As the saying goes, everything is difficult at the beginning.
After successfully combining his first ninjutsu, his training progress sped up significantly. He mastered more combined ninjutsu, and his strength steadily grew.
...
From autumn to winter, time flew quickly.
March 15.
Winter began to fade, and Sakura blossoms covered Konoha in shades of pink. The fragrance filled the air as petals drifted gently through the streets and alleys.
However, despite the village's beauty, Hiruzen, sitting at his desk, couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by a problem giving him a headache.
There were only two days left until the annual graduation exam, but the main issue remained Naruto.
Originally, Hiruzen had planned for Kakashi Hatake to be Naruto's team leader, with Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno as his teammates.
Kakashi was a strong Jōnin, experienced in countless ninjutsu. His presence would ensure Naruto's safety and guide him down the right path.
Additionally, his Sharingan would be an invaluable resource for stabilizing any issues with the Nine-Tails' seal.
The plan also considered Sasuke, who could help suppress the Nine-Tails' power if Naruto lost control as he grew.
As for Sakura, while her role seemed more social than combat-oriented, it was crucial for team balance.
Naruto had a crush on Sakura, but she only had eyes for Sasuke. Meanwhile, Sasuke showed no interest in anyone.
Without someone like Sakura to mediate, Hiruzen was sure Naruto and Sasuke's relationship would be far more conflict-ridden.
But that plan fell apart with Sasuke's early graduation.
Now, he had to reorganize Naruto's team, and the challenge was greater due to his status as a Jinchūriki.
If Naruto weren't a Jinchūriki, the solution would be simple: assign him to the same team as Kuro.
But reality was different.
As the Nine-Tails' host, any imbalance in the seal could lead to catastrophe. Hiruzen needed someone capable of controlling the Bijū near Naruto.
Though the Nine-Tails' seal was stable for now, the problem would inevitably grow as Naruto matured. There would come a time when Kakashi, even with his Sharingan, wouldn't be enough to handle the situation.
Kakashi wasn't from the Uchiha clan, and his single Sharingan couldn't unleash its full power. Trying to suppress the Nine-Tails by force was risky and could severely harm Naruto.
Among the current graduates, no one had the power necessary to contain the Bijū if something went wrong.
Hiruzen sighed deeply, "If only Kuro could use Mokuton…"
Taking the pipe from his mouth, his expression reflected his regret.
He was convinced Kuro had inherited Senju lineage from generations past. His resilience and vitality proved it, and his chakra was at least 360 times the average.
Yet, despite this powerful lineage, Kuro hadn't inherited the First Hokage's Mokuton.
With another sigh, Hiruzen opened a drawer and pulled out the file containing Konoha's Jōnin records.
"If I can't decide on teammates... then I'll make a change in the team leader."
Hiruzen opened the file while smoking.
In the large office, only the sound of smoke and turning pages could be heard.
After ten minutes of searching, Hiruzen pulled out four data sheets and placed them on the table. They contained information on Kakashi Hatake, Tenzo, Fugaku Uchiha, and Yami Uchiha.
Hiruzen looked at the sheets in front of him, pipe in mouth, his clouded eyes gleaming with deep thought.
These four were capable of containing the Nine-Tails while Naruto was young. However, he knew that as Naruto grew...
After careful consideration, he picked up the sheets for Kakashi and Tenzo.
Then, his gaze lingered on the remaining two.
In terms of strength, Fugaku was undoubtedly the best choice. His calm demeanor and experience leading Konoha's Military Police gave him the authority and security needed to guide a team and ensure its growth.
However, the problem lay in his surname: Uchiha.
Although Hiruzen trusted every Konoha ninja, the Uchiha clan's attempted coup years ago still weighed on his mind.
Fugaku had been at the center of that conspiracy, and although the conflict was resolved, distrust remained in his heart.
He couldn't afford to place the Nine-Tails' Jinchūriki under Fugaku's tutelage.
"It would be much easier if Sasuke hadn't graduated early…," he muttered with a sigh.
Unlike other Uchiha, Sasuke was young, innocent, and unaware of his clan's failed coup. He hadn't yet developed resentment toward the village, and his mind was still moldable.
Hiruzen believed that alongside Naruto, Sasuke could form a balanced team. Additionally, Sasuke had shone in the last Chūnin exam, becoming an official ninja.
Sasuke had a promising future.
Hiruzen was sure that in time, Sasuke would be strong enough to contain the Nine-Tails if necessary.
What a pity…
Hiruzen shook his head and picked up Tenzo's data sheet.
Although his strength was less than Fugaku or Kakashi, Tenzo had immense potential and was still young, with room to grow.
Moreover, his Mokuton was an invaluable advantage. As long as the Bijū wasn't fully released, Tenzo could handle the situation without major issues.
Deciding, he called out loudly:
"Come!"
An Anbu appeared immediately in front of his desk, kneeling on one knee.
"Hokage-sama, what do you need?"
"Call Tenzo. I have something important to inform him."
"Understood."
The Anbu used the Body Flicker Technique to vanish from the office.
Hiruzen exhaled deeply. Now that he had made a decision after much deliberation, he felt much lighter.
At that moment, someone knocked on the office door.
So quickly?
Could Tenzo have been nearby?
Adopting a serious expression, he spoke:
"Come in."
The lock clicked, and two unexpected figures entered the room.
"Hokage-sama."
Both people bowed respectfully to Hiruzen before straightening up.
Hiruzen studied them carefully.
"Fugaku, what's the matter?" he asked, focusing on the Uchiha patriarch.
Fugaku looked at his son Sasuke with a slight smile of pride. "It's something related to him."
He patted Sasuke's shoulder and added:
"It's your matter, so say it yourself."
Sasuke looked at his father, who gave him an encouraging look. Taking a breath, Sasuke spoke to Hiruzen with determination:
"Hokage-sama, I want to join your direct Anbu organization."
Hiruzen widened his eyes slightly, observing Sasuke from head to toe.
He wore a blue shirt, white shorts, and the green Chūnin vest. His posture was upright and confident, reflecting his assurance.
Hiruzen exhaled smoke slowly from his pipe before speaking:
"Your strength is enough to join the Anbu, but it's not an easy place. It's dangerous, exhausting, and requires sacrifices. Why… do you want to enter so young?"
Sasuke pressed his lips together and clenched his hands tightly.
"Because Itachi was in the Anbu. Even if it's late, I must prove that the strongest Uchiha isn't the bastard who betrayed his comrades and the village."
Itachi...
Hiruzen immediately understood Sasuke's motive. Seeing the angry expression on the young Uchiha's face reminded him of his greatest regret.
Itachi was my greatest mistake…
With a sigh, he slowly nodded.
"If that's your wish, then… welcome to the Anbu."
Sasuke nodded happily, while Fugaku looked at him with pride.
Hiruzen picked up Kakashi's data sheet once again.
________
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