Chapter 89: The Third Hokage’s Anxiety — Jiraiya’s Crash Landing

The arena fell silent as Uchiha Mikoto and her opponent stood ready, eyes locked.

"The match begins!" the proctor shouted.

Swoosh!

Mikoto vanished from her spot. In an instant, she appeared before her opponent and delivered a precise, devastating punch to the abdomen. The boy was lifted off his feet, launched across the ring, and collapsed unconscious outside the boundaries.

The entire stadium went silent.

"…Was that real?"

"She's… just as terrifying as Gin!"

"Two prodigies from the Uchiha… back to back? Is this a resurgence of their bloodline?"

"I heard their clan's changed a lot in recent years…"

"Yeah, ever since they reformed the Military Police. They're not as cold and arrogant as before."

"Word is they've introduced moral and ideological training into their clan school. Makes them easier to work with on missions."

"Not just that—they've got the strength, too. Reliable, smart, versatile. The perfect teammates."

"I barely see Uchiha on missions anymore, though."

"They don't need to. Their pharmacy business and shell-jutsu shop are raking in enough ryo to sustain the entire clan."

"Isn't that bad? Aren't missions the real contribution to the village?"

"Stop it. Are their innovations—drugs and jutsu scrolls—not raising the village's power overall? That is contribution!"

"Exactly. Contribution isn't only through blood and steel."

From the Hokage's platform, Sarutobi Hiruzen narrowed his eyes, heart growing heavy.

"Just three years… and the Uchiha reputation has flipped entirely. This level of support already? If we don't suppress their rise now…"

Beside him, Shimura Danzō took mental note of the names and faces of Uchiha supporters, sneering inwardly.

"Damn them… So many gifted brats! If even one of them were in the Shimura, Root would dominate! Hiruzen's softness wasted that opportunity yesterday. If I had them under me, they'd already be brainwashed and loyal to Konoha—and to me. But fine. If I can't have them, I'll use this early graduation and send them to the front lines. Let war do the cleansing for me."

As the murmurs in the stands swirled around Mikoto's stunning victory, the proctor raised his hand.

"Winner: Uchiha Mikoto!"

"Next: Namikaze Minato—step forward!"

Minato entered calmly, facing off against his opponent. Unlike Gin and Mikoto's instant knockouts, Minato opted for a short yet technical fight, weaving taijutsu and positioning before knocking his opponent from the ring.

As his dazed opponent was carried away, he muttered with a grin, "At least I lasted longer than the others…"

"Winner: Namikaze Minato!"

The crowd was quieter this time, but seasoned ninja among them took note.

"He didn't dominate like Gin, but... he's clearly holding back."

"He's from a civilian family, right?"

"Yeah. Been under Uchiha support for a while."

"If he didn't have the talent, the Uchiha never would've taken him in. Strength like that can't be bought."

In the stands, Jiraiya clutched his chest, visibly shaken.

"Tsunade misled me! I could've had a student like him…!"

From above, the Third observed with sharpened focus.

"Minato... A genius born of civilians. He must not fall fully into Uchiha hands. We need to act. Jiraiya—convince him. Make him your apprentice. We must pull him back into my fold."

Meanwhile, Danzō seethed with silent ambition.

"You blind fool, Hiruzen. He should've been yours from the beginning! No matter. I'll find a way to make him mine."

"Next: Uzumaki Kushina!"

In a burst of energy and vibrant red hair, Kushina blitzed her opponent and knocked them out with one decisive blow.

After her, Senju Nawaki, Uchiha Aoto, and Uzumaki Reiko took their turns—each one revealing strength and skills far above standard genin. One after another, the proctors were left stunned, the crowd breathless.

"This Nawaki… he's grown strong. Is the Senju clan finally resurging?"

"Uchiha Aoto... Never heard of him, but he's insanely powerful."

"Are these what the Uchiha are producing now?"

"This new generation… it's scary how powerful they've become."

Once the tests concluded, the Third Hokage stepped forward again.

"Congratulations. As of today, you are officially genin of Konohagakure. I hope you continue to contribute to our village and protect its future with courage."

A pause.

"But due to the extraordinary performance of today's candidates... I have made a decision. In five days, a final exam will be held for students in years 4 through 6 of the Academy. Those who pass will graduate early."

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

"The world is heading toward war. We must act now to prepare the next generation. Those with potential must be nurtured on the battlefield—not wasted behind school desks."

He turned and left.

Some were excited. Some feared the risk. But none dared protest the Hokage's word.

Afterward, the new graduates gathered with Tsunade and Orochimaru at the Hokage Tower to receive their headbands and official ninja identification.

Outside, Jiraiya approached Minato eagerly.

"Minato! Are you sure you don't want to be my student? I can teach you Sage Mode! You're exactly what I've been looking for!"

Behind them, Tsunade's expression darkened.

"Jiraiya," she growled, stepping forward, arms crossed. "You're still pushing this? He's part of my team now. He doesn't need you."

"Tsunade," he protested weakly, "I was just—"

"Just trying to poach my student?" Her eyebrow twitched. "What, so he can become a pervert like you? Peeping at bathhouses and publishing smut?"

Minato gulped.

Orochimaru quietly chuckled. "Well, she has a point."

Tsunade continued, "And Sage Mode? What a joke. You barely mastered it yourself after years of training at Mount Myōboku. Who are you to teach it?"

"I—!"

"I could send him to Katsuyu at Shikkotsu Forest. He'd be fine without you. So scram."

Before Jiraiya could reply, Tsunade's fist found its target.

CRASH!

He soared through the air, crashed through two rooftops, and left a smoldering crater behind.

"AaAAAhhh!"

Boom. Boom.

Minato blinked. "Um… Lady Tsunade, is he... okay?"

"He'll live. A few broken ribs and a week in the hospital. He's used to it."

From the window of the Hokage's office, Hiruzen puffed grimly on his pipe.

Tsunade looked up, met his gaze, and turned away with a sneer.

Beside the Third, Orochimaru folded his arms. "It seems your plan with Jiraiya didn't work."

"No," Sarutobi admitted. "We may have to rely on other options. Orochimaru… I'm assigning you to watch over Nawaki, Aoto, and Reiko. Gain their trust. Nurture their loyalty—to me. To the Will of Fire. Understand?"

Orochimaru gave a slight nod, his smile enigmatic. "Understood."

The Third Hokage wasn't giving up. Nawaki, being naive and idealistic like his grandfather, could still be molded. And through him—perhaps the Senju, Uchiha, and Uzumaki could be brought back under control.

Meanwhile, unaware of the schemes brewing in the shadows, Team Tsunade gathered for their celebration.

"Barbecue's on me tonight!" Tsunade declared proudly. "Akimichi's best cuts!"

"Yeah!!"

"Thanks, Big Sis Tsunade!"

They laughed and cheered as they made their way to the Akimichi restaurant.

Though the aroma of war lingered in the air, for now, they were just kids—laughing, full of dreams and youth.

And the storm had yet to break.