Naruto: In the name of the Senju, he made the ninja world tremble.

As dusk settled, Hiruzen Sarutobi lit his pipe, took a satisfying drag, and leaned back in his chair, listening to Genma Shiranui's report on the situation of Chiba and the other two.

Out of respect for the Hokage, Genma Shiranui did not hold the thousand toothpicks in his mouth this time. Instead, he slowly recounted what he had learned that day.

"Aoki Chiba, based on today's preliminary test, I believe she has the strength to become a Chunin. Uchiha Tsuki's strength has also reached the edge of Chunin. The biggest problem for these two is their lack of practical experience and mission training."

Although Genma Shiranui only mentioned Chiba and Tsuki, without mentioning Iruka, Hiruzen Sarutobi already understood his meaning and gestured for him to continue.

"In today's test, Uchiha Tsuki and Iruka were exactly as reported in the intelligence, but Aoki Chiba's situation was quite different from what was reported in the intelligence."

When Genma Shiranui said this, he didn't notice the hint of seriousness that flashed in the eyes of the Hokage opposite him, but his next words made the Hokage's expression relax a lot.

"Aoki Chiba's core abilities in the subsequent tests were Super Strength Fist and Summoning Jutsu. In addition, he was also very skilled in Wind Release and Earth Release, and his use of ninja tools was also quite good. If it weren't for his lack of genjutsu, his comprehensive combat skills would be no less than those of a special jonin."

At this point, Genma Shiranui paused briefly before continuing, "Personally speaking, he is no longer suitable to stay in the genin class. He and Tsuki Uchiha need to change teammates, as Iruka can no longer keep up with their strength."

Hiruzen Sarutobi did not immediately respond to Genma Shiranui's words. He knew that the other party was not looking down on Iruka's strength and status, but rather doing it for Iruka's own good. Day after day, being with a teammate with exceptional talent and feeling the growing gap in their strength would cause Iruka great psychological trauma.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's three students had encountered this situation before, so he strongly agreed with Genma Shiranui's suggestion. However, there were no suitable candidates at the moment, and it would be too conspicuous to let the Uchiha and Senju members form a team alone.

"Genma, since that's the case, then I'll trouble you to temporarily become their mentor. Take on a C-rank mission to see their practical experience first, and then make some adjustments."

Genma Shiranui didn't care about the Hokage's suggestion. He was free anyway, so he figured it wouldn't hurt to go out and see the world. Just as he was about to open the door after politely taking his leave, a figure pushed the door open and walked in.

Danzo? As Genma Shiranui watched the bandaged man brush past him, his brows furrowed. Having served as the Fourth Hokage's bodyguard, he knew that this advisor, who always caused trouble for the Fourth Hokage, was no good person.

However, as Genma Shiranui stepped out of the Hokage Building and felt the setting sun shining on his face, he gave a self-deprecating laugh. He was just an ordinary special Jonin now, so why should he care about these things?

"Genma-sensei?" A familiar voice rang out, and Genma Shiranui turned his head to look. His brow twitched, and he saw Chiba holding a large pile of food, looking at him not far away with Uchiha Tsuki and Iruka. Beside Uchiha Tsuki was a little girl who looked very similar to her, looking at him timidly.

"Are you guys having a get-together?" Genma Shiranui asked, somewhat puzzled, as he watched Chiba stuffing dumplings into her mouth.

"Mmm!" Chiyu nodded as she gave Uchiha Izumi a skewer of three-colored dumplings, then looked at Shiranui Genma who was walking over and said with a smile, "Genma-sensei, we're just about to go eat sukiyaki. This weather is perfect for it. Come on, Genma-sensei."

"I see." Genma Shiranui looked at the several youthful, smiling faces in front of him and felt his mood improve considerably. Remembering that he would soon be their teacher, he waved his hand and said:

"This meal is on me today. I've been officially appointed as your team leader, so I'll treat you to Akimichi's barbecue for our introductory dinner. You can eat until you're stuffed."

"Barbecue? Overeat?" Qianyu's eyes lit up when he caught the sensitive words, and a smile immediately appeared on his lips. Overeatening barbecue was something he dared not even think about lately, so he quickly nodded and led the way for everyone.

Iruka, who was walking at the very back of the group, seemed to have a look of reluctance on his face. He knew some inside information, but after thinking about Chiyu's obsession with food these past two days, he finally kept quiet because of his friendship with his best friend. He hoped that Genma-sensei would be able to keep his composure later.

Two flowers bloom, one branch each.

In the Hokage's office, shrouded in darkness, only the faint light emanating from Hiruzen Sarutobi's pipe, accompanied by a soft crackling sound, was clearly audible in the quiet space.

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Danzo standing opposite him, simply leaning back in his chair and staring directly into his eyes. Hiruzen was confident that he could wear down his best friend in terms of patience.

Sure enough, after a moment, Danzo couldn't help but speak first: "Let me take Aoki Chiba as my disciple. Under my training, he will definitely become the perfect successor to the Will of Fire. Based on the fact that he has earned the approval of Katsuyu, his potential will be at least that of an elite Jonin. What do you say?"

"Hmph!" Hiruzen Sarutobi let out a mocking laugh, causing Danzo to clench his cane tightly, a sense of foreboding rising in his heart.

"Danzo, is that really what you think?" Hiruzen Sarutobi has had many rivals in his life, but only Shimura Danzo in front of him can give him a continuous sense of satisfaction, and only he can be seen through by Hiruzen Sarutobi at a glance.

Hiruzen Sarutobi took a leisurely puff of his pipe, slowly exhaling a few smoke rings before continuing, "The Senju clan stands behind Aoki Chiba, and their influence extends throughout Konoha; even you and I are part of this network."

"And his teacher, Tsunade, I don't need to say anything, right? Tsunade has hemophobia, but Jiraiya and Orochimaru are at their peak. Are you sure Root can handle them?"

"Besides, in terms of relationship, I'm Aoki Chiba's grandmaster. How dare you say such things to me? Danzo, haven't you improved at all in all these years? This is a ploy to undermine me; what you really want is Uchiha Shisui!"

As Hiruzen Sarutobi finished speaking, a strong killing intent surged toward Danzo. At this moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi was no longer the kind old man he used to be, but instead looked at Danzo like an angry lion.

"Hiruzen, how could you do this to me..." Facing Hiruzen Sarutobi like this for the first time in his life, Danzo didn't know how to express himself. He had done so many dark things for Hiruzen, and he actually...?

"Danzo, the village is in turmoil right now. We're facing off against Kumogakure at the border, and Iwagakure is eyeing us covetously. These things are already exhausting me. If you try to make things difficult for me now, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

"I know you've been watching my location. I'll allow you to make some small moves as long as it doesn't harm Konoha, but not now!"

Danzo, his left eye bloodshot, looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi, who seemed to have returned to his youthful state, and finally angrily flung his sleeve and slammed the door shut as he left.

Seeing the ANBU member skillfully taking out tools to repair the door, Hiruzen Sarutobi's imposing aura vanished instantly.

Exhausted, Hiruzen Sarutobi got up and walked to the window. Looking at the clear, full moon in the sky, a sense of worry rose in his heart. The village's current fighting strength was at its lowest point. If Konoha suffered another major disaster in the next few years, the village might really cease to exist.

"First Generation Lord, Second Generation Lord, if we have the chance to meet again in the Pure Land in the future, will you acknowledge me?"

The anxious voice drifted slowly through the night along with the smoke.