Naruto—Chapter 2: This Naruto World Seems a Little Abnormal
(The protagonist is already an adult, and ninjas in this world graduate from ninja school after becoming adults. Everyone knows the reason.)
Hokage's Office
Sarutobi Hiruzen stood in front of the glass window with a pipe in his mouth, his hands clasped behind his back, a gloomy expression on his face as he gazed out at the scenery of Konoha Village, lost in thought.
Uchiha Mikoto took Uchiha Ayato's hand and walked into the office, speaking to him respectfully. "Sandaime-sama, I apologize for interrupting your busy schedule. I've brought Ayato with me."
Sarutobi Hiruzen took a puff of his pipe and turned around, a kind smile lighting up his old face, framed by a mustache and age spots.
"Oh~ Are you Ayato-kun? You are so young, yet you possess more chakra than a Chunin. It seems that the Uchiha family has produced another genius."
Uchiha Mikoto smiled and nodded. "Yes, Ayato learns ninjutsu very quickly. He doesn't need to spend time practicing to master it. He is a true genius."
"This is the first time I've heard of a shinobi who can grow stronger without training," Sarutobi Hiruzen remarked, eyeing Uchiha Ayato with anticipation.
Mikoto placed her hand affectionately on Ayato's shoulder, beaming with pride. "The condition for becoming a Genin is to create two clones. Ayato can currently create 300 clones, far exceeding the requirement. I hope the Third Hokage will grant him the status of Genin."
"You can create 300 clones? That's truly impressive! I can hardly remember the last time I saw a genius like you..." Sarutobi Hiruzen's smile radiated appreciation as he admired Ayato's talent.
Seeing the Third Hokage's demeanor, Uchiha Mikoto felt confident that Ayato would surely become a Genin. However, Hiruzen's expression suddenly shifted, and his tone turned serious.
"But why haven't you attended ninja school? At a ninja school, you learn not only ninjutsu but also the history of Konoha and the bonds you share with your companions. These things are vital for a ninja."
Uchiha Ayato understood what Sarutobi Hiruzen was implying. Having read the original Naruto, he knew that Konoha needed not just powerful shinobi, but shinobi who obeyed their commands. The most formidable Uchiha clan had been exterminated due to their defiance.
Konoha's White Fang, who was said to surpass the Sannin, was forced to commit suicide when he chose to abandon his mission. Minato Namikaze followed orders because he recognized that Kakashi was still immature, Obito was terrified, and Nohara Rin could not protect herself. He had no choice but to comply with his superiors and send three children on a dangerously perilous mission.
That's why he was appreciated by the Third Hokage and ultimately became the Fourth Hokage. For Uchiha Ayato, who had been different from others since childhood and had not attended ninja school, it seemed unlikely that he could become a Genin.
Uchiha Mikoto explained awkwardly, "He is from another village. He just arrived in Konoha and was shocked by the recent events. The experience left him with a distaste for conflict... He doesn't wish to become a shinobi."
"I understand the psychological trauma that incident caused for the child, but graduating from ninja school is Konoha's tradition. He can attend the school for a year and graduate as a Genin next year," Sarutobi Hiruzen replied firmly.
His tone left little room for objections. Though Uchiha Mikoto seemed to have a good rapport with the Third Hokage, her relationship with the high-ranking officials in Konoha was delicate. The Uchiha clan had little influence left in the village. With her head hung low in frustration, Mikoto looked visibly disappointed.
Seeing her lost expression made Uchiha Ayato's heartache. He knew that Aunt Mikoto had long been looking forward to the day when he would become a Genin. He didn't want to let her down or make her wait another year.
And he understood what the Third Hokage desired.
"Third-sama, although I have not attended a ninja school, I am familiar with Konoha's history and the bonds between companions," Ayato asserted confidently.
"I understand the Will of Fire. Please allow me to become a Genin now."
Sarutobi Hiruzen raised his eyebrows in interest upon hearing this. "Oh~ Do you grasp the Will of Fire? What does that mean to you?"
Uchiha Ayato took a deep breath and replied earnestly, "The Third Hokage once said, 'Where the leaves dance, the fire will continue. The flames will continue to illuminate the village and allow new leaves to sprout.' I believe this means to protect Konoha and to ensure the flame of Konoha continues to burn brightly."
"Those who share this ideal are comrades. There should be no barriers between comrades; they trust each other and prioritize the greater good. If necessary, they will act for the collective interests of Konoha... You can even sacrifice everything, even your own life!"
"Just like the Fourth Hokage, he sacrificed himself to protect the village. This is the Will of Fire!"
Knowing Uchiha Ayato's impassioned speech, Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled in delight and could not help but clap. "Well said! While the meaning is slightly off, the essence of the Will of Fire indeed lies in the protection of Konoha and its younger generation."
"The fallen leaves represent us, the older generation and the tree buds symbolize you, the new generation. To protect the children, the older generation must be willing to sacrifice themselves when it is necessary. This is the Will of Fire."
"You are still young; it is too early for personal sacrifices. But having this awareness at such a young age is truly remarkable."
Uchiha Ayato lifted his head, feigning pride. "My idol is the Fourth Hokage, who sacrificed himself to protect the village. My dream is to become a great Hokage like him! Therefore, I am willing to sacrifice myself for Konoha!"
Hiruzen beamed with joy upon hearing this, for although Minato Namikaze had not been taught by him in youth, he had later followed Sarutobi Hiruzen and learned much under his guidance. Minato had become Hiruzen's pride and a successor of his will.
Now, seeing the younger generation hold Minato in such high regard filled Hiruzen with happiness.
"Excellent! You have ideals and ambitions; you have already comprehended the Will of Fire. You have passed the test!"
"From today on, you are a Genin of Konoha!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen was elated to welcome another genius into Konoha.
He slapped his head in realization and made an exception, granting Uchiha Ayato the status of Genin.
Uchiha Mikoto was overjoyed. She first bowed excitedly to Sarutobi Hiruzen in gratitude, then enveloped Uchiha Ayato in a tight hug, her joy overflowing.
"I'm telling you, you're so outstanding! The Third Generation will appreciate you!"
"...Ugh~ Aunt Mikoto, you're hugging me too tightly. I can't breathe!"
A strong, refreshing fragrance surrounded him as Uchiha Ayato found himself enveloped in the soft embrace of her jelly-like arms. Although the sensation was comfortable, he soon realized that his nostrils and lips were blocked.
He was suffocating!
Mikoto was oblivious to the predicament, burying her face in Ayato's shoulder and rubbing it with delight. If this continued, he would truly be in trouble.
Just a hug could be fatal. This was the terrifying power of Uchiha Mikoto, famously known as the "walking weapon!"
Being killed by a female kunoichi using her "body" would undoubtedly be the most humiliating way to perish in Naruto. I can't afford to lose face as a time traveler!
Uchiha Ayato pushed with all his might against Mikoto, but her grip was like a vise, locking his body tightly, rendering him unable to budge.
No, the strength disparity was overwhelming. It was as if he were attempting to push a massive truck with a pony—impossible!
Uchiha Ayato couldn't seem to overpower Uchiha Mikoto.
—
[After the host witnessed the overwhelming strength of Uchiha Mikoto, he felt deeply "desperate." Under this strong emotional stimulation, the host opened the Sharingan.]
—
Huh?
There was such a method to awaken the Sharingan?!
This Naruto world seems a little abnormal!
____
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