"What exactly are you thinking, Hiruzen?"
Danzo launched the attack.
Utatane Koharu immediately backed him up.
The two interrogated him, and Homura Mitokado immediately questioned Hiruzen Sarutobi: "Hiruzen, there is definitely a problem with how you handled this matter. You should have consulted us first."
It can be said that this time, the Ninja Academy graduation exam was very simple.
Utatane Koharu and Homura Mitokado had noticed it long ago.
They thought Hiruzen Sarutobi did this because the number of Genin was insufficient.
But now it seems it was entirely prepared for the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, Uzumaki Naruto.
Because he is a Jinchuriki, his Chakra control would inevitably be worse than others.
The Ninja Academy graduation exam primarily tested the Three Basic Jutsu, which are as fundamental as it gets.
Even in previous years' exams, even if the Three Basic Jutsu were included, they would absolutely not be singled out as the main assessment item.
Hiruzen Sarutobi calmly took a puff from his pipe.
He said softly, "Naruto is also a member of Konoha, and he is qualified to become a Ninja."
"Furthermore, the village has no rule stating that a Jinchuriki cannot become a Ninja."
"Hmph!" Danzo Shimura snorted coldly.
"Hiruzen, this matter is absolutely impossible!"
As soon as he finished speaking.
Utatane Koharu and Homura Mitokado also nodded simultaneously.
Clearly, they also disagreed with this matter.
A Jinchuriki is a Jinchuriki. After becoming a Ninja, they will certainly have missions that require leaving the village.
What if an accident happens while they are outside?
"The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki absolutely cannot leave the village. Otherwise, if he doesn't return to Konoha, we cannot bear that loss!" Homura Mitokado said sternly.
"That's right. If he is targeted by other villages, it will put Konoha in crisis," Utatane Koharu added.
However, Danzo Shimura suddenly fell silent.
He slightly narrowed his eyes, looking at his good buddy.
He knew his good buddy had a contingency plan.
Since that was the case.
"Hiruzen, allowing the Jinchuriki to become a Ninja... is not entirely impossible."
Oh?
Huh?!
Hiruzen Sarutobi was somewhat surprised. Based on his understanding of his good buddy, he should have been strongly opposing this.
Utatane Koharu and Homura Mitokado were dumbfounded.
You started the attack, so why are you the first one to retreat?
"Allowing the Jinchuriki to become a Ninja is a matter that can be big or small."
"The Jinchuriki is, after all, an extremely unstable risk factor."
"Let a Ninja from my Root Organization become his Jōnin Instructor."
"That way, I can be somewhat assured."
Hearing this, Utatane Koharu and Homura Mitokado paused for a moment, then realized what was happening.
Letting Danzo Shimura's subordinate become the Jinchuriki's Jōnin Instructor?
How is that different from him joining the Root Organization?
"Hahaha~"
Hiruzen Sarutobi was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter.
His aged face was full of wrinkles.
At this moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly felt that his choice was correct.
Let Naruto grow up, first assist himself for a period, and once familiar, have him follow Asuma... He is still young, possesses extremely high potential, and is very obedient.
This way, after Asuma becomes the Fifth Hokage, he won't need to fear these three old partners of his.
Besides, he himself would be backing him up.
As he laughed, Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head.
He waved his hand and said, "Alright, alright, I have already decided this matter."
As soon as he said this, the hearts of the three people sank.
"I have already had Kakashi leave the Anbu. He will now serve as Naruto's Jōnin Instructor."
"There is no one in the village more suitable than him."
"Say no more."
Hiruzen Sarutobi chuckled as he looked at Utatane Koharu and Homura Mitokado.
The two were stunned, then silently closed their mouths.
Kakashi, huh?
He truly was the most suitable.
He possesses the Sharingan and is also the Fourth Hokage's disciple.
However, Danzo Shimura had not given up.
"Hiruzen, I still disagree!"
"If the Jinchuriki is to become a Ninja, then someone from my Root Organization must become his Jōnin Instructor!"
"Enough, say no more." Hiruzen Sarutobi withdrew his smile.
"Hiruzen!"
"You..."
Before Danzo Shimura could finish speaking, Hiruzen Sarutobi slightly narrowed his eyes and interrupted him.
"Danzo, are you questioning me?"
"Don't forget what your current status is."
"You aren't even the Hokage's Aide. Are you questioning me, the Hokage?"
Danzo Shimura's face instantly darkened.
Utatane Koharu and Homura Mitokado stopped talking.
Hiruzen Sarutobi had spoken to this extent; if they spoke carelessly again, they might be targeted by him.
"Don't forget, I am the Hokage."
"Hmph!" Danzo Shimura's face flushed red.
But in the end, he said nothing more and turned to leave.
"Hiruzen, you will regret this!"
Bang—
Homura Mitokado and Utatane Koharu exchanged glances.
"Since that is the case, we have no further objections. Hiruzen, as long as you are confident."
Having said that, the two also left the Hokage Office.
Looking at the empty Hokage Office.
Hiruzen Sarutobi rubbed his temples.
He suddenly felt like he really was getting old.
"Naruto, you must grow up quickly."
"Your grandpa is a little tired."
As he spoke, Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly stood up and massaged his aching lower back.
Then he turned his head to look at Konoha outside the window.
"As for Team Eight... let Kurenai Yuhi be the leader."
"Asuma, the path has been paved for you... all you have to do is open your mouth and eat."
Ino Yamanaka: "Disgusting!"
Nara Shikamaru: "What a drag... I knew it would turn out this way."
Sakura Haruno: "Asuma-sensei is actively pursuing Kurenai Yuhi-sensei, so the Sandaime just took advantage of the situation?"
Temari: "Once Asuma successfully manages to court Kurenai Yuhi, it's equivalent to gaining the support of the Six Great Ninja Clans."
Mabui: "Exactly. This way, Asuma's prestige among the Hokage Candidates will be extremely high."
Mei Terumī: "Also, don't forget that the Sarutobi Clan replaced the Uchiha Clan in the Konoha Military Police Force, giving them considerable prestige among the common populace, plus Asuma Sarutobi is the son of the Third Hokage."
Sakura Haruno: "Damn it, this is completely unfair competition!"
Samui: "Where is the fairness in anything?"
Fourth Raikage: "That old man, the Sandaime, truly is a menace... Hmm, but to Konoha, and to the Ninja World, he's an absolute good guy~"
Ōnoki: "Hmph! If this Old Thing were the Third Hokage... Forget it, I won't say any more, or I'll wake up laughing in my sleep."
Kurotsuchi: "That old man, I've tolerated you for too long!"
Uzumaki Kushina: "When does the Prize Quiz start?"
Uzumaki Kushina: "I'm getting impatient."
Minato Namikaze: I think... it won't be that fast. There are many scenes of Naruto training, and according to everyone, they are rewards compensated by the Comparison Viewing System... I think so too.
Senju Tobirama: "Indeed. Those recent scenes seemed like compensatory rewards. Also, little girl of the Uzumaki Clan, don't rush. We will all make our move; they won't escape. The final blow is yours."
Uzumaki Kushina: "Who asked you?"