Naruto: From Novice to Grave

The village is currently still operating under wartime mode. Apart from official missions from the Land of Fire's capital and Konoha, there are no free commissions available. Therefore, ninjas like Higashino Makoto who have returned from the front lines have nothing to do for the time being and can take a good rest.

Combat-type ninjas don't need to clock in and out like functional ninjas in various departments within the village. Their work is more flexible, and while the risks are high, the freedom and income are also greater. Even if they take a year or six months off, they won't be dragged into the killing line.

Those like Higashino Shinichi and his group made a fortune in the early C-rank missions and are already quite wealthy. Continuing to be ninjas is no longer simply about making money; they each have their own reasons.

Of course, the reward for the task must be exactly the same, not a penny less.

The team did not regroup for several days after returning.

Uzuki Yugao stayed home to keep her mother company, being a good girl, and also trained her arrogant little brother, letting him experience how terrifying a ninja who had been on the battlefield could be.

The mere fact that he accidentally revealed his killing intent was enough to make him wet his pants on the spot, realizing how ridiculous his claim that he could become a hero and dominate the battlefield was.

Ninjas possess chakra, and within chakra lies spiritual energy, which can truly manifest killing intent.

Just look at how Sasuke was when he first faced Snake; he couldn't even move.

Hayate Gekko doesn't need to spend time with his family. After all, his mother passed away many years ago, and his father is the Jonin who leads his team. They are together all the time, and he can always enjoy his father's loving gaze.

He mainly felt the pressure from Higashino Makoto, and was single-mindedly focused on getting his father to help him improve his skills.

His family's swordsmanship, the training experience he gained from the old man Maruboshi Kosuke, and the [Wind Release: Vacuum Sword] were enough for him to practice for several years.

Moonlight Gale believed that as long as he fully mastered these things, hmph... he could struggle a few more seconds in the shadow of Higashino Shinichi.

As usual, Higashino Makoto started his physical training early in the morning, then took a walk around after breakfast, before finding a quiet place to practice the second stage of chakra control and nature transformation.

As usual, I practiced the second stage of white natural energy in the evening. Although I can practice without sleep now, the efficiency is much higher when my consciousness is out of my body.

Even though his progress is slow, he continues to practice diligently.

Spiritual practice has become a part of his life. He enjoys this rhythmic lifestyle and feels uncomfortable if he doesn't practice for a day.

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Last day of June.

Shinichi Higashino went to work out early in the morning. After returning home and having breakfast with his mother, he waited a while before leaving.

I didn't go to train today; instead, I met up with my team and went to the Hokage Building. This was the notification I received yesterday.

Upon arriving at the Hokage Building, the four were led by an Anbu member to a somewhat empty room.

The place was empty, except for some calligraphy works hanging on the walls, and four middle-aged and elderly people sitting behind a long table inside.

Higashino Makoto knew who it was at a glance—the famous F4, the elite group of Konoha's high-ranking members.

The man on the left has bandages wrapped diagonally around his right eye and right ear, suggesting he is injured. However, his hands are intact, unlike later when they are wrapped up like a mummy and hung in front of his chest.

This is naturally the pot king Shimura Danzo.

Sitting next to him was the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, followed by Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane.

At this time, the four of them were not yet so old, around 56 years old, just entering middle age, and still retaining their vigor.

As soon as Team Three entered, Moonlight Cloud bowed and greeted them: "Lord Hokage, and the three advisors."

In fact, besides being the leader of Root, Shimura Danzo's official position was Hokage's assistant. However, he was also referred to as an advisor, like Gekko Kumomi.

Ninjas, unlike the nobles outside, don't adhere to strict etiquette; as long as the gesture is conveyed, that's enough.

"Lord Hokage!" Higashino and the other two greeted him politely, but only bowed to the other three, since it was their first meeting today.

Of the three, Danzo was always operating his Root organization underground, while also stirring up trouble all over the ninja world, gathering intelligence for Konoha, or eliminating potential threats—threats he perceived himself to be.

Mitomon En, the advisor, is mainly responsible for liaison between the village and the daimyo prefecture. In short, his job can be summed up in two words: asking for money.

As for what Koharu, the advisor, is responsible for, few people know. Anyway, the three of them rarely appear in public. Those who can see them often are at least elite Chunin or above. Ordinary Chunin and Genin? Very few people know them.

The Third Hokage, always smiling, exhaled a puff of cigarette smoke and said, "Oh, hehe, look who's here. Our three little heroes! Kumomi, you've got a knack for teaching students, haven't you?"

Look how eloquent they are! They even called Gekko Hayate and Uzuki Yugao "little hero" together, and also praised Gekko Kumomi, making everyone feel like they were basking in a spring breeze.

And look at you, Danzo Shimura, with that deadpan expression the whole time, not a bit friendly at all. What? Do we owe you money?

You think you can become Hokage? Go be the Bridgekage instead.

"You flatter me, Hokage. It's mainly because the school laid a good foundation, and they are also talented. I just polished them up."

"Good, good, they are all the future of Konoha. Kumomi, you've worked hard." After praising them, Hiruzen Sarutobi said, "We already know about Kumomi's team's performance on the Kirigakure battlefield."

You have made great contributions. Whether in intelligence gathering or in the counterattack against the Mist Ninja, you have played an irreplaceable role, greatly reducing the casualties of your comrades and speeding up the process of defeating the enemy.

Especially you, Shin, you really didn't disappoint me. Your performance perfectly lives up to the reputation of being the number one genius of the new generation in Konoha.

Now that your team's achievements have been verified, you can proceed with the corresponding task calculation and reward redemption according to the normal procedures.

Higashino Shin bowed slightly again: "Hokage-sama, this is what I should do! My goal in training has always been to better protect the village and my comrades, and I'm so glad I did!"

"Good, good, that's a really good Will of Fire." Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded in satisfaction, then changed the subject: "Given your performance, you've fully reached the level of Chunin, so from today onwards, you're no longer Genin. Hayate Gekko and Yugao Uzuki, you two can just go register in a bit. If you don't understand anything, just ask your teacher."

The two were delighted, but then they realized that the Hokage seemed to have missed a name.

Higashino Makoto didn't show any disappointment on his face; he knew there would be more to come.

I just don't know what tricks the third generation is playing.

Does this mean I'll be directly promoted to Special Jonin? Or a Regular Jonin?

Impossible, absolutely impossible.

In terms of strength, he is undoubtedly capable. I believe the higher-ups have also seen his performance in the attack on the Hidden Mist stronghold from the battle reports. His combat power has surpassed that of an average Jonin.

The main reasons are: first, he is too young, and becoming a Jonin would be too conspicuous; second, don't forget that the Higashino family already has two Jonin, so he will have to wait if he wants to be promoted to Jonin.

Uzuki Yugao exclaimed anxiously, "Hokage-sama, what about Shin? Have you forgotten?"

The third generation said, "Of course I won't forget, but I have other ideas, I just don't know if you're really willing to help."

"Lord Hokage, I am willing to follow the village's arrangements."

"Okay, okay, here's the thing. Because of the war, the Chunin Exams in July this year were interrupted. After discussion, we decided to hold a make-up exam tomorrow, September 1st."

The final one-on-one battle will be attended by the daimyo of the country, some important officials, and many villagers of Konoha. This is a good opportunity to show Konoha's strength to the capital and let the villagers witness the talent of the strongest genius of the new generation in the village, thus increasing their confidence in the village.

"Shin, as our Konoha's little hero, you won't let us down, right!"

"Huh? Hokage-sama, am I alone?"

"Yes, you are participating in the competition under your own name, and it counts as an A-level mission."

"I see, then I'm fine with it, Hokage-sama!"

Higashino finally understood; it turned out they were using his name to put on a political show.

But it's nothing. As a ninja, not having experienced the Chunin Exams is like not having had a pure love affair during your youth. Thinking about it, it's a little regrettable. But now, the regret is gone.