How Can an N Card Compare to an SSR?

Could there be any good news when the Third Hokage summons him? Has the sun started rising in the west, or has Konoha Village abandoned the Will of Fire in favor of rewarding merit?

Although 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, along with the advisors—what is the meaning of this?"

As the group saw Uchiha Hanazuki arrive, Sarutobi Hiruzen gave a light cough, swept his gaze over the three of them, and nodded in satisfaction.

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

As soon as these words were spoken, Kakashi remained composed, but Hanazuki was slightly stunned. A Konoha Jonin? He hadn't even taken the Chunin exams; had he been promoted to Jonin as an exception?

"Wait, I haven't even become a Chunin yet. Is it really alright to grant such an exceptional promotion?"

"It is fine. We are currently in wartime, and the village has full authority to decide on Chunin and Jonin appointments. You possess the capability to serve as a Jonin, Uchiha Hanazuki."

Exhaling a cloud of smoke, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, placed his pipe on the desk 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 Sand Village front, and preserved Konoha's strength during the Battle of Mount Kikyo."

"Just moments ago, you defeated the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist Village. 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 without you even realizing it."

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

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

"Pfft... excuse me, that was intentional!"

Bang!

Utatane Koharu, having reached her limit, 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 and Hatake Kakashi."

After the two left, Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed deeply, his gaze shifting to the yellow-haired man who had achieved such remarkable military success 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 a high risk of him being influenced by his paranoid ideology."

"I understand. Hanazuki is a smart child; do not worry. He will surely become an excellent Jonin."

Minato nodded in agreement, and Sarutobi Hiruzen gave a subtle nod, signaling for everyone to depart.

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

"What are you smiling at?"

"Nothing. Truly, congratulations, Senior Kakashi. Once the official documents are issued, you'll be a Jonin."

"A 12-year-old Konoha Jonin—that is quite rare, isn't it? 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 months ago and rose through the ranks via wartime promotions, Uchiha Hanazuki."

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

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

Watching Hanazuki walk away, Kakashi shook his head, bewildered.

"What a weirdo."

In these wartime days, the streets of Konoha were somewhat desolate. Hanazuki, having nothing to do, strolled along the street corner. Just as he turned, a figure in a rush collided with him head-on.

"Sorry! Are you alright?"

With an exclamation, a soft, apologetic voice accompanied the papers scattered across the ground, leaving the girl who had fallen looking slightly distressed.

"It's fine, it's fine. This is... Kakashi's Jonin promotion, secret celebration plan? You are..."

Shifting his gaze to the girl who was busy gathering the celebration posters, a flash of memory crossed his eyes.

"What do you know! It's Senior Rin! Your sources are truly impressive; even knowing that Senior Kakashi is about to be promoted to Jonin—a truly admirable intelligence network."

"Eh? Uchiha Hanazuki, it's Hanazuki! I'm so sorry, would you like to join the celebration?"

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

"Join the celebration?"

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

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

"Rin, I..."

"Obito, come and help us too!"

Nohara Rin took the opportunity to thrust the celebration poster into Obito's hands. After hurriedly saying goodbye to him and continuing to distribute them to other friends from their year, she effectively stifled the words he was about to blurt out.

After Nohara Rin had walked away, a familiar voice sounded, 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 Hua Yue! Why did that guy Kakashi become a Jonin? Seriously, and Rin is the same—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 just smile and offer a few words of comfort, but to his surprise, Hua Yue nodded repeatedly in agreement.

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

"To borrow the words of Master Orochimaru, I have never been wrong when it comes to judging talent. Your eyes harbor the potential to surpass Senior Kakashi!"

Hua Yue wore a beaming 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 successfully and surpass Kakashi. I won't let you down, Hua Yue!"

Obito left full of confidence, while Hua Yue continued to nod to himself.

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

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