Immortality begins with the ninjas of Konoha.

In late June of Konoha Year 45, inside the Hokage Building, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, chuckled as he gave instructions to the two young men before him:

"The Chunin represent the backbone of the village, and from now on they will have to shoulder the responsibility of the captain."

"Remember, not every task yields immediate results; be patient when leading a team."

"..."

Completely devoid of the airs of a Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi at this moment was more like an elder sharing his life experiences.

Hearing the teacher repeating some of the topics she had already discussed, Tsunade, wearing a Jonin vest, couldn't help but interrupt:

"Alright, teacher! You've already explained these things."

"Although they are still young, they can complete some C-rank missions without any problem. They are already qualified ninjas."

"You can't treat them like children anymore. Once you become a captain, you have to be responsible for your subordinates."

"Kakashi, you should understand that most of the Jonin team members have a very high opinion of you. Don't let them down!"

"As for Xiu, you will take over some of the medical team's work."

"If there are any advanced tasks, the teacher will summon you at any time."

Tsunade offered her concise and to the point, and Hiruzen Sarutobi, behind his desk, wasn't annoyed. Instead, a satisfied smile appeared on his face as he picked up his pipe and added:

"That's it. You won't have too many tasks in the second half of the year. At this age, you need to lay a solid foundation."

"The village isn't at the point where young geniuses should risk their lives. Don't take some minor disagreements to heart!"

"yes!"

Osamu Furukawa and Kakashi responded in unison. Perhaps due to their great success in the recent Chunin Exams, the Konoha ninjas were a little arrogant, and the Hokage was no exception.

The two, both not even 8 years old, looked a little awkward in their Chunin vests, but Hiruzen Sarutobi had completely gotten used to it and was even happier the more he looked at them.

"Go back and rest. The Ninja Academy will be conducting field exercises for the next two months. If you're interested, you can participate."

"..."

Kakashi was about to refuse outright when Furukawa pulled him back, causing him to swallow his words. The two nodded to each other before turning to leave.

"I'm so glad I introduced this child to you, Tsunade. Your ability to stay in the village has been a huge help!"

As Hiruzen Sarutobi began to exhale smoke, he chuckled and sighed. A few years ago, when Ichiro Furukawa and his wife sacrificed their lives, he discovered Osamu Furukawa's talent through evaluation.

The four-year-old child could easily climb trees and walk on water, demonstrating excellent chakra control and sensory abilities. Even Hiruzen Sarutobi was surprised by such talent.

"Old man, you've really gotten old, saying such things!"

Tsunade responded with some surprise, then carefully examined her teacher's face. He had more wrinkles than two years ago, and his hairline had started to recede. He had indeed aged a bit.

Knowing the changes in his body, Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't try to be brave; instead, he continued with a sense of relief:

"Everyone gets old, and with the help of the three of you, the village will prosper even more."

"You're not young anymore, it's time to build your own team. Unlike war, governing a village requires cooperation and mutual benefit."

"..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi, who wanted to continue their heart-to-heart talk, suddenly stiffened his neck, and Tsunade, who was unleashing her chakra, clenched her fists, looking very unhappy.

"Stop nagging! Don't expose this 'weak' side to others!"

"The Hokage doesn't need this kind of emotion."

Tsunade, her golden twin tails swaying, strode away. Hiruzen Sarutobi tapped his pipe and smiled helplessly, thinking of his youngest son throwing a tantrum at home, and sighed softly:

"Perhaps I should take a break too."

-

Inside the barbecue restaurant, Might Guy devoured his food while loudly hawking his wares, ignoring the resentful look from Genma Shiranui beside him, and continued his fervent promotion:

"Did you see that? Xiu defeated everyone using only his physical skills!"

"That spinning kick was partly my doing. The Leaf Whirlwind is a swift kicking technique; if your speed and power are sufficient, one strike can finish off your opponent!"

"Unfortunately, my nature transformation cannot activate the physical body like Xiu's, but as long as I continue to train, I will be able to do it in the future."

"..."

Since the Chunin Exams ended, Might Guy has been in this "super hot-blooded" state every day, and has become even more fanatical about taijutsu.

During their daily "youth training," they even shouted, "I will find my own path."

Namiashi Raido and Yamashiro Aoba were already used to it. As genin with considerable talent, they could understand Might Guy's feelings; the recognition of a genius was indeed a great encouragement.

"Instead of continuing to train chakra control, we should increase physical fitness."

"Kai, I hate to admit it, but you will definitely surpass me in chakra reserves."

Kakashi calmly offered his advice, explaining that after a year of observation, he was certain that Might Guy was indeed a genius and that his father hadn't misjudged him.

Might Guy, laughing heartily, gave a thumbs up, his whole being "burning" with energy again. In the second half of the year, besides completing missions to earn money, he would also keep challenging Kakashi!

"Chunin is great! I don't have to do those troublesome missions myself. I really want to advance to Chunin soon."

"Xiu, what are the benefits like in the medical corps?"

Genma Shiranui, who had just graduated, had already lost his motivation. D-rank missions were low-paying and boring, so he asked for advice now in order to continue his ninja career.

"As for income? It's about the same as when you go on a mission, but the village provides an extra subsidy."

"But hospital work is very troublesome; the barrier class should be easier."

With a knowing smile, Furukawa Osamu gave Shiranui Genma a knowing look.

"You think you can slack off right after graduation?"

"We'll be on the same team next month; our youth is just beginning!"

Might Guy's energetic performance made Genma Shiranui give him a deadpan look again. He wanted to say "Spare me," but in the end, for the sake of his pride, he forced a thumbs up.

"Cheers! To celebrate Shu and Kakashi becoming captains!"

Raito Namiya loudly proposed, and the young genin around him raised their glasses, making the atmosphere in the barbecue restaurant even more lively.

As evening fell, Matt Kai, who was so full he could barely stand, reluctantly said goodbye to the two. The hot-blooded young man then decided to walk home upside down, an exaggerated act that drew gasps from the villagers.

"Is this also a manifestation of the Will of Fire?"

After making more friends, Kakashi could clearly feel that everyone recognized him and respected his strength and talent from the bottom of their hearts.

Just like they were taught in school, the boys helped each other, and even when he went his own way in a collaborative task, no one blamed him; instead, they expressed their understanding.

"The world is not 'black and white,' and the Will of Fire has many facets."

Furukawa Osamu gave a brief response, and seeing Kakashi's confused expression again, he shook his head and added:

"Don't blindly believe anyone's opinions, and don't give up independent thinking. You have this ability; you will find the answer as long as you live."

Kakashi instinctively reached for his back before realizing he hadn't brought his short sword. Furukawa Osamu chuckled, patted his shoulder, and said nothing more, inwardly sighing:

"Luckily you're Xian 10..."