The incident with Root had left the Third Hokage deeply troubled. When he saw Raiden, he even momentarily forgot about what he had promised the day before.
"Yes… I did say that. Come with me."
Although the destruction of Root was a massive matter, after an emergency meeting with Konoha's high-ranking officials, it had been decided—
This incident must be suppressed at all costs.
Its impact was far too great. It absolutely could not be made public.
Of course, after the emergency discussion, the Hokage would convene another major meeting the following day with all the higher-ups and the Fire Nation's daimyo to formally address the Root incident.
Despite the turmoil in his heart, the Third Hokage maintained a calm exterior, not letting Raiden notice any of his anxiety.
"Where are we going?" Raiden followed behind him, a curious expression on his face. His innocent demeanor made it impossible for anyone to associate him with the one who had slaughtered Root.
"To the training ground. The person testing you is someone you know."
The Hokage spoke with a gentle smile, concealing his inner unrest.
"Someone I know? Is it Mr. Kakashi? Or Mr. Might Guy?" Raiden asked with interest, since those were the only ninja he was familiar with in Konoha.
"It's Might Guy."
The Hokage chuckled lightly.
"He's quite curious about your strength and insisted on testing you himself. Though… he did say something rather strange."
"What strange thing?" Raiden asked.
"He said he absolutely would not take you as his disciple."
"…Ah."
Raiden looked speechless. He understood the reason very well.
The two continued walking in silence.
As Raiden followed behind the Hokage, he felt a strange sensation arise within him.
It had been a very long time since he had interacted with someone like this.
Because in his past—
No one dared to speak with him.
"This feels different… like I'm starting to blend into this world."
Raiden thought to himself.
"Maybe… this will be an interesting experience."
—
Before long, they arrived at the training ground.
There were already quite a few people gathered.
Might Guy, full of youthful energy, was enthusiastically leading training.
Might Guy
Nearby stood Kurenai Yuhi with her crimson eyes, alongside Asuma Sarutobi. Slightly apart from them, wearing his usual mask and headband, was Kakashi Hatake.
"So this is the kid Kakashi brought back? Looks like being a Jonin for a while has made him soft."
Asuma muttered under his breath after seeing Raiden.
"Maybe that change is exactly what the Hokage wants."
Kurenai replied calmly.
"And this 'special recruitment ninja' thing… it's my first time hearing about it too. Quite interesting."
"As a survivor with natural strength and strong physical ability, it makes sense."
Asuma continued thoughtfully.
"Perhaps the Hokage wants us Jonin to guide him properly."
Kakashi nodded slightly.
"I've already investigated Raiden's background. There's no issue with his identity."
"Since he's gifted and has no suspicious background, the idea of special recruitment makes sense. It's better for experienced Jonin like us to guide him."
—
At that moment, Might Guy noticed Raiden and greeted him enthusiastically.
"Good morning, Raiden!"
"Good morning, Mr. Guy."
Raiden responded politely.
As Might Guy smiled at him, and as Kakashi and the others showed him goodwill, a strange feeling suddenly surfaced in Raiden's heart—
Something he had never experienced before.
—
"Today, I'll be your examiner. Let me see just how strong you really are."
Might Guy said confidently.
"How will you test me? A fight?" Raiden asked.
"A fight?"
Might Guy grinned.
"Do you have any combat experience? If you do, I don't mind sparring with you."
He looked eager.
"I don't have much experience. I just practiced some basic combat against wild beasts when I was younger."
Raiden answered honestly—at least on the surface.
"Then forget it."
Asuma waved his hand.
"You're Konoha's Blue Beast. Fighting him would just be bullying."
"Exactly."
Kurenai added.
"We're only here to test his strength and speed. There's no need for a full fight."
But Might Guy shook his head.
"You're underestimating him."
"I've seen his strength and speed myself. He's fast. He's powerful."
"I think… he might actually be a worthy opponent."
"That's quite the praise."
The Third Hokage smiled as he removed his pipe.
"I think sparring isn't a bad idea. It's the most direct way to evaluate him."
Kakashi also nodded slightly.
He had heard that even the Hyuga clan's Gentle Fist had no effect on Raiden—
Which made him curious.
"So, Raiden… want to fight?"
Might Guy asked.
"Sure."
Raiden nodded casually.
"If I fight, does that mean I'll become a special recruitment ninja?"
"Yes."
The Third Hokage confirmed.
"We'll evaluate your performance and determine your rank accordingly."
"Alright then."
Raiden agreed.
"Let's fight."
Kurenai and Asuma exchanged glances.
Both of them had the exact same thought—
This kid really doesn't know what he's getting into.