Surrender While Ahead

His control over this ninjutsu had become significantly more precise and efficient.

"Is this the effect of stacking talents?"

Kiyohara stroked his chin.

It was no wonder Orochimaru went to such great lengths to switch vessels; sometimes, it really did feel different.

Kiyohara then clenched his fist, feeling the stamina that remained abundant within his body.

This stamina could be converted into Chakra for use at any moment.

If it were the old Kiyohara, he definitely would not have possessed such a large amount of Chakra.

He would need to spend some time properly adapting to and digesting this new power.

"Hmm... I hope the next future I see is related to taijutsu."

Kiyohara stroked his chin.

While an increase in spiritual energy could certainly boost one's Chakra significantly, if the gap between it and physical energy became too wide, it would lead to hidden dangers.

Take Kurama Yakumo, a student of Kurenai Yuhi; the Kurama clan possessed a Kekkei Genkai in Yin release, but excessive spiritual energy would conversely suppress the physical body.

Kurama Yakumo was a prime example of someone whose spirit was too strong, resulting in a frail body.

Only by advancing both spirit and body in tandem could one correctly increase their Chakra.

Kiyohara even speculated that Senju Hashirama might have died young due to an imbalance between his physical and spiritual energy, leaving him mentally exhausted after believing he had killed his dearest friend, Uchiha Madara.

The reason was simple: in the ninja world, there was something known as life force.

Hashirama Cells were incredibly vibrant with life force, and most villains treated them like treasures, transplanting them into their own bodies.

As the source, how could Senju Hashirama be any worse off?

Yet, a man like that died in his fifties or sixties...

Of course, it was possible that the battle between Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara had overdrawn his vitality, causing his body to fail.

It was also possible that, believing his brother had reincarnated, the Asura Chakra simply departed with him.

In short, there were far too many possibilities, but the common point of confusion remained unchanged.

That was the fact that Senju Hashirama had indeed died far too early.

"The next mission should be in the next few days; I should first find a good shop to have my ninja tools crafted."

Kiyohara thought to himself.

As for the loan, he would definitely put it off as long as he could.

"However, before long, Iwagakure won't be able to hold on much longer, will they?"

Kiyohara suddenly thought of another matter.

Sarutobi Hiruzen would choose to abdicate and select a Fourth Hokage.

It wasn't because he was old, but because he was stepping down due to his failures!

What kind of failure?

The answer was simple: the battle at Kannabi Bridge had cut off the enemy's critical logistics node.

The remaining enemy ninjas were defeated by Namikaze Minato, and with the cooperation of Konoha's forces, the majority of the thousand-strong Iwagakure raiding party were killed.

Iwagakure looked at the situation and realized they couldn't hold on much longer.

However, before Iwagakure could make a move, Sarutobi Hiruzen took the initiative on behalf of Konoha to propose a ceasefire agreement.

He acknowledged all of Iwagakure's actions and waived the right to reparations.

It was as if they were in a winning position, just one push away from destroying the enemy's base, yet Sarutobi Hiruzen had turned around and clicked surrender, pressuring everyone else to do the same.

Even Shimura Danzō couldn't help but lash out, arguing that since so many allies had died on that battlefield, this would mean they had died in vain.

Sarutobi Hiruzen simply stated that it was his sole responsibility and resigned from his position as the Third Hokage to atone for his sins.

Although it was abstract, that was the original plot.

"After this, they will likely concentrate their forces to deal with Kirigakure, right?"

Kiyohara pondered.

Uchiha Madara's backup plan was Kirigakure.

He would have to be more careful during his missions.

Several days passed.

Hokage Office Building.

In the evening, the Hokage office was brightly lit.

Sarutobi Hiruzen sat behind the large desk, his familiar pipe clamped in his mouth. White smoke curled upward, making his dignified face appear somewhat hazy.

The office door was knocked on gently, then pushed open.

It was Namikaze Minato, who had just returned to the village from the border after completing his mission.

"Lord Third."

Namikaze Minato bowed slightly in greeting.

"This is the detailed report. Also... news has come from the front lines that the Iwagakure forces in the Land of Grass have retreated thirty miles."

"Oh?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen set down his pipe, took the scroll handed over by Namikaze Minato, and a look of relief appeared on his face.

"You've worked hard, Minato. This is good news. If we can resolve the crisis with Iwagakure, we can concentrate our main forces to deal with the pressure from Kumogakure and Kirigakure."

He quickly scanned the mission report and nodded with satisfaction.

"You always bring good news."

Subsequently, Sarutobi Hiruzen's gaze fell upon another document on the desk; it was the final list of those who had passed the Chunin selection exams a few days prior.

He picked up the list, his eyes lingering on the name "Kiyohara" for a moment, before handing the list to Namikaze Minato:

"Take a look at this, Minato. The Kiyohara you recommended defeated a ninja from the Uchiha clan who was labeled as an elite just a few days ago."

Namikaze Minato was slightly taken aback, taking the list and saying with some surprise:

"Kiyohara, he participated in the selection?"

He quickly scanned the list and found Kiyohara's name.

"I thought that given his performance in the Kannabi Bridge mission, he would be promoted directly, but it is better that he proved himself by passing the selection."

Sarutobi Hiruzen picked up his pipe, intending to satisfy his craving, and took a slow, leisurely puff like an old smoker, slowly exhaling the smoke.

Namikaze Minato, meanwhile, silently inhaled the secondhand smoke.

Coming to the Hokage's office, how could one avoid secondhand smoke?

Namikaze Minato was quite curious about how much tax cigarettes contributed to the Land of Fire.

"Direct promotion is certainly an option, but letting him go through the selection process allows us to better see his potential, his temperament, and his ability to adapt when facing different opponents.

After all, no matter how brilliant a report is written, it is not as good as seeing it with one's own eyes. It seems your praise for him in the recommendation letter was not an exaggeration."

Namikaze Minato immediately understood the Third Hokage's intention.

This was not a questioning of his judgment, but rather a sign of the importance placed on talent and careful cultivation.

During wartime, Konoha had lost too many excellent ninjas, especially the backbone of the village: the Chunin and Jonin.

Kiyohara, whose parents both died in battle for Konoha, could be said to be a civilian with pure Konoha blood and a solid, upright background.

Moreover, his talent was quite good, making him undoubtedly a subject for the village's urgent future reserves and key cultivation.

The Third Hokage wanted to use this opportunity to more comprehensively evaluate Kiyohara's value so that he could be given more appropriate resources and positions in the future.

"I understand, Lord Hokage."

Namikaze Minato nodded, his tone carrying a hint of emotion.

"That child, Kiyohara, truly has great potential. Most importantly, he has a heart firmly set on protecting his comrades, which is especially rare in the current situation."

He recalled what he had heard from Nohara Rin afterward about Kiyohara staying behind alone to hold off Taiseki with such heroic deeds.

"Solid background, outstanding ability, and a good temperament..."

Sarutobi Hiruzen's gaze fell back onto the list.

"He is a seedling worth cultivating well. Minato, you are more familiar with him; you can pay more attention to his growth in the future."

"Yes, Lord Hokage."

Namikaze Minato solemnly accepted the order.

He himself quite appreciated Kiyohara, and with the Hokage's explicit instructions, he was naturally happy to provide this junior with more guidance and opportunities.