//comment//
Standing, she absorbed the memories from her shadow clone as it dispersed.
"So," Hiruzen began, leaning forward slightly, "how did he do?", seated in front of her, with Danzo Shimura beside him,after knowing Kakashi joining the team today,Danzo anticipated mikoto will come to give her report, so he decided to be present and get the information firsthand.
Throughout the fight, she had noticed Kakashi's eyes flicking toward her repeatedly, as if he were keeping track of her movements. It amused her. When Kakashi created a clone to distract Yasu, she, too, had swapped herself with a shadow clone. By that point, the outcome of the match was already clear to her—she was simply observing. If Kakashi had been able to catch her creating and switching clones, she wouldn't be a jonin.
As she came to report, she noted Danzo's presence and the slight air of tension. She was well aware of his apparent dissatisfaction with the Uchiha, something the clan elders had certainly noticed.
"He won," Mikoto answered, causing both Hiruzen and Danzo to look up with interest , though hiruzen have already seen the whole fight in the crystal ball.
She continued, "Even though Yasu Inuzuka didn't have his ninken, I believe that even fully prepared, he would have lost to Kakashi."
"Why?" Hiruzen prompted, wanting to hear her thoughts.
Danzo didn't speak, but his single eye was fixed on her intently.
"His movements were calculated, his presence of mind remarkable," Mikoto said, analyzing Kakashi's performance. "With taijutsu alone, he's already at the level of a Genin. But his kenjutsu… with that, he could easily defeat a full-fledged Genin, maybe even some Chunin if they weren't prepared."
She paused, considering the strategy Kakashi had employed. "Though the match was arranged for Yasu and Kazuki to assess his level, it felt like Kakashi was the one truly testing Yasu. I could tell he was holding back—he could have ended the fight sooner but didn't. He kept pushing Yasu into corners, watching how he'd react, learning from every move."
Hiruzen gave a slight nod, absorbing her words thoughtfully. "Interesting. His father's skill shows in him already," he remarked.
Danzo's expression remained neutral, but his single eye stayed on her, probing. "And what of his mindset, Mikoto? Skills alone aren't enough. Did you notice anything… unusual in his approach?"
Mikoto considered the question carefully. "Kakashi's approach is strategic beyond his years," she said thoughtfully. "He was in control but chose not to overwhelm Yasu needlessly. Instead, he pushed him, forcing reactions and observing closely. It felt like he was testing not only Yasu's abilities but also his responses, studying his behavior and adapting to each move."
She paused, letting her assessment sink in. "For a Chunin, that level of mental acuity in battle is rare. Kakashi demonstrated it effortlessly. It was as though he was calculating every outcome, always one step ahead."
Danzo's gaze sharpened, though he remained silent, a mix of anger and wariness simmering beneath his stoic expression. The more he listened, the more a sense of dread mingled with his frustration. Kakashi's potential was undeniable—for a five-year-old to hold his own against a Genin and to demonstrate such tactical prowess spoke volumes. The child had the makings of a future Kage-level fighter.
The thought gnawed at him. Jiraiya, Orochimaru, even Sakumo Hatake himself—they had all risen to immense strength without relying on a bloodline limit. And now, this boy, this prodigy, was showing the same spark. Danzo felt his grip tighten. Unlike his prized Root operatives, Kakashi was free of his influence, a rogue force—one that, in the wrong hands, could grow beyond his control.
Hiruzen seemed to catch Danzo's unease, his expression thoughtful but calm. "It's something, isn't it? Another young mind eager to protect the village," he said, casting a quick glance Danzo's way. "Perhaps this generation will surprise us."
Danzo's mouth pressed into a thin line. "Yes… surprising indeed." But his thoughts were darker, and as he watched Mikoto, a flicker of something else passed across his face—a plan beginning to form, one to keep this child's future within his grasp, no matter the cost.
Turning his gaze toward Mikoto, Danzo's expression remained unreadable, though it carried a certain intensity as he observed her closely. According to reports, she's already awakened the double tomoe, he thought, his mind calculating the potential threat and value she posed. Eliminating her now could stir unnecessary trouble... better to wait for the right opportunity. Patience had always been his strategy.
As Mikoto walked into the Uchiha clan's inner hall, a young clan member approached her—a familiar face from her grandfather's inner circle.
"Miss Mikoto," he said, bowing respectfully, "the elders are meeting. Senior Kami has asked you to attend."
It seemed her grandfather had wasted no time. The day before, upon learning about her new team members, he had specifically instructed her to visit him after observing Kakashi. Clearly, he was eager to discuss her impressions of the young prodigy and possibly to form a strategy based on what she'd observed.
With a quiet nod, Mikoto followed him to the elders' hall. As she stepped inside, she could feel the weight of their gazes—each one piercing, observant, calculating. Her grandfather, Kami, sat at the head of the table, his expression solemn yet expectant. Beside him was Tatsumaki Uchiha, the current clan leader, who watched her intently.
"Welcome, Mikoto," Kami greeted her, his voice filled with authority. "Now, tell us everything you observed."
Nodding, she began recounting the details of her battle observations, from Kakashi's movements and strategies to her conversation with the Hokage and Danzo at the tower.
Tatsumaki leaned back thoughtfully, murmuring, "Capable of defeating a Genin… possibly even a Chunin if they're unprepared. No wonder he was allowed to graduate early."
The Fifth Elder, unable to contain his skepticism, shook his head. "I still don't understand why he'd place such a prodigy under an Uchiha."
"Perhaps to show he trusts us," the Seventh Elder suggested, his tone guarded.
The Third Elder scoffed slightly. "Yes, he wants us to think that. But we all know his true intentions."
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Author's pov
Should he summon saeko ?
Or travel to her world bringing her along with some more? Who?