Konoha Notes

Chapter 13 Letter of Recommendation

The courtyard of the Senju House was bathed in the dim twilight.

The evening breeze rustled softly through the branches of the ancient trees. The lanterns under the eaves cast a gentle, warm glow. Granny Peach Blossom sat as still as a rock, only slightly raising her eyelids as she saw Xiu Si push open the door and enter.

"You're back?" The voice was flat, revealing no emotion. But his weathered gaze lingered on Xiu Si for a few more moments, as was his habit.

"Yes, Grandma." Shuji sat down on the veranda, his posture relaxed. "The Third Hokage summoned me regarding team arrangements and the promotion of Special Jonin."

The reason for not mentioning the team formation was mainly to avoid worrying the grandmother, since he had agreed to become Itachi's captain, and then the Third Hokage proposed to promote him to Jonin, which seemed like an exchange.

No, in practical terms, it was just an exchange.

Granny Taohua's fingers, which were holding the teacup, paused almost imperceptibly for a moment. She remained silent, her gaze fixed on a corner of the courtyard swallowed by shadows.

“We need two Chunin or Jonin recommendation letters,” Shuji continued, speaking as if reporting official business, “plus a specialized ability assessment.”

"I'm afraid I'll have to trouble you with the recommendation letter."

"A letter of recommendation?" Granny Tao Hua slowly turned her head, her gaze falling on Xiu Si's face. That one word seemed to freeze the air in the corridor for a moment. She picked up her teacup, took a sip, and the scalding liquid couldn't completely conceal the deep meaning that flashed in her eyes.

Those who can write recommendation letters... naturally refer to those kinds of people.

In the fragments of memories that Xiu Si merged with, those people were like distant relatives with whom he had a detached relationship.

At certain times each year, they would visit this somewhat desolate old house, bringing decent but not luxurious gifts—exquisite boxes of pastries, seasonal fresh fruits, or some rare little items from outside the village.

The scene in my memory is somewhat hazy: some faces carry a sense of nostalgia for the past, and their words reveal an obvious respect for Granny Taohua.

Their gazes toward young Shuuji were complex, as if they were examining a keepsake connecting the past and the future. They would gently pat his head or shoulder, asking casual questions like, "How's the ninja academy going?" or "You've grown taller again," their tone gentle, conveying a concern that was both paternal and distant.

For Xiu Si now, these distant relatives, who only exist in brief greetings during holidays, have little affection and little contact. But now that he needs them, he can only seek the coordination of Granny Tao Hua, the matriarch.

From an adult's perspective, this is undoubtedly the most appropriate, proper, and convenient way—having an elder make the contact is far more natural, efficient, and suitable than him, a fourteen-year-old boy, directly asking those uncles, aunts, and cousins ​​whose faces he doesn't remember clearly and with whom he has a distant relationship for recommendation letters.

Grandma Taohua put down her teacup, the bottom of which made a very light, crisp sound as it collided with the tray.

Her gaze lingered on Shuji's still somewhat immature face. Fourteen years old, not young anymore; in the world of ninjas, this was already an age capable of shouldering heavy responsibilities.

But for Granny Taohua, it was too small.

A letter of recommendation is an attitude. When parents write a letter of recommendation for their child, it means they approve of that person as a representative of their family. When a Chunin writes a letter of recommendation, it means they are willing to accept the leadership of that Jonin. When a Jonin writes a letter of recommendation, it means they acknowledge that the person has earned their approval in some aspect and is qualified to be their ally.

So, should we get those people to write recommendation letters and let them make contact with us?
Should we let him get involved in that circle now?
After the passing of Lord Hashirama and Lord Tobirama, those people liked to gather at the old house, perhaps to maintain a bond that would allow them to help each other in crucial moments.

Behind this bond lie expectations, burdens, and perhaps even calculations. This pool of water is far too deep and unfathomable for Xiu Si at this moment. "Regarding the letter of recommendation..." Granny Tao Hua finally agreed, "I will take care of it."

"Do you need me to prepare anything?"

"You just need to focus on the assessment." Granny Tao Hua casually pushed a ceramic cup filled with freshly brewed hot tea in front of Xiu Si. "You don't need to worry about anything else."

Shuji took the teacup, the warmth spreading from his palm. "Yes, Grandma."

He should do it neatly. Since the old man intends to make the arrangements himself, Xiu Si is happy to save himself the trouble.

"The letter of recommendation will be sent directly to the Hokage's office," Granny Momoka added casually.

As Shuji held the warm ceramic cup, his thoughts immediately drifted away.

The original owner left behind a very solid foundation: she could master all five types of elemental techniques, and her chakra reserves were exceptionally high—abundant chakra also meant a strong physique, and naturally, her taijutsu was not weak. As for genjutsu? Senju Momoka was a renowned genjutsu master during the Warring States period when she faced the Uchiha clan.

Xiu Si was raised by her, and even if he wasn't an expert in illusion magic, it was by no means a weak point.

Not to mention now, both the quantity and quality of his chakra have reached a whole new level.

Their spiritual perception became increasingly acute, and their five senses were also greatly enhanced.

A targeted special Jonin exam? It's not a problem for either the current Shuji or the Shuji of the past.

For Shuji now, this is more like a test of his control—how to accurately grasp the scale of power, demonstrate the level of ninjutsu a Jonin should have, pass the test smoothly, and not be so different from his past strength that he would attract unnecessary scrutiny.

What truly lingers in my mind is the cultivation of the perception of natural energy.

Through this period of dedicated training and enlightenment, Shuji has been able to vaguely sense the strange ripples that appear in the surrounding space when the Wood Release Tree attempts to absorb natural energy.

Although it was still elusive and difficult to grasp, and he couldn't actively absorb it, it was still positive feedback, giving him more confidence and proving that this path was correct. All he needed to do from now on was continue practicing.

At the same time, the in-depth development of Wood Release should not be neglected.

Although the previous attempt to guide Wood Release to absorb natural energy ended in petrification, the failure itself was a valuable experience. The trees he cultivated were still too weak. So, should he focus on improving the strength of the trees in Wood Release, or should he expand the variety of trees?
These are all problems that need to be solved.

He must gain a deeper understanding of the essence of Wood Release and explore its profound connection with natural energy. With Hashirama Senju paving the way, he might just be able to find his own path.

Only by truly mastering the immense power of the Thousand Hands can one stand firm in the coming era of uncertainty and chaos, as he knows it. The trial is but a ripple; only by becoming stronger can one become a pillar.

As night deepened, the lamplight of the old house cast a hazy glow on the windowpanes. Granny Taohua watched the young man holding a teacup, his eyes vacant, clearly absorbed in meditation and contemplation. The tense lines on her shoulders relaxed almost imperceptibly. She picked up her own cup of tea, which had already cooled down, and slowly sipped it.

(End of this chapter)