Hearing the manager's words, Kakuzu immediately fell into thought. As an old man who had lived since Hashirama's era, age was merely a boring number to someone who cultivated Earth Grudge Fear. Yet even he, with such a "long life," had never heard of bounty ninja in the Shinobi World using unfamiliar beast codenames such as "Suzaku" and "Tengshe." They truly appeared to be newly emerged "rookies."
"Are they still wandering around the Land of Fire?"
After thinking it over, Kakuzu continued questioning the manager before him. The killing intent in his eyes remained undisguised. If the man dared to give him evasive answers, Kakuzu would take his heart as a spare!
The manager was clearly afraid of death. Though he had the backing of a powerful underground organization, he did not dare gamble with his own life. He immediately told Kakuzu the general route taken by that mysterious group of bounty ninja.
Kakuzu was quite satisfied. He nodded and left the underground exchange. Only after Kakuzu had completely departed did the manager belatedly wipe away the fine cold sweat on his forehead. Entertaining a powerful rogue bounty ninja like that truly felt like dancing on a blade's edge. One careless move could cost him his life...
Konoha, November, Year 31.
At this time, the Ninja Academy was swept up in a trend of discussion about "early graduation," and the source of it all was none other than the three first-year academy students: Hyuga Yuzuru, Uchiha Akari, and Hanakei Kaede.
Konoha's Ninja Academy followed a six-year curriculum. Most academy students graduated normally only after completing all six years. Although a small number of geniuses applied to graduate early in their third or fourth year, cases like Hyuga Yuzuru, Uchiha Akari, and Hanakei Kaede—applying for early graduation after attending for only half a semester—were unprecedented since the academy's founding.
As a result, quite a few academy students who were confident in their own talent began entertaining the idea of graduating early as well. After all, the sooner they became official ninja, the greater their future achievements might be.
Naturally, Konoha's upper ranks would not approve of such a thing. The Shinobi World was currently in a period of peaceful development. Konoha neither permitted nor needed these academy students to graduate early, because its current reserve of ninja had already reached normal standards and was sufficient to handle all matters outside of war!
As for why Konoha's upper ranks had approved the early graduation applications of Yuzuru and the other two, it was naturally because their strength was far too advanced compared to the current academy students. It was strength no academy student should possess. If they continued studying at the academy, it would only bury their talent and waste their time.
Hokage's Office.
Hiruzen Sarutobi sat in his office chair. Five people stood before his desk: Tsunade, Orochimaru, Jiraiya, Hatake Sakumo, and Sarutobi Shinnosuke.
The first three were Hiruzen Sarutobi's personal disciples. Of the latter two, one was an outstanding elite ninja who had truly inherited the Will of Fire, while the other was Hiruzen Sarutobi's biological son. All five were trusted confidants and subordinates of Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"I called you here today because there is something I would like to discuss with you."
Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke solemnly, causing all five people present to take the matter especially seriously.
"Teacher Sarutobi, what exactly is so important that you needed all five of us?" Jiraiya was the first to ask. The five of them could now be considered the leading figures of Konoha's generation. Whether in strength or personal influence, they far surpassed their former classmates. Jiraiya could not understand what important matter required all five of them to be present for discussion.
"Hyuga Yuzuru, Uchiha Akari, and Hanakei Kaede officially became Genin one after another last month. More than half a month has passed since then, yet we have still been unable to assign them a guiding Jonin..."
As Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke, his right hand unconsciously rubbed his forehead. This matter had troubled him for nearly half a month. Yuzuru and the other two were no ordinary ninja. Hanakei Kaede could be set aside for now, but Yuzuru's Hyuga identity and Akari's Uchiha identity meant they needed an elite Jonin-level instructor. Although contemporary Konoha had quite a few elite Jonin, there were not many who suited Hiruzen Sarutobi's wishes. After considering it over and over, only the five people before him were the best choices.
"Teacher Sarutobi, do you mean that one of us should become the guiding Jonin for the three of them?"
Tsunade raised an eyebrow and asked Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"That is correct. That is why I called you here today. All five of you meet the requirements to guide Yuzuru and the other two, but the specific choice depends on your own willingness."
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded and spoke directly.
"Lord Hokage, I probably cannot get away from my duties, so please exclude me."
After hearing this, Sarutobi Shinnosuke immediately spoke. He currently served as the Anbu captain and managed the Anbu alongside his wife on Hiruzen Sarutobi's behalf. In truth, he really could not leave his post. Even if Hiruzen Sarutobi wanted him to do so, there was no one who could immediately take over his position...
"Mm."
Hiruzen Sarutobi glanced at his son and nodded directly. Shinnosuke truly could not give up his position as Anbu captain to guide Yuzuru and the others. The Anbu could not do without him for the time being!
"Teacher Sarutobi, I could teach that Hyuga brat Yuzuru and Hanakei Kaede, but as for that Uchiha girl Akari, our personalities aren't suited to each other."
Tsunade also declined tactfully.
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded before turning his gaze toward Jiraiya.
"Teacher Sarutobi, my own training still isn't good enough. Don't come looking for me for something like this!"
Seeing Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze, Jiraiya immediately waved his hands. He was currently focusing on learning an immensely powerful ninjutsu at Mount Myoboku, one of the Six Great Sacred Lands. He truly had no time to guide Genin, so he was not lying.
"Since Jiraiya is unwilling as well, that leaves only Orochimaru and Sakumo. Which of you do you think is suited for the role?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi shifted his gaze from Jiraiya to Orochimaru and Hatake Sakumo, asking them both.
"Teacher Sarutobi, those two brats, Hyuga Yuzuru and Uchiha Akari—one is the son of an elder from the Hyuga main family, while the other is the granddaughter of that Uchiha elder. Their identities are both rather special. Therefore, their guiding Jonin must possess extraordinary response speed, so they can provide aid when the two encounter danger..."
Orochimaru's slightly hoarse voice emerged from his mouth. He did not directly say which of himself and Sakumo could guide Yuzuru and the other two, but the meaning behind his words was quite obvious. After all, Hatake Sakumo was an elite Jonin skilled in the Body Flicker Technique, taijutsu, and swordsmanship. In terms of speed and support, Hatake Sakumo was arguably the best among the five.
"Sakumo, are you willing to become the guiding Jonin for Yuzuru and the other two?"
How could Hiruzen Sarutobi fail to understand Orochimaru's meaning? He therefore asked Hatake Sakumo directly.
"..."
Hatake Sakumo fell silent for a moment. They've put it this far already. How could I possibly refuse?
"Of course I am willing."
Hatake Sakumo nodded, officially accepting the task of guiding Yuzuru and the other two. Seeing this, a smile appeared on Orochimaru's pale face. Clearly, his earlier move had been deliberate. As an all-round ninja, his own support capabilities were in fact no weaker than Hatake Sakumo's...
"Good. Since that is settled, then this matter is decided."
A smile appeared on Hiruzen Sarutobi's face as well. Hatake Sakumo was a Konoha ninja who had truly inherited the Will of Fire. With him guiding Yuzuru and the others, there was no need to worry that the three would go astray in the future.
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The next day.
Hyuga Yuzuru, Uchiha Akari, and Hanakei Kaede arrived at the agreed-upon training field.
The previous day, the three of them had been notified by the Hokage's Anbu to wait here at eight o'clock today for their guiding Jonin. They had heard that the person assigned to guide them was one of the village's outstanding elite Jonin.
"Wasn't it supposed to be eight? Why hasn't he shown up yet?"
Akari spoke with obvious displeasure. She had set out at seven in the morning and been waiting here ever since.
"Akari-chan, it's only seven fifty-nine. Strictly speaking, it isn't eight yet."
Hanakei Kaede smiled beside Akari, her face adorable and her voice sweet.
"Don't call me that, or I'll get goosebumps all over!"
Akari spoke, then said coldly to Hanakei Kaede, "And don't give me that fake smile. Otherwise, I'm afraid I won't be able to stop myself from hitting you!"
Hanakei Kaede did not take it to heart and continued smiling. However, she turned her gaze toward Yuzuru beside them and spoke in a coquettish tone.
"Yuzuru-kun, am I really that annoying?"
Yuzuru glanced at Hanakei Kaede but did not answer. Instead, two words left his mouth.
"He's here."
"He's here? Who's here?"
As Akari pressed for an answer, a young man's voice suddenly cut in. He had striking silver-white hair tied into a ponytail, and a standard short Chakra blade was strapped to his back.
"Sorry for the wait. Something delayed me on the way."
Hatake Sakumo suddenly appeared silently before Yuzuru and the other two, then spoke with an apologetic expression.
"It has just turned eight. You aren't late, Teacher."
Hanakei Kaede checked the time, then spoke to the unfamiliar man before her, her cute, soothing smile still on her face.
"You're our instructor?"
Only after Hatake Sakumo appeared did Akari understand what Yuzuru had meant by "He's here." She immediately looked him over, suspicion appearing on her face. This rather young-looking guy was supposed to be the instructor for the three of them?
"That is right. Starting today, I will be your instructor."
Hatake Sakumo nodded. Despite Akari's suspicion, he spoke gently, giving off an amiable impression.
"Then do you really have the strength to guide us?"
As Akari spoke, she suddenly launched a sneak attack on Hatake Sakumo. Her Two-Tomoe Sharingan cast a genjutsu as her fierce taijutsu rapidly closed in on him.
Yuzuru and Hanakei Kaede watched from the side like passersby, neither stopping her nor helping.
Although Hatake Sakumo was surprised by Akari's sudden attack, his keen reflexes allowed him to respond appropriately at once. In the blink of an eye, Hatake Sakumo not only broke Akari's Sharingan genjutsu and evaded her taijutsu, but counterattacked in the same motion. One hand seized her right arm and folded it behind her back, while the other pressed heavily down on her head, rendering her unable to move.
"Your taijutsu is decent, but your Sharingan genjutsu is lacking."
After offering his assessment, Hatake Sakumo released Akari. Today was meant to be a friendly first meeting between teacher and students. There was no need to make their relationship so awkward.
"Hmph."
Akari snorted softly. After giving Sakumo another look, she returned to her previous position. Clearly, she had already acknowledged his strength. Anyone who could suppress her in a single move was naturally qualified to be her instructor.
"Now, let's formally introduce ourselves. I'll go first."
Sakumo glanced at the silent Akari before speaking. "My name is Hatake Sakumo. I specialize in swordsmanship, taijutsu, and the Body Flicker Technique. My hobby is practicing swordsmanship. My dream is for everyone in the village to live peacefully forever. The food I dislike is tempura..."
"Hanakei Kaede. I specialize in abilities derived from Shadow Release. I like growing flowers and taking walks. Of course, taking walks with someone I like is best. My dream is to become an outstanding kunoichi, and I dislike people who bully the weak."
Hanakei Kaede was the first to respond to Sakumo.
"Hyuga Yuzuru. There isn't anything I'm especially skilled at, nor anything I particularly like or dislike. As for my dream, it should currently be 'peace in the Shinobi World.'"
Yuzuru answered seriously afterward. Especially when he spoke the final words, "peace in the Shinobi World," his expression was solemn and earnest.
"Uchiha Akari. I specialize in Fire Release and Lightning Release. I like challenging the strong and exhilarating battles. I dislike cowards and weak people. As for my dream and interest, it's to defeat Hyuga Yuzuru, pin him beneath me, and let him experience what it feels like to be ridden!"
Akari spoke last, and her words made Sakumo's mouth twitch. Was that really something a six-year-old girl should say? She was far too mature...
"Cough, cough."
Sakumo coughed, then continued.
"Since everyone has gotten to know each other a little, our team is officially established from this point onward."
"So, to celebrate the formation of our team, how about I treat everyone to barbecue?"
"Thank you so much, Teacher Sakumo!"
The moment Hanakei Kaede heard Sakumo say that, she narrowed her eyes and spoke at once, as if afraid he would change his mind. Akari, standing beside Hanakei Kaede, wore a strange expression but did not say anything. Some people looked like they had small appetites, but in reality, they were bottomless pits...
Sakumo nodded, then led the three of them to a famous barbecue restaurant in the village. As soon as they entered, the owner eagerly came forward to greet them, looking as though he were welcoming a fat sheep.
Though this scene puzzled Sakumo, he did not pay much attention to it at first. However, what followed became one of the few shadows in his life...
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