Exposed Thoughts

In the dim twilight, Hiruzen Sarutobi lit his pipe and took a satisfying puff, leaning back in his chair as he listened to Genma Shiranui's report on the situation with Senba and the other two.

Out of respect for Lord Hokage, Genma Shiranui wasn't chewing on a senbon toothpick this time. He was slowly recounting the information he had gathered today.

"Aoki Senba, based on today's preliminary tests, I believe he has the full capability to become a Chunin. Uchiha Yue's own strength has already reached the verge of Chunin level. The biggest issues for these two are their lack of practical combat experience and mission exposure."

Although Genma Shiranui only mentioned Senba and Yue, not Iruka, Hiruzen Sarutobi already understood his meaning and gestured for him to continue.

"During today's tests, Uchiha Yue and Iruka were exactly as described in the intelligence reports. However, Aoki Senba's situation differed significantly from the information we had."

As Genma Shiranui reached this point, he didn't notice a flicker of seriousness in Lord Hokage's eyes. However, his next words significantly eased the Hokage's expression.

"Aoki Senba's core abilities in subsequent tests lie in his Super Strength Fist and Summoning Technique. Furthermore, his Wind Release and Earth Release are used with masterful skill, and his proficiency with ninja tools is also impressive. If it weren't for his deficiency in genjutsu, the comprehensiveness of his combat methods would already rival that of a Special Jonin."

Having said this, Genma Shiranui paused briefly before continuing, "In my personal opinion, he is no longer suited to remain in a Genin squad. He and Uchiha Yue need new teammates; Iruka can no longer keep up with their strength."

Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't immediately respond to Genma Shiranui's words. He knew that the latter wasn't looking down on Iruka's standing; rather, it was for Iruka's own good. Constantly being around teammates with exceptional talent and witnessing the ever-widening gap in their strength would cause significant psychological damage.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's three students had encountered a similar situation in the past, so he strongly agreed with Genma Shiranui's suggestion. However, there were no suitable candidates at the moment, and it would be too conspicuous to have the Uchiha and Senju clans form teams independently.

"Genma, since that's the case, I'll trouble you to temporarily become their Jonin sensei. Let's start with a C-rank mission to observe their combat experience before making further adjustments."

Genma Shiranui was naturally indifferent to the Hokage's suggestion; he was currently idle anyway, and a trip out of the village would be good. So, after he politely took his leave and was about to open the door, a figure pushed it open and walked in.

Danzo? Looking at the bandaged man who brushed past him, Genma Shiranui's brow furrowed. Having been part of the Fourth Hokage's personal guard, he naturally knew this advisor who always caused trouble for the Fourth Hokage. This guy was no good.

However, as he stepped out of the Hokage's office building and felt the setting sun on his face, Genma Shiranui chuckled self-deprecatingly. He was just a regular Special Jonin now; why should he concern himself with these matters?

"Teacher Genma?" a familiar voice called out. Genma Shiranui turned his head, his brow twitching. He saw Senba, carrying a large pile of food, looking at him from not far away with Uchiha Yue and Iruka. Beside Uchiha Yue stood a young girl who looked very similar to her, watching him timidly.

"Are you guys having a feast?" Genma Shiranui asked, looking at Senba, who was stuffing a dango into his mouth.

"Mhm!" Senba nodded while giving the young Uchiha Izumi a skewer of tri-colored dango. He then looked at the approaching Genma Shiranui and smiled, "Teacher Genma, we're going to eat sukiyaki. This weather is perfect for it. Come with us, Teacher Genma."

"Is that so." Genma Shiranui looked at the youthful, smiling faces before him and felt his mood improve considerably. Thinking about how he was about to become their Jonin sensei, he waved his hand grandly and said, "Let teacher treat you to this meal! I've just been officially appointed as your Jonin sensei, so I'll treat you all to Akimichi Clan's barbecue today until you can't eat anymore."

"Barbecue? Eat until we're full?" Senba's eyes lit up upon catching the keywords, and a smile immediately appeared on his lips. Eating barbecue until he was full was something he'd been dreaming about lately. He quickly nodded and led the way for everyone.

Iruka, walking at the very back of the group, seemed to show a look of reluctance. He knew some of the inside story. However, after considering Senba's obsession with food over the past two days, his friendship ultimately kept him silent. He hoped Teacher Genma could remain composed later.

The two flowers bloom separately.

Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, shrouded in darkness, only the pipe in Hiruzen Sarutobi's hand emitted a faint glow, accompanied by a soft crackling sound that was exceptionally clear in the quiet space.

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Danzo, who stood opposite him, leaning back in his chair with his eyes fixed on Danzo. Hiruzen Sarutobi was confident that in a battle of patience, he could wear down his old friend.

As expected, after a moment, Danzo couldn't help but speak first. "Hand Aoki Senba over to me. Under my training, he will undoubtedly become a perfect successor to the Will of Fire. Given that he has gained the Slug's recognition, his future potential is at least that of an elite Jonin. What do you say?"

"Tch!" Hiruzen Sarutobi let out a mocking laugh, causing Danzo's hands, which were gripping his cane, to clench. A sense of foreboding welled up in his heart.

"Danzo, do you truly believe that?" Hiruzen Sarutobi had many rivals in his life, but the only one who consistently provided him with a sense of satisfaction was the Shimura Danzō before him. He was the only one Hiruzen Sarutobi could see through at a glance.

Hiruzen Sarutobi took a leisurely puff from his pipe, exhaling a few smoke rings before continuing, "Aoki Senba has the Senju Clan behind him, with connections spread throughout Konoha. Even you and I are part of those connections."

"And his teacher is Tsunade, I don't need to say more, do I? Tsunade has Hemophobia, but Jiraiya and Orochimaru are at their peak. Are you sure Root can withstand them killing it?"

"Moreover, in terms of relationships, I am Aoki Senba's grand-teacher. You speak to me like this? Danzo, after all these years, you haven't improved at all? You're trying to suppress before you elevate; what you truly desire is Uchiha Shisui!"

As Hiruzen Sarutobi's words fell, an intense killing intent surged towards Danzo. At this moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi was no longer the amiable old man of the past; instead, he was like an enraged Mighty Lion staring at Danzo.

"Hiruzen, you actually... towards me..." Facing such a Hiruzen Sarutobi for the first time in his life, Danzo didn't know how to express himself. He had done so many dark deeds for the man, and yet he...?

"Danzo, the village is currently unstable. The Kumogakure is confronting us at the border, and the Iwagakure is eyeing us covetously. These matters are already exhausting me. If you intend to make things difficult for me at this time, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

"I know you've always been eyeing my position. As long as it doesn't harm Konoha, I allow you some minor actions, but not now!"

Danzo's left eye was bloodshot as he looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi, who seemed to have returned to his youthful state. Finally, he fiercely flung his sleeves and slammed the door shut as he left.

Watching the ANBU skillfully take out tools to repair the door, Hiruzen Sarutobi's imposing aura vanished without a trace.

The weary Hiruzen Sarutobi stood up and walked to the window, gazing at the clean, round moon in the sky. A sense of worry arose in his heart. The village's current combat strength was at its lowest ebb. If Konoha were to suffer another great calamity in the next few years, the village might truly cease to exist.

"First Lord, Second Lord, if I have the chance to meet you in the Pure Land in the future, will you approve of me?"

His anxious voice flowed into the night along with the smoke.