A few days later, the Konoha group successfully returned to the village.
After a brief debriefing, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, gave a short summary and words of encouragement to the ninjas who participated in the exams. He then dismissed everyone to rest, but specifically called out to Higashino Shinichi as he was about to leave.
"Shinichi, stay for a moment."
In the Hokage Office, only the old man and the youth remained. The Third Hokage sat behind his large desk, the smile on his face even more amiable than usual.
"You did very well on this trip to Sunagakure," he began slowly, his voice gentle yet powerful. "Not only did you win the championship for Konoha, but you also demonstrated the caliber and strength of our Konoha's younger generation in front of many foreign ninjas and even the Kazekage."
He paused, took a puff of his pipe, and continued: "According to tradition, ninjas who perform exceptionally well in the Chunin Exams—especially those who take first place—receive extra rewards from the village as encouragement. Tell me, Shinichi, having achieved such merit, is there any specific reward you desire? As long as it's within reason, I can secure it for you."
Shinichi stood before the desk. Hearing this, he didn't answer immediately, but lowered his gaze slightly, appearing to be in deep thought. After a moment, he looked up and spoke.
"Lord Third Hokage, actually, on the way back to the village, I've been thinking these past few days... about the path I should take next."
"Oh?" The Third Hokage showed a look of interest, leaning forward slightly. "Tell me, what are your thoughts?"
"Yes." Shinichi nodded, his tone becoming serious and organized. "Through this exam, I've gained a clearer understanding of my strengths and weaknesses. I'm skilled in taijutsu, my chakra nature is fire, and I've gained some insights into chakra shape transformation. However, I've found that when dealing with certain specific enemies or complex situations, pure taijutsu or ninjutsu that isn't enough to instantly change the situation both have their limitations."
He paused briefly, as if organizing more precise language: "I was wondering if there's a way to more deeply integrate the taijutsu I'm best at with fire release. Not just a tactical combination like following up taijutsu with a fire release, or using fire release to create an opening for taijutsu... but something more fundamental. Integrating the nature and power of fire truly into every punch, every step, and even into physical defense and evasion, forming a truly unique and seamless combat system of my own."
Shinichi continued: "Then, I thought of a possible direction—ninja body technique."
"Ninja body technique?" The Third Hokage softly repeated the term, his finger rubbing his pipe, the surprise on his face deepening slightly. He said slowly: "That idea... is very ambitious. But Shinichi, wanting to integrate fire release ninjutsu into bodily functions for combat is extremely difficult. The requirements for physical and chakra control are harsh. In Konoha, or even the entire ninja world, a ninja body technique that has truly formed a complete system and possesses great practical combat power..."
He paused and continued: "Strictly speaking, perhaps only the Lightning Release Chakra Mode, passed down through generations in Kumogakure and upon which their village was founded, can be considered a successful and powerful example. That is a legacy they spent countless amounts of effort and time to polish. Currently... our Konoha has no such systematic legacy."
He looked at Shinichi, his tone gentle but carrying a warning: "This also means it's almost equivalent to you starting from scratch alone. Do you understand the dangers and uncertainties involved?"
Shinichi met the Third Hokage's gaze without flinching. Instead, his eyes grew brighter because of the other's attention: "I understand, Lord Third Hokage. I think, if lightning release can bring power, speed, and defense by activating cells, then why can't the scorching, burning, and exploding fire explore its own path and form its own Fire Release Chakra Mode?"
"You see, Kirigakure is skilled in water release, Iwagakure excels in earth release, Sunagakure controls wind and sand, and Kumogakure is founded on lightning release; their styles are all extremely distinct. And our Konoha..." Shinichi paused here, seemingly choosing his words, before simply saying:
"Is all-encompassing!"
"Our Konoha is full of the heritage of a hundred rivers flowing into the sea. The First Hokage used his majestic Wood Release to pacify the chaotic times, the Second Hokage laid the village's foundation with space-time ninjutsu and exquisite water release, and you are proficient in all five releases, revered as the Professor of Ninjutsu. Each one's combat style is peak and admirable."
"But I'm wondering, within this versatility and diversity, is there a lack of a specific fire-based combat system that belongs to 'fire,' corresponds to our country's name, and makes people immediately think of the Land of Fire and the Will of Fire when mentioned?"
"So, though I am untalented, I want to try along this path. I don't dare to hope to stand alongside my predecessors, but I wish to explore a path and try to create a combat system centered on fire with a sufficiently distinct and strong style. Even if I can only lay a single brick for those who come after me, perhaps I can leave a different mark on the legacy of fire under the name of Hokage."
Although Shinichi didn't directly say the words "I want to be Hokage," his desire to progress and become the first Hokage famous for fire release was already clear between the lines.
'Wanting to be Hokage is a good thing!'
The Third Hokage didn't feel the slightest bit of aversion; instead, a look of gratification appeared in his eyes. Young people having grand ideals and goals to strive for is exactly the hope for the village's future.
The smile on his face became even warmer as he encouraged: "Having ideas, courage, and ambition is a good thing. The village needs young people like you who dare to break new ground."
Immediately, he returned to practical matters and reminded: "However, Shinichi, you must know that fire-natured chakra, like lightning-natured chakra, is known for being violent, dangerous, and difficult to control stably. Safely integrating this kind of power into the body may be even more difficult and risky than lightning release."
Shinichi had clearly considered this long ago. He replied steadily: "Yes, Lord Third Hokage. So I won't try to directly develop a Fire Release Chakra Mode from the start; that would be unrealistic. I plan to take it step by step. The first step is to complete the fire nature transformation of the Rasengan. By combining this shape-transformation ninjutsu I'm most familiar with with the nature of fire, I'll develop a seal-less fire release ninjutsu to serve as a starting point and testing ground for the fusion of the two."
He paused slightly and added: "Additionally, I've noticed that the successive Raikage are all known for their incredibly powerful physiques and astonishing defensive capabilities. I think this might not just be because of the activation effect of lightning release; a powerful physical body itself is the foundation for carrying and driving that dangerous chakra. Since fire-natured chakra is equally dangerous and violent, strengthening my own constitution and tempering my physique is an essential prerequisite."
At this point, Shinichi took the opportunity to present his thought-out request: "So, Lord Third Hokage, the reward I want isn't a specific ninjutsu or material item. I'd like to ask if the village has any unique training methods for strengthening the constitution or tempering the physique? Or, is there any senior in the village with an exceptionally strong physique and physical resilience far exceeding ordinary people? I hope to have the opportunity to consult and exchange ideas with them to gain experience and lay the firmest foundation for my future explorations."
A training method for strengthening the constitution and tempering the physique?
The Third Hokage thought for a moment. If speaking of a systematic secret training method specifically designed for tempering the ultimate physique, Konoha's Strong Body Style Taijutsu was already an excellent path for polishing the body and tempering the will.
But if talking about reaching the terrifying intensity of the successive Raikage of Kumogakure, tempering a mortal body enough to go head-to-head with a tailed beast, Konoha's Strong Body Style Taijutsu really wouldn't cut it.
As for a senior with an exceptionally strong physique and an incredibly resilient body?
The Third Hokage pondered for a bit; there actually was one.