Shikaku's eyes lingered on Yuichi.
The boy standing before him—this child—had now truly become Konoha's hope.
In ninjutsu, taijutsu, and even against illusions, Yuichi had defeated the very best Jōnin the village had to offer.
And he was only twelve.
A prodigy beyond comparison.
Not only had he inherited the Wood Style of the First Hokage, but he also displayed the genius for ninjutsu creation reminiscent of the Second. On top of that, his chakra reserves were unmatched—monstrous, even.
A shinobi so perfect, so unreal, that Shikaku couldn't help but think: There will never be another like him.
Even I can't help but wonder… when this child truly spreads his wings, how terrifying will he become?
Around them, the gathered Jōnin stared in silence. Today's hell-level trial had been cleared flawlessly, and all of this under restrictions that had bound Yuichi's greatest strength—his Wood Style.
"Guy," Kakashi muttered, clapping his friend on the shoulder. "Don't you feel… suddenly old?"
Guy let out a long sigh, his sharp eyes softening with uncharacteristic sorrow. "Perhaps… but this is no ordinary boy. He's an exception."
"It's lucky we weren't born in the same generation as him," Kurenai added with a wry smile as she approached. "That would've been unbearable."
The three exchanged a knowing glance. The weight of living alongside such a genius would have crushed anyone.
Shikaku's voice carried across the square.
"Nagano Yuichi, your strength has been fully proven. You are capable of serving as Jōnin."
His words silenced the crowd. Dozens of eyes locked on Yuichi.
"Normally, a Jōnin is appointed directly by the Hokage. We do not have the authority to promote you ourselves. However…" Shikaku's lips curved slightly, "in special times, we act by special means. Hundreds of Jōnin witnessed your three battles today. I doubt any will oppose your promotion."
He raised a hand. "Though the Hokage has not appointed you directly, every Jōnin here is willing to recommend you jointly as a Leaf Jōnin."
Applause thundered.
In an era of peace, the rise of a twelve-year-old Jōnin was a miracle. Far rarer than in times of war.
"Congratulations, Yuichi," Shikaku said firmly. "From today, you are a Jōnin of Konohagakure."
The news would spread fast. What happened here could not be contained. Soon all of Konoha would know—and then the entire shinobi world.
In the Land of Fire, a monster had been born.
Not just a wielder of Wood Style. Not just a child of rare lineage. But a shinobi who had defeated Kakashi, Might Guy, and Kurenai—each in the fields where they were strongest.
And this time, it was not Wood Style that made him famous. It was his own strength.
The details of the battles would inevitably leak, and when they did, the world would tremble.
As the announcement ended, Jōnin crowded around Yuichi. In their midst, he smiled brightly, his expression full of sunshine. His eyes curved to crescents as he squinted against the cheers.
No one noticed the faint gleam hidden behind those smiling eyes.
Becoming a Jōnin of Konoha was only a step away from the seat of Hokage.
And Yuichi now understood Shikaku's true intent.
This test had not been about whether he was qualified to be Jōnin. It was about calming the village.
By setting Kakashi, Guy, and Kurenai against him—under strict limitations—Shikaku had shown every worried shinobi that there was nothing to fear. That even in the absence of a Hokage, Konoha still had a protector strong enough to defeat its finest warriors.
If the Jōnin were reassured, then the Chūnin and Genin would be as well.
Without this, the village might have fallen into chaos.
Yuichi exhaled quietly. Thank you, Nara Shikaku. Without you, I would've had to waste more time. Now, things move forward faster.
From the crowd, Hiashi watched with thoughtful eyes.
"This boy… truly extraordinary."
A new idea stirred in his heart. Perhaps the Hyūga clan should begin investing in Yuichi early, before the rest of the world caught up.
The celebrations carried on for some time before the Jōnin dispersed. Shikaku led Yuichi away, while Hiashi returned home.
At his estate, he stopped in the corridor, watching Hinata in the courtyard. For once, she was not staring blankly or hesitating, but earnestly practicing the Gentle Fist.
His footsteps caught her attention. She turned, bowing slightly. "Father."
"…Good," he said simply, pausing before the doorway. Then he added, "Today, Nagano Yuichi—the boy who once saved you—was officially promoted to Jōnin. His ability was so overwhelming that even hundreds of our Jōnin were convinced."
Hinata's eyes widened. "Really? Yuichi… is Jōnin?"
"He is your savior," Hiashi said, turning back toward her. "If you have the chance, you should thank him properly."
"Yes, Father. I will thank Nagano-kun."
When Hiashi entered the house, Hinata remained in the yard, her heart unsettled.
Yuichi was her age. A Genin of the same generation.
And now… a Jōnin at twelve years old.
Yuichi-kun is… amazing.
Elsewhere, across the village, Jōnin who had returned home spoke of Yuichi.
The news spread through Konoha like wildfire.
To think—he had graduated from the Academy barely a month ago, and after the Chūnin Exams, had been promoted directly to Jōnin.
For the civilians and Genin who had once known him, the revelation was like a shockwave.
Those whom Yuichi had once helped began to see him as an idol. And among the younger kunoichi, admiration began to bloom into something more.
Handsome, brilliant, and shining with talent—who could resist?
And while the village whispered, Yuichi himself, now the talk of all Konoha, followed Shikaku into a quiet chamber.
Waiting for them were two familiar figures—Konoha's advisors, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu.