After being away for many days, Seisuke finally returned to the Konoha camp.
He looked at Orochimaru speechlessly. The latter smiled and said, "Don't look at me like that. You did a great job. This infiltration mission was to help you grow, and it seems you've done well. Seisuke - kun, a person's growth comes from defeating their former immature self."
Good grief. If I didn't know you were Orochimaru, I'd think Diavolo was standing in front of me.
Well, as we were talking, Diavolo died again.
"To be honest, Teacher Orochimaru, it really makes me uncomfortable that you betrayed me like this. Being betrayed by someone you trust doesn't feel good at all."
"Precisely because of your trust, I was able to give you this trial. Seisuke - kun, after this, your name will spread far and wide. Do you know what they call you in Kirigakure?"
"What?" Seisuke asked curiously.
He wanted to know how Kirigakure evaluated him.
"Arsonist."
"..."
Orochimaru smiled and said, "This is Kirigakure's way of belittling you. But there are different opinions in other places."
"Tell me."
"The Blazing Lord!"
Seisuke's eyes lit up. This title was much better than Arsonist.
"A title for a ninja is the enemy's recognition of your sufficient strength." Just like Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade's title of "The Sannin", Minato Namikaze's title of "The Yellow Flash", and the Third Hokage's title of "The Professor of Ninjutsu", which were all recognitions of their strength.
Seisuke was the first among Konoha's new generation to obtain a title.
His strength was worthy of this title. He said, "I'm really embarrassed about the title."
"After this, you can be promoted to Jounin." Orochimaru suddenly said.
Seisuke was puzzled. "But doesn't one need to have corresponding knowledge to become a Jounin?"
"That's true, but the merit of killing the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist alone is already sufficient. You weren't promoted in Konoha last time because of this consideration. But this infiltration mission has proven your abilities. I believe Teacher Hiruzen won't make things difficult for you."
"So, I can get a promotion through special channels?"
"You could say so. Of course, if you want to be promoted through normal channels, I won't stop you. Having the knowledge corresponding to a Jounin will also be beneficial to you. Anyway, you'll have to learn it later."
"Forget it. I'll take the special channel. I don't want to take the exam."
Seisuke said.
"Go back to Konoha. Your appointment letter is ready. The Third Mizukage won't make any big moves for the time being. His body can't take it. Before the Fourth Mizukage takes over, he can't lead another large - scale battle."
Although Orochimaru wasn't a medical ninja, after conducting so many experiments, he had some knowledge in this area. The Third Mizukage was actually weak despite his tough appearance. As expected, he might die in the next few months.
Kirigakure had a lot of troubles. Now the Third Mizukage needed to suppress those unruly ninja clans. He didn't have much energy left for the battlefield.
Orochimaru just needed to wait and exhaust the Third Mizukage.
When the Fourth Mizukage took over, there would probably be more chaos, and by then, Konoha would be able to spare some forces.
With such a small - scale force, Orochimaru didn't really want to confront Kirigakure head - on.
Even a cornered rabbit will bite, not to mention Kirigakure?
He just needed to push the front line to the Land of Water and maintain the status quo.
As long as they waited for reinforcements and a large army to arrive, Kirigakure would have no choice but to surrender.
"Yes."
When he returned to the tent, he found Asuma and Kurenai checking their equipment. When they saw him come back, they were overjoyed. Kurenai said happily, "Seisuke, you're finally back. I'm so glad you're okay."
These days, while Seisuke was out on the infiltration mission, they were very worried. After all, it was Kirigakure. Infiltrating a village to gather intelligence was no easy task.
"Hahaha, who am I? How could something happen to me? Don't worry, Kurenai. By the way, I'm going back to Konoha to be promoted to Jounin."
"Promoted to Jounin?!"
Asuma was stunned and said in confusion, "Based on what I know about you, your knowledge isn't enough to become a Jounin yet."
Asuma knew exactly how capable Seisuke was. Although Seisuke's strength was not as good as his, their knowledge levels were about the same. There was still a long way to go to become a Jounin.
"Yes. Teacher Orochimaru said my strength is sufficient, and this time he's giving me a special pass."
"Tsk, getting a special pass. I thought you had the real qualifications." Asuma said jealously.
"Oh, I can smell the jealousy. Come on, Asuma." Seisuke said with a smile.
"Don't think you're so great just because you're a Jounin. I'll catch up with you sooner or later!"
"Yes, yes. First, make sure your knowledge level reaches that of a Jounin." Seisuke said with a smile. He found a place to lie down and said, "I'm exhausted these days. I really need a good rest."
Saying that, he lay down and soon started snoring loudly.
Kurenai and Asuma looked at each other and both laughed. But they didn't disturb him. An infiltration mission was not easy. One wrong move could expose his whereabouts and get him discovered by the enemy, which would be a fate worse than death. Being in such an environment for a long time must have been very tiring for Seisuke.
He slept until the next morning. Rubbing his eyes, he saw Asuma and Kurenai sleeping face - to - face. He felt like a bright light bulb.
"..."
Seeing this scene early in the morning made him feel annoyed.
But he didn't disturb them and went out to wash up.
After having breakfast and getting some relevant information from Orochimaru, he headed back to Konoha.
On the way, there were several Jounin also returning to Konoha to report their missions. The group returned safely.
In the Hokage Building
After reading the report, Hiruzen Sarutobi took out an appointment letter and said with a smile, "It's a time of war, so everything is simplified. This is all I can give you for now, Seisuke Asakawa. From now on, you're a qualified Jounin of Konoha. I hope you'll continue to work hard and become a pillar of Konoha."
"Yes, Lord Hokage!"
Seisuke solemnly took the appointment letter, which read:
"Special Approval: Seisuke Asakawa is promoted to a Konoha Jounin. This person's strength in ninjutsu, taijutsu, and genjutsu has reached the standard, and his military achievements are remarkable. Therefore, this promotion is approved!"
The signature was "Hiruzen Sarutobi!"
"I'm deeply grateful."
"Seisuke, from now on, you're a Konoha Jounin. Remember to always keep the Will of Fire in mind!"
"Yes. Wherever the leaves of Konoha fly, the fire will continue to burn. The light of the fire will keep illuminating the village and make new leaves sprout. I've always remembered this."
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded in satisfaction. At this moment, the door was knocked, and Minato Namikaze, who had gone to support the Land of Earth, entered. His handsome face was filled with fatigue and sorrow.
Seisuke had a bad premonition.