On the eastern front, Iwagakure had suffered one devastating defeat after another at Uchiha Ling's hands. The destruction of its elite assassination squad, Star-Shattering, was especially damaging. Its offensive had been forced to let up for the time being, shifting instead to a more cautious defense and harassment.
On Konoha's side, Uchiha Ling's outstanding performance had stabilized the front and even, to some extent, reversed the disadvantage in the northeast.
But the pressure of fighting on multiple fronts remained immense, and the war as a whole had become a brutal, protracted struggle of attrition.
Against this backdrop, two orders bearing the Hokage's seal were sent to Orochimaru's eastern-front headquarters at the highest priority.
Inside the tent, Orochimaru studied the orders in his hand, a complicated, inscrutable light flickering in his golden, serpentine eyes.
Orochimaru raised his gaze and looked at Uchiha Ling and Namikaze Minato, who stood before him.
"Ling, Minato," Orochimaru said, his voice carrying its usual rasp.
"The village leadership has decided that your achievements in this war and the strength you've demonstrated meet—and even surpass—the standard for jōnin. You are hereby officially promoted to Konoha jōnin.
"The orders require you to return to Konoha immediately, receive your formal appointments, and collect your corresponding rewards."
Promotion to jōnin!
The news didn't cause much of a stir in the tent. Neither Uchiha Ling nor Namikaze Minato showed much excitement.
To them, this was simply the natural next step. Given the accomplishments they'd earned and the strength they'd demonstrated, it would have been strange if they hadn't been promoted.
"Additionally," Orochimaru added, licking his lips, "in recognition of your outstanding contributions to the fight against Iwagakure's invasion, Lord Hokage has granted each of you permission to choose one advanced ninjutsu from the forbidden techniques stored by the village as an