Kakashi!

"Sasuke, Haruno Sakura, and Naruto happen to make a perfect team. Who do you think is suitable to serve as their instructor?"

After Iruka left, Sarutobi Hiruzen fell silent for a moment before asking slowly.

"These children remind me of Kakashi, who also graduated from the Ninja Academy at a young age. Having Kakashi serve as their instructor couldn't be more appropriate."

With a gravelly, aged voice, Danzo proposed his suggestion.

"Indeed, Kakashi is also a genius ninja. His experience in growth will be very important for those children."

Nodding slightly, Utatane Koharu expressed her full agreement with Danzo's proposal.

"Kakashi? Hmm... He is currently in the Anbu. If I were to have him serve as an instructor..."

Sarutobi Hiruzen murmured, his mind beginning to weigh the possibility of Kakashi taking on the role of instructor.

Possessing over a thousand jutsu and known as the Copy Ninja, Kakashi's overall strength was arguably the highest among all jonin in Konoha. Having him serve as an instructor was indeed a very fitting choice.

"Since everyone recommends Kakashi, then let him serve as their instructor!"

After thinking for a while, Sarutobi Hiruzen finally made his decision.

Regarding this decision, Mitokado Homura and the others had no objections.

After a moment of silence, Danzo suddenly turned his head to look at Sarutobi Hiruzen, saying in a low voice, "Sarutobi, we must address the matter of the Uchiha Clan. According to reports from the Anbu, the Uchiha Clan is seeking the position of Hokage. We cannot let them succeed; we must formulate a plan."

"We still need to communicate more with the Uchiha Clan. As long as we can resolve the issue peacefully, even if it means I step down as Hokage, that would be acceptable..."

Hearing this, Sarutobi Hiruzen replied calmly.

"Hand over the position of Hokage to someone from the Uchiha Clan? Sarutobi, do you know what you are saying?"

Slamming his hand heavily on the table, Danzo expressed his intense dissatisfaction.

Danzo had long coveted the position of Hokage. If it were snatched away by someone else, he feared he would never become Hokage in this lifetime, which was why he was so furious.

"Danzo, although the ninja world seems peaceful now, enemy nations are still eyeing us like tigers watching their prey. If internal strife breaks out in Konoha, the consequences would be unimaginable."

Looking at the enraged Danzo, Sarutobi Hiruzen shouted a stern rebuke.

"But have you forgotten the instructions our teacher left us? The people of the Uchiha Clan are emotionally unstable. Letting them enter the upper echelons will only lead Konoha to ruin."

"Furthermore, the Nine-Tails' attack on Konoha six years ago was undoubtedly a tragedy orchestrated by the Uchiha Clan using the Sharingan. They will use any means necessary to achieve their goals. Leaving them be will only lead to endless trouble."

His face grim, cold light flickered in Danzo's murky eyes.

"The Uchiha Clan were once our partners. Unless absolutely necessary, we cannot take action against them..."

Shaking his head, Sarutobi Hiruzen remained unmoved by Danzo's words.

"Hmph." In the oppressive atmosphere of the room, Danzo, his expression shifting uncertainly, suddenly let out a breath and said coldly, "Fine, Sarutobi. Since you want to play the good guy, then I will take care of certain matters myself!"

"Danzo, you had better not do anything reckless!"

Staring at Danzo, Sarutobi Hiruzen warned him.

"Reckless?" Danzo's lips twitched, his voice icy and devoid of warmth: "I only do what must be done!"

After saying this, leaning on his cane, Danzo walked out of the room step by step, leaving Sarutobi Hiruzen with a grim expression.

Watching Danzo's retreating figure, Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed softly and whispered, "Decades have passed, and he still has that same temper!"

In Konoha, the most popular food spot on the streets was naturally Ichiraku Ramen. Not only did the villagers love the ramen here, but many ninjas also frequented the shop.

At this moment, inside the Ichiraku Ramen shop, a ninja with long, silver-white hair, a black cloth mask, and a forehead protector covering his left eye ordered a bowl of ramen from Teuchi.

The one with such an appearance was naturally the young prodigy known as the Copy Ninja, Hatake Kakashi.

"Haha... Kakashi, I didn't expect to find you here!"

Just as Kakashi pulled out his copy of Icha Icha Paradise and prepared to read while waiting for his ramen, a booming voice came from behind him.

Kakashi turned around and saw Might Guy, dressed in his green spandex suit with a bowl-cut hairstyle, calling himself "Konoha's Sublime Green Beast of Prey."

"What a coincidence!"

Kakashi smiled slightly and greeted Might Guy.

"Kakashi, I lost to you last time, so I've intensified my training recently. Now that you have time, let's have another match!"

Clenching his fists, Might Guy's eyes seemed to burn with fire as he shouted with passion.

Whenever he saw Kakashi, Might Guy couldn't help but want to challenge him.

"Let's skip it this time. After I finish my ramen, I have to head to the Anbu."

Facing Might Guy's invitation, Kakashi responded lazily.

"I see..."

Hearing Kakashi's reply, Might Guy felt a moment of disappointment, though he was already used to being rejected by Kakashi.

"Old man, give me a bowl of curry udon."

Ordering his favorite dish, Might Guy sat down next to Kakashi.

"Kakashi, did you know that a big event happened at the Ninja Academy yesterday?"

Glancing at Kakashi, who was reading his book intently, Might Guy suddenly asked.

"What is it? I was out on a mission yesterday!"

Kakashi shook his head, indicating he had no idea.

"Naruto, Haruno Sakura, and Sasuke—these three first-year students passed the graduation exam after only three months at the Ninja Academy. It's truly remarkable."

Seeing that Kakashi was unaware, Might Guy spoke up immediately.

"Three months? That fast?" Hearing Might Guy's words, Kakashi was taken aback, muttering in surprise.

Although Kakashi had graduated from the Ninja Academy at the age of five, he had still spent nearly a year there.

"Indeed. The youths in the village are getting stronger and stronger. Remember, Uchiha Itachi took a year to graduate from the Ninja Academy. If these three are granted special permission to graduate, they will set a new record for the Academy!"

Nodding, Might Guy sighed with emotion.

"This is a good thing for the village. With such outstanding talent, the three of them may become excellent ninjas in the future."

After a brief moment of contemplation, Kakashi said with a smile.

"Haha... true. I hope the higher-ups approve their graduation so they can become Genin sooner. Staying at the Ninja Academy after passing the test is just a waste of time."

Laughing loudly, Might Guy expressed his own opinion.

Kakashi did not continue the discussion, and just as he was about to return to his book, a masked ninja suddenly walked over.

"Senior Kakashi, the Hokage requests your presence!"

Such is the life of a ninja; no matter the time, there is always a mission.

"Old man, save my ramen for me. I'll be back for it."

"Guy, I'm heading out!"

Sensing that it might be an important mission, Kakashi offered a quick farewell before departing with the masked ninja.