Did anything good ever come of the Third Hokage looking for him? Had the sun risen in the west, or had Konoha abandoned the Will of Fire and started rewarding people according to their merits?
"I don't know what it is, but I might as well look forward to it."
He wore a bright smile, as if he were eagerly anticipating the congratulations from the Anbu. Only when he arrived at the Hokage office building's Mission Briefing Hall did he realize everyone had been waiting for quite some time.
"Minato-sensei, Kakashi-senpai, Third Hokage, and all the advisors—what's going on?"
Seeing Uchiha Hanazuki arrive, Sarutobi Hiruzen cleared his throat twice. He looked over the three of them, then nodded with satisfaction.
"Hatake Kakashi and Uchiha Hanayu, on the recommendation of your guiding Jonin, Orochimaru, and Namikaze Minato, you are hereby officially appointed Jonin of Konoha."
Kakashi had been prepared for this announcement, but Hanazuki was slightly taken aback. A Konoha Jonin? He hadn't even taken the Chunin Ninja Exams. Had he really been promoted straight to Jonin as an exception?
"Wait, I haven't even become a Chunin. Is it really all right to promote me by exception?"
"That's no problem. We're at war, so the village has full authority to decide who becomes a Chunin or Jonin. And you have what it takes to serve as a Jonin, Uchiha Hanazuki."
Blowing smoke, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, set his pipe on the table and looked over the mission reports and ninja evaluations. He nodded slightly.
"Since graduating, you've saved the lives of hundreds of your fellow villagers. You thwarted Sand Hidden advisor Chiyo, and your actions at the Battle of Mount Kikyo preserved Konoha's strength."
"Just now, you defeated Kirigakure's Seven Ninja Swordsmen. Your ability and character deserve recognition. Even if you don't say it aloud, you act in accordance with the Will of Fire without even realizing it."
Utatane Koharu remained silent. Namikaze Minato's expression softened as he acknowledged Hanazuki's contributions to Konoha.
"Wherever the leaves dance, the fire burns. The firelight will illuminate the village, allowing new buds to grow into towering trees. I hope that one day, you'll become the village's firelight, illuminating the darkness and protecting Konoha's young shoots as they grow."
"Heh—sorry, that was on purpose!"
Bang!
Utatane Koharu, who had been holding herself back for a long time, flared up again. She pointed at the completely unconcerned Hanazuki and turned to shout at the others.
"Sarutobi! We absolutely cannot let this guy become a Jonin! Even if he's earned some merits on the battlefield, that doesn't mean—"
"Calm down, Koharu. The Will of Fire isn't just something you talk about. Uchiha Hanazuki's actions are a true embodiment of it."
"Your official appointments as Konoha Jonin will be issued in a few days. Congratulations, Uchiha Hanazuki and Hatake Kakashi."
After the two had left, Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed deeply and looked toward the blond man with an outstanding record, someone who could be called a model ninja.
"Minato, I'm entrusting that boy to you. There's no question about his talent, and he's usually impeccable toward his comrades. But spending time with Orochimaru might expose him to Orochimaru's obsessive way of thinking."
"Understood. Hanazuki's a clever boy, so there's no need to worry. He'll definitely become an excellent Jonin."
Minato nodded. Sarutobi Hiruzen gave an almost imperceptible nod in return, then signaled for everyone to leave.
Outside the Hokage office building, Kakashi's lips curled up slightly. He paused and looked puzzled.
"What are you smiling about?"
"Nothing. Congratulations, Kakashi-senpai. Once the official paperwork comes through, you'll be a Jonin."
"A twelve-year-old Konoha Jonin is pretty rare. Isn't that something worth celebrating?"
His eyes lowered, Kakashi's tone cool.
"Are you bragging? A ten-year-old Konoha Jonin who graduated from the Ninja Academy only a few months ago and climbed the ranks through war, Uchiha Hanazuki?"
"No. I was thinking that if I were Kakashi-senpai's friend, I'd probably plan a celebration for you. But if it were me, I doubt anyone would bother."
"After all, I'm not exactly the type with lots of friends, am I? Hahaha..."
Watching Hanazuki walk farther away, Kakashi shook his head, baffled.
"What a weirdo."
With the war underway, Konoha's streets were rather quiet. With nothing to do, Hanazuki strolled along the street. As he rounded a corner, someone hurried straight into him.
"Sorry! Are you all right?"
A startled cry, a gentle voice full of apology, and papers scattered across the ground left the girl who had fallen looking rather troubled.
"I'm fine, I'm fine. This is... Kakashi's secret celebration plan for his promotion to Jonin? You're..."
He glanced at the girl gathering the celebration posters, and a flicker of recognition crossed his eyes.
"What? It's Rin-senpai! You're really well-informed. You even know Kakashi-senpai's about to become a Jonin. I'm impressed by your intel network."
"Huh? Uchiha Hanazuki—it's you, Hanazuki! I'm so sorry. Would you like to join us for the celebration?"
After managing to gather everything, Nohara Rin smiled sweetly and warmly as she invited Hanazuki.
"Join the celebration?"
"Sure. If I don't have any other missions, I'd be happy to drop by."
Footsteps approached from afar. Obito, wearing goggles and a tracksuit, waved excitedly.
"Rin, I..."
"Obito, come help out too!"
Nohara Rin promptly handed the celebration posters to Obito. After hurriedly saying goodbye to him, she went around distributing them to their other classmates, cutting off whatever he had been about to say.
After Nohara Rin had walked away, a familiar voice rang out, making Obito pause in surprise.
"Oh, Obito-senpai became a Chunin too? Congratulations, congratulations! Want to go celebrate over some dango?"
"Oh, it's Hanazuki! Why did that guy Kakashi become a Jonin? Seriously, Rin's the same—everyone keeps going on about Kakashi, Kakashi. Once I awaken my Sharingan, I'll definitely surpass him."
Obito couldn't help complaining. He'd thought his junior clansman would just smile and offer a few comforting words, but Hanazuki kept nodding in agreement.
"That's right. If you awaken your Sharingan—or even a more advanced ocular jutsu—you'll definitely surpass Kakashi-senpai."
"To borrow Teacher Orochimaru's words, I've never been wrong about people. Your eyes hold the potential to surpass Kakashi-senpai!"
Hanazuki wore a smiling, confident expression. Tears of excitement welled in Obito's eyes as he nodded emphatically.
"I understand! I'll definitely awaken my Sharingan and surpass Kakashi. I won't let you down, Hanazuki!"
Obito left full of confidence, while Hanazuki nodded repeatedly.
The Mangekyo is like drawing cards. How could Tsukuyomi and Amaterasu, the N-rank cards, ever beat Double Kamui, an SSR?
"There you are, my adorable student..."