Coveted by All Sides

A circular building stood in Konoha, shaped like a "bird's nest," with red tiles, a white base, and a stone-and-mud ground interwoven together.

This design meant it could accommodate a large number of people sitting around to watch the training grounds below.

Normally, some ordinary people would sit here to observe ninja training, mostly practicing with shuriken, kunai, and the like; however, jutsu like the Five Elements or Yin-Yang Release were rarely practiced where so many people could watch.

Do not underestimate the foot traffic of the training grounds; before the war, it was considered "top-tier" alongside the shopping district. Of course, the shopping district has since been removed from that status, leaving the training grounds to stand alone.

Every day, a great many ordinary people came to observe ninja training. In the Land of Fire, countless people admired ninjas.

However, today was different.

Some ordinary people wanted to enter the training grounds, but they were all driven away by the guards at the main entrance. Everyone currently inside the training grounds was a ninja.

When Sora Uchiha and the others arrived at the training grounds, even before entering, they could feel the excitement within.

It was noisy and very enthusiastic.

Sora Uchiha chuckled lightly; he knew the reason.

Minato Namikaze became famous during the Third Shinobi World War, earning the title "Yellow Flash" from the world. Not long ago, he even fought to a draw against the two renowned Raikage brothers.

The young Minato became famous throughout the ninja world from then on. On the battlefield, enemy forces even issued orders stating, "Upon encountering the Yellow Flash, you may abandon the mission directly."

This order not only sent chills down the enemy's spine but also sent Konoha's fighting spirit to its peak.

From then on, Minato Namikaze's image soared in Konohagakure. Ordinary people adored him, and ninjas worshipped him.

Under these circumstances, rumors even spread throughout the village that Minato Namikaze would be the next Hokage.

Regarding this rumor, Sora Uchiha seriously suspected Hiruzen Sarutobi was orchestrating it behind the scenes.

"Sora, it's so lively in there," Kurenai Yuhi said, her eyes wide with excitement. "I'll be able to see Lord Minato soon, I'm so thrilled."

"Seriously?"

Seeing her flushed face, Sora Uchiha was a little speechless. He hadn't realized Kurenai was a fan of Minato Namikaze.

"Learn from Rin, she's so calm."

"Oh, Rin is Lord Minato's student, she sees him often, so naturally she's not as excited as I am. What a shame... why wasn't I Lord Minato's student?" Kurenai Yuhi sighed, glaring resentfully at the innocent Obito beside her.

Obito: You're blaming me?

Anko Mitarashi was also a little excited, clenching her fists. "I really want to witness Lord Minato's Flying Thunder God Technique. That's the jutsu that defeated the 'Absolute Pear Thunder Bull Hot Blade' combination."

"I recall it was a draw," Sora Uchiha said expressionlessly.

"Sora, you don't understand. A draw is definitely the official statement," Anko Mitarashi seemed to have a strong admiration for Minato.

Sora Uchiha was speechless. These people, one by one, were really something.

Hey, hey! Blind worship is not advisable!

This also indirectly demonstrated Minato Namikaze's influence in Konohagakure at this time.

"Hurry, hurry, if we're any later, there won't be any seats left," Kurenai Yuhi urged.

The group walked towards the entrance of the training grounds.

The guards merely asked a few questions and, upon confirming they were newly promoted Chunin, let them pass.

Sora Uchiha noticed their gazes linger on him for a moment.

Looks like... they recognized me, he thought to himself.

Ignoring the two, he followed Kurenai Yuhi and the others into the training grounds.

After they left, the two guards exchanged glances. One of them had a subtle expression and said in a low voice, "Should we notify Jonin Shio?"

The other nodded. "I'll go notify him."

In the Konoha Administration Building office, Shio Nara sat at his desk, processing documents. For the Nara clan, possessing exceptionally high intelligence, his ability to be here meant he was responsible for only one thing: Sora Uchiha.

The documents in his hand were Sora Uchiha's detailed profile.

Other matters were handled by Hiruzen Sarutobi and Shimura Danzō.

Knock, knock, knock--

"Enter," Shio said, taking a sip of tea.

"Jonin Shio, the person you asked us to keep an eye on has arrived at the training grounds," a Chunin reported, speaking calmly.

Shio Nara's eyes narrowed slightly, and he nodded. "I know. Is there anything else?"

"No, that's all."

"Mm."

After a moment of silence, The Chunin hesitantly asked, "Are we just going to ignore this? Didn't you tell us not to notify Sora Uchiha? Now that he's appeared at the training grounds, are we doing nothing?"

Shio looked up at him, finding it somewhat amusing. "And what should we do? Drive him out? He's a member of Konoha too. There's no need to guard him like an outsider just because he's Uchiha."

The Chunin felt a bit awkward. "Then why... didn't you notify him?"

Shio Nara seemed to be in a good mood today, and unusually, he spoke a few more words with interest.

"My goal isn't to suppress him, but to remind him, to remind him that our attitude towards the Uchiha prodigy is delicate.

In fact, whether he goes to the training grounds to listen to Minato's guidance or not has a negligible impact on him. This time, I just wanted to understand his personality."

"So... do you have an answer?"

"Yes." Shio Nara smiled. "This little guy must have understood the intentions of Konoha's higher-ups, yet he still showed up at training so brazenly. It seems he's quite the troublemaker.

Troublemakers are good. If cultivated properly, he might just become an extraordinary figure."

At the same time, he knew in his heart that if Sora didn't head in the right direction, this troublemaker would be directly nailed to Konoha's main beam.

"Alright, if there's nothing else, you can go back. We might not have enough personnel at the training grounds. Minato, that guy... his fame is just too explosive."

"Yes!" The Chunin gave a standard ninja salute and then withdrew from the room.

Shio Nara was left alone, sitting in his seat. He picked up one of the documents and looked at the words on it.

His eyes narrowed slightly, revealing a deep, cunning glint. The document didn't say much, relating to Sora Uchiha. What set it apart from the other documents was the mention of a name.

Shimura Danzo.

The Third Hokage's assistant, and also the leader of Root.

Root, operating between the Guard Squad and Anbu, had, under Danzo's development, its overt influence subtly surpassing that of the Anbu directly under the Hokage.

"Lord Danzo has actually set his sights on Sora Uchiha."

According to the information on the document, Shimura Danzo seemed inclined to take Sora Uchiha under his wing.

Shio Nara's brow furrowed slightly. This was not a good thing for him. Unlike him, Root's actions were always swift and decisive.

Such rash moves could easily provoke resentment from others.

Shio Nara picked up his pen and tapped it lightly on the desk, producing a crisp "pang pang" sound.

"Forget it, let Root test Sora Uchiha."