"Oh?"
But the Third didn't enlighten him, instead dispelling the muffling technique and returning to their prior positions just in time for healer Hirano to finish her summary. "– the matter of your reaction to sedatives.
You woke up twice on the operating table, we had to up the dose twice to keep you under. If you possess any insight into the cause, it will allow us to tailor your recovery regimen better.
I will say upfront that you need it, even though you have surprising vitality for a civilian. "
Masanari shrugged. "Just the usual stuff.
I've got green eyes so I'll live longer, red hair means I'm a bit more resistant to stuff trying to put me under, but only about 20% or so. The only other thing is that I won't go bald or grey, my hair will turn form red to blond and then blonder and blonder until it turns snow-white.
That's about it really. " Said the man as if he hadn't just listed the traits that made even Uzumaki civilians famous.
"I do have a question though. "
"Yes?"
"Have you ever measured Naruto's synaptic firing rate?"
It took a few seconds for everyone to adjust to the new and so unexpected change in topic. Finally, the healer opened her mouth, then closed it and looked at the Hokage questioningly.
At his nod, she shook her head and replied. "I'd have to check his file to be sure, but I don't believe so, no.
"
The Third wouldn't leave it at that though. "You have a theory?"
"Not me, I just saw it written somewhere, about… huh, has it really been ten years? Don't remember who came up with it. I'd completely forgotten about it, but then I saw Naruto magically learn basic reading in ten minutes just by tackling it like a puzzle-solving problem.
Couple that with how fast he gets bored and, well, we might be looking at innate cognitive partitioning. Lots of it.
"
Healer Hirano blinked, then produced a notepad and pen and began to take notes. "I've only heard about that with very high-level ninja, and never more than two independent thought streams.
Even then, they are not very popular because they come with the risk of multiple personality syndrome. "
But the technique did work best when triggered at a very young age. The healer was wrong though, it was possible to develop a second inner self spontaneously.
Still, she was correct on the limitations and drawbacks.
"You think Naruto has an inner self?"
"No – well, maybe if he has to put on a front for much longer, but that's got nothing to do with this, and two independent thought streams? Try a hundred simultaneous ones. But again, you'll have to test his synaptic rate to be sure.
"
This was very big news, if true.
The Hogake agreed. "And if it does prove accurate, what would you suggest?"
Masanari eyed the Third cautiously. Mistrustfully, even.
It made Kakashi feel offended on the Third's behalf.
But the Hokage just let it go. "Mister Hanzo, please believe when I say that I only have Naruto's best interests at heart.
"
"I want to believe that, really, but every time I get close you force us into the same room together and I have to do my best not to tell Naruto to turn your face on the mountain into a clown. "
The utter balls on this civilian nobody.
"Ah," the Third adjusted his hat. "I wasn't trying to be especially subtle with that, I admit.
"
"Clearly. "
How much more disrespect was the Hokage going to tolerate?
"Nevertheless, I would like an answer. If Naruto's mind works… differently, let's say, how would you deal with it?"
The man sighed, but at least gave it some thought before replying. "I can tell you what I'd recommend regardless.
"
"Please do. "
"Emphasise puzzle solving. And puzzle building.
Everywhere. Maybe make tests out of it, even with him doing the testing – long as it's not on me.
Encourage his situational awareness while you're at it, maybe his unique situation gave him enhanced senses? The higher the input processing the better. Now that I think about it, Kurama has historically been provoked by places of intense negative emotion, maybe Naruto can sense some of that?" The Kyuubi has historically what? "I can't imagine he'd keep bugging me if he didn't know with absolute certainty that I'm not like all the other reindeer.
" All the other – could this man not speak in ridles? "Anyway, the more unique parts involved, the better. Traps, ambushes, architecture, mechanical contraptions-"
"Like your various machines and inventions?"
Hanzo grit his teeth at the interruption, visibly forced himself to bite back three different answers he wanted to give, then levied the Hokage with a look that was practically seditious. "Do you want Naruto's whole childhood to consist of him being foisted on other people against their will?"
Kakashi uncrossed his arms and pushed back from the wall he was leaning on.
"I suppose not," was all Sarutobi Hiruzen said in reply.
"Naruto and I have an arrangement. It's important to him.
And it's very important to my sanity and my willingness to have anything to do with him. Ever.
Unless you want me to crack and turn into yet another mad scientist, and unless you lied to me just now and to him in every last of one of your past interactions, you will no longer interfere. "
Kakashi almost needed the Third to physically stop him from manhandling the man into proper behaviour. Almost.
But the fact the Third still barred his path with a hand showed he hadn't been discreet enough without his mask on.
"Understood. " Wait, how could the Hokage just-? "I will cease meddling on that front.
Now, was there anything else?"
The man had the nerve to act surprised, but then again Kakashi was too, the Hokage was being far more reasonable that he deserved. "Anything else? About what?"
"That you would recommend for his development. "
For a wonder, the insufferable civilian looked every bit as unbalanced as Kakashi this time. "… I guess… maybe teach him a second language? Or just expose him to it,
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