Two weeks later, Kakashi Hatake's team and Asuma's team returned successfully, also keeping Zabuza Momochi and Haku in check.
Zabuza Momochi is actually not weak. His strength is quite high among elite Jonin. Elite Jonin like them, who are outstanding in a certain aspect, may be able to faintly touch the Kage level once they break through.
For example, Konoha Village currently has around 100,000 ninjas, of which about 2% are Jonin, or about 2,000 people.
Of the approximately two thousand Jonin, sixty percent are actually Special Jonin who were specially promoted. However, Special Jonin are merely Chunin who excel in a particular area, and their strength is still different from that of a true Jonin.
Besides, elite Jonin make up only about 7% of the Jonin population. There are 2,000 Jonin, more than 1,200 Special Jonin, more than 140 Elite Jonin, and the rest are regular Jonin.
Furthermore, Jonin are further divided into various departments such as the Action Team, the Anbu, Root due to their work.
There were even special individuals like Jiraiya and Tsunade who held the title of elite Jonin but were actually not even in the village.
Furthermore, since Root is still under Danzo's direct control for the time being, there are probably only a few dozen elite Jonin who can be directly controlled by the Hokage.
Among these dozens of elite Jonin, Kakashi Hatake and Asuma were the best of the best. Together, they led the Ino–Shika–Chō special forces team, the Uchiha descendants, the Nine-Tails- Tails Jinchuriki, and Sakura Haruno, who was a hindrance.
With this lineup, capturing Zabuza Momochi and Haku wouldn't be easy, but it wouldn't be particularly difficult either.
And so, in the Hokage's office, Kakashi Hatake and Asuma, dragging Zabuza Momochi and Haku who were tightly bound and sealed, reported the mission results to Gawain, who was sitting upright in the Hokage's office chair.
Seeing that the Third Hokage was merely standing by listening, while the person sitting in the chair handling matters was someone he didn't recognize, Zabuza Momochi looked at Gawain with surprise.
Carefully scrutinizing Gawain's appearance, Zabuza Momochi was highly suspicious that Konoha was about to do something big!
Because Konoha is currently the most powerful nation in the Shinobi World, its highest authority has changed hands without the knowledge of other villages.
There's definitely a conspiracy involved.
Gawain, whom he viewed as a conspiracy.
Gawain smiled at Zabuza Momochi and Haku, and said softly.
"It must have been tough on you, Zabuza Momochi. Back then, in order to change the ecology of Hidden Mist Village, the Bloody Mist Village, you went so far as to assassinate the Mizukage."
Now, the Mizukage has changed, but you are still forced to wander the Shinobi World as a ronin.
"What a waste of the Executioner's Blade you carry..."
"Snort!"
On the other side, Zabuza Momochi shook his head dismissively.
"Kill me or torture me, it's up to you. Don't waste your breath on me."
Just send me directly to the Anbu, let me see how the Konoha Anbu's interrogation methods compare to those of the Hidden Mist Village.
You don't actually think that someone like me, a demon who fought my way out of the Bloody Mist Village, would pledge allegiance to someone as inexplicable as you just because of a few random words, do you?
Zabuza Momochi acted with exceptional arrogance, which reflected his true thoughts. He believed that if elite Jonin like them were to betray him so easily, it would be a gross underestimation of them.
Unless one's strength is so overwhelming that they become an elite Jonin, that's an exception.
The hardships that other ninjas have to endure to rise to the level of elite Jonin are unimaginable to ordinary people.
A mere trial?
Snort.
It would be easier to just kill them and read their brains.
Kakashi Hatake, standing nearby, nodded in agreement.
"Lord Hokage, Zabuza Momochi is not someone who can be easily persuaded. We should..."
"When did I Zabuza Momochi intend to persuade Zabuza to surrender?"
Gawain Teuchi Kakashi Hatake, then waved to the Shadow Guard guarding the distance.
"Take Zabuza Momochi away. Haku will stay for now."
"What are you doing?! What are you going to do...!" Zabuza Momochi roared, his eyes wide. Why did he leave Haku alone?!
Snap!
Gawain gently drew out the air, and the powerful gust of air Zabuza Momochi to shut his mouth.
As Zabuza Momochi watched Gawain being taken away by the Shadow Guard, he continued to extend his right hand.
"Hello, Mizuki Haku, I'm Gawain, the temporary Hokage's assistant in Konoha. It's nice to meet you."
"I understand, sir. You can leave me here. Whatever your demands, as long as you are willing to let Lord Zabuza Momochi live, I will grant them."
Although I don't know what a tool like myself can do for you, I will do my best to fulfill your orders.
"I only beg you to have mercy. Apart from the matter of the Land of Waves, Lord Zabuza Momochi has never intended to be an enemy of Konoha."
At this point, Mizuki Haku, knowing the situation, knelt down.
Gawain took Zabuza Momochi away, leaving Haku behind. This is clearly an attempt to use Zabuza Momochi to blackmail Haku.
And what about white?
As long as Lord Zabuza is alive, that's all that matters. Being Zabuza Momochi is pointless; I'm just a tool anyway.
Seeing how sensible Bai was, Gawain nodded in satisfaction.
"Alright, you can stay by my side for now and get familiar with life inside Konoha."
As long as you do your job well, Zabuza Momochi treat it like a vacation in Konoha prison. Not only will he not be tortured, but you can even treat him to a drink occasionally.
"Zabuza Momochi's future rests on your shoulders."
"Yes, sir."
Haku nodded in complete understanding. That's just how the Shinobi World is; for losers, surviving is already the greatest fortune.
As for working for Konoha, Zabuza Momochi would never do that. Although he was a rogue ninja from Hidden Mist Village, his loyalty to Hidden Mist Village was far beyond what ordinary Hidden Mist Village could match.
His defection from the village stemmed from his disappointment with Hidden Mist Village, and his assassination of the Mizukage was an attempt to end the brutal Blood Mist Policy.
But what if we let him seek refuge in another village?
Haha, it would be simpler to just let him die.
But Haku is different from him; Haku has no feelings for Hidden Mist Village.
All that Haku cared about was his Lord Zabuza Momochi.
Seeing that Bai agreed with his statement, Gawain turned to Hiruzen beside him and nodded slightly.
"After becoming Hokage, I also need to establish a Shadow Guard."
I've seen your previous records. The Shadow Guard is basically a practice where the Hokage selects a few promising young people to train for the village, without them being disciples.
But in Konoha these days, well, among those of suitable age, I can't find anyone who's a particularly outstanding genius.
The sixteen- or seventeen-year-olds and seventeen- or eighteen-year-olds in Konoha these past two years have really seemed quite ordinary.
So, I recruited some members of the Shadow Guard myself, like this Bai, who's pretty good.
He's a descendant of Hidden Mist Village Mizuki clan, a member of the Ice Release Kekkei Genkai family from Kirigakure, and a handsome boy at that. He could spread his influence in Konoha, adding another Konoha Genkai family to the village, and incidentally, challenging the status of the established ninja clans and causing some trouble for them.
Besides Haku, I also have my eye on a few others, such as Kimimaro, one of Orochimaru's subordinates.
There's no need to worry about loyalty; I'll keep them by my side and personally train them.
I was able to raise Sage of Six Paths like Hagoromo back in the day, let alone a few children like me now.
Hiruzen, what do you think?
Hearing Gawain's question from the side, what could Hiruzen do?
He didn't actually like Gawain's approach. Although Konoha was currently facing a talent shortage, it shouldn't be necessary to have rogue ninjas from the Shinobi World become members of the Shadow Guard, right?
However, Gawain's approach was at least a way to strengthen Konoha, so Hiruzen finally nodded.
"Senior, since you have made your decision, I will absolutely follow it."
However, compared to evaluating the members of the Shadow Guard, what's more important now is to convene a Jonin team meeting as soon as possible to appoint you as the Jonin team leader, thus laying the foundation for your becoming Hokage.
In addition, preparations for the Chunin Exams should begin.
This year's Chunin Exams will be held jointly with Sand Village, and we will also provide a few slots and opportunities for smaller ninja villages such as Otogakure Hidden Rain Village.
"There's still a lot to do, senior."
As soon as he finished speaking, Hiruzen exhaled and sat back down in his seat.
Meanwhile, Kakashi Hatake and Asuma remained in the office...
Kakashi Hatake's expression was relatively normal; even if it wasn't, he wouldn't be able to tell because of the mask.
As for Asuma...
Asuma immediately frowned in displeasure.
The old man stopped carrying people and immediately started discussing the next Hokage!
Damn it, even though this guy is mysterious and powerful, even the old man and Jiraiya -senpai have to treat him with caution.
But is there really such a rush?
Only...
Still dissatisfied, but the old man himself is here.
Even the current Hokage has no objections, so what objections could an elite Jonin possibly have?
So, Asuma didn't say anything in the end, but silently took out a few forms from his pocket.
"Ahem, Chūnin Exams, our class plans to participate entirely. I think they're qualified enough!"
As soon as she finished speaking, Asuma placed the Ino–Shika–Chō form on Gawain's desk.
Hiruzen glanced at the form from afar, his expression turning somewhat worried and downcast.
"Asuma, isn't this a bit impulsive? Those children are still too young."
"I've seen blood, what's so early about it? When I was their age, I had hundreds of lives on my hands."
Besides, this is the Chunin Exams organized by our own Konoha. At least we can control the situation. If we don't let them participate this year, are we going to let them participate when the Kumogakure holds their exams in a few years?
Even if they are older by then, their situation should be even more dangerous!
Asuma immediately rejected the claim of a third generation.
Indeed, the Ino -Ino–Shika–Chō are only twelve and a half years old now.
But don't forget, these twelve-year-olds can already run through trees at supersonic speeds and can even easily kill hundreds of bandits!
These children are not children at all; they are born killing machines.
Their development of chakra has already made them inhuman. If such children are forced to grow up in a protected environment and progress slowly like ordinary children, it would actually be a form of suppression and harm to them.
Right after Asuma said that, Kakashi Hatake slowly took out the registration forms for Naruto and the other two from his ninja pouch.
"My attitude is the same as Asuma's. Since the village has hosted this year's Chūnin Exams, and has not mainly invited those dangerous guys from Kumogakure and Iwagakure, but is only competing with relatively safe villages such as Sunagakure, Otogakure, and Amegakure."
Why not let the children participate directly in this year's exam?
We don't expect them to become Chunin directly; it's good to use this less intense and relatively safe exam to give them experience.
Therefore, Lord Hokage, and Lord Hokage Assistant.
I hope my entire class can participate in this Chunin Exams!
After speaking, Kakashi Hatake put down the report and waited earnestly for Gawain's decision.
Seeing Kakashi Hatake and Asuma's serious expressions, Gawain nodded knowingly.
"Hiruzen, don't worry, Kurenai submitted their class's report a few days ago."
It's just Chūnin Exams, not Shinobi World War. It's a good thing for the children to see the dangers of other villages.
Besides, with me here, no one can do anything in front of me.
"Fine, then. I'll take these reports. Have your disciples prepare. Go."
Gawain waved his hand, signaling Asuma and Kakashi Hatake to leave first, while Haku obediently followed behind Gawain, standing behind the Hokage's seat.
After they left, Hiruzen continued discussing the situation of the Jonin team with Gawain.
The Jonin system was established by the First Hokage and Madara Uchiha at the very beginning of Konoha Village's founding.
At that time, Konoha did not yet have the concept of upper, middle, and lower ninjas, and the village was under the control of a series of large ninja clans such as the Senju, Uchiha, Hyuga, Sarutobi, and Shimura.
To enhance the village's cohesion, the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, introduced the concept of ninja ranks at the very beginning of the village's establishment. He had the major clans select their elites to form the initial Jonin class, also known as the original Jonin Team.
This move was also adopted by other villages that followed Konoha in establishing their own ninja villages.
Throughout this process, Hashirama Senju was the Hokage of Konoha Village from the beginning, and he did not participate in the Jonin team.
The leader of Konoha's first Jonin team was naturally the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama.
Madara Uchiha disdained being a class representative; his only Madara Uchiha was to become Hokage.
It's important to know that Hashirama Senju Madara Uchiha had promised Madara Uchiha the position of Hokage back then.
As I've said before, the Hokage position in a ninja village won't be held by a single clan forever, unlike countries like the Land of Fire. The Hokage position will be rotated!
Therefore, Madara Uchiha initially suppressed his ambitions, intending to wait until he replaced Hashirama as Hokage before focusing on his plan to unify the Shinobi World.
Result...
Before he could even take over as Hokage, Tobirama created a Jonin team, and through Tobirama team, he gained the support of 90% of the Jonin and their clans.
Then...
A few years later...
When Tobirama was talking to Hashirama, he directly stated that Madara Uchiha would have no chance of becoming Hokage because no one would support him; everyone had already sided with the Senju family!
Madara, who happened to be looking for Hashirama at the time, overheard these words...
No one would support his statement, which deeply stung Madara Uchiha.
Soon after, Madara betrayed the village and engaged in the world-shaking Battle of the Valley of the End with Hashirama.
Senju Tobirama's practice of winning over Jonin members to thwart Madara Uchiha's dream of becoming Hokage became a kind of political custom within Konoha after Tobirama succeeded the Second Hokage.
The political custom that the Jonin squad leader is the first successor to the Hokage is established!