Hiruzen Sarutobi's Probe, Uchiha Izumi Targeted

She is proficient in ninjutsu, taijutsu, and genjutsu, has already awakened the Two-Tomoe Sharingan, and possesses the strength of a chunin, though the specific fire-style techniques she has mastered remain unknown.

Her personality carries the typical pride of the Uchiha, yet she retains a feminine gentleness and possesses high emotional intelligence, making her both willing and able to integrate into a team.

Hokage's office.

After reading Hyuga Hizashi's analysis of Uchiha Izumi's strength and personality, Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke up: "Thank you for your hard work, Hizashi."

Hyuga Hizashi replied: "It is I who should thank the Third Hokage for your favoritism and trust."

This was no mere pleasantry.

When he first learned she was an Uchiha, he had been worried about internal issues, as the Uchiha were notoriously difficult to get along with.

But after spending only a short time with her, he realized his worries were unfounded; after all, not everyone could win over their squad members and successfully integrate into a group with just a few words.

With high strength and a good personality, no one could dislike such a talent.

Being able to have such an excellent graduate assigned to his squad showed the Hokage's trust in him, and he naturally felt the need to express his heartfelt gratitude.

Knowing that Hizashi was not just being polite, Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help but think even more highly of Uchiha Izumi's personal charisma.

"Alright, Hizashi, there is no need for such formalities. Let Uchiha Izumi come in."

"Yes!"

A short while later.

Having finished establishing her ninja file and officially donning her Ninja Headband, Uchiha Izumi arrived at the Hokage's office. She knelt on one knee and said respectfully: "Your Excellency, Hokage."

"Mm." Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded slightly.

Hearing of her was not as good as seeing her; at the very least, Uchiha Izumi's attitude and posture were different from the average member of the Uchiha clan.

"Izumi, congratulations. From today on, you are officially a member of the Konoha ninja force."

Uchiha Izumi replied: "Becoming a ninja has always been my dream. I am deeply honored to be recognized as a member of the Konoha ninja force. I will surely do my utmost to contribute to the village and strive to earn the recognition of the village and everyone in it."

The recognition of the village and everyone?... Hiruzen Sarutobi's heart stirred, and he narrowed his eyes. "Why do you want to become a ninja and earn that recognition?"

As if recalling some painful memory, Uchiha Izumi bit her lip and said: "Because I want to protect those around me, protect everyone, and earn the respect of others."

People only crave what they do not possess.

Recalling the intelligence that Uchiha Izumi had lost her father and suffered cold treatment within the Uchiha clan due to her impure bloodline, Hiruzen Sarutobi felt a shift in his heart.

It was because she had experienced the pain of losing loved ones that she longed to protect those around her.

It was because she had not received respect that she craved it...

That so-called high emotional intelligence was likely honed by the environment she lived in, forcing her to become accustomed to reading people's expressions...

But who could be certain that her current words weren't coached by someone else, or merely insincere remarks born of that high emotional intelligence?

"It is said that you did not live in the Uchiha district as a child. Are you accustomed to it now that you have returned?"

"Clan Head Fugaku and his family treat me like their own kin. Thank you for your concern, Your Excellency, Hokage."

She only mentioned Fugaku's family and said nothing of the others... Combining this with the intelligence reports, Hiruzen Sarutobi confirmed once again that she had not been treated well in the clan district, and he probed further: "I believe you are also aware of the friction between the Uchiha and the village. I wonder how Clan Head Fugaku usually..."

"This..." Uchiha Izumi looked troubled, and could only lower her head timidly. "I only know that Clan Head Fugaku is always troubled by how to maintain the balance between the clan and the village."

Fugaku is still loyal to Konoha at heart... Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded slightly.

He did not doubt this point; whether based on his understanding of Fugaku or the many times Fugaku had taken the initiative to concede, this was certain.

Otherwise, he would not have agreed to Fugaku using his father's name for Sasuke.

In his view, beyond the hope that Sasuke would become a great ninja like his father, Sarutobi Sasuke, there was also an implication of active goodwill.

At the same time, he also believed that when the balance was completely shattered and a choice had to be made, Fugaku would ultimately choose the Uchiha.

This was not a matter of trust, but the inevitable result of his identity as the Uchiha clan head.

As for Uchiha Izumi, judging by her troubled expression, Hiruzen Sarutobi knew she was hiding something, but he did not mind.

Fugaku's family treating her like kin was undoubtedly a warmth in the cold, a glimmer of light in the darkness.

Hiding something was only human nature.

If she had blurted everything out at once, she would not be a person worth trusting.

Just as Hiruzen Sarutobi's thoughts were racing, the Spore parasitic on Uchiha Izumi received a piece of information, and a voice echoed in her mind: "Someone is watching you. You need to increase the Third Hokage's regard for you. Repeat after me..."

Someone is watching me? Uchiha Izumi's heart skipped a beat. She listened carefully to Sasuke's words, then, as if having made a decision, she took a deep breath and looked up with a firm expression: "Your Excellency, Hokage, if it is possible, please let me become a bridge between the village and the Uchiha!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi was stunned for a moment.

The image of Shisui making the same request flashed through his mind, overlapping with the scene before him.

Hyuga Hizashi, who had been keeping his eyes closed and acting like a background character, couldn't help but slightly lift his eyelids...

He was already starting to regret being here...

The affairs between the Uchiha and the village were simply not something a member of the Hyuga branch family could intervene in, and this did not align with the Hyuga's consistent philosophy of detachment.

However, since the Hokage had not told him to leave, he could only stay...

Suddenly.

"Did Fugaku teach you to say this?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's sudden question made Uchiha Izumi look up in instinctive alarm. "How could that be? Why would Lord Fugaku ever teach a subordinate to say such things!"

Realizing she had been too agitated, she lowered her head and bit her lower lip. "This subordinate simply felt a sense of pity and wished to share in Lord Fugaku's burdens..."

It truly wasn't him... So, is this to repay the kindness Fugaku's family has shown her? Hiruzen Sarutobi gave Uchiha Izumi a long, deep look; he did not believe an eight-year-old child could lie to his face.

Possessing a character that values gratitude only further proved that she was someone worth trusting and worth winning over.

As for the fact that the debt of gratitude she wished to repay lay with Fugaku's family, that was of little importance. After all, Fugaku had always shown a willingness to reconcile with the village; as long as one grasped his weak points and applied the right guidance...

Thinking this, Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded. "Very well. Then I shall look forward to your performance in the future."

"Yes!" Uchiha Izumi was delighted at first, then her tone turned respectful and her expression resolute. "Thank you, Lord Hokage. This subordinate will certainly do her best!"

Once she had left, Hiruzen Sarutobi glanced toward Hyuga Hizashi, who stood to the side. "Hizashi, do you know what must be done next?"

"Yes," Hyuga Hizashi replied, his head bowed in submission. "This subordinate understands."

"Good." Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded with satisfaction, then waved his hand. "Go."

"This subordinate takes his leave."

Just as Hyuga Hizashi was about to exit the Hokage's office, suddenly—

Bang! With a loud crash, the office door was shoved open.

"Hiruzen, hand Uchiha Izumi over to me. I will cultivate her into the sharpest blade in Konoha!"

!!! Danzo!

The rapid succession of events finally made Hyuga Hizashi realize that his ninja squad hadn't just gained a talent, but a massive headache!

Danzo seemed to notice someone else was present and tilted his chin slightly. "Hizashi, is it? Uchiha Izumi is not suited for—"

"Danzo!" Hiruzen Sarutobi cut him off, then gave a slight nod toward Hizashi.

Hyuga Hizashi felt a weight lift from his shoulders. He hurried out of the office and, with great consideration, pulled the door shut behind him.