allendalepharm Chapter 72 Hiruzen Sarutobi, Will of Fire
Chapter 72 Hiruzen Sarutobi, Will of Fire
Seeing that Kurenai's expression remained unchanged, she continued.
"Smoking is definitely a bad habit."
"But it's very difficult to get someone to change."
"If he doesn't smoke, he'll feel uncomfortable and tormented; he might feel like he doesn't know what to do with his hands and feet. It's for his own good to make him quit, but for him, he'll lose a rare joy in life."
"Therefore, instead of forcing someone to get rid of their shortcomings, it is better to help them control themselves and be more moderate and disciplined."
"If a person has hobbies and things to rely on, bad habits won't have a significant impact."
Kurenai Yuhi nodded, seemingly understanding but not quite.
"Dad, I understand."
"Let's continue with the lesson."
Kurenai Yuhi immediately smiled with relief.
"Okay, let's continue the lesson..."
……
The next day, in the Hokage's office.
When Shingetsu Seiun and the others were led into the office by Uchiha Mikoto, they almost choked on the strong smell of smoke.
Behind the desk, Hiruzen Sarutobi, wearing the Hokage's cap, looked up at the group of people entering, and a kind smile instantly appeared on his wrinkled old face.
"Good boy."
"I've wanted to see you all for a long time, but I've been too busy lately and haven't found a suitable opportunity."
"Nebula, Kurenai. How are things? Are you getting used to being a genin?"
Shingetsu Seiun, who was pondering whether it would be too hot to wear a hat indoors on a sweltering day, paused for a moment, then nodded after realizing that the other person had called her name.
"Hokage-sama, it's a habit." After 0.3 seconds, he continued, "Life after becoming a genin is not quite what I imagined, but under Misaka-sensei's guidance, I've done a lot for the village, and I feel very fulfilled."
Sarutobi Asuma: "(ｷ｀ﾟДﾟ´)!!"
You didn't say that when we were shoveling manure together!
Kurenai Yuhi also said, "Hokage-sama, I think it's very good."
"That's good, that's good." Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled, his face crinkling with wrinkles. "Mikoto, you did a good job leading her."
"I've read your task report myself. Both children are excellent, thanks to you."
Mikoto Uchiha said softly, "They are just naturally excellent. I didn't do anything."
Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head and said, "No."
"Kurenai's genjutsu has improved a lot, and she was able to play a crucial role in the battle against the Chunin. Your guidance has been indispensable."
"And the nebula."
"I originally thought that learning the Healing Palm Technique at such a young age was already an amazing little genius, but I didn't expect your talent to be so much greater. In terms of strength, you are also much stronger than Asuma."
Sarutobi Asuma's facial features tightened.
"It's amazing that you were able to think of your companions' safety first in a moment of crisis, and that you were able to find a way out of a desperate situation with Mikoto." Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled as he looked at Seiun Kamitsuki and said, "Seeing you is like seeing my younger self."
"The future of the village depends on outstanding young people like you."
Sarutobi Asuma's eyes nearly rolled back in his head.
Old man, don't you look in the mirror? Even flies wouldn't land on your old face. How can you compare to Xingyun?
"Asuma." Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze suddenly shifted to Asuma Sarutobi, whose expression was disdainful.
"It's your good fortune that Red and Nebula can be your teammates."
"You should learn more from others; that's how you improve."
Sarutobi Asuma retorted, "Before you talk to me, could you open the window and let the smoke out?"
"If you smoke two more, this excellent young man will choke to death."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's cheek twitched.
I silently told myself: This is a public place, not a place to hit a child. This is a public place, not a place to hit a child.
He then glanced away from Sarutobi Asuma, walked to the window, opened it to let in some air, and said...
"I called you here today not only to commend you for the tasks you have recently completed, but also to tell you something else."
No one answered, so Kurenai Yuhi politely asked, "Hokage-sama, what is it?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly said, "The Chunin Exams."
"The Chunin Exams?" Kurenai Yuhi's eyes widened in surprise. "Hokage-sama, do you mean the Chunin Exams are really going to be moved up?"
"That's right." Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded and said, "There are some outstanding young people like you in the village."
"It's time to start the Chunin Exams. It doesn't matter if it's a little earlier. Only in this way can more young people show their abilities."
"Good job, kids!"
"Where the leaves dance, fire also rises..." With Hiruzen Sarutobi's skillful and rhythmic chanting, this simple meeting came to an end.
The Divine Moon Nebula received two pieces of information.
1. The Chunin Exams are less than a week away.
Second: There may be fighting on the front lines. Otherwise, the preparation time for the Chunin Exams notification wouldn't have been so short.
Stepping out of the Hokage's office, I was greeted by several familiar faces. There was the shy Shizune, the sunny Mizuki, and the anxious Morino Ibiki, who looked just like Sarutobi Asuma.
The two groups greeted each other and passed by. Before the door closed, Shenyue Xingyun seemed to vaguely hear a familiar voice.
"Good boy!"
"I've been wanting to meet you all for a long time..."
Shenyue Nebula: ...
As Sarutobi Asuma walked out of the Hokage Building, he was somewhat excited.
"Ms. Misaka, shall we begin intensive training?"
"The Chunin Exams are less than a week away, shouldn't I be training hard?"
Mikoto Uchiha glanced at him expressionlessly and said, "Cultivation should be a daily effort, not something you cram for at the last minute."
"Also, do you really want to become a ninja?"
Sarutobi Asuma: "Of course."
"Mikoto-sensei, ever since you taught me how to use short blades in close combat, I think my current strength is no different from that of a Chunin."
"This Chunin Exam is my chance to prove myself!"
Mikoto Uchiha looked at Kurenai Yuhi: "Kurenai, is that what you think too?"
Kurenai Yuhi said, "I...I feel I still need to improve. But I want to try the Chunin Exams."
"Hmm." Mikoto Uchiha nodded, then looked at Seiun Kamitsuki one last time: "And you?"
Shenyue Xingyun didn't want to!
What the hell is the Chunin Exams? What's the point?
Having the title of Chunin might result in higher rewards when doing missions with other ninjas.
But he knew exactly what being a Chunin meant, beyond all that.
This means they are cannon fodder who are slightly larger than genin cannon fodder.
With the Third Shinobi World War imminent, and the fighting possibly already underway outside Konoha, Chunin have no advantage over Genin in the war. Aside from facing more dangerous missions, they are virtually identical in terms of influence and autonomy.
Sarutobi Asuma and Yuhi Kurenai valued the title of Chunin, but that was because they possessed the Will of Fire.
Shenyue Xingyun didn't. Or rather, the Will of Fire he learned was different from the version the two of them learned.
Where leaves dance in the air, the fire spreads uncontrollably. One day, the fire will burn down the village, exposing the rotting roots beneath the ground.