Chapter 44: Time-Limited Mission

Hiruzan Sarutobi was still the same, smoking his pipe, dressed in his red and white Hokage robe, and exuding a friendly demeanor.

"Nobuhiko Hase, Raizo Shinozaki, Miho Uchiha, Yuto Hyuga, Kakashi Hatake," he softly recited the names of the five elite shinobi about to be promoted.

Three from prominent clans, two from civilian backgrounds, with representation from both the Uchiha and Hyuga clans. This Jonin promotion assessment offered a glimpse into Konoha's delicate balance.

The five stood respectfully. Over the years, Hiruzan Sarutobi had established significant authority in Konoha with a mix of kindness and firmness. Even the proud Uchiha wouldn't openly defy him.

"You are the true elites of the village," Hiruzan paused, then solemnly continued "A tree has roots, a trunk, branches, and leaves. Each part is indispensable."

"To let this tree thrive and pass on the Will of Fire, someone must stand up to shield it from storms. I am glad Konoha is about to gain five more sharp blades."

"A Chunin and a Jonin are entirely different beings. The former merely leads a squad, while the latter can decide the lives of dozens or even hundreds."

"Often, the outcome of a battle or even a campaign hinges on a Jonin's decision."

"So, what do you think is most important for a Jonin?" Hiruzan posed a question.

"Strength!" came a female voice. The responder was Miho Uchiha.

She had the typical Uchiha appearance and personality—beautiful, black-haired, and emotionally rich.

During this period, the Uchiha clan had not yet reached the brink of annihilation and exclusion, so many clan members still had relatively outgoing personalities.

She glanced at the four others beside her and Sniffed like a villainess,

"A Jonin must have the ability to solve problems in any crisis, that is, to be strong!"

"Strength, huh?" Hiruzan clapped his hands, "An excellent answer. Yes, you and the four beside you are all exceptionally talented fighters… Any other answers?"

"Complete the mission," Kakashi Hatake said calmly, with drooping eyelids:

"No matter the sacrifice or the cost, a Jonin must complete the mission."

The death of Sakumo had hit him hard, Hiruzan thought, sighing inwardly but showing approval without favoritism.

The remaining two shinobi also expressed their understanding, though nothing extraordinary, but they were not wrong.

Finally, it was Yuto's turn. He rubbed his forehead protector, hesitated for a moment, and then spoke with a gentle yet firm voice, "Lord Hokage, I believe that a qualified Jonin is someone who has earned everyone's recognition and respect."

'Earning everyone's recognition and respect…' Hiruzan was moved. Just like in the conversation six months ago in his office, this young Hyuga branch family member's response showed an extraordinary sense of the bigger picture and inclusiveness.

"But Yuto, earning everyone's recognition and respect is an incredibly difficult task, much harder than even mastering an S-rank jutsu."

"Lord Hokage, when walking the path of dreams, how can one speak of difficulty?"

As Yuto said this, he saw that, Tsunade behind Hiruzan had already smiled, her eyes sparkling, pleased and proud of his answer.

Hiruzan took a drag from his pipe, suppressing his complex emotions, and continued, "All of your answers are good and correct. A Jonin is the village's most elite shinobi. Leadership, psychological resilience, and combat ability must surpass those of an average Chunin."

"You have all proven your combat skills and problem-solving abilities through numerous missions in recent years. In my view, you all deserve to become Jonin."

"But to become Jonin, you must pass a test. This is a rule set by the First Hokage."

"A one-on-one duel does not fully reflect your capabilities."

"Therefore, I have selected five S-rank missions. Each of you will take one. Complete it and return here, and you will be Jonin of Konoha."

"Remember, you must complete the mission and return within five days. Even one second late, and you will be disqualified."

"Tsunade…"

Hiruzan stepped back, and Tsunade came forward.

She took out five scrolls and placed them on the ground, "Choose one each. Once opened, it cannot be changed."

Miho Uchiha was the first to step forward. After picking a scroll, she bowed to Hiruzan and left the room without a glance.

The others chose in turn, while Yuto waited for the others to pick first, displaying the so-called "cautious courtesy." As the student of the chief examiner, Tsunade, he didn't want to be the first to choose and risk suspicion of favoritism or secret arrangements.

When only the last scroll remained, Yuto took it.

He opened it in front of Hiruzan and Tsunade, glanced at it, and then respectfully said, "Lord Hokage, my mission is number four. You surely know the details. Before I depart, may I ask to what extent should I act? Should I control the intensity?"

Hiruzan calmly replied, "Don't worry about any diplomatic issues… If something happens, Konoha will back you up. Go all out."

Yuto almost smelled blood in the air.

At just over fifty years old, Hiruzan was still at the tail end of his peak. His inner hardness and ruthlessness far exceeded his demeanor at the start of the series, many years later.

Yuto bowed, not delaying any further, and swiftly left the underground.

This was a time-limited mission; every second counted.

In the closed underground space, Tsunade suddenly sighed, "Sensei, I haven't seen these five scrolls on the village's mission board…"

"Yes, these were drafted last night by me and Danzo," Hiruzan sighed, "Tsunade, though Danzo is somewhat sinister and I know you always disliked him, sometimes he does make sense."

"In war, you cannot simply hide in your shell and wait for the enemy to attack."

…

Yuto quickly returned to the Senju compound. He often stayed there now, even moving many of his daily items and tools next to Tsunade's place, using the ample excuse of training and serving his teacher. The Hyuga main family couldn't find any fault with it.

Given the five-day limit for the mission, he didn't bring spare clothes, only taking his tools and some money before leaving the village, running eastward.

Mission Four:

According to top-secret intelligence, a team of elite shinobi from Kirigakure is heading towards the Land of Fire, led by one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen.

Whatever their purpose, prevent them from approaching the Land of Fire.

(End of Chapter)