I started a cult in Naruto world Chapter 7

Chapter 8: Ino-Shika-Cho

The rewards were so few that Tatsuma could deduce the reasons: one, this time Minato and he had to share, and two, the difference in strength between him and Hatake Sakumo was too great. The notion of "defeat" was far too opportunistic.

Moreover, since Sakumo had prematurely declared Tatsuma's victory, the match wasn't complete. All these factors combined meant that Tatsuma only received such a tiny reward after defeating Sakumo.

Though Tatsuma understood why, he still felt quite uncomfortable. After all, compared to his game against Sakumo, his match against Minato, who was like a fat sheep, was far less perilous.

If he hadn't known about the Thousand Years of Death in advance, his innocence might not have remained intact. And before that, he had truly taken a solid kick from Sakumo, and his ribs were still aching.

His emotions showed on his face to some extent. Sarutobi Hiruzen watched Tatsuma's occasional expressions of reluctance, blaming Hatake Sakumo with a slight glance.

Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't know how intricate Tatsuma's internal monologue was. He was simply taken aback by Hatake Sakumo's Secret Art of Physical Technique. After all, even he, the Hokage, had felt phantom pain in Sakumo's demonstration, let alone Tatsuma, who had personally faced it.

With a hint of guilt, Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Tatsuma and Minato, saying, "Tatsuma, Minato, both of you performed well. You will undoubtedly become powerful ninja who protect the village in the future."

Hearing Sarutobi Hiruzen's praise, Minato should have been delighted, but the lingering terror of the "near-death experience" hadn't entirely dissipated. He merely nodded blankly.

Seeing Minato equally distressed, Sarutobi Hiruzen's guilt deepened. He continued, "Let's end your training here for today. You're both still young, and it's not suitable for you to engage in overly strenuous training."

"How about this, I'll treat you to barbecue. After that, Sakumo will take you to buy ninja tools."

"Hokage-sama, we—"

Tatsuma wasn't inclined to agree, as being in the limelight wasn't his preference. Given their current status and abilities, excessive attention from the outside world would only hinder them.

However, before he could voice his refusal, Sarutobi Hiruzen interjected, "As an exchange, how about you refrain from revealing the shameful ninjutsu of my subordinate? What do you say?"

Hearing this, Tatsuma knew that it wouldn't be polite to decline further. So he nodded and smiled, saying, "You're too kind, Hokage-sama."

Tatsuma didn't feel that addressing him as "Hokage-sama" made him seem subservient. He just thought that it was no different from addressing supervisors, managers, or bosses in his past life.

At night, after arriving in this world, Tatsuma enjoyed a full meal of meat for the first time. Carrying several large bags of brand-new ninja tools, he returned to his small apartment.

Ninja tools were quite expensive for him, but for someone like Hatake Sakumo, a Jounin, they were just ordinary consumables. Thus, the set he gave was meant to directly complete the collection of ninja tools, rather than just consisting of kunai, shuriken, and senbon.

Wind Demon Shuriken, Giant Shuriken, caltrops, ninja blade, concealed blade, chainmail, ninja boots, gloves, and more were all included. If not for his and Minato's intervention, there might have been even more unique and peculiar ninja tools.

The existing ninja tools had already dazzled Tatsuma's eyes, and there were some that surprised him, like the chainmail; in his previous life, he had thought it was some kind of fishing net attire.

Outside the Hokage's office, Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Hatake Sakumo and asked, "What do you think of those two kids?"

Hatake Sakumo, who was about to change his clothes, stopped in his tracks upon hearing this. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "They possess the warmth of Jiraiya and the restraint of Orochimaru. They also have excellent understanding and mutual trust. They're good kids."

Hearing Hatake Sakumo directly comparing his two disciples, Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't mind. After all, in terms of seniority, Hatake Sakumo was a senior to both Jiraiya and Orochimaru, so it wasn't disrespectful.

Moreover, Hatake Sakumo's judgment aligned with Sarutobi Hiruzen's. He nodded and said, "Is Heppu will be the teacher for their class? Have him pay more attention to these two kids."

"Yes, Sandaime-sama."

Hatake Sakumo nodded in agreement. Sarutobi Hiruzen let out a sigh, saying, "It's been just a few years since the end of the Great Ninja War, and there are already conflicts erupting in various places again. I really wish there was more time for the younger generations, those kids to grow."

As the protector of the Hokage, Hatake Sakumo naturally understood the current state of the ninja world. His smile faded, replaced by a serious and gloomy expression. He replied, "I'll go extinguish some of the sparks."

"But in the end, that can only delay the explosion. Some things don't require you to personally intervene. It's been a while since Root was established by Danzo; it's time to see how he's handling things."

Sarutobi Hiruzen shook his head. However, before he finished speaking, a deep voice echoed from inside the office: "Sarutobi, are you questioning my abilities?!"

"Danzo? You waited until now?"

Seeing this old friend, Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn't help but feel a headache. As Danzo walked out, he said, "Hmph! You really wanted to suppress my Shimura Clan by using those two orphans?! You've really outdone yourself, Sarutobi."

"Enough! Danzo! I am the Hokage after all. Go back to your Root. I decide how to proceed; you don't get to dictate me."

Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't bother arguing with Danzo and cut off the conversation. Danzo's face twitched in anger. He pointed at Sarutobi Hiruzen for a while before saying indignantly:

"Sarutobi, you will regret this!"

With that, Danzo swirled his robe and left. Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed and returned to his seat, rubbing his temples. Feeling the awkwardness of his presence, Hatake Sakumo was about to leave when Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke:

"Sakumo, go rest. I'd like some quiet."

Hatake Sakumo nodded and saluted, "Yes, Sandaime-sama."

The next morning at 7 o'clock, Tatsuma and Minato, who had finished their morning exercises, arrived at the Ninja Academy. Today was even livelier than yesterday. Not only were there many students and newcomers, but also high-level ninja and core members of the clan, who were rarely seen.

Seeing the newcomers holding their parents' hands, Minato suddenly felt uncomfortable. At that moment, Tatsuma placed his hand on Minato's shoulder and asked, "Are you envious?"

Minato thought for a moment and then nodded, following his true feelings. "Yeah."

Seeing Minato's expression, Tatsuma, who had originally intended to make a playful comment, suddenly couldn't say it. He patted Minato's shoulder and said, "The past can't be changed, but we can make the future have fewer war orphans like us."

"Yeah, I'll definitely do that," Minato said earnestly.

Not far away, three middle-aged ninja and three equally young newcomers formed groups, all watching the two of them. One of the ninjas with a pineapple-shaped hairstyle said, "Are those the two kids that Hokage-sama specially met yesterday? Their dreams are truly remarkable. Shikaku, Choza, and Inoichi, try to become friends with them if you can. But be cautious and maintain a proper attitude. You're all students of the Ninja Academy and will become Leaf Village's ninja in the future. Don't feel superior to others, got it?"

The ninja with the pineapple hair sighed and said, "Dad, you're too verbose. Making friends is such a hassle, and besides, it's too complicated."

The pineapple-haired ninja ruffled his child's hair and said, "Investing a little effort now can save a lot of effort later. Don't prioritize temporary fun."

"Got it."