The Tenth Person

The Hokage's office was silent, still stunned by Karot's unharmed state after being hit by the Phoenix Sage Fire Technique.

"Sakumo, what is going on?"

The Third Hokage asked Hatake Sakumo, a power he had never heard of before. The others present also cast curious glances.

"This is Karot's Kekkei Genkai. As you all know, Karot cannot condense chakra. It was only when he awakened this power that I allowed him to become a ninja."

The fact that Karot couldn't condense chakra was known to the Leaf Village's upper echelons. Hatake Sakumo had approached Hiruzen Sarutobi to apply for Karot's special admission to the academy. Hiruzen had even advised him that living as an ordinary person might be a better choice.

"Sakumo-sama, are you telling the truth?"

Jiraiya asked directly. Seeing Sakumo's affirmative expression, he knew Hatake Sakumo was telling the truth.

"Are you sure, Sakumo?"

The Third Hokage asked.

A brand new Kekkei Genkai would bring unimaginable benefits to the Leaf Village, an increase in combat power. The current ninja world situation was unstable; the stronger they were, the weaker their enemies would be. Moreover, Hatake Sakumo was on his side.

"Sakumo, you have contributed two pillars of strength to the Leaf Village."

Hiruzen Sarutobi said with relief. However, he couldn't help but worry. Hatake Sakumo's current fame was rivaling his own, and he was highly favored to be the next Hokage. While his student, Orochimaru, bore the title of "Sannin," he was still a step behind Hatake Sakumo. Now, with two talented sons, Hiruzen's desire for Orochimaru to inherit the position of Hokage seemed less realistic. The succession of the Hokage was typically passed down within the Hokage lineage, and Hiruzen did not want to break that tradition.

Danzo, who had been silent all along, had a flash of fierce light in his eyes. The position of Hokage had always been Danzo's nightmare; he would kill anyone who stood in his way. Now that Hatake Sakumo, a formidable obstacle, had appeared, Danzo was determined to find a way to eliminate him. However, he was concealing it perfectly, and no one present noticed.

"It is my honor to contribute to the Leaf Village."

Hatake Sakumo said humbly.

"Hokage-sama, Sakumo-sama, I wish to take Kakashi as my disciple."

At this moment, Minato Namikaze spoke up.

"Hmm?"

Everyone present looked at Minato Namikaze with questioning eyes.

"Why? Karot's talent is even greater than Kakashi's, so why choose Kakashi?"

As Minato's teacher, Jiraiya asked.

They had also seen Kakashi on the crystal ball earlier, easily defeating the squad that ambushed him, and then encountering a giant snake. He had used the inherited Hatake Sword Style and extraordinary strategy to lightly wound and defeat the giant snake. His reputation as a genius was well-deserved. However, compared to Karot's Kekkei Genkai, choosing Karot would have been the better option.

"Indeed, Karot's talent might be even more outstanding than Kakashi's, but there's nothing I can teach him. I don't understand Kekkei Genkai, and I can't teach him chakra manipulation."

"He has already established his own style in taijutsu; I might not even be his match. Therefore, Kakashi is the optimal choice for me."

Minato was also shrewd; he was already beginning to build his influence. If he took Kakashi as his disciple, Karot and Hatake Sakumo would passively become his assets in the competition for Hokage.

"As a fellow genius, teaching Kakashi is perhaps the most suitable."

Hiruzen Sarutobi also had his own ulterior motives. Kakashi becoming Minato's disciple would be a great help to Minato becoming Hokage, especially considering the three geniuses of the Hatake family.

"Sakumo, what do you think?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi asked again. After all, Kakashi had the Hatake clan behind him, not just a common ninja. If Hatake Sakumo disagreed, he couldn't force it.

"It's fine. I believe in Minato's abilities."

Hatake Sakumo knew of Minato Namikaze's reputation as a genius ninja who had rescued the Nine-Tails jinchuriki before he even graduated. Most importantly, he had mastered the "Flying Thunder God," a feat no one had accomplished since the Second Hokage's death. Therefore, Kakashi taking Minato as his master meant he was entering the Hokage lineage, which would be beneficial and harmless to Kakashi's future development. Hatake Sakumo could not possibly refuse such a matter.

"Thank you for your trust, Sakumo-sama. I will definitely teach Kakashi to become an excellent ninja."

Minato Namikaze bowed to Hatake Sakumo and said solemnly. This was a promise and a teacher's hope for his student.

Danzo watched the series of actions unfold before his eyes. Everyone present was ecstatic, while Danzo alone suffered.

Meanwhile, in the Forest of Death for the Chunin Exams, Kakashi, after a simple bandage for his injury, arrived at the central tower and secured second place.

Afterward, the third and fourth place participants arrived one after another. Kakashi had been eagerly awaiting Karot's arrival, but he never showed up.

At this moment, Karot was enjoying his meal. A giant python was roasted golden brown over a fire. It had foolishly run into Karot's fist. Karot, not wanting it to be left to rot, reluctantly used his stomach to bury it, considering it a meritorious deed.

The people in the Hokage's office watched Karot's actions in disbelief. How could someone have such a large appetite? How could they possibly afford to feed him? Hatake Sakumo wanted to say, "Now you know why I completed missions so frantically."

After eating, he cleaned up and put out the fire. Karot headed towards the central tower, his figure flickering in and out of sight with indescribable speed. He finally arrived at the central tower, ranking tenth. It was acceptable; he wasn't eliminated.

"Very good, congratulations on completing the second exam."

Orochimaru emerged from the shadows, clapping.

He then lingered his gaze on Karot and Kakashi for a moment, as they were the ones who had successfully killed his giant snake.

"The final exam will be held in a week. Everyone just needs to gather at the designated location in a week. You are dismissed."

As Orochimaru finished speaking, all the promoted Genin began to leave.

When Karot and Kakashi emerged from the Forest of Death, Teacher Matsushita, along with Sanada and Kazumi, had been waiting for a long time.

"Karot, over here."

Teacher Matsushita waved for Karot to come over.

"How was it? Did you pass?"

Kazumi asked first. Although she knew Karot's strength, she was still a little worried until it was confirmed. The other two teammates had the same expression.

"I passed. It was too easy."

"Yay."

"Congratulations, Karot."

"Thanks."

Karot gladly accepted his companion's congratulations.

"But don't get arrogant. The third match will be even harder."

Hyuga Sanada adopted the air of a senior to advise Karot.

"For a genius like me, it's all small stuff. If it were you, Sanada, then it'd be another story."

Karot took the opportunity to retort. After a year together, Karot had figured out that Sanada was a tsundere.

"Damn it. You, Karot."

Matsushita watched his students bicker happily.