Are You Sure You Don't Just Want to Drop Everything and Slack Off?

"Hagoromo, show me your true strength in this assessment."

Hagoromo, who arrived at the final venue early, was wrapping bandages around herself.

Then a voice came from behind.

Turning my head, I saw Hiruzen Sarutobi walking slowly towards me, with Shisui Uchiha by his side.

"Master."

After calling out "Master," Hagoromo nodded to Shisui as a greeting.

Shisui Uchiha nodded in acknowledgment, then immediately retreated and vanished in a Body Flicker Technique.

"Master, why did you come all of a sudden? Weren't you going to entertain that advisor?"

Hagoromo looked at the Hiruzen curiously and asked.

After all, at this point in time, the consultant should be brought over soon.

"He's not in a hurry," Hiruzen Sarutobi said nonchalantly, a pipe dangling from his lips.

"I came here to tell you to show your full strength later," Hiruzen Sarutobi said, looking at Hagoromo.

Hagoromo was a little confused, since it was a test after all, and naturally she had to show her strength.

This had already been decided beforehand.

In the Shinobi World, the title of "genius" is often accompanied by misfortune.

"And if we can't avoid being labeled a genius."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice was deep but powerful.

Looking at Hagoromo with cloudy eyes, he said:

"Then let this name be so great that its sole value lies in intimidating the enemy!"

Hagoromo remained silent for a long time after hearing Hiruzen Sarutobi's words.

You could say he was shocked by Hiruzen Sarutobi's words, or you could say he was a little taken aback.

"Hagoromo, after this, whether you like it or not, your name will be known throughout the Shinobi World."

Hiruzen Sarutobi ignored Hagoromo's silence and continued speaking.

"After all, it's rare for Jonin's promotion to require testing by three Jonin."

Hiruzen Sarutobi gave a wry smile as he said this.

This is also why Hiruzen Sarutobi rarely recommends people.

Even if he recommended it, as long as it was tested quietly within the village, it wouldn't be a big deal.

However, the arrival of the Land of Fire advisor will attract the attention of other ninja villages.

After all, unless there's something important, a country and a ninja village won't easily visit each other.

Just like in the original story, during the Fourth Great Ninja War, the Five Kage visited the Five Daimyo.

Now, regardless of whether Hagoromo's promotion test is what Hiruzen Sarutobi truly desires, it's still a test.

This already indicates that Hagoromo will appear in some people's sight after this promotion.

Since that's the case, then let's make the Hagoromo even more dazzling.

It took Hagoromo a long time to realize that his master wanted to use this test to make him famous.

But why did Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly have this thought?

Hagoromo's eyes unconsciously Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Noticing Hagoromo's confusion, Hiruzen Sarutobi chuckled and sat down on a chair nearby.

He said, "I'm getting old; I get tired after standing for a while."

Hagoromo said helplessly, "Master, there's no tea here for you."

As he spoke, he sat down next to Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"Master, I already know what you're saying."

"Even without that reason, I am still your disciple. As the disciple of the Third Hokage, I cannot back down."

"This promotion method, at least, didn't embarrass you."

"But why are you suddenly telling me this?"

This is what Hagoromo is curious about.

"Actually, I've been thinking about this for a while now, but it's only now that I've decided to come and see you."

Hiruzen Sarutobi on his pipe, paused slightly, and turned to look directly into Hagoromo's eyes.

"Hagoromo, I will train you to become the Fifth Hokage of Konoha."

Upon hearing this, Hagoromo's mouth gaped open, her pupils filled with astonishment.

What did he hear?

"Unbelievable, even a little 'crazy,' right?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi asked with a smile.

Hagoromo was somewhat stunned, unsure whether to nod or shake his head. At this point, he truly didn't know how to respond to Hiruzen Sarutobi in front of him.

Even if you are about to become Jonin, your seniority is still shallow, and your strength has not yet reached its peak.

"But I see 'the future' in you."

"I've seen a similar future in the Fourth."

"Minato Namikaze, the title 'Yellow Flash' directly indicates that his speed and talent are unparalleled in the Shinobi World."

"But that's not the real reason I chose him."

"It was his gentle nature and conduct that directly reflected the characteristics of the various families."

"Back then, Konoha could be said to fear no one."

"This quality, aside from immense power, is what Konoha needs most in the next era."

"Strength can be honed and improved, but 'capacity' and 'sense of direction' are innate treasures that shine even brighter through refinement."

Hiruzen Sarutobi patted Hagoromo on the shoulder, and Hagoromo, coming back to his senses, gave a wry smile.

He never expected that some of his actions would make this old man think that way.

Whether it's the Uchiha or the Ino-Shika-Cho, they all act from their own self-interest.

It wasn't until he spent time with Naruto and the others that he gradually changed.

"Teacher, compared to the Fourth, I might not be as good."

Hagoromo said bitterly, "Unlike Minato Namikaze, I can't have that kind of magnanimity like the sun."

However, Hiruzen Sarutobi's expectations put him under immense pressure.

After all, for nearly a year, the old man in front of him had indeed treated him well.

Whether it was answering questions about cultivation or doing everything that an elder should do, Hiruzen Sarutobi did his best.

She even spends far more time with him than with her own grandson Konohamaru.

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Hagoromo, a hint of emotion in his eyes, and said softly:

"There's no need to compare it to Minato; different eras have different ways of thinking."

"You are far from having the wisdom, strength, and prestige required to become Hokage."

I just hope you can move forward with this as your goal. But I also want to remind you that you will face countless doubts, challenges, and even open and covert attacks later on.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's tone became slightly serious as he spoke.

"This path requires you to work your hardest, even for years, to prove your worth."

Hagoromo nodded solemnly and replied, "I understand, Master."

"However, Master, I have a question."

Hiruzen Sarutobi was taken aback by Hagoromo's question at first, then asked curiously, "What question?"

"Exactly, are you sure you're not just trying to shirk your responsibilities and slack off?"

"You said no... you brat, are you kidding me?!"

Before Hiruzen Sarutobi speaking, Hagoromo's figure turned and ran like an arrow released from a bow.

"Master, I'll go inside and get ready!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi sat in the chair, his mouth opening and closing slightly.

Hagoromo didn't care about Hiruzen Sarutobi air and landed in the center of the arena with a clean and decisive motion.

After regaining his footing, he muttered to himself, "This old man really knows how to give me a lot of work; I'm not even eighteen yet."

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at the spot where Hagoromo had disappeared, shook his head helplessly, and said, "That brat, when did he learn Jiraiya's banter?"