A Swift Year

At this moment, Uchiha Lihuo, who was currently the focus of much attention, had just returned to the village with Orochimaru.

After Orochimaru presented their entry permits and the two gate guards cleared them, Lihuo finally returned to the village he had been away from for so long.

"How does it feel to be back?"

Seeming to sense the excitement in Lihuo's heart, Orochimaru asked indifferently.

"It feels very comfortable, just like coming home."

Orochimaru smiled at these words, neither confirming nor denying.

They were not given time to go home and tidy up; upon hearing of their return, Sarutobi Hiruzen immediately dispatched his direct Anbu to summon them at once.

In the Hokage Office, Orochimaru was reporting the details of the mission.

What he said was largely consistent with the information provided by Xiang, though he added details known only to himself and Lihuo.

"Mm, not bad. You two have worked hard."

The Third Hokage smiled.

"Due to the special circumstances of this mission, although the primary objective was not met, it is still considered a completed mission."

"Little Lihuo, you've completed an A-rank mission on your very first outing."

The Third Hokage said to Lihuo with a smile.

Lihuo scratched his head and looked at Orochimaru.

"I was just doing odd jobs; the main force was Teacher Orochimaru."

All three of them laughed, and then Orochimaru patted Lihuo on the shoulder.

"Alright, little Lihuo, you should head out first. The Third Hokage and I still have some things to discuss."

Lihuo tactfully took his leave, knowing that there were still many things waiting for him.

Orochimaru remained in the Hokage Office. Sarutobi Hiruzen understood his disciple well; if Orochimaru specifically wanted to discuss something with him, it must be of great importance.

"Little Lihuo seems to possess some kind of high-speed movement ninjutsu."

As soon as Orochimaru spoke, he went straight for Lihuo's trump card. Lihuo could never have imagined that despite his extreme caution, he had still underestimated the intelligence of people like Orochimaru.

"I carefully observed Sha's escape route, and there were only his footprints on that path."

"Yet, Lihuo's footprints seemed to appear out of thin air."

The Third Hokage stroked his chin upon hearing this.

"That is indeed strange. Did Lihuo reveal such an ability during his training with you?"

"He did not."

Orochimaru shook his head.

"Then this brat is intentionally hiding his true strength."

"I fear that is the case. Although I don't know why, the strength Lihuo has displayed is likely not his true capability."

Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded.

"I understand. However, little Lihuo has always kept Konoha in his heart, so this minor matter is of no consequence."

Orochimaru nodded in satisfaction at these words.

"I also know it is of no consequence, but to prevent those with ulterior motives from exploiting this, I thought it best to report it to you, Teacher, as early as possible."

Orochimaru had genuinely developed a fondness for his talent and truly viewed Lihuo as his disciple, which was why he was so dedicated to helping him eliminate risks lurking in the shadows.

Afterward, Orochimaru chatted with the Third Hokage a bit more about matters regarding Root, before finally walking out of the Hokage Office.

As for Lihuo, after settling the mission and collecting his reward, he first returned home to freshen up.

Exhausted from the long journey, Lihuo was already worn out.

After getting plenty of rest, it was already evening, and he calculated that the Ninja Academy would likely have already dismissed for the day.

Lihuo called up his friends from the academy—Guy, Obito, and Aotian—and then went to the Hatake Residence to pick up Kakashi, who had just finished his training, before they all headed to a barbecue restaurant together.

Sizzle!

As the fragrant meat hit the grill, the group of friends opened the floodgates, chatting away about recent events.

The focus of the students' intense attention was none other than Lihuo and Kakashi.

Guy: "Kakashi, tell us about the Chunin Exams! We're all so curious."

Aotian: "Boss, tell us about the ins and outs of this A-rank mission! I know it's confidential, but you can at least tell us about the thrilling parts!"

The group chimed in one after another, making the atmosphere even more lively.

Lihuo then embellished the parts of the mission that could be shared, telling the story to the group, who listened with great relish.

Guy: "So exciting! I want to go on missions too!"

Kakashi: "Wait until you actually become a ninja first, you youth-obsessed idiot."

Afterward, Kakashi briefly recounted the process of the Chunin Exams, leaving everyone yearning for such experiences.

Guy: "I really want to become a Chunin!"

Lihuo: (･_･;

Although, you sure do have a lot of ideas.

Lihuo's dry remark made the atmosphere even livelier.

Feeling this long-lost sense of camaraderie, Lihuo wore a sincere smile.

"Come, come, stop just talking and start eating the barbecue..."

When Lihuo focused his gaze on the grill, he rubbed his eyes in disbelief.

"What the hell, am I under a genjutsu?"

The grill, which had been packed full just a moment ago, now held nothing but roaring charcoal embers.

Guy: "What happened? That was so fast!"

Aotian: "Who the hell ate it all!"

Obito wiped his mouth.

"Hiccup—exactly! Who has so little manners, stealing food like that? Hiccup."

Everyone: "Uchiha Obito!"

In the end, Lihuo had no choice but to order another round of barbecue for everyone to enjoy dinner together.

The next day, Lihuo received a one-week leave specially approved by the Hokage. Instead of continuing his training, Lihuo chose to take a proper break.

After all, focusing solely on grueling training was an easy way to break one's own body.

However, Orochimaru refused to let even this vacation time go to waste. Starting from the fourth day, he summoned Lihuo to the laboratory every single day.

He was not only intentionally grooming Lihuo to be his assistant but also hoping to use Lihuo's sharp mind to help him find new directions for his experiments.

A week later, Lihuo resumed his rigorous training under Orochimaru.

Time flew by, and a year passed in the blink of an eye.

During this year, Lihuo had accompanied Orochimaru on one A-rank mission and five B-rank missions, while also completing ten C-rank missions solo, gaining a wealth of practical combat experience.

Not only that, but as he grew older, Lihuo's chakra reserves had steadily increased, now faintly reaching the level of a Chunin.

His overall strength had even reached the level of a Special Jonin.

Incidentally, after Hatake Kakashi's public challenge during the Chunin Exams, many people who loved to stir up trouble had goaded Lihuo into participating.

Lihuo finally responded to Kakashi, successfully promoting to Chunin by finishing in first place, which caused quite a sensation in Konoha Village.

After all, with two genius ninjas appearing back-to-back, it was hard for the villagers of Konoha not to be overjoyed.

But this made the other hidden villages green with envy.

In the Sand Village, Chiyo stared at the intelligence report before her, her heart filled with rage.

"Damn Konoha! Hatake Kakashi and Uchiha Lihuo, one day I will make you pay the price!"

In Iwagakure, Onoki hovered in the air, carefully reading the intelligence gathered by his Anbu over the past year regarding Uchiha Lihuo.

"So, all the critical information has been sealed by Sarutobi Hiruzen?"

The Iwagakure Anbu knelt on one knee and nodded.

"Uchiha Lihuo, his strength is truly astonishing. This child must not be allowed to live!"

Yet, Lihuo, the protagonist of this affair, felt not a shred of pride, as he believed that reaching the rank of Chunin with his strength was a piece of cake.

During this year, Lihuo had also seized an opportunity to pat Sakumo's head!

Sakumo was usually busy with official duties, leaving early and returning late, so there were few chances to see him.

Even when they did meet, he was often sitting far away, leaving Lihuo unable to find a suitable moment to pat his head.

But this time, Lihuo finally caught his chance.

"Ding! Patting head of A-rank ninja: Hatake Sakumo. Please choose three of the following rewards."

"Hatake Sword Technique"

"Konoha Secret Taijutsu Technique: One Thousand Years of Death"

"Significant enhancement of physical fitness"

"One A-rank ninja sword"

"Top-tier culinary skills"

Lihuo did not hesitate, choosing "Hatake Sword Technique," "Significant enhancement of physical fitness," and the "A-rank ninja sword." After a year of tempering in real combat, Lihuo fully realized the importance of strength and hidden trump cards.

Therefore, even if he couldn't use it openly, Lihuo decided to learn the Hatake Sword Technique!

As the rewards were granted, Lihuo instantly mastered the Hatake Sword Technique to perfection, and a blood-red famous sword appeared in his system inventory!

Lihuo took out the famous sword to examine it closely. Feeling the cold touch of the blade and swinging it lightly, Lihuo knew this was a peerless weapon no less formidable than the White Fang.

"System, does this sword have a name?"

"Flame," the cold system voice rang out in Lihuo's mind.

"Flame, is it? It certainly suits this fiery red blade."

As the final reward, "Significant enhancement of physical constitution," was granted, Lihuo's physical stats officially reached the Jonin level!

Feeling the surging power within his body, Lihuo was filled with a sense of security.

Then, one day a year later, Lihuo welcomed the third A-rank mission of his life!