Can We Apply to Become Intern Ninjas Early?
Naruto and Sasuke both said there was no way to apply for early graduation without passing an S-rank assessment.
After all, Shikamaru had told them about the difficulties involved.
Naruto scratched his head, realizing that becoming a ninja was the first step in his dream.
After thanking Ino and Karin, Sasuke began to think.
More than Naruto's dream, he wanted to become a ninja so he could personally understand the true thoughts behind his brother's decision.
Um?
Sasuke suddenly came up with a solution: the two-year-old system of trainee ninjas.
"Hagoromo- sensei! Can we apply to become trainee ninjas ahead of time?" Sasuke looked at Hagoromo with an expectant expression.
After all, after a year of internship, one can directly become a formal Genin.
Moreover, he had heard that some high-performing interns were able to end their internships early.
"Yes!"
Naruto's eyes lit up. This was a good solution; at least they wouldn't need to pass the illusion test with the Mirage Vapor Pearl.
Upon hearing Sasuke's words, Hinata, Ino, and the others exchanged glances.
They could both tell from each other's eyes that this was a viable solution.
"Become an apprentice ninja?" Hagoromo pondered, realizing that the idea wasn't entirely out of the question.
Naruto didn't want him to graduate too early, mainly because of his mental state and fear of being targeted by the Akatsuki.
The assessment he set was also designed with this in mind.
But in reality, Naruto and Sasuke's talent is definitely sufficient, and continuing to train them like this indefinitely is not a solution.
It would be better to use the excuse of trainee ninjas to bring them along as much as possible.
Besides, who says internships can't be assessed?
However, we still need to discuss the specifics with the old man.
Although he is now an elder, the Nine-Tails is still of great importance to Konoha.
Graduating naturally is one thing, graduating early is another.
Do you share this thought?
Hagoromo turned to look at Shikamaru and the others, and upon hearing this, they all nodded.
Aside from Karin, she hadn't been a disciple of Hagoromo for very long, so even if she had such an idea, she wouldn't have had the opportunity.
"Alright, I'll add you to the list, but we still need the Third Hokage's approval first."
Seeing Hagoromo no longer hesitated.
At worst, I Jonin just be the Naruto's team.
"Yay!"
Upon hearing Hagoromo's words, Naruto and the others raised their hands and cheered.
Ninja~
Sasuke smiled. Although Neji graduated early and became Genin, he still caused quite a stir at the school when the semester started.
If they serve as trainee ninjas, they won't be considered inferior to Neji.
--
Inside the Hokage's Office.
After hearing Hagoromo's report, Hiruzen Sarutobi fell into deep thought.
At this point in time, making Naruto trainee ninjas would be far too risky and unpredictable.
Hiruzen Sarutobi on his pipe and rubbed his temples.
"Hagoromo, Sasuke, and the others are alright, but Naruto..."
Hagoromo was well aware of this, and realized that she herself shared the same thought.
However, Naruto and the others continue training in the training ground now, it will only be like reinventing the wheel.
"Actually, Master, you don't need to worry too much. Naruto and the others are quite strong."
Hagoromo smiled gently and said, "Ninjas are ultimately judged by their strength; as long as you're strong enough..."
Even outside of wartime, students can apply for early graduation.
"Oh?"
Although Hagoromo frequently reported on Naruto and the others' training progress, Hiruzen Sarutobi hadn't actually used the Telescope Technique to observe them for a long time.
"Their strength is at least enough to handle Special Jōnin without any problem."
Hagoromo began to tell Hiruzen Sarutobi about the individual strengths of Naruto and the others, holding back some details and not exaggerating them too much.
"Really?" Hiruzen Sarutobi, his face filled with disbelief.
No wonder he was so surprised, after all, Naruto ten years old!
It's worth noting that Kakashi himself only reached the Jonin standard at the age of twelve.
Hiruzen Sarutobi narrowed his eyes slightly. If he really had that kind of strength, he could help Naruto and the others graduate.
He then took out a piece of paper and wrote down the names of several people on it.
Ino-Shika-Cho...
Naruto, Sasuke, Hinata...
Hiruzen Sarutobi closed his eyes and began to ponder.
After a long while, he looked up at Hagoromo and asked, "Instructor Jonin, Hagoromo, what are your plans?"
Hagoromo breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that Hiruzen Sarutobi had agreed.
After all, it concerns the Nine-Tails.
He stepped forward, pointed to the name that Hiruzen Sarutobi had just written, and said:
"Shikamaru and the others are the Ino-Shika-Cho, so it's impossible for them to be separated. I think Asuma can be entrusted with their Jonin training."
"As for Naruto, Sasuke, and Hinata, the Jonin instructors could be Kakashi, or me."
Hearing Hagoromo's arrangement, Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded in satisfaction; this was also his plan.
However, the question remains: should Kakashi or Hagoromo lead the team?
Hiruzen Sarutobi tapped the table absentmindedly with his fingertips, and after a long while, he spoke to Hagoromo beside him.
"I'll leave Naruto's team to you."
"That's perfect. You haven't officially led Genin team before, so Kakashi, for now, shouldn't be involved."
Hiruzen Sarutobi made this arrangement directly, even though Kakashi's Sharingan could already shut down on its own.
However, the owner of these eyes may be the one who controlled the Nine-Tails back then.
Given this, Hiruzen Sarutobi would naturally not hand Naruto over to Kakashi again.
The importance of the Nine-Tails Hiruzen Sarutobi with no room for wishful thinking.
It would be better to hand it over directly to Hagoromo. At least his disciple is capable of subduing Tailed Beasts and has a track record of defeating Akatsuki members.
"No problem! I guarantee I'll complete the task!"
Hagoromo responded with a grin, suggesting that completing the mission would likely earn him some rewards.
You've given me a huge surprise.
Hiruzen Sarutobi gave a rare wry smile; for the first time, he realized that arranging to instruct Jonin was indeed a troublesome matter.
They already have this ability before even graduating.
Honestly, this is even more troublesome than Kakashi back then. At least Kakashi wasn't this freakish when he applied to graduate.
"It's also Naruto and the others' hard work; after all, not every student can endure several years of training like they have."
Hagoromo did not take credit for this.
Naruto have achieved their current strength only through their own efforts.
"Alright, with the next generation of Konoha performing like this, this old man can truly finally put down his burden."
Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand, took out two scrolls, and began to write.
"It's too late to have them participate in internships now, so let's save it for next year."
Hiruzen Sarutobi made the arrangements, since the trainee ninjas for the year were almost all assigned.
"No problem, I won't let them participate in the internship assessment in the village; I'll lead the team myself."
Hagoromo nodded in agreement, taking advantage of this time to arrange some team training for Naruto.
"Sure, you can arrange it yourself." Hiruzen Sarutobi indicated that he had no problem with this.