Konoha Notes

Chapter 12 Shadows and Stairs

"Thank you for your hospitality, senior. I'll take my leave now."

Itachi did not participate in the distribution of Shinya's ill-gotten gains. He stated that he had not contributed to the distribution and was not included in the agreed-upon reward; he only took the agreed-upon 20,000 ryo. Conversely, Shuji settled the bill for Yakiniku Q.

As dusk settled, Xiu Si rubbed his aching shoulders, preparing to return to his cultivation. Around the corner, a figure wearing an animal mask appeared silently.

"The Hokage summons you." The Anbu ninja's voice was flat and emotionless.

Shuji scratched his head helplessly and looked up at the sunset. This feeling... was exactly like being suddenly recalled from working overtime in his past life. He followed the Anbu, his figure disappearing into the deepening night.

Inside the Hokage's office, the setting sun bathed the room in a warm golden light. Hiruzen Sarutobi stood with his back to the door, the hem of his Hokage robe fluttering gently in the breeze. Hearing footsteps, he slowly turned around, the smoke rising from his pipe drifting softly in the beam of light.

"You did a great job on this mission. Thank you for your hard work." The Third Generation's voice was gentle, but his eyes, which had seen the world, remained sharp. He took off his pipe and exhaled a wisp of smoke.

"You flatter me, Lord Hokage."

“No, it’s the truth.” The Third Hokage walked to his desk, tapping his pipe lightly on the edge, leaving a few specks of ash. “You didn’t show this kind of talent when you were on duty at the border…” He changed the subject slightly, “Shuji, what do you think of Itachi?”

"Exceptionally talented, far surpassing his peers."

“That child has lost his partner now, and so have you.” The Third Generation’s voice was lower. “Since you’ve been working well together, why not continue?”

"As for the team's lack of personnel, I will arrange suitable candidates."

Xiu Si frowned slightly: "With my qualifications, I'm afraid I'm not yet qualified to be a mentor."

According to Konoha's usual practice, there are only two possibilities for this combination: either he serves as the instructor and is paired with two genin; or he is transferred to chunin or even jonin, and the team's mission is directly upgraded to B-rank or higher.

“This is Itachi’s own wish.” The Third Hokage’s gaze passed over Shuji and fell on the twilight outside the window. “He doesn’t want to team up with genin anymore…” Before he could finish speaking, Shuji understood what he meant—the boy who witnessed his comrades’ tragic deaths did not want to experience that again.

“If you are unwilling, I completely understand.” The Third Hokage exhaled a smoke ring and tapped his fingers lightly on the table. “It is indeed not appropriate to involve genin in high-level missions, and it is not responsible to you.”

A brief silence fell over the office, broken only by the soft crackling of burning tobacco. Suddenly, the Third Hokage rose, his wide robes billowing in an arc.

However, the Hokage, who had been in power for many years, did not press the matter. He turned around, his eyes filled with sincere inquiry, and said, "I hope you will consider this carefully."

“If you refuse… there are others within the Uchiha clan willing to take Itachi on missions.” He paused, a complex look flashing in his eyes. “But if possible, I hope that the children of the Uchiha clan will not forever limit their vision to the clan.”

Shuji asked cautiously, "What is his father's, the Uchiha clan's, attitude towards this?"

"Fugaku won't have any objections," Hiruzen Sarutobi said calmly.

"In that case, I have no objection."

The wrinkles at the corners of the Third Generation's eyes smoothed out, revealing a look of relief: "As expected of... Shuji... How is Lady Momoka's health?" "Very good," Shuji replied briefly.

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded and pulled a slightly worn file from the drawer. Shuji noticed it was his own file. The Third Hokage, right in front of Shuji, picked up a pen and began writing on it.

"Don't take on any new missions for the time being."

"You can also start preparing for your promotion to Jonin."

"A Jonin?" Shuji was genuinely surprised this time.

Jonin hold a pivotal position in Konoha. They are the village's true core strength, second only to the Kage. Theoretically, every Jonin is qualified to compete for the Hokage position. Therefore, this position is extremely difficult to obtain, and its number is strictly limited.

Throughout Konoha's history, only a handful of people have been promoted to rank ninja in their teens—Kakashi Hatake, Might Guy, and the future Neji Hyuga… Besides their exceptional talent and strength, their promotions were often intertwined with special backgrounds or enormous sacrifices: Kakashi's father, Sakumo Hatake, died mysteriously; Might Dai fought to the death to save his son, crippling the Seven Ninja of the Mist; and Hizashi Hyuga volunteered to die in his place to avoid war.

The promotion of the village was undoubtedly influenced by considerations of compensation and appeasement.

"Just a special Jonin," Hiruzen Sarutobi added at the right moment, breaking Shuji's train of thought.

Shuji felt relieved. Special Jonin—this was a special rank. They weren't promoted based on overall exceptional strength, but rather by reaching Jonin level in a specific area, or possessing indispensable special talents such as powerful sensory abilities, top-tier medical ninjutsu, or profound sealing techniques. Their authority and status were lower than regular Jonin, but higher than ordinary Chunin, and they were typically responsible for specific types of missions or served as expert advisors.

This arrangement avoids potential controversy over qualifications that might arise from directly promoting someone to a full-fledged Jonin.

"Understood," Shuuji replied calmly. The identity of a Special Jonin was more suitable for him. Higher mission authority and rewards, and fewer daily management responsibilities—it suited him perfectly.

The Third Hokage placed the file back in the drawer, making a slight sliding sound. "You'll be notified about the promotion process. You'll need two letters of recommendation from current Chunin or Jonin, and you'll have to pass an evaluation test. The test will focus on your area of ​​expertise." He glanced at Shuuji, meaningfully adding, "With your abilities, it shouldn't be a problem. As for the recommendation letters..."

Shuji understood. His parents had died on the battlefield, his mentor, a Jonin, had perished in the Nine-Tails' attack, and his comrades from the border squad had also sacrificed themselves on the Kumogakure battlefield. The most suitable candidates were all gone. If Shuji couldn't find anyone for the time being, Hiruzen Sarutobi could naturally find suitable candidates and provide letters of recommendation.

"I'll handle it myself," Shuuji said.

Granny Taohua should be able to contact some members of the Thousand Hands clan who are living in anonymity.

Although they have changed their surnames and integrated into Konoha, as former core members, many of them hold the status of Chunin or Jonin. I have seen them during the New Year holidays. As for recommending books, it shouldn't be a problem.

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded slightly: "Go, and prepare well. As for Itachi's team, I will have the Anbu notify you once the personnel are complete."

"Yes." Xiu Si bowed and took his leave.

Stepping out of the Hokage Building, Konoha was already bathed in the glow of streetlights. A cool evening breeze carried away the lingering smell of smoke from the offices.

Promotion to Special Jonin... Shuji didn't feel much about the title itself, but he was satisfied with the practical benefits it brought—greater freedom, opportunities to participate in more core missions, and richer rewards.

(End of this chapter)