Mission × Unusual Movement

Being young meant he could definitely outlive him, and by the time he inherited his political legacy, uncontrollable political factions would likely emerge once again.

This was something the Third did not want to see; for the Third, balance was his political creed.

Whether it was for Danzo or White Fang, he was willing to sacrifice certain things to maintain his so-called balance.

"Regardless, I must congratulate you on your promotion to Special Jonin—and one achieved through unprecedented Taijutsu, at that."

"I believe that with your ability, even reaching Elite Jonin is only a matter of time."

"Thank you, Lord Third."

Nara Dan bowed; since you are speaking so highly of me, I will naturally show the proper respect.

"That is all due to your own talent," the Third waved his hand dismissively.

"However, according to custom, all promoted Jonin must lead a three-man squad. Since your recent missions have cleared up, you should fulfill this requirement."

"It would be a pity if your skills were not passed down, wouldn't it?"

The Third smiled and produced a mission scroll he had prepared in advance.

Nara Dan was no exception; he took it directly and opened it to look.

"Hatake Kakashi?"

The first name in the three-man squad made Nara Dan frown.

"That's right."

The Third nodded, looking rather troubled as he spoke.

"Ever since his father's death, this child's state of mind has been off since graduation. He has already been through several squads, but none of his teammates are satisfied with him, and even the Jonin captains have been complaining to me."

"Dan, you were quite familiar with White Fang, so I hope you can help resolve Kakashi's issues."

Indeed, strictly speaking, the death of White Fang was an accident. To say there wasn't a push behind such absurd rumors would be impossible.

However, no one expected that White Fang, a Kage Level powerhouse, would commit suicide over such a matter.

Nara Dan could understand White Fang's thinking; having had contact with him, he knew that White Fang was a perfect ninja.

Patient, kind, obedient—he was almost without flaws.

But at the same time, White Fang was too perfect, or perhaps too idealistic. It wasn't that he didn't understand the essence of the whole situation.

Rather, he believed that the Will of Fire he subscribed to—the will to protect one's comrades—could not be manipulated as a political tool, to the point where he could not accept the situation at all, even reaching the extent of sacrificing his life to preserve his own ideals.

The Third also understood that White Fang's suicide was meant to serve as a warning to the Third himself—that the so-called Will of Fire had become distorted.

But White Fang had overestimated his own importance to Konoha, or perhaps underestimated the political nature of a politician.

Politicians are called politicians precisely because they are completely detached from the human element; Nara Dan understood this principle deeply from his past life.

Therefore, Nara Dan understood White Fang, but he did not approve of him; he even despised such behavior as too childish and irresponsible.

"I only exchanged training pointers with Senior White Fang; I cannot guarantee that I can solve Kakashi's problems."

Nara Dan looked at the information on the scroll, not daring to make any promises.

"It doesn't matter, just do your best."

The Third nodded.

Explaining these complex, adult ideological issues to a child under ten was indeed too difficult, so he wanted to adopt a strategy of gentleness and influence.

"However, Dan, you don't need to be so modest. White Fang himself said that you are a genius who will eventually surpass him."

Nara Dan smiled and didn't take the bait, instead asking, "What about Senior Minato? I feel he might be more suitable."

"Him, eh."

The Third also agreed that Minato, with his sunny and gentle personality, would be better at handling Kakashi's issues.

"He is currently executing a secret mission in the Land of Wind and is unavailable, which is why I came to you."

The Land of Wind, huh.

Nara Dan fell silent, lost in thought.

"As for your Jonin paperwork, it will be ready by tomorrow at the latest; at that point, it will just be a matter of me signing it."

The Third once again displayed clear goodwill, interrupting Nara Dan's thoughts.

"Then thank you, Lord Third."

"If there is nothing else, I shall take my leave."

Nara Dan put away the mission scroll and requested permission to depart.

"Come to think of it..."

The Third did not seem to have any intention of letting Nara Dan go, his tone carrying a subtle ambiguity.

"How much longer until you reach that step, Dan? Tell me the truth."

Nara Dan glanced at the Third, somewhat surprised; he had not expected the Third to be so direct.

But upon second thought, it made sense; war was imminent, and every Kage Level or near-Kage Level combatant was a strategic weapon.

For every additional Kage Level combatant that entered the fray, the odds of victory increased by a fraction.

"I am half a step away."

Nara Dan spoke the truth, as there was nothing to hide.

"I have indeed been stuck at this threshold for a while, but it should be very soon; I can break through to a brand-new realm."

"However, if it comes to a direct confrontation, I fear no one."

"."

For a moment, the Third was speechless. As far as he knew, Nara Dan had only been in this so-called predicament for less than half a year.

Many ninjas hailed as geniuses had been stuck at this threshold for over a decade, and there were no shortage of those who never managed to cross that hurdle in their entire lives.

But regarding this freak who had entered his field of vision a few years ago and risen with a speed that caught everyone off guard, The Third could only wave his hand and dismiss him.

Leaving the Hokage Office, Nara Dan walked on the road home.

Nara Dan's tall figure and status as a ninja caused nearby villagers to retreat in succession.

Even though the villagers knew that the ninja lords would not attack them, Nara Dan felt somewhat displeased at this moment, causing the aura around him to grow heavier as he pondered secretly, his face looking rather grim.

He really has a tight grip, Third.

He knows full well that I am only one step away from breaking through my current state.

He knows full well the immense boost the Eight Inner Gates provides to a Taijutsu user.

Undoubtedly, a politician naturally needs to hold leverage over their subordinates.

And for the Third, the Eight Inner Gates was undoubtedly the leverage to hold over Nara Dan.

How could something easily obtained be cherished? One must be made to bow and scrape, endure eighty-one tribulations, and only at the final moment would he bestow upon you the very thing you needed most.

By then, would you not be filled with gratitude and willing to die for him?

Nara Dan secretly spat at the Third's methods; even Danzo knew how to offer bait.

Yet the Third did not even offer a hollow promise; did he really think his tactic of "winning hearts" could work on everyone forever?

"Fortunately, I do not put all my eggs in one basket."

"Hm?!"

Just as Nara Dan was contemplating his future plans, he noticed some unusual activity in the street ahead.

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