Naruto: Starting with Creating a Genius Persona

Chapter 125 Promotion to Special Jonin (7/10)

One day later.

Shinichi had just returned home and hadn't even had time to change out of his dusty training uniform when he heard a knock on the door.

Upon opening the door, one finds staff members from the Hokage's office building standing outside, each holding a file folder with a solemn expression.

"Higashino Shinichi, this is a promotion order personally signed by the Hokage. Please take a look."

Shinichi took the document bag and put it away, then nodded to the staff member.

"Thank you for your hard work, senior."

The staff member bowed slightly, said nothing, and turned to leave.

After the staff left, Shinichi closed the door and opened the file bag. Inside was an official promotion document, stamped with the Hokage's seal, with the words clearly written on it.

"Effective immediately, Shinichi Higashino is promoted to Special Jonin and will enjoy the benefits of a Special Jonin."

Special Jonin?

Shinichi's gaze lingered on the words "Special Jonin" for a moment before he continued reading.

The reason for the general promotion is his outstanding strategic analysis ability, his profound insight into the situation in the ninja world, and the great value of the three analysis reports he submitted. After review by the Hokage and the advisory group, he was promoted exceptionally.

He was silent for a few seconds, then nodded slightly.

From the perspective of job title generation, "Special Jonin" might not be enough; the personal panel should recognize the official rank of "Jonin".

However, having the Special Jonin class as a foundation will speed up his promotion to Jonin and make things much smoother.

He carefully put away the promotion documents and his gaze fell on another item in the file bag.

That was a command file.

"Attend class?"

Shinichi read the document intently. It told him to prepare for a special lecture on the current situation in the ninja world and war preparations to be given to the attendees at the Hokage Building in five days.

Are we in class?

How should I put it?

Shinichi walked to the window. Outside, the lights of Konoha gradually lit up, like countless stars scattered in the night. In the distance, the outline of the Hokage Rock was faintly visible in the twilight.

The faces of the first, second, and third generations were calm and solemn as they looked down over the village that was about to be hit by a storm.

Meanwhile, throughout Konoha.

Documents signed "Special Jonin Shinichi Higashino" are being delivered to their intended recipients one after another.

The first to receive the document were the Chunin captains, special Jonin, and regular Jonin who happened to be in the village. They had either just finished a mission or were leading a team at the training ground when the messenger suddenly appeared and stopped them, taking the brown paper bag stamped with the Hokage's seal.

"What is this?" someone muttered, and immediately opened it.

Then they saw the name on the cover.

Special Jonin?

Shinichi Higashino?

When did that genius junior become a Special Jonin?

Many people were stunned. Of course, they knew who Shinichi Higashino was. His name was known throughout Konoha. He was the most shining new star in Konoha and the most outstanding genius in recent years. A little over a month ago, he fought to a draw with the powerful samurai from the Land of Iron in the arena and was publicly called the "strongest" genius boy by the other party.

The news of that battle spread throughout the entire village; everyone knew about it.

But a special Jonin?

He was only ten years old.

Even if he is ridiculously strong, even if he is among the top ninjas, this is too fast, isn't it?

Some people frowned, some shook their heads, and some were indifferent, but no matter what they thought, they continued to scroll down.

Then, very quickly, the page-turning motion stopped.

In Minato Namikaze's home, the lights were warm.

The sounds of cooking came from the kitchen. Kushina, wearing an apron, was busy at the stove, humming an unknown tune as she stirred the ingredients in the pot. She was clearly in a good mood.

After Shinichi developed the Rasengan, Minato Namikaze learned the technique and used its chakra control principles to help Kushina better control the Nine-Tails' power within her. The effect was unexpectedly good, and Kushina gained greater freedom, being able to walk and live normally in Konoha Village without needing to be closely watched as before.

Soon, the two naturally moved in together.

Beside the low table in the living room, Minato Namikaze held a document in his hand, his gaze intently scanning every word on the page.

Across from him, Jiraiya sat cross-legged without any regard for appearances, also holding a document in his hand, his brows furrowed, and his usually unrestrained face now showing a rare solemn expression.

Jiraiya returned to Konoha on his own a month ago. He had been traveling around for many years and his whereabouts were uncertain. But this time, before the Third Hokage could send anyone to look for him, he sensed the increasingly turbulent undercurrents in the ninja world, the military expansion of the major powers, the escalation of border frictions, and the strange movements within Sunagakure. So, following the Third Hokage's wishes, he returned to Konoha.

After returning, he often came to Shuimen to freeload meals.

One reason is that Kushina's cooking is indeed delicious.

Secondly, because there are people here who can talk to him.

"Minato." Jiraiya suddenly spoke, putting down the documents in his hand and looking at his disciple opposite him with a solemn expression: "What do you think? Do you really think the situation will develop as Shinichi predicted? In this great war, our Konoha might even face a four-way attack from Sunagakure, Kumogakure, Iwagakure, and Kirigakure?"

Minato was silent for a few seconds, picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then slowly put it down.

"Jiraiya-sensei, I think it's very possible."

"I've read this document three times, and on the third time, I read it with the intention of refuting it."

"I want to find the flaws in his logic and the points where his reasoning doesn't hold water."

After a moment's hesitation, Minato continued, "But I couldn't find it."

"Every inference above is based on evidence, and every piece of evidence can be found in reality. They are all based on the real needs of each power, what they must do, and from that, they deduce what they will inevitably do."

"It's terrifying."

Jiraiya fell silent.

Minato continued, speaking more slowly than usual, as if he were thinking as he spoke: "Furthermore, Jiraiya-sensei, since the village has issued this document, it means that the Third Hokage and the others have conducted multiple assessments. Given the Third Hokage's caution and the experience of the three advisors and elders, they wouldn't make such a big decision based solely on Shinichi's analysis."

"They must have repeatedly gone through the process in their own way to confirm that what the child said was true and that the situation was very likely to develop in this direction before they sent out the document."

Jiraiya nodded without saying anything.

The night outside the window was deep, and the lights of Konoha in the distance flickered in the darkness. He just stared out the window, lost in thought.

After a long silence, he finally spoke, his voice much lower than usual: "Minato, do you think... the day when people understand each other will truly come?"

Minato paused for a moment, remained silent for a few seconds, then smiled—a bright and warm smile, like sunshine.

"Jiraiya-sensei, although I don't know what to do or when that day will come, I believe that the day Jiraiya-sensei believes in will definitely come."