Chapter 88 – Hidden Loyalties, Open Trials

"Really now..." Homura nodded in agreement. "Alas, I never thought things would shift so dramatically in just a few years. It's all become far too unpredictable."

He sighed deeply.

"Hiruzen and Danzo… they're different from us. We can't—and shouldn't—take that kind of risk. Let them throw the dice if they want. We'll adapt based on the outcome. At most, we provide support from the sidelines, never too deep. I'll warn the clan—stay alive first, everything else can wait. What do you think?"

Koharu's lips pressed into a thin line. She didn't disagree.

Even if Hiruzen won, they'd gain benefits just by being seen as supporters. He still needed their backing, after all—they were his former comrades and respected elders. But if he lost?

Then they'd simply claim non-involvement and cut ties swiftly.

That way, they wouldn't go down with the ship, and more importantly, their clans wouldn't be wiped out.

Life over loyalty.

As for justice or fairness toward Hiruzen or Danzo—Koharu and Homura didn't see it that way. They'd received far less than either of those men over the years. Why should they take the same level of risk?

Power was a game of balance, not heroism.

And so, silently and with a shared nod, the two old advisors came to a secret understanding:

They would not go all in.

The Next Morning – Academy Training Grounds

The stands of the Konohagakure Ninja Academy were overflowing. Parents, clan members, elite Jonin, even village elders filled the space.

Among them stood the towering figures of Uzumaki Mito, Uchiha Hikari, Senju Tsunade, Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Hyuga Hiashi, alongside many more.

Even Danzo Shimura and the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, were present—watching closely.

All eyes were on the platform.

Hiruzen stepped up, his voice carrying across the grounds:

"Today, Uchiha Gin and others are taking their early graduation exams. I didn't expect such a turnout... but it's good. Today, we witness the strength of the new generation! Gin—if you last ten minutes against your opponent, you'll pass the test. Let the trials begin!"

A hush fell over the crowd.

Then, stepping into the ring with calm confidence was Uchiha Gin.

"I'll go first," he said, giving a slight nod to his peers.

He entered the arena where the Body Flicker Technique barrier was set—built for high-speed combat.

The crowd leaned in.

"Woah!"

"He's fast!"

"Did you see that? He's as fast as a Jonin!"

"Isn't that Uchiha Hikari's son?"

"That's him! A real prodigy!"

Gin didn't react to the murmurs. His expression was cold, focused.

His opponent—a skilled Genin—visibly tensed. A bead of sweat rolled down his temple.

I thought I'd show off today… but this guy—he's in a different league!

"Begin!" barked the proctor.

Whisssh! Gin disappeared in a blur.

He reappeared in front of his opponent, whispering calmly:

"What are you dreaming about?"

THWACK!

The Genin's body doubled over as a brutal strike slammed into his gut. His eyes widened, breath stolen, bile rising in his throat. He barely understood what happened before he was launched from the ring, his back tearing a small trench through the dirt.

He was out cold before he hit the ground.

A hush fell over the stands, then—

"WINNER: UCHIHA GIN!"

Shock turned into murmuring, then into loud chatter:

"Was that a Jonin-level strike?!"

"Without chakra use?! Just physical speed and strength?!"

"Unbelievable! That power's terrifying!"

"He's only 11 or 12?!"

"No way—look at his height! He's gotta be 1.7 meters tall! He looks 15!"

"No, it's those growth pills. They say long-term use from the Uchiha clan stimulates growth!"

"I heard Maito Dai used them—he's over 2 meters tall now!"

"Wait, really? I'm gonna start taking them too!"

"Hah! Good luck, Tanaka. At 1.45m, you need a miracle."

"Shut up! I'm 1.5m!"

"Lies! I'm 11 and 1.45m and you're barely taller than me!"

"Come over here and say that!"

The crowd spiraled into lively banter. But Gin was unfazed. He smiled, waved to his mother Hikari and the crowd, then stepped down from the ring.

"Mikoto, you're up," he said.

"Yes!" responded Uchiha Mikoto, stepping into the ring for her bout.

From the VIP section, Orochimaru couldn't hide his curiosity.

"That boy's strength… it's not far from Jonin level, is it?"

Tsunade gave a small smile.

"Almost. Gin is exceptionally talented—and he trains harder than anyone I've seen."

But in her heart, she knew the truth.

Jonin? She could barely last three rounds against Gin in sparring. His real strength was well beyond Kage-level. But that secret was closely guarded. If the village found out, it would bring more trouble than prestige.

Jiraiya, standing beside her, looked dejected.

"I could've had a student like that," he grumbled, watching Minato Namikaze among the spectators.

Orochimaru blinked. "Oh? That's Minato? He's often seen near Gin. Looks like a solid young man."

"Hmph!" Tsunade folded her arms, smirking at Jiraiya. "Minato has guidance from both Gin and Lady Hikari. He doesn't need you."

Jiraiya groaned. "If you hadn't bad-mouthed me to him, maybe he'd have chosen me!"

"Bad-mouthed? Please," Tsunade sneered. "Everyone knows you're a shameless pervert. How can we trust you with a student like Minato? You want him to grow up like you? What will that do to his reputation? He'll never find a wife."

"Ugh..." Jiraiya slumped, crushed.

The Jonin around them snickered quietly. Honestly, they agreed with Tsunade. Who would want Jiraiya the Perv mentoring their child?

Even Hiruzen winced.

"Jiraiya," he muttered to himself. "You're hopeless... You had to brag about peeking, didn't you? And now Minato's out of your reach."

Still, his eyes lingered on the golden-haired boy in the distance.

Minato Namikaze… even with the chakra suppression seals on him, I can sense it. He's already at Chunin level—and he's only ten years old. A civilian-born genius...

Sarutobi sighed.

We should have spotted him earlier. What a loss!

But it wasn't over yet.

If we can guide him... If I can tie him to Gin and the Uchiha through friendship, maybe even mentorship... We could have a key bridge into their inner circle.

He glanced at Jiraiya.

No, I can't give up on him. I'll speak with Jiraiya. We must recruit Minato. He's too valuable to let slip through our fingers.

To be continued…