Hideyoshi Yamamoto's hope in the Chao Anren's ambition was misplaced. The pursuit of political power and the ensuing struggles were not what the Chao Anren sought.
This was a world where only the strong were respected. Power meant survival, while weakness led to abandonment.
As Hideyoshi stood in Hokage's office, he couldn't help but feel pity for his former self. Like Danzo, obsessed with power, Hideyoshi once believed that political machinations would bring him respect. But now, it was clear—he was someone discarded by the times, much like Orochimaru had been after his failed bid for Hokage.
The next day, at the Hokage's office…
Early that morning, Hideyoshi received a summons from the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and he arrived with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
Knock! Knock!
"Come in," called the Third Hokage, his voice calm yet authoritative.
After knocking, Hideyoshi entered with a respectful bow. "Excuse me, Hokage-sama! You called for me?"
"Ah, Hideyoshi," said the Third Hokage, glancing up from the papers on his desk. "Is one of your students, Chao Anren, planning to apply for early graduation?"
Though Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, was advanced in age, he still bore the aura of a warrior who had once commanded the respect of even the strongest shinobi, like Jiraiya and Orochimaru. While time had taken its toll, and age spots marked his skin, he remained the "Professor" of the ninja world, sharp and wise.
"Yes, Hokage-sama!" Hideyoshi responded. "Chao Anren has reached the level of a chunin. He is fully prepared to take the graduation exam."
Sarutobi nodded as he flipped through the documents, reading through Chao Anren's records and his teachers' evaluations.
Indeed, Chao Anren had demonstrated prowess comparable to a chunin. Under Hideyoshi's guidance over the past three years, there was little more to be learned from remaining at the Academy. Someone with such potential needed to move on to greater challenges.
Sarutobi understood the looming danger. Although peace reigned for now, conflict between the five great ninja nations could erupt at any moment. A war akin to the Third Great Ninja War was inevitable. Graduating shinobi early would give them the experience they needed to survive on the battlefield.
"Your evaluation of Chao Anren seems quite high," the Hokage said, looking up from the papers.
"Yes, his talent is remarkable, and his dedication is unwavering," Hideyoshi replied honestly. "Though I'd prefer he stayed at the Academy a little longer, it seems his mind is set."
Sarutobi contemplated for a moment before speaking. "Very well. We will arrange the graduation exam for him in seven days."
Though Chao Anren was talented, Sarutobi knew that surviving a war was what defined a shinobi. Konoha's Will of Fire existed to protect the village's future, but in reality, only those with the skill to thrive in battle were truly worth safeguarding.
"Yes, Hokage-sama," Hideyoshi bowed slightly, then exited the Hokage's office.
After school, Hideyoshi and Chao Anren made their way to the forest behind the Hokage Rock for additional training.
"Naruto-sama called me to his office today. He has approved your application for early graduation. The exam is scheduled for seven days from now," Hideyoshi informed his student.
Hearing this, Chao Anren felt a sense of excitement. The Hokage himself had taken notice of him. That meant his future was bright, and he might even be assigned a capable jonin like Kakashi Hatake to guide him further.
"Early graduation is different from the normal process," Hideyoshi continued. "The exam won't just test your ability in the three fundamental jutsu. You will also face a jonin in combat. They will be observing your overall abilities as a shinobi."
With a confident smile, Chao Anren replied, "I must win, Hideyoshi-sensei."
"Victory or defeat will not be the sole factor in determining your graduation," Hideyoshi reminded him. "But yes, I understand how important this is to you. Just remember, it's your overall performance that matters."
As the conversation continued, Chao Anren hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "Sensei, I wanted to ask if you could teach me a new jutsu before the exam."
"Oh? What jutsu do you want to learn?" Hideyoshi asked with curiosity.
"I've read about the Kage Bunshin no Jutsu (Shadow Clone Technique). It splits the user's chakra evenly among the clones and can be used in many strategies. I believe it would be incredibly useful in combat."
The Kage Bunshin no Jutsu was different from the Tajū Kage Bunshin no Jutsu (Multiple Shadow Clone Technique). The former only allowed a few clones, while the latter, a forbidden jutsu, created numerous clones, which could damage the user's mind after they dispersed due to information overload.
"I see. You're aiming to learn a highly practical technique." Hideyoshi's eyes lit up with approval. "Very well, I'll teach it to you."