Hokage's Mansion
After the ninjas in charge of surveillance conducted a quick inspection and transmitted his arrival, Gen walked slowly through the long hallways of the Mansion toward the door of the Hokage's Office.
Staring at the closed brown door, he slightly adjusted his emotions before raising his hand and knocking.
Tok, tok, tok!
"...Come in."
After his knocks, a voice quickly came from inside.
Taking a deep breath, Gen slowly opened the door.
The scene inside the office was just as he had imagined.
In the simple office, in front of the door, there was a wide, bright window offering a panoramic view of a large part of the village.
To one side, Hiruzen Sarutobi was seated behind a large desk covered with notebooks and documents, reviewing them one by one.
"Greetings, Hokage-sama!"
Regaining his composure, Gen quickly closed the door and, upon seeing Hiruzen, bowed respectfully.
"Ah, Gen, you don't have to be so formal. Come closer."
Hiruzen stopped reading and looked up.
Seeing Gen greeting him at the door, a kind smile appeared on his face.
"Understood." Gen straightened up and quickly walked until he was in front of the desk.
It wasn't the first time they had met.
When his ceremony to accept Orochimaru as his master took place, Hiruzen had been present as a witness and had a brief conversation with him.
But just because of this simple fact, it didn't mean Gen would lower his guard.
Within Tobirama's faction, their level of caution toward Hiruzen was no less than what they had toward Danzo.
Even so, all of this remained inside him.
On his face, there wasn't the slightest trace of hostility—only impeccable respect. It wasn't hypocrisy or cowardice; it was simply the prudence of someone who knows how to read the situation and act accordingly.
"So, how is your training going? Have you encountered any problems?"
When he reached him, Hiruzen didn't mention the Chūnin Exam right away. Instead, he took on a friendly demeanor and asked like a concerned grandfather.
"Everything is going well, I appreciate your concern, Hokage-sama..."
Gen smiled slightly, displaying a courteous attitude with no sign of distance.
Perhaps satisfied with his attitude, Hiruzen decided to get to the point.
"Gen, about the Chūnin Exams, I suppose Hayato has already spoken to you about it."
"Yes, Hokage-sama, Captain Hayato has already explained the situation to me."
"Then, what do you think about it? Are you interested in participating in this exam?"
At this question, Gen's expression showed a bit of hesitation.
This was the first time that the Genin of the Five Great Ninja Villages had gathered to take the Chūnin Exam.
"This is the first time in history that the Genin of the Five Great Villages are coming together to participate in a single exam… which makes it unprecedented. I think there is something strange about all of this. So, for security reasons, I believe I won't participate."
On his way here, he had naturally thought deeply about how to respond.
His answer suggested that he had no intention of taking part in the exam.
But Hiruzen did not seem the least bit upset. On the contrary, a slight smile of approval appeared on his face, reflecting his satisfaction.
"Well done. I'm glad to see that you have the insight to realize that this exam is much more than just a simple competition…"
Having said this, his tone shifted to a more serious one.
"...That being said… just as the village accepted the invitation, we are also aware of the dangers involved. However, there are times when certain risks are necessary because the future of the village is at stake.
To help you understand better… the world is at a critical point. The tension between the villages is obvious, and at any moment, a new war could break out.
The Hidden Cloud Village has summoned all the great nations for this exam, but the reality is that it's something more… a covert evaluation, a way to measure the strength of each village. In other words, this exam could be the prelude to a greater conflict.
If we reject the invitation or send weak candidates, we will be seen as a vulnerable village, and that could invite our enemies to attack us. That is why we must not only accept but also demonstrate our strength. We have to send the best. And among everyone, you are the most talented of this new generation.
You are, without a doubt, the ideal candidate to represent the village. I know this exam carries risks, but it is not just a test of combat—it is a strategic battle. And as Hokage, I trust that you will emerge victorious."
At the end of his speech, he looked intently at Gen.
Gen seemed surprised by the true magnitude of what this exam represented.
His face immediately turned serious, and he responded:
"I understand, Hokage-sama! I will participate in the Chūnin Exam and demonstrate the strength of our village to the others."
"Excellent, Gen! I knew you wouldn't disappoint me."
With this response, Hiruzen smiled in satisfaction.
…
Half an hour later, Gen left the Hokage's Mansion and headed straight to the Uchiha district.
Upon arriving home, he locked himself alone in his room.
Sitting at the edge of the bed, elbows resting on his knees, and fingers intertwined under his chin, his face reflected deep contemplation.
During the conversation in the office, although Hiruzen had not been completely authoritarian, it was clear that his intention was for him to participate in the Chūnin Exam…
However, in his words and between the lines, he had actually not given him any other choice. That was the reason why he ultimately agreed to participate.
Refusing the Chūnin Exam might not have completely broken his relationship with Hiruzen, but it would have undoubtedly aroused his distrust.
Gen never hesitated to think of others with the worst possible intentions.
If he were in Hiruzen's place, he wouldn't rule out the possibility of taking measures to eliminate any threat.
That's why he had to move carefully.
Compared to deteriorating his relationship with Hiruzen, the Chūnin Exam—though dangerous—was a much safer option considering his current level of strength.
Of course, that didn't mean he underestimated the exam.
The exam itself might not pose a great threat to him, but what would come afterward was another story.
After accepting participation in the exam, Hiruzen entrusted him with another mission…
Eliminate the participants from the other four great villages.
________
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