After a week of traveling, Yue finally met the Third Hokage in his prime. Yet the moment this smiling, kindly old man stared at him, Yue felt an indescribable discomfort crawl over his skin.
"Greetings, Lord Hokage."
Yue bowed politely.
"Little one, I've already heard everything about you from Jiraiya. From now on, rest easy and live in Konoha. Konoha is your home."
The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, was indeed an old fox. With just a few words he already planned to tie this child firmly to Konoha's great tree. And for a member of the Senju clan, Konoha was literally their home—the great tree founded by the Senju themselves.
"Thank you, Lord Hokage."
"Right, there's one thing I want to ask you. I heard your parents met with misfortune. Do you know your family name?"
The question stunned Yue. His name was something he casually made up—how could he have a surname? What was he supposed to say? My name is Yagami Light??? One day I'll get a notebook and whoever's name I write dies???
Considering he could use Wood Release, he definitely couldn't call himself Senju Yue. Almost all remaining Senju had already hidden their identities. Even Tsunade, the First Hokage's granddaughter, did not use the Senju name.
After a moment of thought, Yue shook his head.
"My parents were ordinary people. They never told me a surname, only that my given name is Yue. So… I think we were just commoners without a family name."
Hiruzen nodded firmly. So this child really didn't know he was from the Senju clan—the once-glorious clan that sacrificed itself for Konoha, hiding their names even unto death. His parents hadn't even told him their surname in their final moments.
"Do you know where your parents died? What did the attackers look like? I'll send people to avenge you. Your parents made special contributions to Konoha—they were heroes. Konoha will never ignore something like this."
Yue had absolutely no idea. He made all of it up. He transmigrated here alone—where was he supposed to find enemies? If anyone counted, it was those rogue Takigakure ninjas he already wiped out.
And what if the Hokage actually dug up two Senju survivors and told him to 'recognize' them as his parents? Should he admit it or not?
"I was too scared at the time… I didn't see clearly. I don't remember where it happened either. My parents just told me to run."
"Were… were my parents really heroes of Konoha?"
Yue continued weaving his story while pretending to be shocked.
"That's right, child. Let me tell you a huge secret—you, and your parents, were members of the Senju clan. That clan built Konoha. They were Konoha's cornerstone. But after the First and Second Hokage passed away, your clan lacked a strong leader."
"The First Hokage wished for the Senju and commoners to coexist peacefully, so your clan voluntarily hid their identities and blended into the civilian population, dissolving the clan."
"But the glory and sacrifice of the Senju will forever be recorded in Konoha's history."
Hearing this, Yue didn't feel much toward the Senju clan, but it did make him think about the Third Hokage. Back in his past life, he never liked this old man very much—too indecisive, too much like a politician. He could've killed Orochimaru yet let him escape. Danzo tried to assassinate him and he was still alive. The advisors often overruled him. He lacked decisiveness.
Sure, he believed the part about the Senju lacking leaders. But the whole "voluntarily dissolving the clan" thing? Who knew whether it was political suppression after Hiruzen took power. The Senju's disappearance had always been a mystery.
"So… I'm a member of the Senju clan?"
Yue widened his eyes, feigning shock.
"That's right, child. Wood Release is the unique kekkei genkai of the First Hokage. There's no doubt about your bloodline. I didn't expect such an outstanding descendant would appear after all these years. Live peacefully in Konoha. Once you grow strong, you can reclaim the honor of the Senju name."
"Yes, Lord Hokage! I'll work hard!"
"I'll have Jiraiya give you the scrolls for Wood Release techniques. Study them well. And don't reveal your Wood Release for now. Before you're strong enough, people with ill intent might target you."
The Third Hokage continued chatting with Yue, sharing small stories and showing care—clearly to increase Yue's sense of belonging to Konoha.
After the meeting, Jiraiya took Yue and Rina to a spacious compound within the village.
"This will be your home from now on."
Jiraiya pointed at the large courtyard.
Yue was shocked. He knew the Third Hokage valued him—but he didn't expect this level of treatment.
"This used to be the Senju clan's residence. It's been vacant for a long time."
Jiraiya whispered to him.
"I'll leave you some money. Go buy what you need from the market. I still have things to do. I'll visit tomorrow to guide your training."
Jiraiya handed over a thick stack of bills before leaving. His next stop was obvious—his prized student, Minato Namikaze.
He'd been away for a while, and he wanted to see Minato first, then inform him about Yue and ask him to look after the boy when he himself left the village.
"Yue, pinch me. Am I dreaming?!"
Rina was overjoyed. She had been anxious about living in Konoha, but receiving a huge house upon arrival? Clearly, the village valued her little brother greatly.
"Ow! Why're you pinching so hard?! It hurts! Now hand over the money Lord Jiraiya gave you!"
Rina smacked Yue on the head.
"T-that's the money Jiraiya-sensei gave me!"
"What's a kid doing with so much money? I'll keep it for you. From now on, I manage the household finances, understood?"
Rina snatched the money just like an elder tricking a child out of their New Year's gift money.
Yue could only sigh helplessly.
"Well? Don't just stand there. Let's check what the house is missing. I'll go buy supplies. You clean the courtyard. No slacking!"
Time passed quickly. In the blink of an eye, Yue had lived in Konoha for four months. He was now five years old according to his official age. His training with Jiraiya had been intense—he learned a lot, driven by the pressure that if he didn't grow stronger, he would die.
He studied the Wood Release scrolls seriously, already mastering a few simple techniques. He barely slept.
Time was running out. The events that would unfold after the Third Great Ninja War would reshape the world. He wanted strength—at least enough to protect himself.
His body was that of a five-year-old, but mentally he was in his twenties. He had to plan his future carefully. His greatest advantage wasn't Wood Release—it was the meta-knowledge of the entire world.
During this time, he also met Minato through Jiraiya's introduction. As fellow students of Jiraiya, they were technically "senpai and kouhai," though Minato was always busy with missions.
Jiraiya said that if he wasn't around, Yue could ask Minato for help. Yue liked Minato—this man was a reliable, golden thigh to cling to. If Minato survived the future events, Yue could lie low indefinitely and level up safely.
He longed to learn Minato's Flying Thunder God Technique—one of the biggest hacks in the Naruto world. Whether he had the talent? Who cared. He'd try first. If he didn't try, how would he know?
Ah… the Second Stage of Flying Thunder God was just too cool.
Early one morning, Yue was practicing taijutsu in the courtyard, punching a wooden stake until it was practically concave. Taijutsu was crucial, and after months of good nutrition—meat and broth every day—his frail, skinny appearance had improved greatly.
"Jiraiya-sensei!"
Yue greeted him when Jiraiya suddenly appeared beside him.
"You've improved a lot recently."
"I'm here to say goodbye. I'm leaving the village for a long trip. I'm not sure when I'll be back."
Yue felt reluctant, but he knew Jiraiya wasn't the type to stay in the village teaching a single student.
"Someone else will guide you while I'm gone. In a few days, you'll also be entering the Ninja Academy. Study hard. I hope that when I return, you'll already be a proper shinobi."
Jiraiya encouraged him.
"Don't worry, Jiraiya-sensei. I'll become a real shinobi!"
Yue nodded firmly.
"Then I won't say goodbye to that Rina girl—she'll get emotional."
Jiraiya waved and turned to leave.
"Take care, Jiraiya-sensei!"