Ninja's Destiny

Early January, Year 45 of Konoha. The arrival of the New Year once again brought a bustling energy to the village's commercial district.

The theaters, usually unpopular, were packed with crowds, while many people in the newly opened teahouses and dessert shops on Tea Street chose to sip tea while admiring the Hokage Rock.

While most were celebrating the New Year, several figures dressed in black formal attire lingered for a long time before the Memorial Stone not far from the training grounds.

"Life and death have no meaning whatsoever."

"If death possesses any meaning, it only exists when it can be utilized."

"Hatake Sakumo has already escaped the fate of a ninja; he no longer needs to fight like a beast."

Orochimaru, who had been silent, spoke these words in a low, raspy voice while looking at Hatake Sakumo's tombstone. His tone caused Jiraiya, standing nearby, to frown and instinctively retort:

"You're spouting your twisted definitions again. This world will eventually change."

"Jiraiya, you are still as naive as ever! The so-called Child of Prophecy will not solve a single problem."

Orochimaru looked at his companion with an expressionless face to offer his perspective, then, ignoring the emotions of those around him, continued in a low voice:

"In my view, if life has any meaning, it must be when life is eternal."

"Shu, perhaps you can understand me. When we first met, I saw that same thirst for 'life' in you."

Tsunade, in a foul mood, turned her head to glare at Orochimaru. Since the end of the Second Shinobi World War, this companion had changed significantly, becoming almost neurotic.

"Eternity? The Sage of Six Paths will fade away, and even a ninja like my grandfather will eventually face death."

"Orochimaru, you still love those boring fantasies!"

The Sannin exchanged words, yet none could convince the others. Tsunade, with her golden hair, did not want to continue this bizarre topic and decisively said in a low voice:

"I don't like the way Root secretly evaluates ninjas. They were the ones manipulating the rumors that appeared this time."

"Ninjas who have experienced war are often not as strong as they seem. Konoha ninjas are not tools."

For the sake of the village's stability, Root conducted periodic evaluations of every ninja.

Loyalty, life goals, and mission tendencies were all subject to detailed investigation by Root, with the evaluation of the Uchiha Clan being particularly strict.

Shu Furukawa had not participated in the trio's discussion at first, but only when Tsunade fell silent again did he take up the conversation:

"Perhaps this is also a way of manifesting war trauma."

"Jonin Takagi also chose to commit suicide after completing his mission, and similar cases have occurred at Konoha Hospital."

"I respect Hatake Sakumo's choice, but life truly shouldn't be like this."

After Ichiro Furukawa and his wife sacrificed themselves for a mission, the team leader, Jonin Takagi, returned to the village and committed suicide in his home out of guilt less than a month later.

While part of it was due to his own injuries preventing him from continuing his career as a ninja, it was largely due to an emotional breakdown after witnessing the tragic death of a close friend of many years.

"Someone will change all of this—that is the prophecy of the Great Toad Sage!"

"War will be ended, and people will eventually understand one another..."

Jiraiya suddenly spoke up to encourage them. When mentioning the Child of Prophecy, he couldn't help but recall the three disciples he had once taught, a look of determination appearing on his face.

"Why, after experiencing so much, are you still so childish?!"

"Sarutobi will soon make a response. Once friction arises between the Five Great Nations, war will break out again."

After Orochimaru's brief response, a look of mockery appeared on his face. He then turned slowly and reminded Shu Furukawa once more:

"There is a proposal from the higher-ups to have young geniuses participate in this year's joint Chunin Exams, with the goal of showcasing the village's strength."

"Shu, be prepared. Tsunade's teachings are too benevolent; I look forward to you killing all your opponents..."

"Orochimaru, don't you dare try to boss me around!"

Tsunade responded loudly in annoyance, her expression turning ugly as she watched Orochimaru's retreating back.

It was certainly Danzo and his ilk who proposed the Chunin Exams; they had clearly evaluated Shu Furukawa's strength.

Most of their recent gatherings ended on a sour note. Jiraiya was already used to this, so he scratched his head helplessly and tried to smooth things over for the higher-ups:

"When you were in the Land of Hot Water purchasing herbs, Danzo and the others discussed this matter. It's just that at the time, no one in the Jonin Division recommended Shu to participate in the joint exams."

"The two advisors sided with Danzo, and the Old Man didn't object in the end. It shouldn't be that dangerous..."

Just as an angry Tsunade was about to retort, Shu Furukawa responded with a calm expression:

"As for the Chunin Exams, I am enough on my own. Guy lacks experience and still needs a few years to settle."

"I can agree to it on behalf of the higher-ups! Spend these few months adjusting your state."

Jiraiya responded with a serious face, but upon seeing Tsunade clenching her fists, he immediately jumped away and turned to leave, muttering as he went:

"I'll help look after Kakashi, don't worry! The Toad Sage's new book can heal everything!"

"..."

Only the two of them remained before the Memorial Stone. Tsunade let out a long sigh, still feeling very annoyed by the arbitrary decisions made by her teacher and the higher-ups.

"It doesn't matter, Teacher. After all, I am a disciple of one of the Sannin; many people are likely curious."

"At most, they will just be opponents a few years older. Ninjas don't compete based on age... ow..."

Watching Shu Furukawa rub his forehead, Tsunade withdrew her right hand, then crossed her arms over her chest and instructed him earnestly:

"My original plan was for you to be promoted to Chunin after you turned ten; there would be no need to participate in such exams, as my recommendation would have been sufficient."

"If war breaks out in the future, I would prefer you to assist the village in the capacity of a medical ninja."

"You should already be familiar with the three rules of medical ninjas, and both Jiraiya and Orochimaru have promised me they will look after you."

Although Shu Furukawa was grateful for this plan, he needed to complete [Collection] during the war to unlock the mysteries of certain Kekkei Genkai:

"Death means everything is gone, and that is not what I pursue. With the new techniques from Master Tsunade, the Grim Reaper won't be coming for me."

"Don't try to act cool in front of me, brat! There is a shop on Tea Street that sells decent Chestnut Yokan; Shizune likes it quite a bit, so come with me to buy some."

By mid-January, Might Guy, who had resumed accepting mission requests, was starting to reach his limit; he could not comprehend the change in Kakashi.

The village had sealed the news of Hatake Sakumo's suicide, and all the ninjas who knew the truth kept their mouths shut. By March, the White Fang of the Leaf would end his ninja career as a hero.

After four consecutive hours of high-intensity sprinting, a drenched Kakashi continued to swing his short blade at the wooden post in silence.

No longer making snide remarks or throwing his hands up in frustration, Kakashi had spoken fewer than ten sentences in half a month, appearing like a mere puppet.

"Shu, what exactly happened?"

Might Guy crouched on a tree branch, his face etched with worry as he whispered the question. Shu Furukawa remained silent for a moment before turning his head to speak:

"Give Kakashi some more time; he will recover."

"..."