Yakushi Nonō stood frozen, momentarily forgetting even to tend to Sasame's fresh injuries.
The ninja world had countless Kekkei Genkai, and no bloodline limit would have surprised her—except Wood Release.
The First Hokage, Senju Hashirama, had relied on it to dominate the shinobi world and usher in a new era.
The "wood" in Konohagakure literally stood for Wood Release.
Yet after Hashirama, no other shinobi—not even the Senju clan—had awakened it.
Nonō never imagined she'd witness it today.
"Director?" Sasame called out.
"Who else have you told about this?"
Nonō took a deep breath before healing Sasame's new wounds.
She wasn't some naive civilian.
Before becoming an orphanage director, she had been an elite operative in Konoha's Intelligence Division—so skilled that Danzō had forcibly recruited her into Root.
That was precisely why she understood the implications of Wood Release's reappearance.
"You're the first to know."
Sasame studied her expression and inwardly sighed in relief—just as he'd predicted.
After three years together, they were practically mother and son.
There was no way Nonō would hand him over to Danzō.
Because she had no loyalty to him.
(Which was exactly why Danzō would later have her eliminated—knowing too much yet refusing to obey.)
"Good."
Nonō ruffled Sasame's hair, her brow furrowed in deep thought.
Keeping this secret wouldn't work forever.
Plus, having Wood Release but not using it would be an unforgivable waste.
Danzō was ruthless—handing Sasame over would turn him into nothing more than a soulless tool.
So… report it to the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen?
Nonō's mind raced through possibilities.
Sasame knew it was time to steer the conversation.
"Director… what kind of jutsu is this?"
"Wood Release. The same power wielded by the First Hokage."
Nonō didn't hide the truth. "You having it means one of your ancestors married into the Senju clan."
Before Konoha's founding, the Senju were a renowned major clan with vast numbers.
But due to Hashirama's ideals, they abandoned intra-clan marriages and gradually assimilated into the village.
Now, they were effectively extinct.
The only remaining "Senju" was Tsunade.
"Wood Release?!"
Sasame feigned shock before "excitedly" adding:
"Director, do you know any Senju clansmen? If we can trace which ancestor it was, maybe I could find out who my parents were!"
Nonō's expression shifted slightly.
Sasame was a war orphan who'd lost many memories due to childhood trauma.
His idea actually made sense—it might help uncover his lineage.
More importantly, it reminded Nonō: There was someone even better suited than Hiruzen.
Tsunade.
The last Senju.
And crucially, Nonō knew her character—she'd never mistreat Sasame.
"Leave this to me."
Nonō fetched fresh clothes from the wardrobe. "Go wash up and rest."
"Okay."
Sasame took the clothes obediently.
His part was done.
Now it was up to Nonō.
If this failed… well, he'd just have to play along with Hiruzen's games.
Judging by Yamato's later treatment, it wouldn't be too bad—as long as he convincingly preached the Will of Fire.
And that?
He could do in his sleep.
(Seriously, what kind of half-baked ideology even was that? He could probably gaslight Hiruzen instead.)
One week later.
A secluded corner of the orphanage.
"Sasame, happy birthday."
Kabuto presented a small cake.
How the tables had turned.
Sasame accepted it with a grin.
Their birthdays were just a week apart—an amusing coincidence.
"Sasame, what's your birthday wish? Or… what do you want to do in the future?"
Kabuto sounded genuinely curious.
After three years together, he'd always found Sasame enigmatic.
Especially last year, when he'd suddenly warned:
"Hide your medical talent. If it gets exposed, disaster will follow—for you and the director."
Like some ominous prophecy.
Kabuto had been stunned.
But trusting that instinct, he'd downplayed his prodigious healing skills, pretending to be average.
"My future?"
Sasame stroked his chin before dramatically declaring:
"I'll be the Hokage's man!"
(Specifically the Fifth Hokage, Tsunade. If he was gonna ride, he might as well ride in style.)
Some might call her "too old."
But she was hot.
And if beauty outweighed age, it could outweigh species too—just ask Xu Xian, that legend who smashed a snake.
"The Hokage?"
Kabuto wasn't surprised.
Thanks to Hiruzen's masterful propaganda, the Third Hokage was idolized as the "strongest Hokage" among the children.
Wanting to be Hokage was as common a dream as wanting to be an astronaut or scientist in Sasame's past life.
(Only adulthood would teach them life's cruel jokes.)
"Yeah! Hokage!"
Sasame devoured the cake before slinging an arm around Kabuto.
"When that happens, you'll be my advisor! We'll grow strong, restore Konoha's glory!"
(He barely held back adding: "I laugh at Hiruzen's lack of wisdom, Danzō's lack of strategy—in this world, the only heroes are you and me!")
This wasn't just empty hype.
Kabuto had limitless potential—securing him early was a no-brainer.
A fighter, healer, and support all in one? No way he'd let that slip away.
"Deal!"
Current Kabuto was just an untrained kid. Pumped up by Sasame's speech, he enthusiastically clasped his hand.
"It's a promise!"
"Sasame!"
Nonō's voice cut through.
Sasame stiffened.
Shit.
If she'd heard his chuunibyou rant, his social life was over.
He turned—and froze.
Beside Nonō stood another woman.
Clad in a tea-green robe, with flowing blonde hair, a mature yet alluring presence, and that unmistakable hourglass figure.
There was a saying in his past life: Men prefer slightly curvy women.
And this woman was the pinnacle of curves.
Those thighs alone—paired with black or white stockings—could kill a man.
Sasame looked up into a pair of amused, honey-brown eyes.
"Lady Tsunade, children say silly things. Please don't take it seriously," Nonō hurriedly explained, worried the earlier words had offended her.
"It's fine."
Tsunade's gaze lingered before she asked, "So this is Sasame? Quite the pretty boy."
Nonō relaxed. "Yes. The one in front is him."
Tsunade nodded and stepped forward. "You want to be Hokage?"
Sasame flashed a radiant smile. "Because I want to protect everyone."
(It was a practiced, performative grin—but he knew exactly how it'd hit Tsunade.)
"Why?"
Tsunade's voice carried a strange weight. "People who want to be Hokage are fools. They throw their lives away for others."
"I've seen war. I don't want more of it."
Sasame gave the textbook answer. "As Hokage, I can stop wars. Bring peace."
(Truthfully, he wasn't that noble. Right now, survival was his only goal.)
Tsunade froze, memories of her late brother Nawaki surfacing—how he'd spouted those same ideals before dying in battle.
"Kid, you've got a big mouth for someone so small."
She chuckled and ruffled his hair.
Sasame stayed silent.
Do you know what men hate most?
Being called small!
Just you wait—I'll show you big.
Tsunade shook off her thoughts. "Show me your Wood Release."
Sasame extended his hand, summoning thorned vines.
With no formal training, he relied purely on instinct.
(Thankfully, Nonō had at least taught him chakra control—otherwise, he'd have no clue how to demonstrate.)
Tsunade's expression turned grave.
It was real.
Having grown up under her grandfather's care, she recognized true Wood Release instantly.
No genjutsu. No imitation.
This was the real deal.