Naruto: Blacksmith

"Hokage-sama, this... ?" Kuro asked, holding the envelope filled with money and looking at Hiruzen in disbelief.

"It's your allowance for this month," Hiruzen replied calmly, bringing the pipe to his lips.

He took a puff, and his face, marked by years of wrinkles, lit up with a tranquil smile. After a moment, he exhaled a ring of smoke.

"I've noticed your efforts during this time. With the level of training you're doing, you'll need more food to sustain yourself."

"That's why, from now on, your allowance will be this amount."

"Ah, I see!" Kuro, still processing what he had just heard, nodded.

He carefully placed the money on the nightstand next to his bed.

It wasn't hard to understand the Hokage's words: his recent performance had been remarkable. His perseverance in training and the progress he had shown were worthy of recognition.

Hiruzen nodded slightly.

"Now, open the other items."

"Sure, let's see!" Kuro replied, rubbing his hands together.

He opened the remaining envelope and then unrolled the two scrolls one by one.

Inside the envelope was a notification of admission to the Ninja Academy for the following April.

One of the scrolls contained detailed advice on chakra control practice, while the other, sealed, held shuriken, kunai, and a small katana.

Hiruzen, calmly smoking to the side, commented, "If you want to become a ninja, it's not enough to train your body. You need to master ninjutsu and learn to control your chakra."

Pointing to the items, he added, "These tools and advice will help you on your path. What do you think?"

Kuro raised his eyebrows, impressed but maintaining his composure.

"They're perfect. Thank you very much, Hokage-sama."

"Good..." Hiruzen nodded, satisfied. "Then, you'll start at the Academy next year, right?"

"Is there even a need to ask? I'll definitely become the strongest ninja, and I'll never let what happened five years ago happen again." Kuro clenched his fist against his chest, his eyes filled with determination.

Hiruzen smiled, relieved by Kuro's words. He took a deep drag from his pipe and exhaled the smoke with satisfaction.

"Then I wish you much success in your dream."

He turned his gaze toward the window. "It's late. This old man doesn't want to bother you any longer. Rest well."

"Hokage-sama, walk carefully," Kuro said, slightly bowing.

"Mmm..." Hiruzen nodded, turning to leave.

However, as he reached the door, he suddenly stopped.

He turned his head and, with a thoughtful air, asked, "What do you think of Naruto?"

Kuro responded almost without thinking, "A fool."

Realizing what he had just said, his eyes widened. "Ah... Hokage-sama, I didn't mean to..."

Before he could explain himself, he saw Hiruzen's eye twitch slightly but soon relax.

He murmured something unintelligible and then suddenly burst into laughter as he walked out.

Kuro, relieved but still a bit confused, closed the door behind him and let out a long sigh.

"Old Fox!"

He muttered as he watched Hiruzen's figure disappear into the night's darkness.

Letting out a sigh of relief, he wiped imaginary sweat from his forehead.

That last question wasn't casual.

It was a test.

Hiruzen and Danzo were masters of manipulation, though their styles differed. However, when it came to cunning, Danzo couldn't match the Third Hokage.

My contact with Naruto caught both of their attention.

It was obvious that Hiruzen had been watching.

He had likely used his crystal ball to spy, in addition to receiving reports. Otherwise, he wouldn't know so many details about my training and progress.

"It must be related to the recent talent I've been showing..."

He had been training hard for a while, but before, he was just an ordinary child, without his red headband or the Perfect Sage Body.

Naturally, his progress back then had been limited.

A talentless child, even if ambitious, didn't attract attention.

No one saw a threat in someone like that.

Even if he came into contact with the important Jinchūriki.

He might be investigated, but nothing beyond the basics.

However, things had changed.

In the last six months, his progress had been extraordinary. He had increased the intensity of his training and demonstrated potential that couldn't go unnoticed.

Such an impressive performance is like a beacon in the dark.

Whether to cultivate talent for the village's future or to prevent problems, Hiruzen, as Hokage, had to act.

That visit wasn't just a test. It was a statement.

The hearty laugh with which Hiruzen left was enough to confirm that he had passed the test. Kuro understood that, from now on, he would have the Hokage's attention and support.

With his backing, Danzo wouldn't dare make a move.

Although Danzo often ignored many rules, he wouldn't disobey Hiruzen in such a trivial matter.

Both are intelligent, but their methods differ.

Hiruzen investigates thoroughly before acting, while Danzo prefers to cut any threat at its root.

If it had been Danzo who came, the only option would be to eliminate all witnesses and defect.

Fortunately, it was Hiruzen who showed up.

.....

After calming down, Kuro examined the gifts more closely.

The money amounted to fifty thousand Ryō. More than enough for his expenses for the month.

In the first scroll, he found twelve shuriken, three kunai, and a one-meter-long katana, along with a manual on how to care for the equipment. Additionally, the scroll itself could be used to seal items, making it especially useful.

This will be much more convenient than my system's space, which only allows me to store forged accessories.

The second scroll contained instructions on chakra control training through tree climbing and water walking.

Kuro wasn't surprised by the content. After all, these techniques were fairly common and well-known.

However, what did catch his attention was a gray hair inside the scroll.

A hair from Hiruzen?

He quickly grabbed it, and the system activated.

[Special Material "Intellectual Hair" detected.

This material allows the creation of the special accessory "Book of All Knowledge."

Do you wish to proceed with the forging?]

"The Book of All Knowledge!?"

Kuro's eyes widened in astonishment.

The name is shocking... but if it's related to the secret ninjutsu Hiruzen knows, this book could be a gold mine.

It must contain everything Hiruzen has learned.

He couldn't help but smile.

Damn, this is going to be OP!

This book will be perfect.

"Forge."

Instantly, a thick book appeared in his hands.

The cover was made of brown leather, decorated with engravings of mountains and rivers. In the center, a large eye-like globe seemed to watch him.

[Special Item "Book of All Knowledge" detected.

Effect: When opened, it allows the user to visualize any scene within a 30-kilometer radius, centered on the holder.]

"What!?"

________

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