The next morning, sunlight streamed through the windows of the Hokage's office and fell across the desk, illuminating the mountain of scrolls.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, took a deep puff from his pipe and slowly exhaled a cloud of smoke. His gaze settled on Zhiwei, standing before him.
"Zhiwei, do you have anything to report about the new team you're leading?" His aged voice carried a hint of barely concealed anticipation.
Zhiwei bowed respectfully. "Lord Hokage, the new team members—Might Guy, Uchiha Mei, and Haotian—have all shown potential beyond expectations. Guy's talent for Taijutsu is astonishing, and Mei has already awakened her Sharingan. As for Haotian..." He paused, his tone taking on an indescribable note. "His abilities are even more astonishing."
"Oh? Haotian? You mean that... boy with the unusual Kekkei Genkai?" The Third Hokage's—
"Exactly." Zhiwei described in detail the various abilities Haotian had displayed during their combat exercises, including his exquisite control over Chakra and his mysterious toxin attacks.
He even mentioned Haotian's unusual behavior, which suggested that he might be able to absorb White Zetsu's Chakra.
After hearing Zhiwei's report, the Third Hokage fell into deep thought.
He tapped his fingers lightly against the desk, his brow furrowing slightly.
Haotian's abilities were undoubtedly a valuable asset to Konoha, but they also carried unknown risks.
The toxin that could dissolve a White Zetsu in an instant was especially astonishing—and a source of regret.
"What a pity..." He sighed. "We didn't get a sample of the toxin to study. What a shame."
"Lord Hokage, Haotian's abilities still need to be observed and guided further," Zhiwei said cautiously. "He's still young, after all, and hasn't yet mastered his own power."
The Third Hokage nodded. "You're right. Haotian is a rare talent, and we must handle him carefully. By the way, about Zhiwei's team..." He suddenly stopped and gazed out the window, his eyes deep with thought, as if something had occurred to him.
"Guy's youthful enthusiasm, Mei's calm decisiveness, and Haotian's quiet composure—what a rare combination." The Third Hokage sighed, a hint of comfort in his eyes. "A team like that can truly make a difference on the battlefield. Zhiwei, guide them well. Help them understand that the bonds between teammates are a ninja's most important weapon."
As smoke curled around him, the Third Hokage's voice grew solemn. "Konoha's future rests in the hands of young people like you. I hope you'll train them into excellent ninja who can stand on their own, and help them contribute their strength to the village and the Will of Fire!"
"Yes, Lord Hokage!" Zhiwei felt the weight of responsibility settle heavily on his shoulders. He straightened and answered with conviction.
He bowed deeply, then turned and left the Hokage's office.
The Third Hokage turned his gaze toward the window, watching the distant mountain range stretch across the horizon as his thoughts wandered.
The shadow of war hung over Konoha. The next generation of ninja would be the village's hope for the future.
"That child Kakashi should be ready to stand on his own, too," he murmured. He picked up a document from his desk. On it were the words: "Minato Namikaze, promoted to Jonin, appointed leader of Team Kakashi."
A few clouds had drifted across the sky, obscuring the sunlight. The room dimmed along with it.
The Third Hokage set down the document and relit his pipe, drawing in a deep breath.
"I hope this war ends soon..." he sighed. Amid the swirling smoke, he looked somewhat forlorn.
Suddenly, a rapid knock shattered the office's silence. "Knock, knock, knock!"
"Come in," the Third Hokage said gravely.
The door swung open, and an Anbu Ninja dropped to one knee. "Lord Hokage! There's an urgent mission!"
After leaving the Hokage's office, Zhiwei headed straight for the training ground.
When he arrived, Might Guy was already immersed in Taijutsu training. Each punch cut through the air with a sharp whoosh, and sweat soaked through his green jumpsuit.
Uchiha Mei was meditating nearby with her eyes closed. The Uchiha Clan Crest on her back stood out in the sunlight.
Haotian sat quietly in a corner, seemingly lost in thought.
"Fall in!" Zhiwei's voice wasn't loud, but it carried an unquestionable authority that instantly drew everyone's attention.
The three quickly gathered and lined up.
Zhiwei looked them over, a hint of anticipation in his eyes.
"The Hokage has just assigned us a mission: escort a supply convoy to the front-line camp. It's a B-Rank Mission."
"A B-Rank Mission!" Might Guy clenched his fists excitedly, his eyes burning with fervor. "Fantastic! I can finally show off my youthful energy!"
Mei opened her eyes, her red Sharingan turning slightly as an eager smile tugged at her lips. "A mission? I can't wait."
Haotian, by contrast, remained fairly calm. He asked evenly, "What are the specifics?"
"Our objective is to escort the supply convoy safely to the front line. We may encounter enemy attacks along the way, but we don't know the details yet." Zhiwei's tone was serious. "This mission will test our teamwork, so everyone needs to be fully prepared." He paused, then continued, "Considering our team's average strength, this mission shouldn't be too difficult. But don't let your guard down. Any carelessness could lead to failure."
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