How Could an N Card Compare to an SSR?

Could anything good come from the Third Hokage summoning him? Had the sun risen in the west, or had Konoha abandoned the Will of Fire and started rewarding people based on merit?

"Though I don't know what it is, I suppose I'll look forward to it."

With a radiant smile, as though he truly anticipated the congratulations mentioned by those Anbu, he arrived at the Mission Assignment Hall in the Hokage Office Building and discovered that everyone had already been waiting for quite some time.

"Minato-sensei, Kakashi-senpai, the Third Hokage, and all the advisors—what is this about?"

Seeing Uchiha Huayue arrive, Sarutobi Hiruzen gave two light coughs. His gaze swept over the three of them before he nodded in satisfaction.

"Hatake Kakashi and Uchiha Huayu, upon the recommendation of your Jonin Instructors, Orochimaru and Namikaze Minato, you are hereby formally appointed as Konoha jonin."

Kakashi had been prepared for this, but Huayue froze slightly. A Konoha jonin? He had not even taken the Chunin Exams, yet he was being exceptionally promoted straight to jonin?

"Wait, I haven't become a chunin yet. Is it really alright to promote me by exception like this?"

"It is not a problem. We are at war, and the appointment of chunin and jonin is entirely at the village's discretion. And you possess the ability to serve as a jonin, Uchiha Huayue."

The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, puffed smoke from his pipe before setting it on the table. Looking at the mission reports and ninja evaluations, he nodded slightly.

"Since graduating, you have saved the lives of hundreds of Konoha comrades. You thwarted Chiyo, the Kazekage Advisor of Sunagakure, and at Kikyō Pass, you preserved Konoha's strength."

"Just moments ago, you defeated Kirigakure's Seven Ninja Swordsmen. Your ability and character deserve recognition. Even if you do not say so, your actions have unconsciously followed the Will of Fire."

Utatane Koharu remained silent, while Namikaze Minato wore a gentle expression, affirming Huayue's contributions to Konoha.

"Wherever leaves of Konoha dance, fire will burn on. The firelight will illuminate the village and allow new sprouts to grow into towering trees. I hope that one day, you too will become the village's firelight, illuminating the darkness and sheltering Konoha's young buds as they grow strong."

"Ptooey... Sorry, that was on purpose!"

Bang!

The long-suppressed fury within Utatane Koharu surged up once more. Pointing at the utterly unconcerned Huayue, she turned and roared.

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

"Calm down, Koharu. The Will of Fire is not something to be merely spoken of. Uchiha Huayue's actions are the truest embodiment of it."

"The official appointment as Konoha jonin will be issued in a few days. Congratulations, Uchiha Huayue and Hatake Kakashi."

After the two had left, Sarutobi Hiruzen let out a deep sigh and turned his gaze toward the blond man whose military achievements were outstanding enough to call him a model ninja.

"Minato, I leave that child to you. His talent is beyond question, and he is largely beyond reproach in how he treats his comrades. But staying with Orochimaru, he may very well be influenced by that man's obsessive way of thinking."

"I understand. Huayue is a smart child, so there is no need to worry. He will certainly become an excellent jonin."

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

Outside the Hokage Office Building, Kakashi's lips curved upward slightly. After pausing for a moment, his eyes filled with confusion.

"What are you smiling about?"

"Nothing. Congratulations, Kakashi-senpai. Once the official documents are issued, you'll be a jonin."

"A twelve-year-old Konoha jonin is quite rare. Isn't that something worth celebrating?"

Kakashi lowered his eyelids, his tone cold.

"Are you showing off? A ten-year-old Konoha jonin who graduated from the Ninja Academy only months ago and rose through the ranks successively through wartime promotions—Uchiha Huayue."

"No. I was just thinking that if I were Kakashi-senpai's friend, I should probably prepare a celebration for you. But if it were me, there probably wouldn't be one."

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

As Huayue gradually walked away, Kakashi shook his head for no apparent reason.

"Strange guy."

With the war ongoing, Konoha's streets were somewhat deserted. With nothing to do, Huayue wandered along a street corner. As he rounded a turn, a hurried figure crashed into him head-on.

"Sorry! Are you okay?"

The startled cry, the apologetic and gentle voice, and the papers scattered all over the ground left the fallen girl looking slightly troubled.

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

He shifted his gaze toward the girl gathering the celebration posters, a trace of recollection flashing through his eyes.

"What? So it's Rin-senpai! You're really well-informed. You even know Kakashi-senpai is about to be promoted to jonin. What an impressive information network."

"Huh? Uchiha Huayue—it's Huayue! I'm so sorry. Would you like to come celebrate with us?"

Having barely finished gathering everything, Nohara Rin smiled sweetly and gently as she invited Huayue.

"Celebrate together?"

"Sure. If I don't receive another mission, then I'll gladly accept your invitation."

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

"Rin, I..."

"Obito, come help out too!"

Nohara Rin promptly thrust a celebration poster in front of Obito. After hurriedly saying goodbye to him, she began handing them out to other friends from their class, forcing him to swallow the words that had been about to leave his mouth.

Once Nohara Rin had gone far away, a familiar voice rang out, leaving Obito slightly stunned.

"Oh? Obito-senpai successfully became a chunin too. Congratulations, congratulations. Want to celebrate with some dango?"

"So it's Huayue! Why did that Kakashi guy become a jonin? Seriously, Rin's the same—every single one of them goes on and on about Kakashi. Once I awaken my Sharingan, I'll definitely surpass him."

Obito could not help complaining. He had assumed that the younger clansman before him would merely smile and offer a few comforting words, but Huayue nodded repeatedly in agreement.

"That's right. If Obito-senpai can awaken the Sharingan, or even a dojutsu more advanced than the Sharingan, you'll definitely surpass Kakashi-senpai."

"To borrow Orochimaru-sensei's words, I have never been wrong about recognizing talent. Your eyes hold the potential to surpass Kakashi-senpai!"

Huayue wore a broad smile, his expression carrying hidden certainty. Obito was so moved that tears streamed down his face, and he nodded vigorously.

"I understand! I'll definitely awaken the Sharingan and surpass Kakashi. I won't disappoint your expectations, Huayue!"

Obito left brimming with confidence, while Huayue nodded again and again.

The Mangekyō is like drawing cards. How could N-card-level Tsukuyomi and Amaterasu possibly compare to SSR-level Dual Kamui?

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