The Will of Fire

Although Sarutobi Hiruzen rejected Danzo's proposal, Danzo's ambition had not been extinguished.

As he left the Hokage Office, Danzo was filled with resentment and cold resolve.

"Hiruzen, one day you'll understand that I'm the one truly fit to become Hokage." Danzo thought to himself. He knew that although he couldn't make a move against Ying Yue for now, he still had plenty of ways to act in secret.

"Uchiha Ying Yue, I won't let your power slip through my fingers so easily. Since Hiruzen refuses to make a decision, I'll control you in my own way," Danzo said coldly to himself.

From that moment on, Danzo began secretly increasing his surveillance of Uchiha Ying Yue. His Root ninjas kept close watch on Ying Yue's every move.

Danzo's schemes gradually took shape. His goal was to use every means at his disposal to ensure that Uchiha Ying Yue's power would never threaten Konoha—or, more precisely, his own dream of becoming Hokage.

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

Uchiha Ying Yue's actions had indeed earned him many people's favor. He had supported the orphanage, helped the villagers, and shown great kindness.

Moreover, Uchiha Ying Yue's relationship with Uzumaki Mito put Sarutobi Hiruzen at ease. Lady Mito was, after all, a highly respected figure in the village, and her support made Ying Yue seem all the more trustworthy.

However, Ying Yue bore the blood of both the Senju and the Uchiha, which gave him a special and sensitive position in Konoha.

Sarutobi Hiruzen knew that Uchiha Ying Yue had immense potential, but he also understood that this potential could become either an asset to Konoha or an uncontrollable risk.

To dispel his doubts, Sarutobi Hiruzen decided to assess Ying Yue's mindset and beliefs himself. He needed to make sure that Ying Yue wouldn't stray from Konoha's "Will of Fire" in the future.

To examine Ying Yue's beliefs, Sarutobi Hiruzen decided to set the questions for an upcoming Ninja Academy exam himself. The students would be asked to explain their understanding of the "Will of Fire."

The Will of Fire was the spiritual core of Konoha. It represented the selfless devotion of ninjas who gave everything to protect the village. Through this exam, Sarutobi Hiruzen hoped to see whether Ying Yue understood the ideal in the same way the village did.

When Uchiha Ying Yue learned the subject of the exam, he immediately sensed something unusual. He felt this was more than an ordinary test; it was also an assessment.

Uchiha Ying Yue thought to himself that the question had clearly been set to test his loyalty and convictions.

Uchiha Ying Yue decided to base his essay on a speech Sarutobi Hiruzen would give in the future, one Ying Yue had seen in his previous life, and combine it with his own understanding to express his unique views on the Will of Fire.

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

Uchiha Ying Yue wrote, "Wherever Konoha's leaves dance, the fire will burn on. Its glow will continue to light the village and help new leaves sprout..."

Ying Yue's essay was later delivered to Sarutobi Hiruzen's desk. Hiruzen read it carefully, and his expression gradually turned approving.

"This is an excellent essay. Ying Yue's understanding of the Will of Fire is exactly in line with mine. It's almost as if I wrote it myself." Sarutobi Hiruzen marveled inwardly. Ying Yue was mature and levelheaded, clearly showing the potential to become a pillar of Konoha in the future.

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

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

Afterward, Sarutobi Hiruzen decided to summon Ying Yue in person.

He wanted to get to know the young man better and see whether he truly upheld the Will of Fire as firmly as his essay suggested.

When Uchiha Ying Yue received the Hokage's summons, he understood that this was an important moment. The exam had already sparked Sarutobi Hiruzen's keen interest in him, and this meeting might determine how the Hokage viewed him.

In the Hokage Office, Sarutobi Hiruzen and Ying Yue sat facing each other. The atmosphere was solemn and serious.

Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't get straight to the point. Instead, he studied Ying Yue carefully, as if trying to read more from his expression.

Sarutobi Hiruzen praised Ying Yue's explanation of the Will of Fire, especially his understanding of responsibility and duty. In Ying Yue, Hiruzen saw a maturity and sense of responsibility that far exceeded his age.

Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled at Ying Yue and said, "Ying Yue, your essay is excellent. Your understanding of the Will of Fire already reflects the mindset of a Hokage. Konoha's future needs thoughtful, responsible young people like you."

Hearing the words "the mindset of a Hokage," Uchiha Ying Yue didn't know what to make of it. The last Uchiha Sarutobi Hiruzen had praised for having the mindset of a Hokage was Uchiha Itachi, who had killed his parents and wiped out the entire Uchiha clan for the sake of the village. My assessment of Uchiha Itachi's actions? His brain was stuffed with a lighter.

Although Ying Yue understood that Sarutobi Hiruzen meant well, the "Will of Fire" clearly didn't fit his modern values. Those values might work in the chaotic Ninja World, but in his previous life, he doubted anyone would have cared. Still, quite a few ninjas in this world had practically implanted lighters in their brains. The Will of Fire's brainwashing seemed especially suited to this cruel era.

Though he was snarking to himself nonstop, Uchiha Ying Yue remained calm in front of Sarutobi Hiruzen. He knew that how he acted now was crucial.

"Lord Hokage, thank you for your praise." Ying Yue smiled slightly, his voice firm. "I'll remember the spirit of the Will of Fire and let it guide me as I do my best to contribute to Konoha."

As he spoke with Ying Yue, Sarutobi Hiruzen not only praised his understanding of the Will of Fire but also decided to probe his thoughts further, especially his plans and ambitions for the future.

So Sarutobi Hiruzen asked casually, "Ying Yue, what are your plans for the future? As a ninja, what's your ambition?"

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

Ying Yue understood that Sarutobi Hiruzen wanted to learn about his ambitions and judge his future attitude toward Konoha. Without the slightest hesitation, Ying Yue decided to honestly express an entirely noble and righteous ideal.

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

A flicker of surprise crossed Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes, but it was overshadowed by his approval. He smiled and motioned 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 the ninjas and villagers can live in peace without being plagued by war."

Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded slightly, his tone encouraging. "Ying Yue, I'm glad you have such an ambition, but becoming Hokage isn't easy."

"Lord Hokage, I'll work toward that goal," Uchiha Ying Yue said earnestly.