Asuma's footsteps halted, and he momentarily wondered if he'd misheard.
Although it wasn't praise like being proud or impressive, this was still a praise Asuma had never received before.
When he first ranked first in practical combat at the Ninja Academy, he had excitedly returned home to tell Sarutobi Hiruzen.
But Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't have much of a reaction, just a plain "hmm," as if it was something insignificant.
Initially, Asuma had hoped to hear "I'm proud of you" from Sarutobi Hiruzen. At that time, Asuma greatly admired his Hokage father, who was respected and yearned for by everyone.
No matter what achievements Asuma accomplished at the Ninja Academy, he couldn't gain Sarutobi Hiruzen's approval. His expectations gradually decreased, initially hoping for praise, and later, he'd be satisfied with just a nod from Sarutobi Hiruzen.
But it never happened. In Asuma's memory, Sarutobi Hiruzen never once nodded at his achievements, only ever lectured him, telling him to learn from his stable older brother and to emulate Orochimaru during their Ninja Academy days.
"As if you need to say it, it was Teacher Mokgetsu who taught me that," Asuma said with a pout.
Although Asuma still didn't show much expression towards Sarutobi Hiruzen, it was evident that the atmosphere had eased a lot.
"If there's anything you don't understand, feel free to ask me. I have quite a bit of insight into Combined Ninjutsu," Sarutobi Hiruzen said, exhaling smoke.
"Can you really teach well?" Asuma was quite doubtful about this.
He didn't doubt Sarutobi Hiruzen's understanding of Combined Ninjutsu or his own capabilities. Hokage was indeed an impressive title, but whether he could teach well was a different matter.
"Should I teach Mokgetsu first and then have him teach you?" Sarutobi Hiruzen was speechless as his teaching ability was questioned once again.
Daring to doubt his abilities so openly, probably only Asuma in all of Konoha would do that.
"I think that might work," Asuma's eyes lit up, feeling that this might be better than Sarutobi Hiruzen teaching him directly.
"Go train now," Sarutobi Hiruzen said, rubbing his forehead to urge Asuma away. This child was genuinely worrisome.
Asuma hummed a little tune as he walked out of the Hokage Office, in a very good mood, even closing the office door gently.
Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed and went back to handling official duties.
Not long after, the office door was opened again, and Shimura Danzo walked in.
"Hiruzen..." Shimura Danzo started to speak but was immediately interrupted by Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Why didn't you knock, and you should address me by my title during work hours," Sarutobi Hiruzen said with a stern face.
Shimura Danzo was a bit puzzled. He always did this without hearing any complaints from Sarutobi Hiruzen, so why today did Hiruzen seem like he had eaten an Explosive Tag?
"Hiruzen, you..."
"It is work hours now," Sarutobi Hiruzen emphasized again.
Shimura Danzo didn't know what medication Sarutobi Hiruzen had taken today, but rank takes precedence, so Danzo reluctantly had to call him Third Hokage.
Only then did Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression soften as he spoke, "What's the matter, speak."
"I need Hatake Kakashi and Uchiha Obito to join Root," Shimura Danzo directly stated.
"Your Root Organization is still short of two Chunin?" Sarutobi Hiruzen was not prepared to agree to Danzo's request.
"They are currently Chunin, but they have great potential. The Root Organization needs ninjas like them," Danzo continued.
"This is non-negotiable. Root can't expand anymore. If I find out Root is secretly developing illegal members again, I will cut its funding," Sarutobi Hiruzen warned.
He knew Danzo was not an honest person. Even if he refused him, Danzo might still act in secret, so he gave a preemptive warning.
"Hatake Kakashi can be excluded, but Uchiha Obito must join Root. A Uchiha like him is too dangerous and must be monitored closely to prevent another Uchiha Madara from emerging," Danzo revealed his true intention.
His real target was Obito. Bringing up Kakashi was just laying the groundwork for this statement.
Shimura Danzo always remembered his teacher Senju Tobirama's teachings: the Uchiha are inherently evil and must always be watched.
If it was just an ordinary Uchiha, it wouldn't matter, but Uchiha Obito, at only nine years old, already had a Double Tomoe Sharingan and was proficient in Fire Release, making Shimura Danzo uneasy.
Although he was secretly training Wood Release Ninjas, they were much younger than Obito. If Obito were to rebel like Uchiha Madara before the Wood Release Ninjas matured, it would be troublesome.
"Obito is a Uchiha who possesses the Will of Fire. He is not dangerous. I believe under Minato's guidance, Obito will become the next Kagami," Sarutobi Hiruzen said, placing his pipe in his mouth and taking a puff.
Based on Obito's current performance, Sarutobi Hiruzen did not think Obito was dangerous. On the contrary, he had high hopes for Obito, feeling that having Minato guide him was undoubtedly more reliable than Shimura Danzo.
"Hiruzen, have you forgotten the teacher's teachings?" Danzo said dissatisfied.
"Those Uchiha are too dangerous. Even though the village treats them well, they still think of rebellion."
Danzo attempted to use the hawkish Uchiha coup incident during Senju Tobirama's time to make Sarutobi Hiruzen realize the danger of the Uchiha.
"The teacher also said suitable guidance should be provided for the Uchiha," Sarutobi Hiruzen shook his head and replied.