How Can an N Card Compare to an SSR?

Could the Third Hokage possibly have anything good in store for him? Had the sun risen in the west, or had Konoha Village abandoned the Will of Fire in favor of rewarding merit?

"Though I don't know what it is, I might as well look forward to it."

With a brilliant smile, as if he were genuinely anticipating the congratulations mentioned by the Anbu, he arrived at the Hokage's office building and the mission briefing hall, only to find everyone already waiting.

"Teacher Minato, Senior Kakashi, and Third Hokage and advisors, what is the meaning of this?"

Seeing Uchiha Hanazuki arrive, Sarutobi Hiruzen coughed twice, swept his gaze over the three of them, and nodded with satisfaction.

"Hatake Kakashi, Uchiha Hanayu, upon the recommendation of your jonin instructors Orochimaru and Namikaze Minato, you are hereby officially appointed as jonin of Konoha Village."

As these words fell, Kakashi was already prepared, but Hanazuki was slightly stunned. A Konoha jonin? He hadn't even taken the chunin exams; had he been promoted to jonin by special exception?

"Wait, I haven't even become a chunin yet. Is such an exceptional promotion really appropriate?"

"It is of no concern. We are currently in wartime, and the appointment of chunin and jonin is entirely at the village's discretion. You possess the ability to serve as a jonin, Uchiha Hanazuki."

Exhaling a cloud of smoke, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, placed his pipe on the table and glanced at the stack of mission reports and ninja evaluations, nodding slightly.

"Since your graduation, you have saved the lives of hundreds of your fellow villagers, thwarted the Kazekage's advisor Chiyo on the side of Sunagakure, and preserved Konoha's strength during the Battle of Mount Kikyo."

"Just now, you defeated the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. Your ability and character are worthy of recognition. Even if you don't say it aloud, your heart acts in accordance with the Will of Fire unconsciously."

Utatane Koharu remained silent, while Namikaze Minato's expression softened, affirming the contributions Hanazuki had made for Konoha.

"Where the leaves of Konoha dance, fire shall burn. The fire's light will illuminate the village and allow new buds to grow into towering trees. I hope you will become the village's light in the future, illuminating the darkness and protecting Konoha's tender buds as they grow strong."

"He tui... Excuse me, that was intentional!"

Bang!

Utatane Koharu, who had been holding back for a long time, felt her anger surge again. She pointed at the indifferent Hanazuki and roared, turning her head.

"Sarutobi! You absolutely cannot let this guy become a jonin! Even if he has made some contributions on the battlefield, he cannot—"

"Calm down, Koharu. The so-called Will of Fire is not just something to be spoken of; Uchiha Hanazuki's actions are the true embodiment of the Will of Fire."

"The official jonin appointments for Konoha will be issued in a few days. Congratulations to you both, Uchiha Hanazuki, Hatake Kakashi."

After the two left, Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed deeply, his gaze shifting to the yellow-haired man who had achieved such outstanding military merit and could be called a model ninja.

"Minato, I leave that child to you. His talent is beyond doubt, and his treatment of his comrades is mostly impeccable, but spending time with Orochimaru carries the risk of being influenced by his paranoid ideology."

"I understand. Hanazuki is a clever child; don't worry, he will surely become an excellent jonin."

Minato nodded in agreement, and Sarutobi Hiruzen gave an almost imperceptible nod, signaling for everyone to leave.

Outside the Hokage's office building, the corners of Kakashi's mouth curled up slightly as he paused for a moment, his eyes filled with confusion.

"What are you smiling at?"

"Nothing. I really must congratulate you, Senior Kakashi. Once the official documents are issued, you'll be a jonin."

"A 12-year-old Konoha jonin—that is truly rare. Isn't that something worth celebrating?"

Lowering his gaze, Kakashi spoke in a cold tone.

"Are you showing off? A 10-year-old Konoha jonin who graduated from the ninja academy only a few months ago and was promoted through wartime channels, Uchiha Hanazuki."

"Not at all. I was just thinking that if I were a friend of Senior Kakashi, I should have prepared a celebration plan for you, but if it were me, there probably wouldn't be one."

"After all, I'm not the type of person with many friends, am I? Hahaha..."

Watching Hanazuki walk away, Kakashi shook his head in bewilderment.

"Weirdo."

It being wartime, the streets of Konoha were somewhat deserted. Hanazuki, having nothing to do, strolled along the street corner. Just as he turned the bend, a figure in a hurry collided with him head-on.

"Sorry! Are you alright?"

With an exclamation, a soft, apologetic voice and the papers scattered all over the ground left the fallen girl looking somewhat distressed.

"I'm fine, I'm fine. This is... Kakashi's jonin promotion, secret celebration plan? You are..."

Shifting his gaze to the girl who was busy picking up the celebration posters, a flicker of memory crossed his eyes.

"What's this! So it's Senior Rin! You're really well-informed, knowing even about Senior Kakashi's upcoming promotion to jonin. An intelligence network to be admired."

"Eh? Uchiha Hanazuki, it's Hanazuki! I'm so sorry, would you like to come celebrate together?"

After barely managing to tidy up, Nohara Rin smiled sweetly and gently, extending an invitation to Hanazuki.

"Celebrate together?"

"Sure. If there are no other missions, then I won't be shy about intruding."

Footsteps approached from afar, and Obito, wearing goggles and a tracksuit, waved excitedly.

"Rin, I..."

"Obito, come and help out too!"

Nohara Rin took the opportunity to thrust the celebration posters into Obito's hands. After hurriedly saying goodbye to him, she went off to distribute them to other friends of their generation, stifling the words Obito was about to blurt out.

After Nohara Rin had walked away, a familiar voice rang out, leaving Obito slightly stunned.

"Oh, Senior Obito has also successfully promoted to chunin. Congratulations, congratulations! Shall we go eat some dango to celebrate?"

"So it's you, Hua Yue! Why did that guy Kakashi have to become a Jonin? Honestly, Rin is the same way—it's always Kakashi this, Kakashi that. Once I awaken my Sharingan, I'll definitely be able to surpass him."

Obito couldn't help but complain. He had expected his younger clansman before him to simply offer a few comforting smiles, but to his surprise, Hua Yue nodded repeatedly in agreement.

"That's right. If Obito-senpai can awaken the Sharingan, or even a dōjutsu of a higher level than the Sharingan, you will absolutely be able to surpass Kakashi-senpai."

"To borrow the words of Orochimaru-sensei: I have never misjudged a person's talent. Your eyes harbor the potential to surpass Kakashi-senpai!"

Hua Yue wore a bright smile, his expression filled with hidden conviction. Obito was so moved that tears streamed down his face, and he nodded vigorously.

"I understand! I will definitely awaken the Sharingan and surpass Kakashi. I won't let you down, Hua Yue!"

Obito left, brimming with confidence, while Hua Yue continued to nod to himself.

The Mangekyō is just like drawing cards. How could N-rank abilities like Tsukuyomi and Amaterasu ever compare to the SSR-rank Double Kamui?

"So you're here? My adorable student..."