"Sasuke, Haruno Sakura, and Naruto could make a team. Who do you think would be suitable to serve as their instructor?"
After Iruka left, Sarutobi Hiruzen fell silent for a moment, then asked slowly.
"These children reminded me of Kakashi, who also graduated from the Ninja Academy very young. Kakashi would be the perfect instructor for them."
Danzo's aged voice was slightly low as he made his suggestion.
"Indeed. Kakashi is still young, and his experience growing up would be important to those children."
Utatane Koharu nodded slightly, fully agreeing with Danzo's suggestion.
"Kakashi? Hmm... He's in Anbu right now. If we have him serve as their instructor..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen murmured a few words, considering whether Kakashi could take on the role.
With more than a thousand techniques to his name, Kakashi was known as the Copy Ninja. His overall strength was probably the greatest among all Konoha's Jonin, making him an excellent choice as their instructor.
"Since everyone recommends Kakashi, let's have him serve as their instructor!"
After some thought, Sarutobi Hiruzen finally made his decision.
Mitokado Homura and the others had no objections.
After a moment of silence, Danzo suddenly turned to Sarutobi Hiruzen and said in a low voice, "Sarutobi, we need to discuss the Uchiha Clan. According to Anbu's reports, the Uchiha Clan is seeking the Hokage Position. We can't let them succeed. We need to come up with a plan."
"We still need to communicate with the Uchiha Clan. As long as we can resolve the issue peacefully, I'd even be willing to step down as Hokage..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen replied calmly.
"Hand the Hokage Position over to someone from the Uchiha Clan? Sarutobi, do you know what you're saying?"
Danzo slapped the table hard, his displeasure clear.
He had coveted the Hokage Position for a long time. If someone else took it from him, he feared he would never become Hokage in his lifetime. That was why he was so furious.
"Danzo, the Shinobi World may seem peaceful now, but the other nations are still watching us closely. If Konoha fell into internal conflict, the consequences would be unimaginable."
Sarutobi Hiruzen shouted at the furious Danzo.
"But have you forgotten our teacher's instructions? The Uchiha Clan is emotionally unstable. Letting them into the village's leadership would only lead Konoha to ruin."
"Besides, the Nine-Tails' attack on Konoha six years ago was definitely a tragedy caused by someone from the Uchiha Clan using the Sharingan. They'll resort to any means to achieve their goals. Leaving them alone will only invite trouble later."
Danzo's face darkened, a cold glint flashing in his murky eyes.
"The Uchiha Clan were once our allies. We can't move against them unless absolutely necessary..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen shook his head, unmoved by Danzo's words.
"Phew." In the oppressive room, Danzo's expression shifted. He suddenly exhaled and said coldly, "Fine, Sarutobi. If you want to play the good guy, I'll take care of some things myself!"
"Danzo, you'd better not do anything reckless!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen glared at Danzo and warned him.
"Reckless?" Danzo's mouth twitched, his voice utterly cold. "I'm only doing what needs to be done!"
With that, Danzo leaned on his cane and walked out of the room, step by step, as Sarutobi Hiruzen watched with a grim expression.
Watching Danzo's back disappear into the distance, Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed softly. "After all these decades, you still have the same temper!"
In Konoha, Ichiraku Ramen was easily the most popular place to eat on the street. The villagers loved its ramen, and many shinobi came by as well.
At that moment, a shinobi with silver-white hair, a black cloth mask, and a Forehead Protector covering his left eye ordered a bowl of ramen from Teuchi at the Ichiraku Ramen Shop.
Naturally, the shinobi dressed like that was Hatake Kakashi, a prodigy who'd made a name for himself at a young age and was known as the Copy Ninja.
"Haha... Kakashi! I didn't expect to find you here!"
Just as Kakashi took out Icha Icha Paradise and prepared to read while waiting for his ramen, a booming voice came from behind him.
Kakashi turned and saw Might Guy, wearing a green jumpsuit and sporting a bowl cut. He called himself Konoha's Sublime Green Beast of Prey.
"What a coincidence!"
Kakashi smiled and greeted Might Guy.
"Kakashi, I lost to you last time, but I've been training harder lately. Since you're free, let's have another match!"
Might Guy clenched his fist, his eyes blazing with enthusiasm as he shouted.
Whenever he saw Kakashi, Might Guy couldn't help challenging him.
"Not this time. After I finish my ramen, I have to go to Anbu."
Kakashi lazily turned down Might Guy's invitation.
"I see..."
Hearing Kakashi's answer, Might Guy immediately looked a little disappointed. But Kakashi had turned him down so often that he was used to it.
"Teuchi, I'll have a bowl of curry udon."
After ordering his favorite, Might Guy sat down beside Kakashi.
"Kakashi, did you hear about the big thing that happened at the Ninja Academy yesterday?"
Might Guy glanced at Kakashi, who was engrossed in his book, and suddenly asked.
"What happened? I was out on a mission yesterday!"
Kakashi shook his head, indicating that he didn't know.
"Naruto, Haruno Sakura, and Sasuke—those three first-year students passed their graduation test after just three months at the Ninja Academy. It's really impressive."
Seeing that Kakashi hadn't heard, Might Guy quickly explained.
"Three months? That fast?" Kakashi was taken aback, murmuring in surprise.
Although Kakashi had graduated from the Ninja Academy at the age of five, he'd still spent nearly a year there.
"Yeah. The village's young people are getting stronger and stronger. Remember how Uchiha Itachi graduated from the Ninja Academy in just a year? If those three are granted special permission to graduate, they'll set a new record for the academy!"
Might Guy nodded and sighed.
"This is good for the village. With talent like theirs, they might become excellent shinobi in the future."
After a brief pause, Kakashi said with a smile.
"Haha... Exactly. I hope the leadership approves their graduation so they can become Genin sooner. Staying at the Ninja Academy after passing the test would be a waste of time."
Might Guy laughed loudly and shared his opinion.
Kakashi didn't continue discussing the topic. Just as he was about to return to his book, a masked shinobi suddenly walked over.
"Senior Kakashi, Lord Hokage wants to see you!"
That was the life of a shinobi: no matter when, there was always a mission.
"Teuchi, save my ramen for me. I'll be back."
"Guy, I'm heading out!"
Thinking it might be an important mission, Kakashi called out to him, then left with the masked shinobi.