HTP: Ch. 76

Sunlight slanted through the window lattice in the classroom, casting its glow on the desk in the last row. Sasuke rested his chin on one hand, absentmindedly poking at a strange fruit with spiral patterns with the other.

It was a Devil Fruit.

Next to it lay a scroll written by Orochimaru, explaining the origin and effects of Devil Fruits.

This particular fruit was said to instantly enhance one's power. Logically speaking, he should have accepted it without hesitation. But the explanation was just too suspicious.

What does it mean by "Tastes worse than poop, just endure it"? Did the reviewer know what poop tastes like?

Also, the fruit was supposedly an Ancient Zoan-type. It could greatly enhance physical abilities and granted several powerful transformation forms, which sounded pretty good.

But… what the hell is Tier 2?

So I only deserve a Tier 2 fruit?

"What's that, Sasuke? It looks so weird."

His classmates had started to notice. Naruto came over loudly, drawing attention from others as well, all of whom were now looking at the bizarre fruit on Sasuke's desk.

Sasuke rubbed his chin and explained, "This is a Devil Fruit. It was gifted by the Hokage as a token of appreciation for the Uchiha clan's generations of loyalty."

Naruto held the fruit up to the sunlight, examining it from different angles. "It does look weird."

"Ugh, 'tastes worse than poop'?" Sakura had picked up the scroll and was reading it.

"It's not like it's actual poop," someone muttered.

Lee was instantly envious. If he got that fruit... he wished he, too, came from a great clan.

Neji activated his Byakugan and examined the inside of the fruit but didn't find anything special.

"Sasuke~"

A soft, androgynous voice suddenly rang out from the back of the classroom. Orochimaru was leaning against the doorframe, no one knew when he had arrived.

"I advise you not to eat that."

The classroom instantly fell silent. All eyes turned to the special guest teacher, eager to hear his reasoning.

"Logia-types and Mythical Zoans are the real top-tier fruits~" Orochimaru walked forward slowly, his pale fingers lightly brushing the fruit's surface. "Although Ancient Zoans do significantly boost your physique… But considering you can only eat one Devil Fruit in your life, you deserve a better one."

Sasuke's pupils contracted slightly.

"Why not let me study it for now?" Orochimaru's smile widened. "Konoha has already entered a partnership with Whitebeard. You'll definitely get a fruit better suited to you in the future. When that time comes, I'll help you apply for it."

"That's way too obvious!" The entire class shouted in unison.

But Sasuke felt Orochimaru had a point. Unlike a normal teacher-student relationship, his bond with Orochimaru was much deeper, they'd even signed the Ryūchi Cave's summoning contract.

And besides, if the scroll hadn't said it was Tier 2, maybe he wouldn't care, but now that it had, he really didn't want to eat it. If it was truly a good item, why wasn't it given to Naruto, the orphan of the Fourth Hokage?

No matter how loyal the Uchiha were, they couldn't surpass the legacy of the Fourth Hokage.

The more he thought about it, the more it made sense.

"Alright."

---

Meanwhile, Whitebeard was staying in a specially constructed large-scale rehabilitation facility, complete with oversized furniture and housing. He gave high praise to Tsunade's medical skills, saying he had never met such a brilliant doctor in his life.

While touring Konoha, he also lavished praise on the Hokage's governance, stating outright that Konoha was a hundred times better than Wano. He even said it was a pity that Oden didn't have the chance to study in Konoha back then.

Hiruzen humbly replied that Whitebeard was too kind, and that the Whitebeard Pirates were Konoha's most important allies. If he needed anything during his recovery, he should not hesitate to ask.

In return for such hospitality, Whitebeard graciously offered to help out, saying that he had some free time anyway. He had seen Itachi collecting information on Haki, and if needed, he'd be happy to provide some guidance.

Such a great opportunity?

Hiruzen immediately reassigned the three members of the Taijutsu class to train under him.

"Lee, Neji, Tenten, make the most of your time training with Whitebeard. He is known as the world's strongest man. Just his sheer presence is said to be enough to tear the sky apart. Study hard."

Hearing such a title and descriptions, the three looked up at the nearly 7-meter-tall giant in front of them, instantly fired up. Looks like the Hokage hadn't favored Team 7 over Team 9 after all.

Team 7 had the Three Legendary Sannin, but they had the strongest man in the world! Still, they couldn't help but worry a bit about their own teacher. They exchanged glances.

Finally, Neji asked, "Is Guy-sensei heading off to war again?"

Hiruzen immediately shook his head, "Not war. It's called counter-terrorism."

Whitebeard stroked his chin and looked down at Hiruzen with a smile, "Don't worry. At the very least, I'll make sure these three kids master Haki."

Hiruzen expressed his thanks.

Whitebeard continued, "If there's a need on the battlefield, I can lend a hand too. The Whitebeard Pirates owe Konoha a huge debt."

"You're too kind. Konoha accepted this as a formal commission, we'll naturally give it our all. You've already paid us."

Konoha had professional ethics, how could they use goodwill as leverage? If accepting a mission and receiving payment still counted as a favor, then wouldn't every paying client owe Konoha a few lives?

Whitebeard didn't mind. He laughed heartily. "Gurararara! Well then, this medical treatment is another big favor!"

Dealing with people like this was just so refreshing.

Hiruzen laughed heartily too. "Just having you in Konoha brings peace of mind."

Whitebeard also felt that this Hokage spoke well, no wonder Ace had called him a dear friend.

---

"Naruto, hurry up and grow stronger."

At Ramen Ichiraku, Jiraiya spoke to Naruto while slurping his noodles.

Naruto stuffed noodles into his mouth and gulped down some soup before replying, "What's up, Pervy Sage? You're acting weird today."

Jiraiya set down his chopsticks and said with a hint of melancholy, "It's nothing. Just that I've got a long-overdue training spar coming up, and I'm feeling a bit complicated about it."

Naruto tilted his head, "You have other students?"

"Yeah. Back in Ame." Jiraiya's eyes drifted slightly. Nagato and Minato had both once seemed like the Child of Prophecy to him, yet both had met tragic fates.

What would become of Naruto?

Seeing Naruto's puzzled look, he explained, "But… for various reasons, they turned bad."

Naruto thought for a moment and said, "I see. Then let's set them straight. I'll help you."

A final disciple really was the most caring.

"Haha, you're right." Jiraiya felt warmth in his heart. "But you'll need to get stronger before you can help me!"

Naruto drank the rest of his ramen broth in one go and shouted, "I'll do my best!"