Chapter 33: Notify the Uchiha Clan Leader, Prepare to Face the Challenge in the Best Possible Condition (1/2)
"So, by completing this mission, I can obtain the Hokage's will of fire, right?"
Holding the scroll tightly, Wakaho asked again.
He wasn't in a rush about becoming the clan leader. Although the Uchiha clan leader wasn't as prominent as the Hokage, the idea of being exempt from the exams at the age of seven seemed unrealistic. After all, Gaara next door became the Kazekage when he was just in his teens. Compared to that, Wakaho was more curious about Orochimaru's intentions.
"That's not the case," Orochimaru shook his head.
"Becoming a Jōnin is more demanding than passing the Chūnin Exams. It requires not only the ability to handle high-risk missions independently but also has high standards in various aspects."
"One mission definitely isn't enough... but this mission will be the starting point for you to become a Jōnin."
"I see..." Wakaho nodded thoughtfully, then immediately stood up and formed a hand seal.
"Then let's get going, Teacher."
Orochimaru was slightly surprised by this. Given his time with the child, he had thought Wakaho would be harder to persuade, especially since Wakaho had always been so fixated on challenging Fugaku and becoming the clan leader.
He glanced subtly at the Hokage Building.
Orochimaru was about to say something when Wakaho's shadow clone appeared, carrying Wakaho's thoughts from a moment ago and said:
"Should I inform Grandma and my brother, and also issue a challenge to Fugaku-sama?"
"Of course," Wakaho said seriously. "Rescuing people is a major task. I'll issue the challenge to Fugaku-sama after I complete the mission and return."
The shadow clone nodded, "Got it. I'll let Fugaku-sama know to prepare and try to be in the best possible condition to face you."
The shadow clone left expressionlessly.
Wakaho turned to Orochimaru, "Every moment counts in a rescue mission. Let's hurry and set off, Teacher."
Orochimaru hesitated for a moment but still agreed with a smile, "Alright."
...
Through the crystal ball, the Third Hokage watched as Orochimaru and Wakaho began heading toward the village exit.
Only then did the Third Hokage look at the three elders.
"You all saw it. Despite not receiving any hints from Orochimaru, the moment this child accepted the mission, he chose to depart immediately to rescue."
"As I mentioned... although Wakaho is young, his will of fire is very strong."
The Third Hokage leisurely filled his pipe with tobacco, gathered chakra at his fingertips to light it, and took a deep, satisfying puff.
"But this child's interpretation of the will of fire seems a bit unusual, doesn't it?" Tsunade frowned. "Becoming a Chūnin or Jōnin sounds quite absurd."
This was a typical reaction from those in higher positions who couldn't understand what they hadn't experienced themselves.
However, Mito Gatekeeper understood, "It might be a kind of tacit understanding between Orochimaru and this child. It's similar to how parents reward children when they achieve their goals. I've done the same with my own children."
"Wakaho is indeed very young, so Orochimaru's approach seems quite normal."
Tsunade frowned, "But could it be that Orochimaru is using this... tacit understanding to give hints to Wakaho?"
"Tsunade," the Third Hokage gently tapped the table to interrupt. "You're being overly cautious."
He then found it a bit odd and turned his gaze to Danzo.
Danzo had been unusually quiet today, entering the office and closing his eyes as if in deep meditation.
Noticing the Third Hokage's gaze, Danzo half-opened his eyes and spoke coldly, "My stance hasn't changed from the beginning."
"The Uchiha clan's members don't deserve to be promoted to Jōnin, especially this child who passed the exams through cheating."
"He also severely damaged the exam site in the second round, nearly causing harm to Konoha."
"This Uchiha... My suggestion is to revoke his Chūnin status and at least have him return to the Konoha Guard and be kept under surveillance to prevent..."