainly selected scrolls that matched his fire, wind, and water natures.
He didn't pick too many… he had to maintain a balance and not leave Hiruzen with the impression of being greedy.
As he was browsing, Makoto's gaze suddenly fell on a scroll.
Compared to the other scrolls, this one was particularly large.
The accompanying Sarutobi Clan's Chunin noticed his gaze and voluntarily explained: "Makoto, that is our Sarutobi Clan's summoning scroll, used to contract with the Monkey King Clan. Are you interested?"
Since Makoto was already Hiruzen's disciple, it was only natural for him to inherit his summoning creature.
Makoto blinked.
He remembered that Hiruzen's summoning animal was a monkey that could turn into a staff… the Monkey King, Enma.
After thinking for a moment, he smiled and shook his head: "No, thank you. I've already picked enough scrolls for today. I shouldn't bite off more than I can chew."
Hearing this, the Chunin nodded appreciatively, 'As expected of Hokage-sama's newly accepted disciple, he had a steady temperament.'
But Makoto's real thoughts were:
Aside from turning into a staff, Enma didn't have much to offer.
Compared to the Sannin's summoning creatures, it fell far short.
However...
The Summoning Technique?
He could consider developing that.
After all, behind the Sannin's summoning creatures were the Three Great Holy Lands… places where one could learn Sage Mode.
After selecting his Ninjutsu, Makoto headed to Training Ground No. 3 on the outskirts of the village to begin training.
Incidentally, this was the same place where Naruto and the others from Team 7 would later compete for bells.
And every move Makoto made was watched by Hiruzen through his crystal ball.
Hiruzen nodded with satisfaction.
Truly a genius.
Although Makoto had just said that his limit was Elite Jonin, Hiruzen didn't agree.
After all, Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Minato had no backgrounds either, and didn't they all train to Kage-level?
He believed Makoto could reach that height as well.
Thinking this, Hiruzen couldn't help but take out Makoto's essay from the drawer again and read it over and over.
He was already planning to have a calligrapher copy this essay and hang it on the wall.
Oh, and also compile it into the textbooks.
After he served another twenty years, he would then see how Konohamaru and Makoto had each grown before deciding on the Fifth Hokage—
Yes, beautiful!
...
Evening, training ended.
Makoto arrived at the Yukinoshita Family's small house.
To be honest, after getting used to the Yukinoshita Family's luxurious mansion in the real world, seeing this shabby little house now was quite a contrast.
He knocked on the door.
The door opened, and Mrs. Yukinoshita had a gentle smile: "Makoto is here, come in."
As soon as Makoto stepped into the living room, he saw a table full of dishes, so packed that the table could barely hold them.
This was clearly not a spread that the current Yukinoshita Family could afford… to entertain Makoto, Mrs. Yukinoshita had really spent a lot this time.
The Yukinoshita Family's head and the two daughters were already waiting there.
"Nishikawa-kun."
The Yukinoshita Family's head stood up, smiling sheepishly, his attitude resembling that of someone facing a wealthy lord of a higher class.
"Nishikawa-kun, I haven't had a chance to talk to you since arriving in this world. I'm very sorry."
Haruno also showed a smile identical to her father's, but compared to his flattery and obsequiousness, her demeanor was more natural.
And finally, Yukino...
The corners of her mouth twitched several times. She remained silent, completely unsure how to speak.
"Yukino, greet him." Mrs. Yukinoshita reminded her with dissatisfaction.
Yukino bit her lips tightly, still not knowing how to speak.
"This child! Have you forgotten the Yukinoshita Family's upbringing!?"
Mrs. Yukinoshita raised her hand, immediately ready to slap her younger daughter.
But Makoto reached out and grabbed her arm at that moment.
"No need to force it. I don't mind children's attitudes toward me."
As soon as he said this, Yukino felt even worse.
To be honest, she would prefer Makoto to act arrogant and bossy towards her like those uncultured rich second-generation kids.
That would actually make her feel a bit better.
But this indifference… this attitude of completely disregarding her… was truly heartbreaking.
And Mrs. Yukinoshita, feeling the warmth of Makoto's palm, felt a flicker of something strange inside her. She also forgot to scold her daughter, pressed her lips together, and sat back down.