Looking at the relaxed face of Chao Yanqian, Nara Shikahisa suddenly felt a little heavy in his heart.
If these words were spoken by Nara Shikahisa to reassure Mikuni, Shikahisa might not have any particular feelings, but these words were said to Mikuni himself, which made Nara Shikahisa unsure of what to say for a moment.
Nara Shikahisa was originally not good with words and didn't know how to comfort people. He simply felt that Chao Yanqian was young, full of thoughts, and feared that after experiencing such unfair treatment, Chao Yanqian might start reflecting inwardly and develop thoughts that could become unfavorable to Konoha.
After more than a year of getting along, the impression that Chao Yanqian gave Nara Shikahisa was one of high talent, willingness to work hard, and deep thinking. In particular, Asakura is now a disciple of Tsunade. As long as Asakura is given a bit more time, he can definitely grow to a very high level.
Before assigning Asakura to Nara Shikahisa's team, the Third Hokage had specifically mentioned him and asked Shikahisa to keep a close eye on Asakura.
For more than a year, Asakura had always been friendly with his teammates, and Nara Shikahisa hadn't found any flaws. However, at this age, Asakura was about to enter a rebellious phase, and his character would likely become more unpredictable. Nara was deeply worried that Asakura might develop hostility toward Konoha due to unfair treatment.
"It's good for you to think this way. Not only life can be changed, but the environment can also actually be changed," Nara Shikahisa said. "Maybe some of Konoha's practices are wrong, but it's precisely because of these bad things that someone needs to step up and change them."
"I see, Mr. Shikahisa!" Chao Yanqian nodded.
"Although there are many contradictions in the village, everyone shares the same heart for Konoha. Chao Yanqian, you are very talented and have a mature mindset for your age. You should understand what I mean," Nara Shikahisa said, using an uncharacteristically serious tone.
"I understand. Only when the village is strong can I live well. If there is no village, where would I even be?" Chao Yanqian said.
Nara Shikahisa nodded, a trace of relief on his face. "It's best if you can understand this!"
Nara Shikahisa then pointed to the century-old tree standing not far away and slowly said: "The village is like that big tree. It has always shielded us from the wind and rain to protect us. So naturally, we must protect it in return, help it grow, water it, weed around it."
"Understood!" Chao Yanqian nodded firmly.
After parting with Nara Shikahisa, Chao Yanqian kept thinking about their conversation. Why had Shikahisa said those things to him? Had he discovered something or had he sensed something?
Over the past year, Chao Yiqian had been secretly helping Orochimaru with forbidden jutsu experiments. But everything was done covertly no one should have known. Every time he went to Orochimaru's laboratory, he was extremely cautious. Only after ensuring no one was around would he enter. Logically, it should have been impossible to be discovered.
Aside from the secret contact with Orochimaru, Chao Yanqian behaved exactly like an ordinary Konoha ninja loving Konoha, caring for his comrades, and diligently completing missions. His background was also perfectly clean.
If suspicion still arose under such circumstances, Chao Yanqian truly didn't understand why.
Still, it was undeniable that Nara Shikahisa had most likely been instructed by the Third Hokage to secretly observe him. Nara Shikahisa's evaluation would likely have a direct impact on Chao Yanqian's future.
The thoughtful Chao Yanqian lost the urge to visit Konoha Hospital. After replenishing some supplies, he headed to Konoha's forested hills alone to train.
Hokage's Office
"What do you think? What is Chao Yanqian's attitude regarding this matter?" the Third Hokage asked in a deep voice after hearing Nara Shikahisa's report.
"Chao Yanqian doesn't seem to bear a grudge. After all, he's lived in Konoha since childhood and has a deep emotional attachment to it," Nara Shikahisa replied calmly.
"This kid works too hard," the Third Hokage said nonchalantly.
Nara Shikahisa looked quietly at the Third Hokage but didn't respond.
Shikahisa understood what the Hokage meant Chao Yanqian practiced intensely, even desperately. It would be fine if he were like Maito Guy pure and direct but Chao Yanqian was highly intelligent and full of thoughts. If he ever developed resentment, his talent could be a great danger to Konoha.
The death of Konoha's White Fang Sakumo Hatake though not directly caused by the Third Hokage, had still left him with complex emotions: grief and relief.
Although the Hokage title isn't inherited by family, it is often passed down from master to disciple. The First and Second Hokage were brothers, and the Third was their student. The Fourth and Fifth Hokage also followed this master-apprentice succession.
Sakumo Hatake, nicknamed "White Fang," had a reputation that eclipsed even the Legendary Sannin. There was growing public support for him to become the Fourth Hokage. Because of that, neither the Third Hokage nor Danzo Shimura could allow it to happen.
White Fang abandoned a mission to save his comrades. While that decision didn't warrant death, the Third Hokage and Danzo tarnished his reputation so he'd lose the right to become Hokage. But no one expected that White Fang would choose suicide.
Perhaps White Fang ended his life because he saw through the village's politics and was ultimately disappointed.
But Chao Yanqian is different. He's Tsunade's disciple. In the Third Hokage's eyes, Chao Yanqian was also a potential successor. That's why the Third is so concerned about his attitude and character.
This situation was a test. If Chao Yanqian developed resentment toward Konoha after being treated unfairly, the Hokage would likely give up on nurturing him further.
Though Chao Yanqian is now being nurtured by the village, when he first graduated, he was treated as cannon fodder. Only if he could overlook that would the Hokage be truly reassured.
In the original story, the Third Hokage also tested Kakashi.
He allowed Danzo to try recruiting Kakashi and arranged for Yamato to assassinate the Third Hokage just to see whether Kakashi would remain indifferent or act to protect the Hokage.
Luckily, Kakashi didn't fall for the trap or at least came to his senses in time and chose to protect the Third Hokage. That earned him the Hokage's trust.
When Chao Yanqian saw this part of the story in his past life, he nearly laughed. A Yamato barely a few years old, plus a few Root ninjas, trying to assassinate the Third Hokage? Was Danzo joking?
But if the whole thing was a test, it made perfect sense. After all, Kakashi's father died because of the village's schemes. If Kakashi held a grudge, his talent would definitely pose a threat to Konoha.
"Go to the front lines this time. Let Chao Yanqian follow you," the Third Hokage said softly.
"Will you continue to test him?" Nara Shikahisa asked.
"Not for the time being," the Third Hokage replied.