Will of Fire

Although Sarutobi Hiruzen rejected Danzo's proposal, Danzo's ambition was not extinguished by this refusal.

Stepping out of the Hokage Office, Danzo's heart was filled with resentment and cold determination.

Hiruzen, one day you will understand that I am the one truly suited to be Hokage. Danzo mused to himself. He knew that while he could not move against Uchiha Ying Yue openly for the time being, there were still many methods he could employ in the shadows.

Uchiha Ying Yue, I will not let your power go to waste. Since Hiruzen is unwilling to make a decision, I will find my own way to control you. Danzo said coldly in his heart.

From that moment on, Danzo began to secretly strengthen his surveillance of Uchiha Ying Yue, with his Root ninjas keeping a close watch on every move Ying Yue made.

Danzo's conspiracy gradually took shape; his goal was to use every means necessary to ensure that Uchiha Ying Yue's power would not threaten Konoha—or rather, that it would not threaten his own dream of becoming Hokage.

Although Sarutobi Hiruzen had rejected Danzo's proposal to bring Uchiha Ying Yue into the Root, Danzo's words still left him feeling uneasy.

Uchiha Ying Yue's actions had indeed won the favor of many; he funded orphanages and helped villagers, demonstrating great kindness.

Moreover, Uchiha Ying Yue's relationship with Uzumaki Mito also made Sarutobi Hiruzen feel at ease. After all, Lady Mito was a highly respected figure in the village, and her support meant that Ying Yue's credibility was much higher.

However, the fact that the blood of both the Senju and the Uchiha flowed through Ying Yue's veins made his status in Konoha both special and sensitive.

Sarutobi Hiruzen knew that Uchiha Ying Yue's future potential was immense, but he was also aware that such potential could either become a strength for Konoha or transform into an uncontrollable risk.

To dispel his doubts, Sarutobi Hiruzen decided to personally examine Ying Yue's mindset and ideology; he wanted to ensure that Ying Yue would not deviate from Konoha's "Will of Fire" in the future.

To test Ying Yue's thinking, Sarutobi Hiruzen decided to set the topic for a Ninja Academy exam himself: the students were to explain their personal understanding of the "Will of Fire."

The Will of Fire was the spiritual core of Konoha, representing the spirit of selfless dedication by ninjas to protect the village. Sarutobi Hiruzen hoped that through this exam, he could see if Ying Yue's understanding of this concept aligned with the village's philosophy.

When Uchiha Ying Yue learned the topic of the exam, he immediately sensed something unusual. He felt it was not just an ordinary test, but a form of scrutiny.

Uchiha Ying Yue pondered to himself; proposing such a topic was clearly an attempt to test his loyalty and conviction.

Uchiha Ying Yue decided to base his essay on the speech he had seen Sarutobi Hiruzen give in his past life, combining it with his own understanding to express a unique perspective on the Will of Fire.

In his essay, Uchiha Ying Yue quoted the future Sarutobi Hiruzen's exposition on the Will of Fire and expanded upon it.

Uchiha Ying Yue wrote: "Wherever the leaves of Konoha dance, the fire will burn on. The firelight will continue to illuminate the village and allow new leaves to sprout..."

Afterward, Ying Yue's essay was delivered to Sarutobi Hiruzen's desk. Sarutobi Hiruzen read it carefully, and a look of approval gradually appeared on his face.

This essay is written exceptionally well. Ying Yue's understanding of the Will of Fire coincides perfectly with my own; it is almost as if I had written it myself. Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed inwardly. Ying Yue's thinking was mature and steady; he clearly possessed the potential to become a pillar of Konoha in the future.

Sarutobi Hiruzen decided to incorporate some of the sentences from Ying Yue's essay into future Ninja Academy textbooks to promote the Will of Fire.

He believed that Ying Yue's words could inspire more young ninjas to understand and carry on the spirit of Konoha.

Subsequently, Sarutobi Hiruzen decided to summon Ying Yue personally.

He hoped to understand this young man more deeply and see if he truly, as written in the essay, firmly inherited the Will of Fire.

After receiving the Hokage's summons, Uchiha Ying Yue understood that this was an important moment. Sarutobi Hiruzen had already developed a keen interest in him through the exam, and this meeting might determine his standing in the Hokage's heart.

In the Hokage Office, Sarutobi Hiruzen and Ying Yue sat face to face, the atmosphere solemn and grave.

Sarutobi Hiruzen did not get straight to the point, instead observing Ying Yue carefully, as if trying to discern more from his expression.

Sarutobi Hiruzen praised Ying Yue's exposition on the Will of Fire highly, especially his understanding of responsibility and mission, which made Sarutobi Hiruzen see a maturity and sense of duty in Ying Yue that transcended his age.

Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled at Ying Yue and said, "Ying Yue, your essay was outstanding. Your understanding of the Will of Fire already possesses the mindset of a Hokage. The Konoha of the future needs young people like you who have both vision and a sense of responsibility."

Hearing the evaluation of "the mindset of a Hokage," Uchiha Ying Yue didn't know how to react. The last Uchiha whom Sarutobi Hiruzen praised for having the mindset of a Hokage was Uchiha Itachi, who, for the sake of the village, killed his parents and wiped out the entire Uchiha clan. Regarding Uchiha Itachi's actions, his own assessment was that the man had a lighter stuffed in his brain.

Although he understood that Sarutobi Hiruzen's intentions were well-meaning, to Ying Yue, the "Will of Fire" clearly did not align with his values as a modern person. Such values might work in a chaotic world like the Ninja World, but in his past life, no one would have paid them any mind. However, there were still many ninjas in this world who had internalized the "lighter" mentality; the brainwashing effect of the Will of Fire seemed very well-suited for this cruel era.

Despite the constant internal monologue, Uchiha Ying Yue maintained a calm demeanor in front of Sarutobi Hiruzen. He knew that his performance at this moment was crucial.

"Lord Hokage, thank you for your praise." Ying Yue smiled slightly, his tone filled with conviction. "I will keep the spirit of the Will of Fire in mind and use it as a guide to strive to contribute my strength to Konoha."

In their conversation, Sarutobi Hiruzen not only expressed appreciation for Ying Yue's understanding of the Will of Fire but also decided to further probe Ying Yue's thoughts, especially regarding his plans and ideals for the future.

Thus, Sarutobi Hiruzen asked as if casually, "Ying Yue, what plans do you have for the future? As a ninja, what is your ideal?"

Hearing this question, Uchiha Ying Yue immediately realized this was an important test.

He understood that Sarutobi Hiruzen wanted to know his ambitions to judge his future attitude toward Konoha. Without showing the slightest hesitation, Ying Yue decided to honestly express a grand and righteous ideal.

Uchiha Ying Yue said solemnly, "Lord Hokage, my ideal is to become Hokage."

A flash of surprise crossed Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by admiration. He smiled and signaled for Ying Yue to continue.

Uchiha Ying Yue continued, "I want to become Hokage. I hope that through my efforts, I can make Konoha more prosperous, so that all ninjas and villagers can live in peace and no longer be troubled by the flames of war."

Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded slightly, his tone encouraging, "Ying Yue, I am glad you have such an ideal, but becoming Hokage is no easy task."

"Lord Hokage, I will work hard toward this goal," Uchiha Ying Yue said solemnly.