CHAPTER 87 - Promotion Approved  

Orochimaru had moved all of his experimental equipment and research projects out of Konoha. He now had three subordinates: two survivors from the experiment to fuse with Hashirama's cells. These two had undergone the procedure and, as a result, had significantly increased chakra reserves and cellular vitality. Orochimaru had also taught them some ninjutsu and kept them around as errand runners.

The third subordinate was named Shin, who had come to Orochimaru of his own accord, asking to learn techniques and willing to serve as an experimental subject. Shin's body had some unique traits, so Orochimaru accepted him as an assistant. However, before he could begin experimenting on Shin, he made significant breakthroughs in his research on Hashirama's cells. As a result, there was no immediate need for Shin to be used as an experimental subject, and he continued to serve as an assistant, helping with miscellaneous tasks and data management.

"Mirai-kun," Orochimaru said with a smile, addressing Hyuga Mirai, "Danzo wants more Wood Release followers. He's no longer satisfied with controlling the power of Wood Release through his subordinates. He wants to wield this power directly himself."

Mirai, who had grown more familiar with Orochimaru over time, responded casually, "That sounds wonderful. Sometimes, I wish I had a foolish employer. The research cost for a Wood Release subordinate is over two hundred million ryo. To ensure the safety of the Hokage's assistant, at least four hundred million ryo would be needed to guarantee absolute security, right?"

Orochimaru chuckled softly. "You're absolutely right. After all, safety is the most important factor."

Mirai's words made Orochimaru pause for a moment. He had initially intended to request one hundred million ryo from Danzo, but Mirai's mention of six hundred million, along with a clear reason based on safety, made him reconsider. If he were to bargain down the price, the risk would increase. Orochimaru could demonstrate the dangers of integrating Hashirama's cells, using experimental subjects who had been transformed into wooden puppets. If the experiments continued to fail, even Danzo's Root forces might not be able to provide enough experimental bodies without putting undue strain on him.

Mirai grinned. "This is just paying for knowledge. If the Hokage's assistant took a bit more interest in cellular biology, there wouldn't be any need to spend this much."

"Exactly, Mirai-kun. You're absolutely right," Orochimaru agreed.

Orochimaru knew that Danzo's Root could likely afford the six hundred million ryo, and instead of letting Danzo use it to expand his useless personnel, it might be better to hand it over to him so that Danzo could obtain and control the power of Wood Release. 

Unconsciously, Orochimaru realized how much he had been influenced by Mirai. He felt that if only he had met him earlier, his past work with Danzo on researching Wood Release might not have been such a waste of effort. Outside of observing a few forbidden techniques, there had been little tangible progress. 

"Lord Orochimaru, I'll leave for today. I'll come by next time," Mirai said as he stood up and patted off the dirt from his clothes, preparing to leave.

Orochimaru's expression shifted slightly when he heard this, but he soon recalled a forbidden technique he had recently come across. "Mirai-kun, next time, I can find some suitable opponents for you. However, you'll need to wait a little longer."

Mirai was the type of opponent Orochimaru wasn't skilled at handling. Whether it was the Gentle Fist that targeted the internal body or the highly perceptive Byakugan, both had strong countermeasures against Orochimaru's hidden techniques and unique substitution jutsu. Adding in Mirai's lightning-fast body flicker, Orochimaru would have to stay on high alert to avoid getting caught in close combat.

Fighting with Mirai for half an hour felt more exhausting than conducting an entire day of experiments. Orochimaru decided he would research the "Edo Tensei" (Reanimation Jutsu) to use dead bodies as sparring partners for Mirai. However, he hadn't yet mastered the technique, so he wasn't sure how effective it would be and would need to study it further.

Meanwhile, at the Hokage Building, Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, sat before a promotion application report, hesitating to make a decision. The application had been submitted by Vice Director Konoha, requesting the promotion of Hyuga Mirai to Medical Jonin.

Other matters concerning returning ninjas, such as compensations and achievements, had already been handled. Only this promotion request remained. 

By all rights, Mirai was qualified for the promotion to Medical Jonin. His proficiency in medical ninjutsu and his contributions on the battlefield were more than enough. The only issue was his age, which was still young.

However, a message from Namikaze Minato had made Hiruzen hesitate. 

"Lord Hokage, please keep an eye on Hyuga Mirai." 

It was a cryptic message, but Minato had always been protective of his comrades. If there wasn't a serious reason, he would not have sent such a message through the ANBU.

Hiruzen began reviewing Mirai's file, which included annual comments from his teacher, Ishii Ichirou, praising Mirai without reservation. Reports from Konoha Hospital, including from Konoha's doctors like Nakano and Kono, and others like Jonin Akimichi Fuu, further confirmed Mirai's impeccable reputation. 

Had he not been from the Hyuga branch family, Hiruzen might have even considered Mirai for the position of Fifth Hokage. 

Mirai's medical talent rivaled that of Tsunade, but without her infamous temper. Even the Hyuga Branch family would likely see him grow into a towering figure, as Kono and Nakano had predicted, to protect and shield Konoha.

"Minato must have discovered something, but what exactly... I'll need to ask him directly," Hiruzen thought to himself. He speculated that Mirai had hidden something that Minato had discovered, but it didn't seem to pose a threat to Konoha. Otherwise, Minato would have dealt with it directly.

The promotion to Medical Jonin could not be delayed further. If Hiruzen held back now, he would need to explain himself not only to Konoha but also to the Hyuga clan.

"I'll approve it for now. But I should ask Jiraiya to investigate further," Hiruzen suddenly thought. With Jiraiya currently in the village, and his aptitude for gathering intelligence, he was the perfect person for the task. This would also keep him occupied, as Hiruzen had received numerous complaints about Jiraiya's behavior at the hot springs. 

(End of Chapter)

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