CHAPTER 34

After the Genin exams concluded, the list of graduates and their scores was promptly delivered to the Hokage's office.

Sarutobi Hiruzen, along with Konoha's advisors, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, was responsible for organizing the newly graduated ninja into teams and selecting their leaders.

Weaker Genin teams were typically assigned to Chūnin instructors, while those with great potential were placed under the guidance of Jōnin.

Mitokado Homura held a stack of graduation records and began forming teams based on the students' strengths.

"The Ino-Shika-Chō trio will follow the traditional arrangement," Homura said as he grouped their profiles together and handed them to Koharu.

Koharu, after considering various factors, assigned them a suitable Jōnin instructor.

At his desk, Hiruzen sat smoking his pipe, gazing at two particular transcripts in deep thought.

Homura glanced at him and asked, "Hiruzen, how do you plan to handle the two prodigies who graduated early this year?"

Koharu also turned her attention to him.

Hiruzen exhaled a ring of smoke and, after a moment of contemplation, said, "They'll be on the same team."

Homura raised an eyebrow. "That still leaves one spot open."

Hiruzen set his pipe down, considering his options.

"Kakashi and Tunan are both at near-Chūnin level.

Tunan might be a bit weaker, but he was able to subdue two Chūnin momentarily using his Sharingan's genjutsu.

His taijutsu and ninjutsu need work, but he complements Kakashi well."

Koharu nodded and, after some thought, asked, "Who will lead them?"

Hiruzen narrowed his eyes, clearly still undecided.

At that moment, the office door swung open, and Shimura Danzō entered.

"Hiruzen, how's the Genin team distribution going this year?"

Hiruzen frowned. "Why do you ask?"

Danzō stepped forward, his expression unreadable. "As Konoha's unseen guardian, is it wrong for me to take an interest in the next generation?"

Hiruzen gestured toward Homura and Koharu. "The teams are still being finalized."

Danzō's gaze flickered to the transcripts in their hands, then to the two profiles on Hiruzen's desk.

"I heard Kakashi Hatake and an Uchiha prodigy both graduated early," Danzō remarked.

Hiruzen, without missing a beat, discreetly slid the transcripts into his drawer and nodded.

"Yes, I intend to assign them to the same team."

Danzō's eyes darkened momentarily, but he masked his irritation.

"Have you chosen their Jōnin instructor?"

"I'm still considering it."

"Then don't waste time. I have the perfect candidate."

"Who?"

"The Jōnin from the Aburame clan—Aburame Ryōsuke."

Hiruzen gave Danzō a surprised look before scrutinizing the suggestion.

Ryōsuke was a seasoned ninja, certainly capable of training Kakashi and Uchiha Tunan.

But something about Danzō's insistence felt off.

After a brief pause, Hiruzen shook his head. "He's not suitable."

Danzō scoffed.

"Why not? Kakashi inherited the White Fang's swordsmanship and is already highly skilled in ninjutsu.

That Uchiha kid awakened the Sharingan and excels in genjutsu.

Together, they lack any major weaknesses—except one: medical support."

Hiruzen frowned.

Aburame Ryōsuke was never known for medical ninjutsu.

His eyes sharpened as he scrutinized Danzō. "Since when has Ryōsuke shown medical talent?"

Danzō remained composed.

"His insects have recently evolved. They can detoxify poisons and even generate special life factors useful for healing."

Hiruzen took a slow drag from his pipe, the smoke curling into the air as he considered the information.

Ryōsuke had always been a quiet figure within the Aburame clan—almost invisible.

But he was also a cousin to Yūhei, one of Danzō's top Root operatives.

Despite not officially being part of Root, everything about Ryōsuke suggested he was aligned with Danzō.

If not him, then who was the best choice?

What did this team need most?

Kakashi had inherited his father's skills—no Jōnin could teach him much more.

As for Tunan…

With three-tomoe Sharingan, his taijutsu and ninjutsu would naturally improve.

His strength wasn't the issue—his mindset was.

Tunan had endured significant changes recently, and Hiruzen couldn't oversee him personally.

He needed a mentor who was optimistic, warm-hearted, and embodied the Will of Fire—someone who could keep him from straying down a dark path.

Suddenly, an image of a bright, sunny smile came to mind.

Yes. Him.

Hiruzen's decision was firm.

Turning to Danzō, he said resolutely, "No. I've already made my choice."

Danzō, who had assumed victory, stiffened. His expression darkened as he slammed a hand onto the desk.

"Hiruzen, what's the meaning of this?

Do you think I have ulterior motives?"

Homura and Koharu immediately intervened.

"Danzō, calm down."

"Let's discuss this rationally."

Hiruzen waved a hand dismissively, his tone unwavering.

"Enough. I have decided. Their team leader will be Namikaze Minato."

Danzō's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Minato? The Jinchūriki's little boyfriend?

Hiruzen, are you insane? He's barely been promoted to Jōnin, and you want to entrust two prodigies to him?

You'll ruin them!"

Hiruzen's expression turned ice-cold. He set his pipe down and met Danzō's glare head-on.

"Watch your tone. I am the Hokage."

For a moment, the two locked eyes, tension thick in the air.

Finally, Danzō let out a cold snort and turned away.

"Hmph. You'll regret this."

He stormed out, heading back toward the Root headquarters.

But the moment he entered, his anger vanished, replaced by a calculating calm.

"What kind of illusion has that Uchiha brat cast on you, Hiruzen?

You actually trust him over me?"

His voice lowered, muttering to himself.

"But I have no ill intentions—everything I do is for Konoha."

Glancing at one of his operatives, he asked, "How is Orochimaru's experiment progressing?"

"The results are… not promising. The last pair of Sharingan we obtained was destroyed."

Danzō's expression darkened.

"And what does Orochimaru say?"

"He believes the energy within the Sharingan isn't enough to counteract the overwhelming vitality in the cells.

He suggests acquiring more Sharingan—stronger ones."

Danzō remained silent for a moment before finally saying, "I understand."

After a pause, he turned to another Root operative.

"My cousin has refused to join Root, correct?"

"Yes, sir."

Danzō's gaze hardened.

"Go to him now. Recruit him again.

If he accepts, bring him to me—I have a mission for him.

If he refuses… well, we can't afford loose ends."