Yue first went to the Police Force to ask around. After learning the area Shisui was patrolling today, he rushed over and wandered around until he finally spotted Shisui's figure. He called out softly.
Shisui turned at the sound of his name. Seeing who it was, he blinked in slight surprise. He had casually told this kid to find him later, but he didn't expect Yue to actually show up.
"Yue, what do you need from me?"
"Nothing really. It's my day off today. I was bored at home, so I wanted to chat with you, Shisui-senpai."
Shisui nodded, accepting that explanation.
"Yue, how old are you?"
"I'm five."
"I'm turning six in a few months. We're the same age—you don't have to call me 'senpai.' Just call me Shisui."
"Ah? O-Okay."
Yue was stunned. Shisui was much taller and more developed. He had assumed Shisui was at least a year older. Learning they were the same age nearly made him question his life.
Seeing Yue's expression, Shisui smiled. "It's already noon. Want to eat together? My treat."
They went to a local restaurant. Yue kept eagerly creating topics to talk about, while Shisui mostly sat with a gentle smile, listening quietly.
"Yue, why do you want to be friends with me?"
Shisui finally voiced his doubt. He had met people with thick skin before, but Yue's persistence was on another level.
"Because you're strong, Shisui. I want to be your friend. I want to train with you. I want to grow stronger!"
The chūnibyō answer clearly didn't satisfy Shisui. His brows furrowed as he asked, "Why do you want to become strong?"
"To protect Konoha."
Yue answered firmly and seriously. He had thought about this for days. He knew Shisui's entire life philosophy revolved around protecting Konoha. Appealing to someone's core belief was the best way to form a bond.
Shisui lived and died by the Will of Fire. Only someone who shared that ideal could become his friend and trusted ally.
Hearing the answer, Shisui's expression shifted in surprise. After a moment he smiled softly.
"I understand. Yue… from today on, you're my friend."
And just like that, Shisui acknowledged him—truly acknowledged him.
They agreed to train together the next day since Shisui had a break. Yue was ecstatic. Training with Shisui meant massive growth. Another small step in his long-term plans was complete.
---
Inside the Hokage's Office
Ueda was reporting his recent observations to the Third Hokage.
"Lord Hokage, Yue's strength is improving rapidly. Thanks to his bloodline, he already uses several A-rank Wood Release techniques."
"His talent rivals any genius. His taijutsu is progressing fast as well—because he trains diligently every day."
"He also made his first friend at the Academy… though it's someone from the Uchiha clan."
The Uchiha's reputation had been declining in Konoha. Ueda had been protecting Yue from the shadows, and when he saw Yue spending time with Shisui, he immediately came to report it. Yue was crucial to the future—who he befriended would influence his growth.
"Which Uchiha child?" Hiruzen asked thoughtfully.
"Uchiha Shisui."
Hiruzen nodded. He remembered Shisui. The boy's ancestor had served as the Second Hokage's guard—a rare Uchiha who truly embodied the Will of Fire.
"Do not interfere with their friendship."
Hiruzen gave the order after a brief pause.
Not long after Ueda left, Danzo walked in.
"Hiruzen, I want you to hand over the Wood Release scroll."
Straight to the point.
Hiruzen knew exactly why Danzo wanted it. Eight years ago, sixty children underwent the Hashirama cell transplantation experiment. Only one survived. That boy inherited Hashirama's cells and could theoretically use Wood Release—making him the second Wood Release user in history.
At first, Hiruzen had some hope for the child. But now? His focus had shifted entirely to Yue. A true bloodline inheritor was worth far more than a lab-created result.
The surviving boy had joined Root. Danzo now wanted the Wood Release scroll to enhance the child's development.
"That scroll—I can't give it to you," Hiruzen refused immediately.
"It's useless to you anyway," Danzo growled. "Name your price."
Hiruzen fell silent, thinking deeply. Danzo watched him, bracing himself for a heavy political demand.
"Danzo… I want you to hand over that boy."
"What? You agreed to let Root raise him! Now you want him back? Hiruzen, what game are you playing?!"
The two argued for a long time. In the end, after achieving certain political concessions, Danzo reluctantly agreed to hand the child over.
After all, without the Wood Release scroll, the boy's potential was limited—and Hiruzen wasn't going to budge.
Danzo stormed back to Root's underground base and immediately summoned the child.
"Test Subject Ten—starting tomorrow, you will report to the Hokage."
"Yes!" The boy—who had spent two years in Root—responded without hesitation or doubt.
---
The Next Morning
The boy met with the Third Hokage, nervous about being suddenly transferred away from Root.
After speaking briefly with him, Hiruzen developed some understanding of the child. Although Hiruzen disliked many of Root's methods, he acknowledged their dedication to Konoha. This boy's loyalty was unquestionable.
"I'm giving you a confidential mission. From today on, you will serve as the guardian of a certain child. The Wood Release techniques you seek are in his hands. From now on… your name will be Yamato."
Hiruzen made his decision—he would trust this boy. He assigned him to protect Yue, and informed Yamato of Yue's identity as a descendant of the Senju clan.
Upon hearing this, Yamato finally understood his fate. Though nervous, he felt honored. Being entrusted with someone as important as Yue meant Konoha recognized his worth.
What Yamato didn't know was that Yue's butterfly-like flapping had already changed his destiny entirely. His future would deviate far from the original path.
~------------------------------------
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