Chapter 110. Individual Team Assignments

Chapter 110 - 110. Individual Team Assignments"I plan to choose Minato's three students..." Before Hiruzen Sarutobi could finish, the sound of the door opening interrupted him. "Hiruzen." Danzo Shimura walked in and asked, "Why didn't you inform me about this?" "What are you doing here?" Hiruzen frowned, puzzled. "Why can't I be here? As an advisor to the Hokage, I have the right to discuss team assignments," Danzo replied. He paused before adding, "Besides, I could be a team leader myself." "..." Hiruzen fell silent for a moment. It was obvious what Danzo was after. With so many talented individuals in this graduating class, Danzo likely wanted to recruit a few for the Root division. He probably still hadn't given up on Hanekawa or Hatake Kakashi. "How do you even have the time to be a team leader?" Hiruzen asked irritably. "I'll make time," Danzo replied calmly. "Hiruzen, Danzo does have a point," Koharu Utatane interjected, trying to diffuse the tension. "Since he's already here, let's discuss this together." Hiruzen and Danzo locked eyes for a couple of seconds before Hiruzen took out his crystal ball. The ball shifted and displayed the scene of Class 5-A. The graduation exams had just begun. The test was straightforward: the Three Basic Jutsu. As long as a student could perform them proficiently, they would pass. "Nothing worth watching," Danzo remarked after a glance. "For students of their caliber, this is just a formality." "You said you wanted to be a team leader. Which three students are you eyeing?" Homura Mitokado asked, adjusting his glasses. "Hanekawa, Hatake Kakashi, and Uchiha Shisui," Danzo replied bluntly. "No way!" Hiruzen's expression darkened immediately. Sёarᴄh the NôᴠeFire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Danzo," Koharu interjected, shaking her head. "Hanekawa is Tsunade's student, and Kakashi is Sakumo Hatake's son." "If I can't have those two, then I'll take Uchiha Shisui," Danzo said, switching tactics. He had known all along that Hanekawa and Kakashi were out of reach. From the start, his target had always been Shisui. "You've always been distrustful of the Uchiha. Why are you so interested in Shisui?" Koharu asked, confused. "Shisui is Kagami's descendant," Danzo said solemnly. "As Kagami's teammate, I want to ensure he is properly trained." Uchiha Kagami had been the first Uchiha to join the Hokage Guard Platoon and was known for his strong Will of Fire. Of course, Danzo's real interest in Shisui was his Sharingan. After obtaining Yamato, a Wood Release user, Danzo had set his sights on the Sharingan. In his mind, combining Wood Release with the Sharingan would essentially create a new Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha, making him invincible. Homura and Koharu exchanged skeptical glances. Since when did Danzo value camaraderie so much? "No," Hiruzen refused outright. "Why not?" Danzo's face darkened. "If this isn't allowed and that's not allowed, can't I at least have one student?" "Don't think I don't know what you're planning," Hiruzen said sternly. "This is not up for discussion." "Our teacher always said the Uchiha are inherently dangerous, even if they're Kagami's descendants," Danzo argued loudly. "If you give Shisui to me, I'll make him the next Kagami!" "Shisui already has a team leader," Hiruzen said, cutting off the argument. "It's Sakumo Hatake." "Sakumo Hatake? Absolutely not!" Danzo exclaimed, frowning. "You're letting the Uchiha align with Sakumo? That's too dangerous!" "Enough!" Hiruzen snapped, clearly frustrated. "Shisui is Kagami's descendant. It won't come to that!" "Hiruzen, you'll regret this!" Danzo said, glaring at him with frustration. "Danzo, I am the Hokage!" Hiruzen's voice rose slightly, asserting his authority. "Alright, alright, everyone. We're all doing this for Konoha. Why are we arguing?" Koharu quickly stepped in to mediate. "Let's not lose sight of our purpose here." "Hiruzen," Homura said, steering the conversation back on track. "Besides Shisui, who are Sakumo's other students?" "Asuma and Shizune," Hiruzen replied, tapping his pipe on the table. Originally, he had planned to place Asuma on Hanekawa's team. But due to Tsunade's involvement, he had to reconsider. After much thought, he chose Sakumo. Not only was Sakumo strong, but he also valued teamwork highly. With Sakumo as the team leader, Hiruzen was confident Asuma would be in safe hands. In addition, Hiruzen Sarutobi planned to use this arrangement to better understand Sakumo Hatake's true intentions. As for Shizune, based on her usual performance, she seemed likely to become an excellent medical ninja. Medical ninjas were extremely scarce in the ninja world. Even though this graduating class was exceptionally talented, fewer than five students were expected to become medical ninjas. Hearing Sarutobi Asuma's name, Danzo Shimura was momentarily stunned. This team assignment was somewhat unexpected for him. He had assumed Hiruzen Sarutobi would place his son on Hanekawa's team, especially since Tsunade was also involved. "What about Hanekawa's team?" Koharu Utatane asked, cutting in. "He'll be on a team with Kurenai Yuhi and Rin Nohara," Hiruzen replied after a pause, adding, "This was decided by Tsunade. If anyone has an issue, you can take it up with her." Koharu and Homura Mitokado hesitated but ultimately said nothing. Although Danzo wasn't afraid of Tsunade, he didn't want to provoke a conflict with her either. The main issue, however, was that he wasn't interested in Kurenai or Rin. His focus was on Hanekawa, Uchiha Shisui, and Hatake Kakashi. But none of these goals seemed attainable. Would he have to settle for Uchiha Obito? Danzo considered the possibility but ultimately rejected it. He doubted Obito could even awaken the Sharingan. And even if he did, could it reach the three-tomoe stage? Or evolve into the Mangekyo Sharingan? If not, Obito was of no use to Danzo. "Who are Minato's students?" Koharu asked next. "Hatake Kakashi, Uchiha Obito, and Might Guy," Hiruzen replied, taking a puff from his pipe. "Hiruzen!" Danzo exclaimed, his dissatisfaction evident. "I can accept losing Shisui, but Uchiha Obito is absolutely unacceptable!" Minato Namikaze was Jiraiya's student, representing the Hokage lineage. In fact, Danzo, Homura, and Koharu were also part of the Hokage lineage as students and guards of the Second Hokage. If Uchiha Obito became Minato's student, it would signify the Uchiha clan's entry into the Hokage faction—something Danzo could never allow. "Obito is different from the typical Uchiha. He is passionate, compassionate, and embodies the Will of Fire," Hiruzen said calmly. "He's still an Uchiha!" Danzo shot back. "Who can guarantee what he'll become in the future?" "Danzo," Hiruzen said with a stern expression. "The Uchiha are part of Konoha!" As Hokage, Hiruzen wanted to avoid a complete rift between the Uchiha clan and the village. Choosing Obito wasn't just because he seemed like a hot-headed fool; it was also a gesture of goodwill towards the Uchiha. Shisui could work as well, but being a descendant of Kagami Uchiha posed its own challenges. Many hardliners within the Uchiha clan harbored resentment towards Kagami, with some even believing he had betrayed them. "Uchiha are inherently evil!" Danzo countered, quoting Tobirama Senju's infamous words. "Hiruzen, you're too naïve!" "I am the Hokage!" Hiruzen declared with unyielding determination. "You'll regret this!" Danzo snapped, trembling with anger. He spun around and stormed out, slamming the door behind him. "Don't mind him. Let's continue," Hiruzen said, unfazed. His demeanor remained calm as he asked, "Now, how should we handle the rest of the team assignments?" --- Class 5-A Hanekawa and the others sat at their desks, waiting for the exam to begin. "Uchiha Obito!" Moments later, they heard Eichiro call from the next room. "It's my turn!" Obito stood up and turned to Rin Nohara with a grin. "Rin, I'm definitely getting a perfect score this time!" After training with Rin to improve his chakra control, Obito was much better than he had been in the original story. Given that the test was just the Three Basic Jutsu, he felt confident. "Good luck!" Rin cheered, pumping her fist encouragingly. "Hehe," Obito chuckled foolishly and headed to the exam room. "Step forward and draw a lot," Eichiro instructed. "Whatever you draw, perform that jutsu." "Yes, sensei," Obito replied, walking up and pulling a slip: the Clone Jutsu. Forming a hand seal, he shouted, "Bunshin no Jutsu!" With a puff of smoke, two identical clones appeared on either side of him. "Perfect score," Eichiro announced with a nod, handing him a Konoha headband. "Congratulations. You're officially a ninja." "Thank you, sensei!" Uchiha Obito said excitedly. "Don't forget to register in the ninja archives," Eichiro reminded. "Understood!" Obito, clutching his Konoha headband, ran off. He returned to the Class 5-A classroom, proudly showing off his headband. "Next, Hanekawa!" Just as Obito expected to bask in admiration and compliments, Eichiro's voice cut through the air. "Hanekawa, good luck!" Rin Nohara smiled warmly at him. "No need for luck. Hanekawa will definitely get a perfect score!" Kurenai Yuhi declared confidently. "Hanekawa!" Might Guy shouted excitedly, his voice overpowering everyone else. "This is the last dance of our youth! The showdown begins now!" Hanekawa twitched at the corner of his mouth. The last dance? Don't spout nonsense! He stood up and headed to the neighboring classroom. Meanwhile, Obito, still holding his headband, froze. A chill ran through him as he felt utterly overshadowed. "Hanekawa, draw any lot you like," Eichiro said with a smile. Hanekawa stepped forward and drew the Transformation Jutsu. With a clap of his hands, his body morphed, transforming into an exact replica of Eichiro. "Such quick hand seals!" Eichiro couldn't help but praise. "As expected of the top student." Hanekawa casually dispelled the Transformation Jutsu. "Hanekawa, congratulations!" Eichiro stood and handed him the Konoha headband, a privilege reserved for the top student. "Thank you, sensei." Hanekawa accepted the headband with a polite nod. "Be sure to visit the school often," Eichiro added with a smile. Hanekawa was destined to soar, and as his teacher, Eichiro stood to gain significant recognition. Whether it was a promotion or a raise, having Hanekawa listed as a student on his record was a guaranteed advantage. "I will, sensei," Hanekawa replied. At that moment, three lines of text appeared before his eyes: [D-Rank Talent Trait: Academic Genius (Acquired)] Trigger Condition: Rank first in all theory classes at the Ninja Academy. Effect: Increases comprehension ability by 30%. This was an upgrade from the E-Rank Talent Trait Academic Star. Though it came rather late, the comprehension boost was undeniably useful, particularly in learning new jutsu, as it significantly reduced the required time. However, it seemed this talent couldn't be further upgraded, which was a shame. Hanekawa returned to the classroom, holding his headband. "How did it go?" Kurenai asked eagerly. "Perfect score," Hanekawa replied with a gentle smile. "I knew it!" Kurenai exclaimed joyfully. "Let me see your headband!" "The Three Basic Jutsu aren't difficult. You should all get perfect scores too," Hanekawa said, handing his headband to Kurenai. "Next, Hatake Kakashi!" Eichiro's voice called out again. As Hanekawa had mentioned, they all achieved perfect scores. Of course, even among perfect scores, there were distinctions. Rankings could easily be determined based on usual performance and past exams. Hanekawa's mind stirred, and another three lines of text appeared before his eyes: [E-Rank Talent Trait: Academy's Top Student (Acquired)] Trigger Condition: Maintain first place from enrollment to graduation. Effect: Increases chakra limit by 10%. Hanekawa's eyes lit up. Initially, he hadn't expected much from Academy's Top Student, especially since he already possessed several B-Rank traits. But to his surprise, the effect was an increase in chakra capacity. As was well-known, a ninja's chakra had a natural limit. In the original series, the vast chakra reserves of Hashirama Senju and Naruto Uzumaki left countless others in despair—something no amount of effort could replicate. Now that Hanekawa had acquired Academy's Top Student, he could proceed to synthesis: [C-Rank Talent Trait: Prodigy Genin] Trigger Condition: Synthesized from E-Rank traits Three Basic Jutsu, Ninja Tool Throwing, and Academy's Top Student. Effect: Doubles chakra refining speed and increases chakra limit by 50%. Remark: Combine with C-Rank traits Chunin Exam Top Scorer, Perceptive Chunin, and Five-Element Chunin to synthesize B-Rank trait Strongest Chunin. If Hanekawa had been pleasantly surprised before, he was now ecstatic. The doubling of chakra refining speed was noteworthy, but the direct 50% increase in chakra capacity was simply astonishing. More chakra meant stronger jutsu and prolonged battle endurance. In short, this made all his efforts worthwhile. However, advancing to the next rank would undoubtedly be a challenging task. __ New entry: This Danzo Is Weird Patreon.com/rashta Be a member so you can read: New. 190 adv ch of This Danzo Is Weird 1. 230 adv ch of Talent System In Naruto 2. 560 adv ch of Qian Renxue's Younger Brother 3. 270 adv ch of Uchiha Madara's Cousin 4. 163 adv ch of WDQK: Divorcing Ling Qingzhu (Complete)