Sarutobi Hiruzen felt a bit confused.
Especially after the old man learned that the Anbu were spreading rumors that Uchiha Itachi was the future successor of the Root, Sarutobi Hiruzen became even more bewildered.
How did this news get out?
Does everyone know that Shimura Danzo is grooming a successor?
The old man stood in front of a mirror, looked at himself in the reflection, and sighed deeply, "Danzo and I are indeed both getting old…"
If we consider age, it is indeed the time for them to think about finding a successor, especially with Shimura Danzo already starting their successor training.
The position of Hokage is even more important than that of the Root Leader.
Sarutobi Hiruzen reflected on the choice of his future successor, feeling deeply concerned: "Danzo is already considering the future candidate for the Root, so I must also urge Jiraiya to return. It's time to find an appropriate mentor for that child, Akihara Kagura…"
Konoha Village, Ninja Academy.
This was Akihara Kagura's first time visiting here.
After Akihara Kagura arranged a house nearby for Karin and Naruto Uzumaki, they came to the Ninja Academy, taking care of the enrollment procedures along the way.
A group of little kids played around the school, while several Chunin teachers sat in a corner of the playground, chatting idly. The place seemed extraordinarily harmonious and serene.
Amidst this group of little ones, Akihara Kagura recognized many familiar faces, even spotting a little girl with a bun who used to cover him with a blanket.
"Eh?"
The little girl with the bun was named Tenten.
When Akihara Kagura passed by, Tenten couldn't help but take a curious glance at him, feeling he looked familiar, yet unable to recall who he actually was.
"Tenten, what's up?"
A boy with Byakugan eyes noticed his classmate's unusual behavior and looked towards Akihara Kagura and little Karin, "That's Anbu attire, that person is an Anbu Ninja, but he doesn't seem much older than us…"
In terms of age, Akihara Kagura should be in the fifth grade at Ninja Academy, needing another year of study to graduate if his performance were average.
However…
His current level is on par with the teachers at the Ninja Academy.
Akihara Kagura stood in the teachers' office at the Ninja Academy, seeking out a first-grade teacher, who appeared quite young and had just recently been promoted to Chunin before coming to serve as an academy teacher.
"My name is Umino Iruka."
This young teacher, who had a scar on his nose bridge, smiled and said, "I'm the homeroom teacher of the first-grade class at the Ninja Academy. Is there something you need?"
"I came to handle enrollment procedures."
Akihara Kagura nudged little Karin and said softly, "This child is over six years old, and the Third Hokage has allowed her to enroll in the Ninja Academy."
"Is that so?"
Umino Iruka glanced at Karin and kindly suggested, "It's the second semester of first grade now; I actually recommend waiting until September's admissions, so she can start fresh with the next batch and avoid falling behind…"
"Can you?"
Akihara Kagura looked down at Karin.
"I… I can."
Little Karin shrank a bit, hiding beside Akihara Kagura.
In this unfamiliar village, little Karin knew no one else and could only rely on Akihara Kagura, who had cared for her without abandoning her.
"She says she can."
Akihara Kagura turned toward Umino Iruka.
"Ah, well…"
Umino Iruka awkwardly scratched the back of his head and sheepishly continued to persuade, "Being a transfer student now will be quite challenging at the Ninja Academy…"
"It's okay."
Akihara Kagura shook his head and continued, "If she really can't keep up, I'll find a Chunin tutor to help her catch up."
"..."
Umino Iruka really had no reason to refuse.
"By the way."
As Umino Iruka was handling the procedures, Akihara Kagura suddenly asked, "That little rascal Naruto Uzumaki is in first grade too, right? How are his grades?"
"..."
Umino Iruka's hand paused in its writing, and he looked down, "What is your relationship with Naruto?"
"We've shared a bowl of ramen?"
Akihara Kagura casually replied.
"His grades… are exceptionally poor."
Umino Iruka recalled the worst-performing student in the class, feeling a bit of a headache and mixed emotions. He harbored hatred for the Nine-tails inside Naruto, yet remembered his aspiration to fulfill a teacher's responsibilities well.
Because of the Nine-tails, Umino Iruka's parents were killed.
Even though he knew it had nothing to do with Naruto Uzumaki, he couldn't help but hate the Nine-tails; to him, the Nine-tails and Naruto were one and the same.
"That's just perfect."
Akihara Kagura glanced at Karin and said softly, "Having someone to accompany you for make-up lessons is better than being alone all the time."
"..."
Little Karin nodded hesitantly.
"Don't bully anyone, and don't let yourself get bullied either."
Akihara Kagura thought about the first-grade students at the Ninja Academy, some of whom were from privileged backgrounds, and continued, "If anyone bullies you, tell me about it, and I'll consider how to deal with their parents; after all, Anbu tasks often involve life-and-death consequences."
"Hey, hey, hey, that's going too far…"
Umino Iruka, the teacher, quickly tried to stop this extreme eleven-year-old guardian, waving his hands, "I won't let this child be bullied…"