Soon, early the next morning, Sōkyū Hatake got ready to set out.
Only after finishing his daily tasks did Sōkyū Hatake slowly make his way to Hokage Rock to check in.
Well, there was nothing good today, but it did not make much difference to Sōkyū Hatake.
As he walked back to the Hatake Clan compound, the villagers along the road had already spotted Sōkyū Hatake and begun murmuring among themselves.
"That's him."
"He became a Chunin at six, just like his brother."
"Seriously, everyone in the Hatake Clan is so strong."
"Exactly. If only my son could be that strong."
"Oh, give it a rest. You'd be burning incense in thanks if your son managed to graduate at twelve, wouldn't you?"
"You really can't force these things. The Hatake Clan was once a great clan, after all."
"True. They mentioned before that Sōkyū Hatake now represents one of Konoha's thirteen elders."
"What a handsome boy. I'll have my daughter marry him someday."
"Oh, please. With how ugly your daughter is?"
"Get lost!!!"
For a time, Sōkyū Hatake's appearance set everyone talking. Many people watched him, seemingly thinking about something.
When Kakashi Hatake had been promoted to Chunin at six, everyone had discussed him the same way.
"It looks like Hiruzen Sarutobi has already started spreading the word." A voice came from beside Sōkyū Hatake. He turned to look and saw someone he did not recognize.
"Spreading the word about what?"
"About someone as powerful as you, of course. We're at war now. The sudden emergence of a genius is very uplifting news for Konoha." Seemingly disdainful of Hiruzen Sarutobi's actions, the person spoke in a less than pleasant tone.
"You seem to see certain things very clearly, don't you?" Sōkyū Hatake tilted his head as he looked at the