Naruto: Starting with Creating a Genius Persona

A few days later, the Konoha group returned to the village safely.

After a brief report of their return to the team, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, gave a short summary and encouragement to the ninjas who participated in the exam. He then dismissed everyone to rest, except for Shinichi Higashino, who was about to leave.

"Shinichi, can you stay here for a moment?"

Inside the Hokage's office, only the old man and the young man remained. The Third Hokage sat behind his large desk, his smile even more amiable than usual.

"You did an excellent job on this trip to Sunagakure." He spoke slowly, his voice gentle yet powerful: "Not only did you win the championship for Konoha, but you also demonstrated the magnanimity and strength of Konoha's younger generation in front of many ninjas from other villages and even the Kazekage."

He paused, took a drag of his cigarette, and continued, "As is customary, the village always gives extra rewards to ninjas who perform exceptionally well in the Chunin Exams, especially those who win first place, as encouragement. Tell me, Shinichi, you've done such a great service this time, is there any reward you particularly want? As long as it's within reasonable limits, I can try to get it for you."

Shinichi stood before his desk, not immediately answering, but lowering his gaze slightly as if deep in thought. After a moment, he looked up and said:

"My lord, actually, on the way back to the village these past few days, I've been thinking about... what path I should take next."

"Oh?" The Third Hokage looked interested and leaned forward slightly. "Tell me your thoughts."

"Yes." Shin nodded, his tone becoming serious and clear: "Through this exam, I have a clearer understanding of my strengths and weaknesses. I am good at taijutsu, my chakra nature is fire, and I have some experience with chakra transformation. But I have found that when dealing with certain enemies or complex situations, simple taijutsu, or ninjutsu that is not enough to change the situation instantly, have limitations."

He paused briefly, as if organizing his thoughts for more precise language: "I'm wondering if there's a way to combine my forte, taijutsu, with fire-style techniques more deeply? Not the kind of tactical coordination where I finish a taijutsu move with a fire-style technique, or use fire-style techniques to create opportunities for taijutsu... but something more fundamental, to truly integrate the nature and power of fire into every punch, every step, and even the body's defense and evasion, forming a truly unique and seamless combat system of my own."

Shinichi continued, "Then, I thought of a possible direction—ninjutsu."

"Ninjutsu/Taijutsu?" The Third Hokage repeated the word softly, his fingers tracing the surface of his pipe, his surprise deepening. He said slowly, "This idea... is very ambitious. But Shinichi, integrating Fire Release ninjutsu into one's physical abilities for combat is extremely difficult. The requirements for body control and chakra manipulation are incredibly demanding. In Konoha, and even in the entire ninja world, a truly complete system of ninjutsu/taijutsu with powerful practical combat capabilities..."

He paused, then continued, "Strictly speaking, perhaps only the Lightning Release chakra system passed down through generations in Kumogakure, which is the foundation of the village, can be considered a successful and powerful example. It is a legacy they have honed with countless efforts and time. Currently... our Konoha does not have such a system passed down."

He looked at Shinichi, his tone gentle yet cautionary: "This also means you're practically starting from scratch all by yourself. Do you understand the difficulties and uncertainties involved?"

Shinichi met the Third Hokage's gaze without flinching. Instead, his eyes shone even brighter at the Third Hokage's attention: "I understand, Third Hokage. I think Lightning Release can activate cells to bring power, speed, and defense. Why can't the blazing, burning, and exploding fire explore its own path and form its own Fire Release chakra pattern?"

"You see, Kirigakure excels in Water Release, Rock Village is skilled in Earth Release, Sand Village controls wind and sand, and Cloud Village is known for its Lightning Release. Each village has a very distinct style. But our Konoha..." Shinichi paused, seemingly choosing his words, before finally saying simply:

"All-powerful!"

"Our Konoha is full of inclusive spirit. The First Hokage pacified the chaotic world with his powerful Wood Release, the Second Hokage laid the foundation of the village with his space-time techniques and exquisite Water Release, and you are proficient in all five elements and are revered as the Professor of Ninjutsu. Each of you has a fighting style that is unparalleled and admirable."

"But I'm wondering, in this versatility and diversity, is there something missing that is uniquely fire-related, something that corresponds to the country's name, something that would immediately evoke the Land of Fire, the Will of Fire, and a signature fire-based combat system?"

"So, although I am not very talented, I would like to try in this direction. I do not dare to hope to be on par with my predecessors. I only hope to explore a path and try to create a combat system with fire as its core and a distinctive and strong style. Even if I can only lay a brick for those who come after me, perhaps I can leave a different mark on the legacy of fire in the name of Hokage."

Although Shinichi didn't directly say "I want to be Hokage," his words clearly revealed his desire to improve and become the first Hokage known for his Fire Release techniques.

Wanting to become Hokage is a good thing!

The Third Hokage showed no aversion whatsoever; instead, his eyes revealed a sense of satisfaction. The young man had lofty ideals and goals to strive for, which was precisely the hope for the village's future.

His smile softened, and he encouraged, "Having ideas, courage, and ambition is a good thing. The village needs young people like you who dare to explore new frontiers."

He then returned to the practical issue, reminding him, "However, Shinichi, you should know that fire-style chakra, like lightning-style chakra, is known for its violent, dangerous, and unstable nature. To safely integrate this type of power into the body is perhaps even more difficult and risky than lightning-style chakra."

Shinichi had clearly considered this beforehand, and he calmly replied, "Yes, Third Hokage. That's why I won't try to develop Fire Release Chakra Mode directly from the start; that's too unrealistic. I plan to proceed step by step. The first step is to complete the Fire Release Nature Transformation of the Rasengan. By combining this form transformation ninjutsu, which I am most familiar with, with the nature of fire, I will develop a Fire Release ninjutsu without hand seals, serving as a starting point and testing ground for exploring the fusion of the two."

He paused briefly, then added, "Furthermore, I've noticed that all the Raikage throughout history have been known for their incredibly strong physiques and astonishing defensive capabilities. I think this might not just be due to the activation effect of Lightning Release; a powerful physique itself is also the foundation for bearing and controlling that dangerous chakra. Since Fire Release chakra is equally dangerous and violent, strengthening my own physique and honing my physical strength must be an essential prerequisite."

At this point, Shinichi took the opportunity to make his own request after careful consideration: "Therefore, Third Hokage, the reward I desire is not a specific ninjutsu or material reward. I would like to ask if the village has any unique training methods for strengthening the physique and honing the body? Or, is there any senior in the village with an exceptionally strong physique and a body toughness far exceeding that of ordinary people? I hope to have the opportunity to learn from them and exchange ideas, so as to gain experience and lay the most solid foundation for my future explorations."

What are the cultivation methods for strengthening the body and honing one's physique?

The Third Hokage pondered for a moment and concluded that if we were to talk about a systematic, secret training method designed specifically for forging an ultimate physique, Konoha's Steel Fist Fluid Technique was already an excellent training path for honing the body and tempering the will.

However, if we're talking about reaching the level of the previous Raikage of Kumogakure, who forged their mortal bodies to a terrifying strength capable of directly confronting tailed beasts, Konoha's Steel Fist Fluid Technique is truly insufficient.

As for the predecessors with exceptionally strong physiques and incredibly resilient bodies?

The Third Hokage thought about it for a moment, and realized that it actually existed.