At the same time, in a private training ground behind the Hokage Rock in Konoha Village.
"Poof!"
A puff of white smoke flashed, and Enma, tall and sturdy, wearing something resembling a tiger skin skirt, appeared in the field.
"Hiramazu, long time no see."
Sarutobi Hiramazu looked at his old partner of many years, a slight smile appearing on his face. "Yes, I've been busy with official duties lately, neglecting practice. Come on, old friend, let's stretch our limbs."
The man and the monkey soon began sparring within the training ground.
Although Sarutobi Hiramazu was getting older, his skills were not dulled. His taijutsu and ninjutsu remained exquisite.
Enma was even more versatile in both offense and defense, changing freely. The Adamantine Staff, wielded skillfully by Sarutobi Hiramazu, moved with force and precision. Working in perfect coordination with Enma itself, it pounded the surrounding ground full of pits and holes.
After a satisfying and thorough practice session, Sarutobi Hiramazu, breathing slightly heavily, put away the Adamantine Staff. Enma also transformed back to its original form and walked over.
"Our coordination is still there," Enma said.
"After all, we've been partners for many years," Sarutobi Hiramazu smiled, taking out his pipe and lighting it.
After a moment of silence, Enma suddenly spoke.
"Hiramazu, something interesting happened in the clan recently."
"Oh? What could make you find something interesting?" Sarutobi Hiramazu raised an eyebrow, showing interest.
"A little one with exceptional talent appeared in our clan."
Enma said slowly. "It is very special. It has six ears, is naturally intelligent, and its perception of natural energy far surpasses that of its peers. Although it is still young and its strength is not top tier, its potential is astonishing. The elders in the clan believe it is only a matter of time before it surpasses me in the future."
"Six ears? Talent surpassing you?"
Upon hearing this, Sarutobi Hiramazu's smoking motion paused slightly, a glint flashing in his eyes.
He knew Enma's strength all too well. To receive such an evaluation from it, that little one's future was immeasurable.
"Yes."
Enma nodded, but then its tone carried a hint of regret. "However, it seems it already has a summoning contractor."
"It has a summoning contractor?"
Sarutobi Hiramazu frowned slightly. "Do you know who it is? The Land of Peaceful Bliss is located in the Land of Fire. Those who can form contracts with your clan are mostly Konoha ninja, right?"
His mind quickly ran through several clans or individuals skilled with summoning beasts, but none seemed to match the characteristics of the "Six Eared Monkey."
There was, however, an Anbu who recently appeared with a powerful white tiger as a summoning beast.
"Not clear."
Enma shook its head. "That little one was missing for a while some time ago. After returning, its strength improved significantly, and it remained tight lipped about its previous experiences. We only know it has already formed a summoning contract with someone, but who specifically, we cannot determine."
As the strongest of the monkey clan, Enma naturally did not pay much attention to trivial clan matters. Members like Tenji, who were expelled and ostracized for being physically different from their peers, originally did not catch its eye.
If Tenji had not grown increasingly stronger later, it might not have even noticed this monkey's existence.
Sarutobi Hiramazu smoked, silently thinking.
A summoning beast with potential possibly surpassing Enma would be a great asset to any ninja.
If this summoning beast belonged to Konoha, it would naturally be a good thing. But if it was not in the hands of someone he trusted, it somehow felt a bit wasted.
He suddenly thought of his second son, Asuma.
Asuma was also 13 this year, having reached Chunin level strength. But due to his rebellious phase, their relationship was tense, and he was unwilling to accept his arrangements.
If he could secure such a summoning beast with immense potential for him, it could not only enhance his strength and ease their father son relationship, but also bring this uncertain factor under the control of the Hokage line.
"Enma, have Asuma go to the Land of Peaceful Bliss tomorrow."
Sarutobi Hiramazu made a decision. "Let him try and see if he can gain that little one's approval. Between young people, communication might be easier."
He paused, then continued.
"If Asuma and it hit it off, that would be best. If not, I will find a way to see which village member obtained this opportunity."
The words "find a way" carried a hint of deeper meaning.
As Hokage, he had the right to know the composition of the village's high level combat forces, especially such powerful summoning beasts that could influence the future situation.
Enma looked deeply at its old friend, naturally understanding what Sarutobi Hiramazu meant, and nodded.
"Alright, I will inform the clan. However, whether he gains approval depends on Asuma himself, and that little one's will. Our Enma clan is not a tool for forced binding."
"Naturally."
Sarutobi Hiramazu smiled. "The bond between summoning beast and ninja cannot be forced."
…
After training ended, Enma returned to the Land of Peaceful Bliss.
Sarutobi Hiramazu also returned to the Hokage's office. After handling a few urgent documents, he summoned an Anbu.
"Go, call Asuma here."
"Yes!"
Not long after, Sarutobi Asuma, wearing casual clothes, a senbon in his mouth, and an impatient expression on his face, swaggered into the Hokage's office.
"Old man, what do you want? I'm busy."
Asuma sat casually in the chair opposite, crossing his legs.
Looking at his son's appearance, Sarutobi Hiramazu sighed inwardly.
"There is a task for you."
"A task? Another boring D rank or C rank task? Give it to the rookies."
"It's not a regular task."
Sarutobi Hiramazu took a puff of smoke, saying slowly. "Go to the Land of Peaceful Bliss."
"The Land of Peaceful Bliss? Why go there?"
Asuma was stunned for a moment. As the Hokage's son, he naturally knew about that place. It was where his father's summoning beast Enma's clan resided.
"A highly talented young member has appeared in the Enma clan."
Sarutobi Hiramazu explained. "It has six ears and immense potential. Enma says it will definitely surpass it in the future, but it seems to already have a summoning contractor. You go and try to see if you can gain its approval."
A summoning beast surpassing Enma?
Hearing this, Asuma put away his casual demeanor and sat up straight.
Although rebellious, he was not ignorant of value.
He had witnessed Enma's power firsthand. Something evaluated by both his father and Enma as having potential surpassing it, how formidable would that be?
A sense of desire arose in his heart.
If he could obtain such a summoning beast.
But then he thought of something and frowned.
"If it already has an owner, why should I go? Steal someone else's summoning beast?"
"Just go and try. Forming a summoning contract requires mutual approval. It is not forced."
Sarutobi Hiramazu said calmly. "Perhaps it will hit it off better with you. Even if not, maintaining a good relationship with the Enma clan is not bad for you. And also."
He paused, looking at Asuma.
"You are 13 this year. Your strength needs further improvement. A good summoning beast can give you more protection on the battlefield. Lately, even within the Land of Fire, things are not entirely peaceful. I do not want to see anything happen to you."
These last words carried a hint of concern as a father.
Asuma fell silent for a moment. Although he was still dissatisfied with some of his father's methods, he could feel this concern.
Moreover, for a young ninja, a powerful and cool summoning beast was simply too tempting.
"I know. When do I leave?"
Sarutobi Hiramazu replied.
"Tomorrow morning. Remember, be sincere in your attitude. Whether you succeed depends on your own ability."
"Nagging, I know."
Asuma waved his hand, turned, and left the Hokage's office.
Watching his son's departing figure, Sarutobi Hiramazu's gaze was deep.
He hoped Asuma would succeed. This would be the best outcome for both the family and the village.
If not, then he would have to start investigating which Konoha ninja had gained the Six Eared Monkey's approval.
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