The Dispute Settles, The Arena Rests; A New Foe Arrives, The School Worries

"Uchiha Mei, Hyuga Iripo, and... Shiranui Haotian." Danzo spat out the three names, one by one, with a determined resolve. "I'm taking these three children."

The Third Hokage's expression shifted slightly, a flicker of anger in his eyes. "Danzo, do you know what you're saying? Especially Haotian, his parents sacrificed for the village..."

"Sacrificing for the village doesn't mean their children have to walk the same path," Danzo interrupted, his tone hardening. "In wartime, we need strength, not sentimentality. These three children possess immense potential, and only within my 'Root' can they receive the best training."

"Potential? Danzo, we both know what your so-called training entails!" The Third Hokage slammed his pipe onto the table, a dull thud echoing in the room. "They're still just children!"

"Children? Hiruzen, you're too naive! War won't spare them just because they're children!" Danzo's single eye glinted coldly. "Only strength can protect them, protect the village!" He took a step forward. "At the very least, Hyuga Iripo must be handed over to me."

The Third Hokage fell silent. He slowly sank back into his chair, rubbing his temples wearily.

He knew Danzo's obsessions were difficult to change once formed.

He sighed powerlessly. "Iripo... can be yours. But Mei and Haotian, absolutely not."

Danzo let out a cold snort and said nothing more, turning to leave.

At the doorway, he stopped and said without looking back, "Hiruzen, you'll regret this."

As the door closed, silence fell upon the room once more.

The Third Hokage gazed out at the darkening sky, taking a deep breath. "I hope... my choice isn't wrong..."

He picked up the files on his desk again, his gaze falling on Haotian's young face, his heart filled with worry.

Could these children truly shoulder the future of Konohagakure?

Suddenly, a rapid knocking at the door shattered the quiet.

"Lord Hokage! Something's wrong!" a slightly flustered voice called from outside. "Two unidentified enemies are heading towards the Ninja Academy!"

On the practical combat field, the atmosphere remained somewhat delicate.

Shiranui Haotian stood by the sidelines, students intentionally or unintentionally avoiding him. The occasional glances cast his way were filled with scrutiny and unfamiliarity.

His mediocre performance in class seemed to have relegated him to a forgotten corner.

"Hey! Shiranui Haotian!" a provocative voice broke the silence.

Uchiha Obito charged at Haotian like an angry young bull, pointing at his nose and shouting excitedly, "You! You were slacking off during class, weren't you? Dare you have a match with me and show me your real skill!"

Haotian calmly looked at the impetuous boy before him, his eyes devoid of any emotion.

He shrugged slightly, neither answering nor moving, simply standing there.

Obito's provocation was like a punch hitting cotton, completely ineffective.

Surrounding students, drawn by the sudden challenge, began to gather, whispering amongst themselves.

"Obito, stop messing around!" a loud voice called out. Might Guy stepped between Obito and Haotian, striking a signature passionate pose with a bright smile. "Classmate Haotian looks very quiet, we shouldn't bully honest people. If you want to fight, fight me first!"

Obito sneered and glared at Guy, roaring furiously, "You! Always getting in my way! Today I'll prove that we Uchiha are the strongest! Come on! Take this!" Obito formed hand seals, chakra surging within him. He took a deep breath and shouted, "Fire Style! Great Fireball Technique!"

However, what came out of Obito's mouth was merely a small, weak flame that flickered in the air for a moment before dissipating.

Laughter erupted immediately from the surroundings, students clutching their stomachs, their mockery unconcealed.

Obito's face turned a deep shade of purple. He glared angrily at those around him, a sense of powerlessness washing over him.

Might Guy shook his head and sighed. With a flash, he appeared before Obito.

He raised his right leg and delivered a standard sweep kick to Obito's waist, sending him flying.

Obito crashed heavily to the ground with a thud. He lay there, his eyes vacant, muttering, "How could... how could this happen..."

The surrounding laughter intensified, like countless swords piercing Obito's heart.

He felt abandoned by everyone, despair and dejection engulfing him.

Just then, Uchiha Mei's voice suddenly rang out, with a hint of cold judgment. "How embarrassing."

Her gaze passed over the fallen Obito and fixed directly on Haotian standing in the corner, her tone carrying an inexplicable meaning. "But... how much better can you be?"