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

"Snapped!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi closed the lighter in his hand, took a deep drag on the pipe with the cigarette in his mouth, and exhaled two long plumes of white smoke from below his nostrils.

Looking at the tall and straight Qianyu in front of him, a hint of approval flashed in his slightly tired eyes. Although there were some unexpected events in this mission, he was very pleased with the strength that Qianyu had shown.

"The priestess spoke highly of you in her report," Hiruzen Sarutobi's wrinkled face relaxed. "Chiba, have you ever considered becoming a Special Jonin?"

"Thank you for your kindness, Hokage. However, I believe that apart from my good vitality, chakra, and decent ninjutsu, I am still lacking in many other areas and need to work on them."

Faced with the temptation of the reputation of a genius after being promoted to Special Jonin, Chiba seriously stated his thoughts.

"Cough cough cough cough!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi was clearly shocked by Chiba's shameless remarks. He coughed repeatedly from the pungent smoke and couldn't help but take the tea that Chiba handed him and drink it all in one gulp.

"You can learn Jiraiya's ninjutsu, but as for his character and conduct, Chiyu, you're still young, so it's necessary to keep some distance from him."

Hiruzen Sarutobi clearly thought that Chiba had been corrupted by Jiraiya in the Land of Rain and had become less proper, so he kindly reminded her.

"Thank you for your concern, Hokage-sama. I don't think I'm really suitable for promotion to Special Jonin right now," Chiyu refilled the other's tea. "Special Jonin is still Jonin, and you need to accumulate experience first. After all, this isn't wartime."

Since Chiyu had already put it this way, Hiruzen Sarutobi could only suppress his sudden thoughts and nodded in response.

"That's fine too. Sometimes, being a genius can attract the enemy's close surveillance. Shisui was ambushed by the ninjas of Kumogakure during his mission, but fortunately, Shisui's strength was considerable and he killed them in the process."

"I know Shisui-senpai's strength. Last time when he was ambushed by unfamiliar ninjas, he killed two Jonin by himself. His strength is indeed very strong."

Seeing that Chiyu's praise of Uchiha Shisui seemed genuine, Hiruzen Sarutobi's admiration deepened.

Sometimes, high-ranking ninjas must be tolerant of others, otherwise how can they coordinate and cooperate with their teammates? Jonin rarely have fixed teams; they usually form temporary teams. If there are any unpleasant things between them, it will be a laughing stock.

For example, the Senju and Uchiha clans at the beginning of Konoha's founding were definitely typical negative examples.

"In that case, Qianyu, you should go back and rest. Your new teammates will be matched soon, and then you can go on missions again."

"Oh, and Chiyu, don't forget to give my regards to Lady Momoka."

"Yes, Hokage-sama, I'll take my leave now."

With that, Chiyu turned and left. Watching his departing figure, Hiruzen Sarutobi did not continue handling government affairs, but instead continued to smoke.

A moment later, he took out a scroll from the drawer, unsealed it, and saw several names arranged on it.

Jiraiya, Tsunade, Minato Namikaze... Sarutobi Asuma, Hatake Kakashi, with the name "Minato Namikaze" circled in red.

Looking at the blank space behind Kakashi Hatake, Hiruzen Sarutobi picked up the pen on the table and was about to continue writing.

However, seemingly hesitant about something, he let out a deep sigh and ultimately did not put pen to paper.

"Someone, summon Moonlight Gale."

"yes!"

-----------------

It was still a cold, dark cave. Once again, Konan stood in front of the terrifying colossus, gazing at Nagato, who seemed to be asleep, a hint of worry flashing in her eyes.

"It's alright, Konan. It's just that among the Six Paths of Pain, apart from Yahiko, the other five are too weak to contain my power. I've already asked Sasori to help find a suitable candidate, which is exactly what he envisions as the eternal art."

Nagato's voice was clearly full of exhaustion, yet he still comforted Konan, which made Konan feel even more distressed.

"Nagato, I've interrogated Hanzo and found out where he's hiding. Now we can have Black Zetsu keep an eye on him and take his life whenever we want."

"Excellent!" Nagato's spirits lifted at Konan's news, and he even raised his voice slightly. "Once I have all six paths of Pain ready, I will go and collect my debt from him."

"Nagato," Konan said, looking at Nagato's fierce expression, "I saw Jiraiya-sensei."

The sudden news caused Nagato's expression to freeze, and the surroundings instantly fell silent, but the oppressive atmosphere grew even heavier.

After a while.

"Anyone who stands in the way of Akatsuki can be killed! Even... even him!"

A tone of resolute determination mingled with pain echoed throughout the space, but after the words fell, the place became even more silent.

-----------------

The Senju family ancestral home in Konoha is undoubtedly the most elegant building in the village. Located in the heart of Konoha, it is surrounded by greenery, and the occasional glimpse of its corners makes it appear even more ancient.

At this moment, on a large tree near the outer wall, a small figure was huffing and puffing as it climbed up. To avoid being discovered, Karin didn't even dare to use her tree-climbing skills.

"It's so beautiful," Karin said, looking at the Konoha scenery outside the wall, a look of satisfaction in her eyes. A year ago, when she was imprisoned, she never dared to imagine her life now.

However, she still remembers those dark days. She refused to leave the ancestral home of the Thousand Hands without her mother's permission, and even Kana wouldn't let her climb trees to expose herself.

Compared to Karin, Kana Uzumaki is completely suffering from the aftereffects, and she wishes she could hide herself from her mother and daughter.

"Karin!"

Her mother's angry voice rang out, startling Karin so much that she slipped and fell backward. Just as Karin was trying to regain her balance...

A huge white hair flashed past her and wrapped around her waist. Then Karin felt a moment of dizziness and landed on a broad shoulder.

"Kana, you're too excited. Let Karin relax a bit sometimes. She's still young," Chiyu said with a smile, putting Karin down from his shoulder as she was studying his hair. "I'll take her out for a walk tomorrow."

Hearing Chiyu's words, Uzumaki Kana naturally couldn't say anything more. She could only glare at Karin in secret before speaking, "Then I'll have to trouble you, young master."

Seeing this, Chiba stretched out her hair to tease Karin while looking at Kana, "I saw some unfamiliar ninjas at the gate just now. Are we having guests?"

"Yes, young master, it's Lord Mitokado Homura, the village advisor. He just arrived and is waiting for Granny Momo to see him."

Upon hearing Kana's words, a thoughtful look flashed in Chiba's eyes. Konoha's advisor? If he remembered correctly, the teachers who had just become Hokage were all suppressed.

Among the Second Hokage's personal guards, apart from the early-deceased Uchiha Kagami, none of them were simple. Even the manner of Kagami's death is quite intriguing.

With this sense of vigilance, Qianyu walked towards the living room; since the person had come, he couldn't refuse to see them.