Chapter 21: Mission
Chapter 21: Mission
"To have developed a B-rank jutsu at such a young age, you truly are the pride of the White Fang. You've inherited your father's talent." Danzo, sitting at a distance, spoke to Fengye with a tone of praise that belied his calm and indifferent demeanor.
Neither he nor Hiruzen doubted the veracity of Fengye's claim. There was no need to fabricate such an achievement, as it would be easily verifiable.
Fengye addressed Danzo, "Thank you for your kind words, Lord Danzo."
"It seems you are even more exceptional than I anticipated," Hiruzen remarked, gazing at Fengye with admiration. Then, after a moment's pause, he continued, "Although it may seem sudden, especially since you haven't graduated yet, I have a mission for you."
A mission?
Fengye was taken aback.
If they wanted him to join Danzo's Root, they probably wouldn't frame it as a mission.
Before Fengye could ponder further, Hiruzen spoke in a low voice, "Your mission is to request an early graduation and then participate in the Chunin Exams in five days."
"The Chunin Exams?" Fengye's eyes widened in surprise.
Early graduation was one thing, but being assigned a mission implied that he would be undertaking it as a fully-fledged ninja. However, the real surprise was that he would be taking the Chunin Exams immediately after graduating. What kind of mission was this?!
"Let me explain the situation briefly. I believe you'll understand," Hiruzen said as he stood up from behind his desk and began to pace. "Ninjas from Kumogakure and Kirigakure will be arriving in Konoha the day after tomorrow. The Chunin Exams, which will be held in five days, will include their participation. Therefore, this exam isn't merely about selecting exceptional Chunin; it's a battle between Konoha, Kumo, and Kiri!"
The information Hiruzen revealed took Fengye by surprise.
The current state of the ninja world was becoming increasingly tense, with the Third Great Ninja War looming on the horizon. It was unexpected that Kirigakure and Kumogakure would still send ninjas to participate in the Chunin Exams in Konoha under such circumstances. Their intentions were likely a combination of 'intimidation' and 'negotiation.'
With this understanding, it was no wonder that Hiruzen had assigned him such a task.
Since the Chunin Exams served the purpose of intimidation and negotiation, they had to be approached with the utmost seriousness. It wouldn't do to send a group of genin to participate.
Fengye quickly grasped the situation and addressed Hiruzen, "I understand, Lord Hokage."
"Very well. Go and prepare yourself," Hiruzen nodded, signaling that Fengye could take his leave.
Fengye bowed to Hiruzen and exited the office.
After Fengye's departure, Danzo turned to Hiruzen and spoke slowly, "He's even more outstanding than I imagined... Hiruzen, after the Chunin Exams, let him be trained by me."
Hiruzen shook his head, "Let's not discuss this matter further, Danzo."
Danzo furrowed his brow, unwilling to concede. He stood up and fixed Hiruzen with an intense gaze, his voice steady, "I didn't oppose Kakashi being trained by Minato, but there must be ninjas who walk in the darkness, bearing its burdens. Therefore, entrusting Fengye to me is the most suitable choice. You should understand this!"
"To have Fengye shoulder the darkness..." Hiruzen murmured, his brow creased in thought.
It was undeniable that Danzo's words held a certain degree of truth. The prosperity of Konoha was due in no small part to the balance between Hiruzen, the shining Hokage, and Danzo, who operated in the shadows. This was why Hiruzen often turned a blind eye to many of Danzo's actions.
As the pinnacle of the ninja world, Hiruzen was keenly aware that where there was light, there would also be shadow. Darkness could never be eradicated. Should Minato succeed him as Hokage, there would indeed be a need for a ninja to serve in the shadows.
Hiruzen sat back down and contemplated Danzo's request, "I need more time to consider this."
"...Very well." Danzo regained his composure.
Hiruzen's response was exactly what he had anticipated.
As long as it wasn't a flat-out refusal and Hiruzen was willing to consider it, it meant that he was already wavering. Danzo knew that he didn't need to push further; a few subtle manipulations would be enough to achieve his goal.
...
After leaving the Hokage's office, Fengye let out a helpless sigh. "So much for a normal graduation."
However, compared to the alternative of being thrown into Root and trained by Danzo, this turn of events was far preferable. When contrasted, he could accept it with a sense of relief, as the prospect of early graduation held no real significance for him either way.
But with this mission, keeping a low profile was no longer an option. Hiruzen's intention was clear—he wanted Fengye to showcase his full potential during the Chunin Exams and preferably defeat the ninjas from Kirigakure and Kumogakure decisively.
Speaking of which, the brief exchange in the Hokage's office might seem innocuous to most people from this world, but to Fengye, who understood Danzo's character perhaps better than Danzo himself, there was a near-certainty that Danzo had already set his sights on him.
"As expected of the ultimate troublemaker in the ninja world..." Fengye couldn't help but marvel.
From the Second Great Ninja War onwards, Danzo's shadow loomed large over the ninja world's conspiracies. He had a hand in the death of Yahiko, which accelerated the formation of 'Akatsuki.' He also manipulated the White Fang's suicide and collaborated with Orochimaru... the list of his schemes was endless.
Now that Fengye had revealed his talent and strength, he too had become entangled with Danzo. If nothing else, Danzo's premature death would at least buy the ninja world more time, even if war was still inevitable.
...
The next day, Fengye submitted his early graduation request to the Ninja Academy.
Instructed by Hiruzen, the Ninja Academy swiftly approved Fengye's request and scheduled his early graduation exam for that afternoon.
In addition to the standard assessments of the three fundamental ninja skills and a written test, the early graduation exam included a practical combat test against a Chunin-level instructor. The requirement was to hold out for three minutes against their attacks.
For Fengye, who already possessed the capability to defeat elite Chunin, this exam posed no challenge at all. He easily passed without even needing to activate his speed enhancement.
In the end, Fengye achieved a perfect score in all categories and successfully passed the Ninja Academy's early graduation exam!
(End of Chapter)
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