In the Hokage Office, a tense conversation unfolded between Sarutobi Hiruzen and Danzo. Their differences in ideology and methods had brought them into conflict once again.
"No, this child cannot join the Root. Ye Chen cannot, and Namikaze Minato is out of the question as well, Danzo," Sarutobi Hiruzen declared with firm resolve, standing by the window with a dignified expression.
Danzo, known for his stubbornness, remained unyielding despite the Hokage's position. He believed that Ye Chen, as a child from an outer village, would be a valuable addition to the Root—an organization specializing in covert and dark operations. Danzo saw it as a way to use the boy to deal with the Uchiha clan, even if it meant sacrificing his future as a ninja.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, on the other hand, vehemently opposed the idea, arguing that Ye Chen had a bright future ahead of him as a talented ninja. He emphasized the importance of preserving the bonds between ninjas and believed that such bonds were essential in turbulent times.
Their conversation continued, with neither side willing to compromise. Danzo's intentions were clear—he wanted to control Ye Chen and use him as a tool for his own purposes.
"Danzo, you are mistaken. Konoha has endured because of the connections forged between its ninjas," Sarutobi Hiruzen asserted.
"Humph, ridiculous!" Danzo retorted with disdain and left the office, his anger palpable. He knew that the Hokage was beyond his control, and it frustrated him.
Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed, watching his old friend depart. He muttered to himself, addressing the empty room, "Come out."
With those words, a white puff of smoke filled the room, and a ninja dressed in Jōnin attire appeared at the center of Hokage's office. This ninja possessed sharp facial features and exuded an aura of strength, with short white hair serving as a distinguishing feature among the Jōnin.
The man was Hatake Sakumo, the head of the Hatake clan and the father of the future Hatake Kakashi. Known as the White Fang of Konoha, he was renowned for his exceptional swordsmanship and was a force to be reckoned with.
"Sakumo, what are your thoughts on this matter?" Sarutobi Hiruzen asked, looking at the Jōnin ninja.
Hatake Sakumo showed deep respect for the Hokage and responded, "Lord Danzo's approach may be too extreme. Ye Chen would be better suited for Anbu than the Root. Anbu is a place where he can further develop his talents."
"I share your opinion, Sakumo. As the captain of Anbu, I trust you to guide Ye Chen in his training. If we hand him over to Danzo, it would be a waste of a valuable asset," Sarutobi Hiruzen agreed.
"You can count on me, Lord Hokage," Hatake Sakumo affirmed.
"Good. However, before I make a decision, I want to personally meet the child," Sarutobi Hiruzen stated.
...
Meanwhile, on the border of the Fire Nation, a group of Konoha Shinobi embarked on a covert mission to infiltrate the Land of Rain. They moved cautiously, hiding in the dense jungle while remaining vigilant for any potential threats.
Among them was Okamoto, Ye Chen's schoolteacher, who had unfortunately missed witnessing Ye Chen's victory in the ninja competition.
Okamoto leaned against a large tree branch, taking a moment to rest. Next to him was Shiranui Xuanhuo, a member of Anbu known for his tracking and reconnaissance skills.
"Okamoto-kun, we must exercise caution during this covert mission into the Land of Rain. It's best to avoid conflict with Shinobi from other villages," Shiranui Xuanhuo advised.
"I understand," Okamoto replied with a wry smile.
These Chūnin knew the dangers they faced. While they were weaker than the major Shinobi villages' forces, they were still prepared to fulfill their orders, even if it meant sacrificing their lives.
In this line of work, death was often a harsh reality they had to confront.
As they rested, Okamoto found his thoughts drifting back to Konoha. He couldn't help but think about Ye Chen and what had transpired during the ninja competition.
Meanwhile, not far from their location, a wooden lizard puppet suddenly burrowed into the ground and vanished.
...
Back in Konoha Village, beyond the mountains, a forest concealed a secret training location. The wind rustled through the trees, and the sound of repetitive blows echoed through the area.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Each punch landed on a thick wooden post covered with a layer of iron measuring two to three centimeters in thickness. The iron sheet bore deep craters from the relentless barrage of punches, which were delivered by Ye Chen.
What made this training even more impressive was that Ye Chen's right fist was wrapped in a bandage stained with blood. Nevertheless, he continued his intense training without pause.
Punch after punch, hundreds of thousands of repetitions!
Ye Chen's eyes remained determined and filled with unwavering perseverance.
Despite his abilities, including Conqueror's Haki and Devil Fruit powers, he never let up in his training, striving for perfection.
This marked the second day following the ninja competition, and Ye Chen was pushing himself to his limits, both physically and mentally.
Suddenly, his senses tingled, and he detected the presence of someone nearby. Swiftly, he turned around to find a short individual in casual attire standing behind him.
The visitor was none other than the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Ye Chen was taken aback but quickly composed himself, bowing respectfully. "I greet the Third Hokage."
The Hokage raised his hand, gesturing for Ye Chen to relax. "No need to be so formal, young one."
As Sarutobi Hiruzen observed the deep dents on the iron-covered wooden post and the Bloodline infused into it, his pupils constricted. He was genuinely astonished by the boy's strength.
This child possessed incredible abilities at such a young age, and his skills were beyond impressive.
Hokage, indeed a Kage-level powerhouse!
Ye Chen swiftly pushed aside his surprise and bowed, saying, "Third Hokage, how may I assist you?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled kindly and responded, "I've come to see how you're doing, Ye Chen."