Naruto’s Dump Station

Chapter 19: Grandfather’s Ability

“Hehe… I did not expect Ruofeng to think so much. He is truly like your mother. She has been remarkably intelligent since childhood,” Grandfather laughed, his smile warm and kind. Then, he continued, “There are two reasons why no one dares to touch our family’s wealth.

“First, the protection of the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama. You should know that many of our family’s industries were secretly purchased by Uchiha Zan. While few are aware of this, the First Hokage knew. After Zan was killed by Hashirama, he may have felt sentimental about their relationship or perhaps guilty. Whatever the reason, he took special care of these businesses. He even sought out your grandfather, even though I had faked my death and gone into hiding at the time. Yet, he still found me and spoke certain words that made it clear that our family was under his protection. Because of this, the major families dared not provoke me.

“Second, there is my ability. You must understand, Ruofeng, that I, too, am a ninja—one who hails from the Warring States Period. Naturally, I possess extraordinary abilities. My clan, though small and weak during that time, had a unique gift: strong perception and secret techniques. In essence, we were natural intelligence operatives. Though our combat power was minimal, we survived because we could assess a person’s potential.”

Ruofeng’s eyes gleamed with curiosity. In the Warring States Period, ninja clans were distinct, each with their abilities. Could it be that his grandfather’s lineage carried a Kekkei Genkai?

Grandfather continued, “Our clan lacks offensive prowess, but we can use our mental power to sense a person’s physique, spiritual energy, and coordination. With this perception, we can evaluate their overall aptitude and predict their future growth and strength. Each year, when Kiba recruits new ninjas, I use this ability to assess students, selecting those with promising talent to receive financial support. Over time, many of them have risen to the middle ranks of Kiba.

“You may not think much of the middle ranks, but remember—while the King of Hell may be formidable, it is the little devils who are troublesome. The high-ranking officials may seem powerful, but it is the middle-ranked ninjas who keep the village running. Notably, most clan heirs rise to the highest echelons or join the Anbu, while civilian-born ninjas dominate the middle ranks. Many of them owe their success to my support, ensuring our family’s enterprises remain secure.

“Furthermore, Jiraiya’s rise to prominence was not solely due to his efforts. In addition to my financial backing, I provided him with some of Uchiha Zan’s battle notes—documents invaluable to any ninja’s development. Of course, his true ascent came after training at Mount Myōboku, but the knowledge he gained early on gave him a head start. Being the disciple of the Third Hokage and possessing undeniable strength, Jiraiya became a force that even the noble clans hesitated to provoke. The greatest achievement of the Third Hokage’s tenure has been quelling the conflicts among Kiba’s clans.”

Ruofeng swallowed hard, his gaze filled with admiration. He had never imagined that his grandfather wielded such influence within the village. Though the middle ranks lacked overt authority, they played a crucial role in Kiba’s stability. Moreover, many of these ninjas owed their careers to his grandfather’s intervention.

Grandfather’s kind smile remained as he said, “Ruofeng, you possess extraordinary talent—your spiritual power is the strongest I have encountered in my lifetime among those of your age. As you grow, it will only continue to develop. Your physical attributes are equally exceptional, surpassing even the young Third Hokage.

“However, your spiritual power is particularly overwhelming. At times, you do not even seem like a child. Perhaps this is the gift you inherited from your mother. She, too, possessed immense spiritual strength, though her body was frail. The abilities of our clan are deeply tied to spiritual power. In a few days, I will teach you how to harness this perception. Then, you will evaluate your classmates and identify those with exceptional potential. By selecting talented individuals now, you may secure valuable allies or subordinates for the future.”

Ruofeng was momentarily speechless. His grandfather had already foreseen the dynamics of their academy class. It was undeniable—wisdom came with age, and his grandfather exemplified this truth.

Night had fallen, and Grandfather had long since departed.

Ruofeng remained in his room, still processing the revelations. He had never expected such secrets to be hidden so close to him. Staring out the window, he murmured, “Unbelievable. The answers I have sought countless times were right here in my bedroom. Is the safest place truly the most dangerous? Haha… Grandfather is indeed wise beyond measure.

“And the information I have learned today—it is like a thunderclap in my mind. The truth of the Uchiha clan, the origins of my grandfather, and even Zan’s fate… Grandfather knows it all. It seems that the Naruto world is far deeper than what the comics portray.”

His gaze flickered toward the corner of his room—toward the entrance of the secret chamber. He already knew the seal that would unlock it.

Exhaling a deep breath, he muttered, “I should sleep first. Tomorrow, after school, I will investigate further. Grandfather mentioned the scrolls left behind by Uchiha Zan. If they contain only high-level jutsu, it suggests that Zan dismissed lesser techniques as insignificant.”

Shaking his head, he pushed these thoughts aside and gradually drifted into slumber.