My Villainous Life Starting with Naruto

Chapter 44 Limited-Time Mission

Hiruzen Sarutobi was still the same as ever, with a pipe in his mouth, wearing the red and white Hokage robe, and looking very amiable.

"Nobuhiko Hase, Raizo Shinozaki, Mieko Uchiha, Yuto Hyuga, and Kakashi Hatake," he said softly, naming the five outstanding elites who were about to be promoted.

Three "elite clans" and two "commoners," with the Uchiha and Hyuga each holding one spot, offer a glimpse into the delicate balance within Konoha Village during a Jonin promotion exam.

The five stood with their hands clasped together. Over the years, Hiruzen Sarutobi had used both kindness and authority in the name of Hokage, and he was very respected in Konoha. Even the arrogant Uchiha would not disobey him out of politeness.

"You are all the true elite of the village." Hiruzen Sarutobi paused, then said solemnly:

"A tree has roots, a trunk, branches, and leaves; each part is indispensable."

"If we want this tree to grow strong and pass on the Will of Fire, someone must stand up and protect it. I am glad that Konoha will soon have five more sharp blades."

"Chunin and Jonin are completely different beings. The former are just squad leaders, while the latter can decide the life and death of dozens or even hundreds of people."

"Often, the success or failure of a battle or even a campaign hinges on a single decision made by a Jonin."

"So, what do you think is most important for a Jonin?" Hiruzen Sarutobi asked.

"Strong enough!" A female voice rang out, and the one who answered was Uchiha Mieko.

She has the typical Uchiha appearance and personality—beautiful, black-haired, and emotionally rich.

During this period, the Uchiha clan was not yet in the awkward position of being ostracized on the eve of their extermination, nor were they forced into isolation; many clan members were still relatively outgoing.

She glanced at the four people beside her and snorted:

"A true Jonin must possess the ability to resolve problems in any crisis; they must be incredibly strong!"

"Powerful, huh?" Hiruzen Sarutobi clapped his hands.

"Very good answer. That's right, you and the four people beside you are all extremely skilled combatants... Any other answers?"

"Mission accomplished." Kakashi Hatake said calmly, his eyelids drooping.

"No matter what sacrifices or costs I have to make, as a Jonin, I must complete the mission."

Mosaku's death was a great blow to him, Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed inwardly, showing no favoritism and agreeing with the sentiment.

The remaining two ninjas also shared their understandings, which were neither particularly insightful nor wrong.

Soon it was Hyuga Yuto's turn. He rubbed his headband, hesitated for a moment, and then spoke in a gentle yet firm voice:

"Hokage-sama, I believe that only those who are recognized by everyone are qualified Jonin."

A person who has gained everyone's approval... Hiruzen Sarutobi was moved. Just like their conversation in the office half a year ago, the answer from this young man from the Hyuga branch family contained an extraordinary sense of the big picture and a heart of tolerance.

"But Yuto, gaining everyone's approval is extremely difficult, ten thousand times harder than mastering an S-rank ninjutsu."

"Lord Hokage, how can the path of pursuing your dreams be considered difficult?"

Hyuga Yuto saw that when he finished speaking, Tsunade behind Sarutobi Hiruzen had already smiled, her eyes sparkling, satisfied and pleased with her student's answer.

Hiruzen Sarutobi took a drag of his cigarette, suppressing his complex emotions, and continued:

"All five of your answers are very good and correct. A Jonin is the most elite ninja in a village. In terms of leadership, mental fortitude, and combat ability, they must be superior to ordinary Chunin in every aspect."

"You have emerged as outstanding individuals in recent years, completing many missions and proving your combat skills and problem-solving abilities. In my opinion, you are all qualified to become Jonin."

"But to become a Jonin, one must undergo an examination; this is a rule set by the First Hokage."

"One-on-one matches cannot fully demonstrate your abilities."

"Therefore, I have specially selected five S-rank missions. You will each take one. After completing them, return here, and you will become Jonin of Konoha Village."

"Remember, you must complete the task and return within five days. Even a second's delay will result in disqualification."

"Tsunade..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi took a step back, and Tsunade Senju stepped forward.

She took out five scrolls and placed them on the ground:

"Each person can choose one. Once opened, it cannot be changed."

Mieko Uchiha was the first to step forward. After picking up a scroll, she bowed to Hiruzen Sarutobi without even looking at it, and then left the underground area.

The remaining people took turns choosing, but Hyuga Yuto stood still, waiting for what others had left. This was what was called "caution and courtesy." The examiner, Senju Tsunade, was his teacher, and he couldn't be the first to choose, lest people suspect that the teacher and student had secretly arranged a mission and were doing something underhanded.

When only the last roll was left on the ground, Hyuga Yuto picked it up.

He opened it in front of Hiruzen Sarutobi and Tsunade, glanced at it, and without changing his expression, simply said respectfully:

"Lord Hokage... My mission is number four, you must know the details. Before I depart, I'd like to ask... to what extent can I accomplish? Do I need to control the [intensity]?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi calmly replied:

"Don't worry about any diplomatic trouble... If you cause any problems, Konoha will cover for you. Go ahead and do it."

Hyuga Yuto could almost smell the blood.

At just over fifty years old, Hiruzen Sarutobi was still at the tail end of his peak, and the coldness and ruthlessness deep in his heart far surpassed that of him when the story began more than ten years later.

Hinata Yuto bowed, then left the underground area without further delay.

This is a timed task, so we must make the most of every minute and second.

In the enclosed underground space, Tsunade suddenly sighed:

"Teacher, I don't think I've seen these five scrolls on the village's task board before..."

"Yes, this was drafted by Danzo and the others last night," Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed.

"Tsunade, although Danzo Shimura is a bit dark, and I know you've always disliked him, he does have a point sometimes."

"In war, there's no reason to cower in your shell and wait for others to attack you."

……

Hyuga Yuto ran back to the Senju clan's territory at lightning speed. He now often stays there, and has even moved many of his personal belongings and weapons next to Tsunade's. He has plenty of excuses, such as training and serving his teacher, so the Hyuga main family can't find any reason to criticize him.

Because it was a five-day timed mission, he didn't bring any spare clothes, only his weapons and a certain amount of valuables. He then left the village and ran eastward.

【Task Four:】

[According to top-secret intelligence, Kirigakure has dispatched an elite squad to the Land of Fire, led by one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.]

Whatever their motives, stop them from approaching the Land of Fire.

(End of this chapter)