Where Are the Genin in Their Twenties?

"Excuse me, I am Diejian."

"Oh, come in."

As his rare day off was about to end, Diejian, who had been summoned, arrived at the Hokage's office and knocked on the door.

A hoarse voice came from the other side of the door.

Diejian turned the cold iron doorknob and pushed the door open.

A messy desk met Diejian's eyes as he entered.

Perhaps work had piled up, and he couldn't handle it all.

The mountain of documents seemed to oppress the viewer, even evoking pity for the person handling them.

A gentle breeze brushed against Diejian's cheek.

The Hokage's office had a large window overlooking the entire village.

The wind blowing in from the open window was cool and refreshing.

As if drawn, Diejian's gaze drifted towards the open window.

Through the light streaming in, the revered Konohagakure could be seen.

Children running, birds flying, leaves falling—the scene viewed from the window was like a painting adorning a room.

Diejian squinted his eyes, the light too bright.

"It seems nothing has changed."

Hearing the voice, Diejian's face contorted as if he had bitten into something bitter.

It seemed he had been too captivated by the beautiful scenery that intruded upon his somber thoughts.

Diejian turned his gaze towards the direction of the voice.

Standing a short distance from the window was the man.

He wore a white ceremonial robe and a hat adorned with the character for "Fire," a smile playing on his lips, hidden beneath the hat's brim.

Diejian felt ashamed of his unguarded state and deliberately blinked a few times.

"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."

Diejian stopped a short distance from the desk, his feet shoulder-width apart, and bowed his head solemnly.

It was a formal stance of readiness.

The man seemed to be moved by Diejian's posture, his smile shifting slightly as he spoke.

"First, I apologize for summoning you so suddenly, Diejian."

"No, that's alright... Is there some trouble again?"

Diejian's expression remained unchanged by the man's solicitous attitude.

However, he seemed unable to completely conceal the weariness seeping into his words.

"No, it's not like that. Although it might turn into that, it's not yet."

The man shook his head gently, dismissing Diejian's concern.

"I see, is it the usual then."

"At this point, you could say that."

The man cleared his throat wearily, his back to Diejian.

His gaze, filled with affection, was directed towards the beloved homeland outside the window.

A gust of wind from inside the room stirred the man's ceremonial robe.

As if drawn, Diejian stared at the characters inscribed on his back.

Third Hokage

It had been a year since the man—Sarutobi Hiruzen—became the "Third Hokage."

A new Face Rock had been added to the bedrock of Konoha, and new life had sprouted within the village.

Only a year, yet it felt like an eternity.

This past year had likely been the longest of their lives, both for Diejian and Hiruzen.

—On that day, during the Second Hokage's funeral, Sarutobi Hiruzen officially announced his succession to the position of Hokage, becoming the Third.

Thereby, the chaos caused by the "leader's vacancy" should have been minimized—or so it should have been.

Doubts about the young Hokage indeed existed, and the village cast suspicious glances at Hiruzen.

Having lost Senju Tobirama's strength after Senju Hashirama, concerns about the loss of influence over other nations naturally surfaced.

Among the targets of these concerns was such an existence.

It was called a Jinchuriki.

There exist life forms known as Tailed Beasts.

These were monsters feared during the Warring States period, with the saying, "Calamity befalls those who touch the Tailed Beasts."

Each possessed one to nine characteristic tails, distinguished by their number, such as the One-Tails, Two-Tails, and so on.

Jinchuriki refers to individuals who host these chakra monsters, known as Tailed Beasts, within themselves.

Tailed Beasts.

It is said their bodies are as vast as mountains, and a single flick of their tail can turn a hundred ninja into minced meat.

It is said that half-baked techniques are ineffective against them, and they can unleash chakra cannons capable of blowing away mountains indefinitely.

It is said they have existed since the time of the Sage of Six Paths, and they utterly disregard human power.

The damage once caused by Tailed Beasts was categorized as "natural disasters" beyond human capability.

Capturing them was utterly impossible.

Furthermore, the existence of "Jinchuriki," who host such Tailed Beasts within their bodies and control their immense power, was mere fantasy.

Only Sunagakure had succeeded in sealing the "One-Tails" within a human body.

However, their power was far from stable, and they could not even sleep peacefully as the seal weakened.

Let alone being used as weapons as "Jinchuriki," the risk of them rampaging and destroying themselves within the village was higher, and such attempts almost always ended in failure.

Therefore, fearing the rampaging power of Tailed Beasts, the First Kazekage isolated the monks who became Jinchuriki, imprisoning them until they grew old and died.

Tailed Beasts are such dangerous beings.

But after the First Shinobi World War, the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama, captured Tailed Beasts from the Two-Tails to the Eight-Tails and distributed them to the villages as a "deterrent to war," changing this perception.

What was originally lacking in the utilization of Jinchuriki was the existence of sealing techniques that could perfectly seal Tailed Beasts and extract their power.

Each village, through independent interpretation and improvement of the "Uzumaki-style Sealing Technique" for sealing Tailed Beasts, began researching new sealing techniques to utilize Tailed Beasts as a source of power for Jinchuriki.

As a result, although unstable, each village acquired powerful ninja harboring immense chakra sources—Jinchuriki.

In this process, the villages understood the power of Jinchuriki and the chilling fear that arose when they could not be controlled, and a consensus was formed.

That is, "Only a Jinchuriki can defeat a Jinchuriki."

The villages feared each other's Jinchuriki, and simultaneously feared the Jinchuriki within their own village.

This state of mutual inability to attack, as conceived by Senju Tobirama, achieved the goal of ending war through "deterrence."

Of course, there were exceptions.

Among the ninja who dominated the Warring States period, there were true monsters who could achieve victory even against Tailed Beasts.

Senju Hashirama, hailed as the God of Shinobi, could suppress Tailed Beasts by controlling Wood Release.

Uchiha Madara could bind and control Tailed Beasts with his dōjutsu.

Even those who now call themselves "Kage" were almost all monsters capable of confronting Tailed Beasts alone.

This also applied to the former Hokage, Senju Tobirama.

Therefore, while people feared the existence of Tailed Beasts, they could also feel at ease.

It was trust in the Kage who were active and achieved great deeds in the previous wars.

It was supreme trust, the feeling that "as long as he is here, everything will be fine."

--Can Sarutobi Hiruzen truly confront Tailed Beasts?

With the demise of the Second Hokage and his ascension to the position of Third Hokage, this question was bound to arise.

Senju Hashirama had long since passed away, and Uchiha Madara had left the village.

Senju Tobirama had also fallen, and regarding Konoha's sole remaining Jinchuriki, there was only an elderly woman whose combat strength was questionable.

It would be unreasonable not to feel uneasy about this.

The "unease" harbored by Konohagakure.

Unexpectedly, the first to notice and take action was not Sarutobi Hiruzen, who was focused on internal affairs, but Shimura Danzō, who was dedicated to diplomacy.

Both Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzō possessed the resolve to risk their lives to protect the village, and the Will of Fire to face even Tailed Beasts without fear.

However, it is also true that this alone could not convince the people.

As the Third Hokage, Hiruzen had to master the internal affairs, and he absolutely had to eliminate the "fear of Tailed Beasts" that had accumulated within the village.

If this had been a power transition during peacetime, there would have been no problem.

If the transition could have been completed while the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, was still alive—

But circumstances did not permit it.

The Second Hokage and the Second Raikage were killed, and the ninja world, which should have been stable, changed.

Suna and Kiri, advocating for equitable territorial expansion, began to stir, carving up the lands of smaller nations.

Although they had lost the Second Hokage, Konoha remained a great nation with the Senju and Uchiha clans.

But now, with the loss of its former authority, it was uncertain how much of a deterrent it could be.

The current Shinobi World rests on a precarious balance.

In this volatile situation, entrusting people's peace of mind to just Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzō was insufficient.

While their family backgrounds were adequate, they were no match for the Senju and Uchiha clans.

The entry barrier was too high.

The sole "Uchiha" who inherited Tobirama's will, Uchiha Kagami, was unable to act due to his clan's constraints.

Although Madara's faction was successfully purged during the past internal strife, and the moderate faction had become mainstream, the prejudice against his clan remained strong.

They merely acknowledged they were ultimately inferior to the Senju clan, their pride still smoldering in secret.

Though Torifu Akimichi hailed from a prestigious family, his reputation held less value compared to the Shimura and Sarutobi clans.

Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura belonged to clans with weaker power, and lacked the disposition to be pillars on a spiritual level.

Ultimately, they couldn't be expected to defeat the Tailed Beasts.

Having once lost to the Kinkaku and Ginkaku brothers, who possessed a portion of the Nine-Tails' power, it was only natural they would be perceived this way.

It was a situation of being surrounded by enemies—with everyone unearthed by the Second Hokage unable to move, Danzō noticed the existence of a certain man.

—The legacy of the First Hokage and the Second Hokage.

His name was Senju Diejian.

Contrary to his title, Senju Diejian had no connection with Konoha's upper echelons.

Objectively, he was in a state of being "shunned from the main stage," and Tobirama had treated Diejian similarly during his lifetime.

Therefore, his ability to use Wood Release was known only to a select few, and his general perception of being "blessed by bloodline but only reaching the middle tier" became the ultimate trump card that could overturn all difficulties.

Wood Release—the strongest Kekkei Genkai, once mastered by the First Hokage, which captured the strongest Tailed Beast, the Nine-Tails, and annihilated the most notorious rogue ninja, Uchiha Madara.

—Ah, right, he's here.

The First Lord's grandson...

As Diejian rose to prominence close to Hiruzen, he displayed absolute loyalty and gratitude to Hiruzen.

People felt a deep sense of "peace of mind" in Diejian, who inherited the First Hokage's legacy, and placed absolute trust in Hiruzen, who led Diejian.

The title of direct descendant of the Senju clan, which produced the First and Second Hokage, held immense power in itself.

His talent for Wood Release was also sufficient to echo the First Hokage's image.

And as for his strength, it was impeccable when he could defeat Kakuzu, who was recorded in the bounty list as S-rank.

However—if Diejian had stood on the main stage during the Second Hokage's administration, things would not have gone so smoothly.

It can be asserted.

If he had gained fame during Tobirama's administration and been recognized by the villagers as the protector of the village, then a faction advocating for "Third Hokage—Senju Diejian" would surely have emerged.

But on the other hand, Sarutobi Hiruzen was also entrusted with the position of "Kage" by the Second Hokage himself.

Those who truly admired the Second Hokage, led by Danzō, would undoubtedly try to inherit his will.

Then, whether Diejian declined that (position of Hokage) or Hiruzen declined that (position of Hokage), the out-of-control surroundings would not cease.

And the only thing waiting at the end of that was—destruction.

Whether it was "Third Hokage—Sarutobi Hiruzen,"

—or

"Third Hokage—Senju Diejian."

The village would split into two factions, lose its leadership, fall into chaos, and ultimately wither away like fallen leaves.

This was the reason Tobirama placed Hatake Sakumo, not Senju Diejian, in the position of his "flag bearer."

Shunning the Uchiha was also to impose shackles on them, preventing them from rashly intervening in case something happened to Tobirama himself.

By positioning Tsunade, another Senju, as Hiruzen's confidante, and binding her as Hiruzen's disciple, she was prevented from being absorbed by other factions.

Furthermore, if Senju Diejian were to be absorbed by another faction, he could be neutralized by holding Tsunade as a hostage.

This was also a precautionary measure laid out by Tobirama, who had perceived Diejian's inherent sibling affection.

All of the Second Hokage—Senju Tobirama's policies were connected by a single thread.

—That is, the Second Hokage—Senju Tobirama, who even took his own sudden death into consideration, attempted to leave as much as possible for the next generation, as the ultimate path of a shinobi.

Danzō, who realized this, could not suppress his trembling from his longing for Tobirama.

No one cared more for the village or looked further into the future than that man—Danzō shed tears again, lamenting his death.

And as for Senju Diejian, who was entrusted with the future by such a great man, perhaps due to his grief over losing his master, he claimed illness and went into seclusion.

How Danzō felt upon hearing this.

But Danzō showed no hint of his inner thoughts and personally went to the Senju residence.

—Could you please protect that fool?

When Danzō was away from the village on diplomatic missions, dissatisfaction within the village would inevitably focus on Hiruzen.

Thus, Danzō bore the humiliation and carried the burden, begging on bended knee for his foolish childhood friend, the Third Hokage, like snatching chestnuts from the fire.

Moved by Danzō's posture, Diejian readily agreed.

Crouching Dragon ascends to the heavens—as Hiruzen's right-hand man, Diejian finally stepped onto the main stage.

Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Under the direct command of the Hokage, Chief of the Anbu, Shimura Danzō.

Captain of the Hokage's direct guard, Senju Diejian.

With this, the Third Hokage's administration was complete.

"Diejian, it's been a year since then. Without you, I wouldn't be who I am today. First, I want to thank you."

Hiruzen turned, removed his hat, and placed it over his chest, bowing his head deeply.

From the day the news of the Second Hokage's death spread throughout the Shinobi World, Konohagakure fell into a state of isolation and helplessness.

Other nations could not possibly stand by and watch the weakening of Konohagakure, hailed as the strongest of the five great villages.

Dispatching assassins to eliminate the young supreme military leader was likely inevitable.

Diejian risked his life, protecting Hiruzen from assassins who attacked day and night without rest.

From Biwako, who had decided to marry and take the name Sarutobi, and her family, to all the poisonous fangs extended by his disciples, Diejian cut them down one by one.

He utilized the Shadow Clone Technique to its limit, protecting everything around Hiruzen.

If someone with a sharp mind in another village had chosen to dismantle Konoha not by attacking Hiruzen directly, but by targeting his "pawn" Diejian, Konoha might have already ended—it was that fierce a hidden battle.

Diejian remained by Hiruzen's side almost 24 hours a day, consuming only ninja food that did not interfere with combat readiness, enduring harsh days where he couldn't even get adequate sleep or rest.

He abandoned his past petulance and willfulness, and his efforts for Konohagakure were exactly the future his master, Tobirama, had envisioned for Diejian.

Carrying the sentiments of his deceased master, Diejian fought until the very end.

Even Diejian, who was confident in his physical strength, felt that without Tobirama's training and the Shadow Clone Technique, he would have died from overwork—it was truly that harsh a year.

"Please, don't be like this, Third Lord."

Even so, Diejian gently shook his head, believing it was necessary.

"I just did what I had to do... When I saw that person's body, I found what I had to do... the true path a ninja should walk. The reason I exist now is because that person was there. If you want to thank someone, please thank that person. I was just imitating that person... I'm not that 'amazing'."

The Will of Fire—connected by a legacy of will, the two men advanced together towards the same summit.

Though his tone was stiff, Diejian thought that if Hiruzen had been in his position, he would have done the same and said the same words.

"I see."

Perhaps Hiruzen understood that will, and said no more.

"Oh my..."

Hiruzen placed his hat on the table, sat deeply in his chair, and waved his hands in the air two or three times.

He put his pipe in his mouth, lit it.

As if taking a deep breath, he filled his lungs with smoke, then slowly, gently exhaled.

"Say, Diejian. You seem to have aged a bit."

"...Not as much as you, Monkey-bro..."

Both felt it was true, and they looked at each other and smiled.

Hiruzen, who had grown a beard again during this year, had noticeable lines of hardship etched on his face.

In contrast, Diejian had neatly cut his hair, which had been long a year ago, and his once gentle eyes had become sharp and keen.

Diejian's current demeanor was reminiscent of his two deceased masters.

The youth who had once shown a glimpse of the First Hokage's gentle countenance had transformed into a honed presence over the year.

It wasn't a bad thing, but he also felt a slight loneliness.

(That mischievous boy... hehe, if Father were to see me now... and First Lord, what would they think?)

Hiruzen hid his deep emotions within his heart.

He recalled the figures of his deceased masters.

Just as Diejian pursued the backs of Tobirama and Hashirama, Hiruzen also pursued the backs of the great pioneers.

"But Diejian, you did notice, didn't you."

Hiruzen didn't scold Diejian for his casual tone; instead, a mischievous smile appeared on his face.

Hiruzen's actions just now were to make the ninjas of the Anbu, who were lurking nearby, leave the area.

Perhaps he intended to startle Diejian when he acted disrespectfully.

But Diejian had sensed all the lurking presences and hadn't shown any weakness.

Only when the surveillance gaze disappeared did he finally change his tone and abandon his constrained posture.

"Of course. Compared to the previous assassins, their stealth skills are not yet up to par. They're still too young."

"You're quite young yourself. I really wish you could hear yourself say that a year ago."

"Hmph, likewise."

Facing the brazen Diejian, Hiruzen offered a helpless smile.

Diejian looked down at Hiruzen, whose expression had softened.

He felt a pang of emotion; over this past year, Hiruzen had truly changed a great deal.

That tone, that atmosphere—the Hiruzen of the past might have been a lecher, but he was fundamentally an honest, upright young man. Now, he had become a cunning middle-aged man worthy of the title of village leader.

"Anyway."

As Hiruzen spoke, as if cutting through the flow of conversation, Diejian straightened his posture.

Hiruzen nodded in satisfaction, tapping the ash out of his pipe while making a light, rhythmic sound.

"The selection for the Anbu is finally over, and the strict security system is fully in place. You can finally get some rest, too."

"Even if I can rest, it's meaningless if you can't, isn't it?"

"Thanks to you all, I can at least guarantee my own sleep. It's no problem."

"Is that so..."

The heavy, dark circles under their eyes spoke of their exhaustion, but since both understood that the other was the type of person who wouldn't listen even if told, they didn't press the matter further.

However, while some things had changed, others remained the same.

Both men still valued their comrades above all else.

Once this conversation ended, Hiruzen would likely have his exhaustion leaked to Ina, and Diejian would have his leaked to Biwako.

Both would be grabbed by the cheeks by their respective partners and forced to take a break.

Yet, even anticipating this, they were currently engaged in a futile mental battle over how to evade such a fate.

"So, Third. What was it you wanted to discuss with me?"

"Oh, right. It's about that matter... but before that, I wanted to ask about the children."

Those children—he was referring to Hiruzen's disciples: Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Jiraiya.

Ever since Hiruzen became the Third Hokage, he had been unable to guarantee enough time to mentor the three of them.

Moreover, as the direct disciples of the Hokage, the three held significant value as hostages, and there were many who targeted them.

Although Sakumo and Kagami had been assigned as guards for the sake of safety, this was tantamount to being under surveillance.

It had been a year with very little freedom for the three children, and Hiruzen had been worrying over them far more than before.

Diejian, sensing Hiruzen's inner turmoil, nodded deeply, took a small notebook from his pocket, and recited his observations along with the recorded details.

"Well, first is Jiraiya... As you know, ever since the disappearance incident a few days ago, he has been under the protection of the Great Toad Sage. It seems he will be receiving training there for the time being."

That had happened a few weeks ago.

The three, having finally received guidance from Hiruzen after a long time, had each grown in strength through their own studies, but the results showed that only Jiraiya still lacked coordination.

Hearing this, Diejian didn't think Jiraiya was the type to look down on his comrades.

In reality, this assessment was correct.

The truth was that it stemmed from a sense of rivalry toward Orochimaru, who was favored by Tsunade—the object of Jiraiya's affection—as well as a cute, vain desire to leave a good impression on the master who had finally returned to mentor him.

Faced with a disciple at such a charming age, it was only natural for Hiruzen, who was living the harsh daily life of the Third Hokage, to soften his heart.

Hiruzen decided to bestow a new technique upon Jiraiya, who had been tied to a wooden post as punishment.

--The Summoning Technique.

It was a space-time ninjutsu that allowed one to summon a contracted ninja beast at any time and place.

Although the difficulty of mastering it wasn't high, it had a drawback: if activated without a contract beast, the user themselves would be transported through space.

Hiruzen had warned him of this—but Jiraiya, excited by the new technique, activated it before he had even signed a contract with a summon.

As a result, Jiraiya suddenly vanished right in front of Sakumo, who was responsible for his protection.

Sakumo fell into self-reproach for losing his charge right before his eyes, Hiruzen grew frantic over the disappearance of his beloved disciple, and Tsunade and Orochimaru clung to Diejian with teary eyes, worried about their comrade's crisis.

As for Diejian, who was forced to shoulder all the problems, he nearly went insane dealing with the new trouble added to his already mountain-high pile of tasks, clutching his head in agony.

At the same time, he felt a sense of déjà vu regarding the existence of a "troublesome disciple who violates his master's orders," and he struggled in pain.

Thinking that this might be karma, Diejian, with his dark circles twitching, set to work on a solution.

Then, one day after the great commotion.

Perhaps it was because Diejian's hard work had paid off, or perhaps the effect of the Summoning Technique had ended, or maybe he had simply been sent back—Jiraiya returned to Konohagakure as if nothing had happened.

As for how Tsunade and Orochimaru treated him after witnessing his carefree attitude and having their nerves finally snap, that shall be omitted here.

After learning that Jiraiya had been summoned to the land where the Frog Sage of Mount Myōboku resided, Diejian suggested that Jiraiya go there to receive sage training.

Jiraiya left Konoha for the time being and settled down to live on Mount Myōboku.

"--As you know, Mount Myōboku is a land isolated from the outside world. It also serves the purpose of placing Jiraiya in a safer location than Konoha..."

"Mhm. First Lord... the 'Power of the Sage' that your grandfather Hashirama used is something we've always dreamed of."

"Ah, I understand. If possible, I'd like to have Jiraiya absorb it as Konoha's secret technique. If they're unwilling, Jiraiya could also be the founder of a new 'Toad Clan,' treating it as their secret inheritance. The power of my grandfather within me is no longer reliable..."

"There's nothing that can be done about that. Ever since I heard about you, I've felt that your very presence here is a miracle. Sage Jutsu, Wood Style. Although Konoha has lost the First Lord, what was inherited is indeed here."

Diejian mumbled vaguely, while Hiruzen nodded deeply.

Once, Diejian had used a Forbidden Jutsu bestowed by the Second Hokage in his decisive battle against Kakuzu.

That technique transformed the user's soul into chakra, and by all rights, it should have been fatal.

With immense grief, Diejian understood why he had survived even after using such a technique.

Looking back, ten years had passed since "that incident."

Even now, Diejian wasn't so fragile as to burst into tears, but parting with the presence that had always protected him was still unbearable.

Coupled with the death of Tobirama, Diejian's temporary seclusion before responding to Danzo's summons could be considered unavoidable.

"Then there are Tsunade and Orochimaru... Regarding Tsunade, Ina and Grandma are acting as her escorts and taking care of her. As the Princess of the Senju, she's equipped with sufficient guards, so it should be fine. Just in case, I've also sent a Wood Clone to follow her. The problem is Orochimaru..."

"Hmm, is there a problem?"

"No, I don't know if it's a problem... It seems he's learned various techniques by stealing from Teacher Kagami and Sakumo, who are his escorts. At that age, he's already attempting to control Four Nature Transformations. He's no longer suited to remain a Genin. Perhaps escorts are no longer necessary. Indeed, that child is a genius... But, how should I put it, perhaps that's precisely why he's 'dangerous'?"

"Mhm, I see... Understood. If it's just Orochimaru, I might be able to spare some time for guidance."

"Ah. Regardless, Orochimaru seems quite lonely. It would be good to check on him if you have time."

Hiruzen, burdened by his many duties, couldn't spare time to guide all three of them.

With his free time, he could at most guide one person, but he couldn't show favoritism.

However, the current situation was that if each of them sought guidance from seniors in their respective fields of expertise, then focusing on guiding Orochimaru, who was growing comprehensively, wouldn't be a bad idea.

Diejian lowered his gaze thoughtfully, then shrugged as if remembering something.

"In any case, the common point among the three is that they are all formidable geniuses. That being said, the Chunin Exams this time are under tight security. While it's partly intentional to have them participate... the danger is too great. It's better to stop them. Any objections?"

"Mhm..."

"What's wrong, brother? You look lost in thought."

To the vague Hiruzen, Diejian raised an eyebrow.

Sensing Hiruzen's thoughts, Diejian spoke with a hint of impatience.

"Third Hokage. You assigned me the role of an escort, a 'proctor,' to reduce the danger that might befall the children, didn't you? That's precisely why I incited 'that conspicuous' Uchiha Shuri. It was a great help that she already intended to participate, but that's another matter. I absolutely will not allow those children... allow Tsunade to be exposed to danger."

Uchiha Shuri.

She was a Genin connected to the direct bloodline of the Uchiha clan, capable of using the Three-Tomoe Sharingan.

Though she wore a mask of coldness and sharpness, inside she was an innocent and peculiar woman.

Speaking coldly, yet hesitating to act, a gentle woman like her truly wasn't suited for the ninja profession.

She was a slow-starter, only able to unleash her full power when she was on the brink of death or when someone she cherished was harmed.

Precisely because of this, she was an excellent decoy to draw the attention of external enemies away from the other Genin.

Being a Genin at her age was enough to make opponents underestimate her.

In fact, if Diejian hadn't known Shuri's strength since childhood, he too would have likely dismissed it with a laugh, thinking, "She's over twenty and still a Genin?"

Precisely because of this, she was the optimal decoy.

By recommending Shuri for the Chunin Exams, Diejian attempted to use her as a shield to protect the other young ninjas.

Shuri had already registered before Diejian contacted her, and this was because the Third Hokage, Hiruzen, had reached the same conclusion as Diejian and approved her registration.

However, Diejian couldn't accept others using Shuri, and his displeasure was difficult to completely conceal.

Hiruzen saw through this and showed a wry smile.

"With your personality of valuing comrades, I feel bad making you agree to expose Miss Shuri to danger."

"No... It's fine. There's no one more suitable than Shuri. Even I would do the same."

"However, Diejian, you are acting under my orders..."

If Diejian were to be tormented by guilt over using Shuri, Hiruzen wouldn't hesitate to ease his burden by saying, "This is the Third Hokage's order"—but.

"Third Hokage. You don't need to worry."

Diejian wore an expression that seemed to say, "Any more words would be an insult," and Hiruzen couldn't help but shrug.

"W-Well then."

Realizing his own words and actions due to Hiruzen's reaction, Diejian cleared his throat sheepishly, but still cast a sharp gaze at Hiruzen.

"Uchiha Shuri, I, Senju Diejian, will protect with my life."

Overwhelmed by the force of Diejian's declaration, Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, gasped.

"...Mhm. Really..., who did this stubbornness take after."

Hiruzen smiled helplessly, yet with a hint of amusement, while Diejian snorted.

Whose likeness it bore was, of course, self-evident.

"While that is part of the reason, I cannot possibly look after all of Hiruzen's Squad. That is, if they were to participate in the exam."

"I have also considered that point."

"Is that so."

This was the first joint Chunin Selection Exam held since the Third Hokage took office.

The villages participating in this exam were Grass, Waterfall, Rain, and Stone.

Besides Konoha, the only one of the Five Great Nations participating was Stone's Iwagakure.

Compared to the participating nations during the Second Hokage's era, it was less than half.

However—

"Iwagakure's Second Tsuchikage, Mu, is a notorious monster. He was the First Tsuchikage's right-hand man during the previous war and a man who matched wits with Uncle Tobirama. His Kekkei Tōta, Dust Release, which can reduce anything to nothing, is also quite terrifying. If he were to cause trouble after being invited into the village, the damage would be immense... Brother Monkey, why are you holding the Chunin Exams now of all times?"

"Hmm, regarding that... Diejian, do you know how many villages Konoha currently has non-aggression pacts with?"

"Practically none. To put it bluntly, kindling is smoldering everywhere."

"Precisely. It is precisely because of this that we can only do it now."

"Is it to clarify friend from foe? Even so, it's too dangerous. Why not have Mr. Danzo lead the newly formed 'Root' to gather intelligence and wait for the right moment..."

"I cannot ask so much of an organization that has just been established. Moreover, that 'right moment' is fast approaching.—Danzo has sent word... it's from Sand."

Hiruzen casually tossed a stack of documents onto the table.

It was a notification from Danzo.

It contained intelligence about Sunagakure's military expansion.

Sand, despite the Land of Wind's vast territory, had many barren lands and endured harsh climates.

Since the First Kazekage's era, Sand had been eyeing opportunities for territorial expansion.

With the steady Konohagakure and the Second Hokage dead, and its ally Kumogakure in chaos, there was no better time for Sand.

"In other words... if Sand were to attack, their target would be the neighboring Konoha or Stone?"

"Precisely."

Diejian made his deduction, and Hiruzen nodded.

"If we can form an alliance with Stone, we can create a powerful deterrent against Sand. That is why we specifically brought Stone into this."

"So, it's an alliance negotiation disguised as the Chunin Selection Exam?"

It wasn't that Stone was the only participant, but rather that only Stone had obtained information about Konoha holding the Chunin Exams and applied for a joint event.

Konoha wished to set aside the Five Great Nations, which were showing unstable tendencies, for the time being, and strengthen ties with the smaller nations that were looked down upon by others.

Whether Iwagakure, which had keenly perceived this, was friend or foe...

"What if Sand and Stone allied?"

"In that case, we would have no choice but to seek aid from Mist and Whirlpool. Regarding Mist, I have already sent Shizune and Homura. Regarding Whirlpool, I have asked Lord Mito to act as a go-between."

"Third Hokage, please allow me to speak frankly, that is far too dangerous."

What Hiruzen was attempting was not a gamble with low odds of winning.

If they lost, the enemy would penetrate the homeland and gnaw at Konoha from within.

Diejian condemned the Third Hokage, considering the village's peril.

However, to the loudly shouting Diejian, Hiruzen cast a sharp gaze.

It was not the gaze of the gentle man he once was.

It was the powerful gaze of the Third Hokage, bearing the future of Konoha, and indeed the Shinobi World.

"I am well aware of the danger. But the reality is that only now is possible. If we delay any longer, Sand will also lose patience and make its move. At that time, war will be unstoppable. We must inherit the wishes of the First Lord and the Second Hokage, 'a world without war'."

"But, what's important is the village... it's family, isn't it!? To expose it to danger—"

—What the correct answer was, no one knew.

Once, the First Hokage killed his eternal friend to protect the "present."

The Second Hokage, inheriting the Will of Fire, sacrificed "himself" to protect the "next generation."

Then, the Third Hokage, to protect what the predecessors had entrusted to him, had to endure the suffering of the "present"—he made this decision.

Diejian did not know the correct answer.

He also understood Hiruzen's thoughts... the reason he was hesitant and vague was that Diejian's sentiment, inherited from the First Hokage—the desire to protect the current village—was too strong.

As times changed, so did ideologies.

In the First Hokage's era, where protecting the village was the top priority, and in the Third Hokage's era, where preventing a great war was paramount, the priorities shifted.

If even a single coup d'état were to occur within the village now, Hiruzen and Danzo would, at the end of bitter decisions, not hesitate to destroy that clan.

Diejian was troubled.

The decisive difference between Diejian and Hiruzen, fellow disciples, lay in their war experience.

Hiruzen knew of the First Shinobi World War.

He knew its misery, its terror, its brutality, he knew it all.

He knew the number of lives lost, the heavy burden of potential closure, he knew it all.

To Hiruzen, the Shinobi World War was the worst "outcome" that must be avoided, even at some risk.

"--Precisely. Diejian, what we must do is prevent war. It is to protect the peace of the shinobi world that our predecessors wished for. I'm not asking you to accept it. But, one day you will understand."

As he spoke, Hiruzen stood up and gazed out the window. Diejian could not look directly at Hiruzen's back.

"...I will inform you of further matters later. You may withdraw."

Hearing this, Diejian turned his back to Hiruzen and left the room.

The moment before leaving the room, Diejian cast a glance at Hiruzen over his shoulder.

He directed his honed gaze at Hiruzen's back, but his eyelids trembled with impatience, unable to vent his emotions due to his understanding of Hiruzen's inner situation.

"...Third Hokage, just one last thing. This matter is truly a complete nuisance."

Diejian chuckled as if joking, and this time, he truly left the room.