That was why, among his three disciples, he favored Orochimaru the most. Like him, Orochimaru was born with all five elemental Chakra, making him the most suitable successor. It was just that he later went down the wrong path.
Because of this, Hiruzen Sarutobi could clearly understand what Yunchuan Hyuga's performance meant.
"Cough, cough." He cleared his throat and restrained his expression, then showed a sincere smile. "Yunchuan, when did you master Lightning Release Chakra to this level?"
It was precisely because he understood the meaning that he had reacted with such a loss of composure earlier.
Since Yunchuan Hyuga could use a simplified, seal-less version of "Wind Release: Wind Cutter Technique" at the Jonin Council, it meant his mastery of Wind Release Chakra nature and shape transformation was already extremely high.
That was why Hiruzen Sarutobi had deliberately left so many B-rank Wind Release Ninjutsu here. He had even hesitated over whether to let Danzo Shimura, who was best at Wind Release, teach this child.
One had to know that reaching the level of using B-rank Ninjutsu with a single element's Chakra transformations already counted as standard Jonin level.
That was why Kakashi Hatake, who developed an S-rank Lightning Release Ninjutsu, could become a Jonin at the age of twelve and even join ANBU as a squad leader.
This was also why, at the Jonin Council, after Yunchuan Hyuga revealed that Wind Release Ninjutsu, the others present obediently shut their mouths. Some even mocked Hizashi Hyuga in their hearts.
Even Hiruzen Sarutobi himself was only at this level when it came to single-element Chakra transformations.
His most practiced techniques, Fire Release Fire Dragon Flame Bullet, Water Release Water Dragon Bullet, Earth Release Earth Dragon Bullet, Lightning Release Thunder Crash, and Wind Release Cyclone, were all B-rank Ninjutsu.
Of course, what he truly excelled at were combined Ninjutsu.
Still, Hiruzen Sarutobi had not expected that even the nature and shape transformation of Lightning Release Chakra had been mastered by Yunchuan Hyuga to this extent. It completely surpassed the level of an ordinary Jonin.
Buzz.
The condensed lightning arc in Yunchuan Hyuga's hand dispersed, leaving only a few twisting, snake-like traces in the air.
He scratched his head, looking a little uneasy under Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze, and spoke softly. "Third Hokage, I have actually been trying to use Lightning Release Chakra to temper my body since three or four years ago."
Hiruzen Sarutobi fell completely silent, yet his eyes grew brighter and brighter.
How old was this child again?
Fifteen? Or sixteen?
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at the young face of Yunchuan Hyuga, still carrying some immaturity, as if he were looking at a rare treasure.
Only fifteen years old, yet both Lightning Release and Wind Release transformations had reached a level beyond Jonin. And because he came from the Hyuga Clan, several years of his early time had been delayed.
"Yunchuan!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi used Shunshin to appear in front of Yunchuan Hyuga. He grabbed the boy's shoulder firmly and asked in a serious tone, "Have you ever tested your Chakra attributes?"
After such emotional ups and downs, a strong impulse rose within him.
Orochimaru could no longer be relied on, but if it was this child…
However, Yunchuan Hyuga's smile froze. He lowered his head in frustration and said, "I only have wind and lightning attributes."
Hearing this, it was as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over Hiruzen Sarutobi. He calmed down instantly, and the strength in his hand loosened slightly.
"Only wind and lightning?" He could not help but let out a disappointed sigh.
Hiruzen Sarutobi truly felt a strong urge to pass on his legacy to Yunchuan Hyuga. He even felt the urge to take him in as a disciple.
But cultivating other attributes from nothing and mastering their Chakra transformations was even harder than becoming proficient in shape transformation.
What a pity. Such a pity.
"It is fine. Two attributes are already very good."
Noticing the disappointment and shame on Yunchuan Hyuga's face, Hiruzen Sarutobi forced a smile and patted his shoulder. "Most ninja cannot master a second Chakra transformation in their entire lives. I believe someone with your talent can go even further."
He still had expectations for Yunchuan Hyuga.
After all, this child was only fifteen or sixteen years old.
It was just a pity that he came from the Hyuga Clan as a member of the Branch Family.
Thinking of this, Hiruzen Sarutobi subconsciously glanced at Yunchuan Hyuga's forehead, but it was blocked by the Forehead Protector.
As if he suddenly remembered something, Hiruzen Sarutobi looked toward the table nearby. When he saw the opened Yin Seal Scroll, he could not help pressing his lips together.
"Yunchuan…" He turned back and asked tentatively, "I saw that you also looked through Yin Seal. What do you think of it?"
Under Hiruzen Sarutobi's expectant, almost wishful gaze, Yunchuan Hyuga shook his head without hesitation. His tone was low. "I can tell that the effect of that technique suits me very well, but that meridian system seems to only apply to women."
"If I wanted to modify it, the workload would be far too large."
[ Ding. Your lie has been judged as 'nonsense'. Hiruzen Sarutobi experienced emotional fluctuation and reached the level of 'mind moved by words'. You obtained 600 Reality Points. ]
A cold, emotionless prompt sounded in his mind, as if declaring that everything Yunchuan Hyuga had said was a lie.
Yes, Yin Seal was also something he had already mastered.
"So that's how it is?"
Hearing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi could not help letting out a deep sigh, his emotions rising and falling entirely with Yunchuan Hyuga's words. It made sense, since Yin Seal had so far only been truly mastered by Uzumaki Mito, and even Tsunade had merely learned it without full control. If Yunchuan Hyuga could also master this technique in a short time, then Hiruzen Sarutobi would inevitably feel shock and unease.
When one person's talent exceeds others by a small margin, they are called a genius, but when the gap is too large, they are called a monster. Yunchuan Hyuga understood this very well, and his current level was just right. Anything more would have crossed a line.
"..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi pondered for a long time, as if hesitating over something, before finally patting Yunchuan Hyuga on the shoulder and speaking gently. "Remember this. During this mission, you must be careful, careful, and careful again, and obey the guidance and orders of your seniors."
In truth, he was already reluctant to let this child leave the village to risk his life. Loyal to inherited ideals, gifted with promising talent, burdened with a background of standing alone with only a kunai to rely on, and unlike Kakashi Hatake, without any stains on his record, Yunchuan Hyuga was almost perfect. Aside from that disgusting thing, the Caged Bird Curse Seal, he seemed like a blade made just for him.
Yet Hiruzen Sarutobi also knew that good steel, if not tempered, could never become a sharp blade. Experience and trial were unavoidable.
"Yes, Third Hokage!" Yunchuan Hyuga answered solemnly. "Please rest assured, I will complete the mission smoothly and return safely."
"Mm, go on."
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded with satisfaction, then added, "If the Hyuga Clan cuts off your resource supply, come to me. You are a good child, the future hope of Konoha. As Hokage and as the head of the family, I will not let you be wronged."
"Thank you."