Naruto: godly career system-Chapter 120: Uchiha Itachi

"Knock, knock, knock." Kai rapped lightly on the door of the Hokage's office.

"Come in," came the slightly aged voice of the Third Hokage.

Kai pushed the door open without hesitation and strode in, his sharp gaze landing on the elderly figure seated behind the desk. "Lord Third, you called for me?" he asked, his tone devoid of courtesy as he casually took a seat in one of the chairs.

The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, showed no sign of being offended by Kai's lack of decorum.

Though Kai was a ninja of Konoha, his immense strength afforded him a level of freedom that few dared to question. As long as he remained loyal to the village, even if his actions were occasionally controversial, the Third Hokage was willing to turn a blind eye. Just as he had three years ago, when Kai had barged into the Hyuga Clan's compound, leaving several elders in a state of permanent mental incapacitation. That incident, too, had ultimately been swept under the rug.

"Hmm," the Third Hokage murmured, lowering his head in thought for a moment. Then, lifting his gaze, he fixed Kai with a piercing stare and asked, "Kai, would you be willing to take on the position of the Fifth Hokage?"

"What?!" Kai froze, momentarily caught off guard by the unexpected question. However, after a brief moment of contemplation, he responded, "Lord Third, you know I have no interest in becoming Hokage."

Before he could finish his sentence, the Third Hokage interrupted him. "I'm willing to agree to your previous request—to disband the Konoha Council of Elders. No one will interfere in your management of the village. Does that change your mind?"

Kai's eyes widened slightly in surprise. He hadn't expected such a significant concession from the Third Hokage. To say he wasn't tempted would have been a lie.

However, after a moment of reflection, Kai shook his head. "I'm sorry, Lord Third, but I truly have no interest in the position of Hokage."

Kai's words were sincere. In the past, he had considered becoming Hokage as a means to bolster his reputation. But after his decisive victory against the joint forces of the Iwagakure and Kumogakure, his prestige in both Konoha and the ninja world had already far surpassed that of any Hokage. Taking on the title now would bring him no additional benefit. To Kai, it was an unnecessary burden.

Hearing Kai's refusal, the Third Hokage's expression dimmed. Though he had anticipated this outcome, hearing it directly from Kai's mouth still left him feeling disheartened.

Quickly regaining his composure, the Third Hokage shifted his gaze to the two individuals standing behind Kai. "Kai, who are they?" he inquired.

Following the Third's gaze, Kai introduced them directly. "These are my companions from my travels in the Land of Water—Haku of the Yuki Clan and Kimimaro of the Kaguya Clan. I'd like to trouble you to handle their entry procedures into the village. As for their ranks, let's start them off as Genin."

The Third Hokage raised an eyebrow in mild surprise but refrained from questioning further.

The Yuki Clan had been wiped out shortly after the Third Great Ninja War, and the Kaguya Clan had attempted a coup against Kirigakure two years ago, only to be annihilated by Mei Terumi. By all accounts, Haku and Kimimaro were likely the last surviving members of their respective clans. Their bloodline limits—Ice Release and Shikotsumyaku—were exceptionally powerful. For such talents to join Konoha was undoubtedly a boon.

As for potential protests from Kirigakure, the Third Hokage had already decided: if they had complaints, they could take it up with Kai.

In the ninja world, strength dictated everything. If even Iwagakure and Kumogakure had been subdued by Kai, Kirigakure would hardly dare to provoke him. And knowing Mei Terumi, she wouldn't jeopardize relations with Konoha over such a matter—especially not when it involved Kai.

"Understood. I'll handle their entry procedures and assign them to your squad," the Third Hokage said with a nod.

"My squad?" Kai paused, momentarily puzzled. But upon reflection, he realized it was a convenient way to integrate Haku and Kimimaro into the village. He nodded in agreement.

"Alright then, Lord Third. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave." Rising from his seat, Kai turned to leave.

"Wait, Kai," the Third Hokage called out suddenly.

Kai stopped in his tracks, turning back with a hint of curiosity. "What is it, Lord Third?"

The Third Hokage regarded Kai seriously before speaking. "Kai, Konoha's ninja squads typically consist of four members—one leader and three team members. With your squad, you currently have only Haku and Kimimaro, both of whom are Genin. My suggestion is to add another Genin to your team and have you serve as their instructor."

"Instructor?" Kai frowned. Haku and Kimimaro were exceptional—both in maturity and skill. But the thought of mentoring another Genin, likely fresh out of the academy and barely competent beyond the basics, was unappealing. He'd rather take on a hundred S-rank missions.

"No, Lord Third," Kai declined outright.

"Don't be so quick to refuse," the Third Hokage urged. "The Genin I have in mind is a prodigy—on par with Kakashi."

A prodigy on par with Kakashi? At this time, could it be… Kai's thoughts immediately turned to a certain individual.

Noticing the flicker of interest in Kai's expression, the Third Hokage smiled. "Uchiha Itachi of the Uchiha Clan. At the age of seven, he graduated from the academy as the top student and is currently a Genin with the skills of a Chunin."

So it was Uchiha Itachi.

Kai's interest was piqued. At seven, Itachi had graduated from the academy; at eight, he awakened the Sharingan; at eleven, he joined the Anbu; and by thirteen, he had unlocked the Mangekyo Sharingan. A true genius among geniuses.

Though Kai didn't agree with Itachi's decision to massacre his clan for the sake of the village's peace, he couldn't deny Itachi's greatness. Whether as a ninja or as a brother who loved his sibling unconditionally, Itachi's actions were beyond reproach.

A faint smile tugged at Kai's lips. "Uchiha Itachi, huh? Alright, I accept. Tell him to meet me tomorrow at 10 a.m. at Training Ground Seven."

Becoming Itachi's instructor? With Haku, Kimimaro, and Itachi—three of the most talented young ninjas of this era—under his guidance, Kai couldn't help but feel intrigued by the possibilities. What kind of growth would they achieve under his tutelage? The thought alone was enough to ignite his interest.

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