Kurenai shifted uncomfortably on his couch.
"If possible Saul... I think you should never use that Jutsu again. We don't fully know the risks or limitations of the Jutsu itself, and you only get one chance at life."
The thing is, after dying once, Saul just didn't have the same attachment to life he once did. Sure an unknown risk was scary, but if he wanted a safe life, he wouldn't have become a ninja in the first place. Saul smiled,
"Kurenai Sensei. If I don't get the proper practice with this Jutsu, well, I am a civilian ninja. What other jutsu will I have? Enemy Shinobi will not show mercy."
He leaned in closer, looking her dead in the eye. "If I died because I followed your advice today, would you take responsibility? Ku-ren-ai sensei?"
Kurenai froze. That kind of gaze, she had only seen it from men who'd faced death before. It reminded it of her father, when he talked about leaving her to face the Nine Tails. He never came back. Already deeply unsettled, the woman made an impulsive decision to leave.
"Well then, I'm sorry for intruding on you. Saul, Hinata, have a good day!" With that the woman got up and practically leaped out of the open window.
Saul smiled amusedly, "Hinata, don't you think that woman was surprisingly soft for a Jonin?"
Hinata didn't really get what he was talking about, but she nodded along anyway. She was just glad that the older woman wouldn't be interrupting her time with Saul-kun anymore.
Hokage Building: Hokage's Office
"Surprisingly soft for a Jonin? That boy... He's more problematic than I thought."
Hiruzen paced back and forth. He was glad Kurenai brought this boy to his attention. He hadn't stood out in the academy, but the boy was incredibly smart. He had manipulated the situation in his favor, getting what he wanted from Kurenai while also dominating the entire conversation! He had done so from a position of carefully crafted respectfulness and good faith too!
The Hokage grunted and raised his hand. Multiple Anbu prostrated at the sign of his call.
He picked out an Anbu by name. "Tatami Iwashi. Bring Naruto to me now."
Naruto arrived at the Hokage's office a little while later. He stood up straight and smiled. Oh! He also had finally ditched the tacky orange jumpsuit! Hiruzen felt proud. He nodded to Iwashi, the member of the Anbu who stood on standby.
"What is it Old Man? I was getting some last minute training before we finally start our missions!"
Hiruzen chuckled. Naruto's antics never failed to make him smile. He had always felt guilty for this bright child, for what he had to endure as a result of the actions of his old friend. Still, he had to admit Danzo knew what he was doing. Look at how the boy turned out!
"Naruto." He said, trying his best to come off as stern and intimidating, "Is there anything wrong you've done recently that you haven't told me about yet?"
Let's see if the boy still trusts him enough to tell him the truth. Naruto started sweating, scratching the back of his head. "Ah old man... So you noticed, huh?"
Naruto undid the transformation jutsu. "You see, I've been going around with the transformation jutsu everywhere! I know it's not right to lie about my appearance, but Sakura-chan finally started talking to me! Also I've been getting all kinds of looks from girls, even Ayame blushed when she saw me!"
He pulled at his new Jacket, the light blue of which complimented his eyes quite well. "I also was finally able to buy some actual clothes! You wouldn't believe how just 'looking' a little different can change your life, dattebayo!"
Hiruzen's eye twitched under the wide brimmed hat he always wore. "Naruto... Is there anything else that you haven't told me about?"
Naruto was visibly freaking out now. "Wait! How did you know what I did to Sakura-chan!"
This is NOT what Hiruzen expected when he asked that question, but he humored Naruto for the sake of it and for his own amusement. What in the world had the boy done that was so bad?
"Have you forgotten who the head is in this village? Fess up!"
"I-I... I hit Sakura-chan!"
Oh no, Hiruzen did not take Naruto as the type to do something like that. How could he hit his classmate!? Didn't he know he could have seriously hurt her with a single punch if he wasn't careful!?
"I'm sorry!!! Sakura-chan, she was just trying to beat me up as usual... I told her to stop, and she wouldn't and I-!!!"
Hiruzen's anger deflated like a flat tire.
"Was she seriously hurt?"
Naruto shook his head. "No, I made sure to be as light as I could... She just looked so shocked..."
Hiruzen patted his shoulders. "Then you did the right thing. Sometimes a man has to stand up for himself, Naruto. As long as you don't go overboard, you have the right to defend yourself..."
Naruto beamed! "Really? Saul-Sensei said the exact same thing!"
Saul... Sensei? This is not how Hiruzen expected to get to this topic, but he supposed it would do.
"Really?" Hiruzen smiled, "Tell me more about this Saul..."
What Hiruzen learned from Naruto definitely changed his perspective on the boy. Sure Saul had no qualms about using his intelligence for his own good, but he very clearly expressed the will of fire in his own way! He cherished his comrades and also seemed to be a genius in his own right.
As long as he was wielded well, he would be a sharp blade in the hands of Konoha! If he was wielded poorly however, he could become another Orochimaru. Hiruzen would make sure he didn't make the same mistakes again.
The Anbu's head perked up.
"Go to Kurenai. Tell her that the Hyuuga do not require a visit from her any longer. I will be writing a letter to them myself. And also, tell her to pay special attention to Saul, to interact with him and train him more. As long as the boy does not become secluded and walk the path of darkness, he may one day become a great asset to Konoha!"
"As you command Hokage-sama!"
Author's Note: Well I felt bad since I wouldn't have much time tomorrow, so I pushed out another ch for you guys today to make up for it. This one was fun to write too, so I'm hoping it gave you guys at least a few laughs! Enjoy~!