(This Chapter is dedicated to Surge 1301 the Second member of the family đź–¤).
After Yuhi Kurenai finished speaking, the previously quiet Hokage office became filled with murmurs as the team leaders began whispering among themselves. However, Danzo looked particularly displeased.
Naturally suspicious and envious of others' talents, he even felt a hint of murderous intent towards Kirito. He rationalized his feelings quickly.
On one hand, Kirito had developed a close relationship with a young girl from the Uchiha clan. Danzo suspected that Kirito might be aligning himself with the Uchiha, possibly even planning to marry into their family. On the other hand, Danzo feared that Kirito could become the next Minato Namikaze.
The current Konoha leadership—Sarutobi Hiruzen and his close allies—were all getting old. Even though Sarutobi had retaken the Hokage position, he could only hold it for maybe another ten years, at most, before stepping down for good.
At that point, the race for the position of Fifth Hokage would begin.
With Kirito's impressive talent, clean background, and clear admiration for Sarutobi Hiruzen, it was highly likely that Sarutobi would groom Kirito as his successor, just like he did with Minato Namikaze.
If Sarutobi backed Kirito, the families aligned with the Hokage, such as the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, would undoubtedly follow suit. Given Kirito's relationship with the Uchiha girl, even the Uchiha might lend him their support. Danzo, after all his patience, had waited for the Third Hokage to step down and then Minato to rise and fall before Sarutobi took power again. The thought of yet another prodigy like Kirito blocking his path to the Hokage seat was unbearable for Danzo.
Unaware of Danzo's deep thoughts, Sarutobi Hiruzen was similarly amazed by Kirito's rapid progress, though he wasn't as concerned. He reassured himself that Kirito didn't belong to the Uchiha clan, had no special bloodline, and came from a simple background. At best, he would become another skilled shinobi like Kakashi or Yuhi Shinku.
Feeling more at ease, Sarutobi exchanged looks with his two advisors, Koharu and Homura, who seemed to agree with him. Just as they were about to speak, Danzo intervened, not wanting to let Kirito gain any further prestige within Konoha.
Danzo used the same tactic he'd once applied to Uchiha Itachi: excessive praise. He intended to guide Kirito's path early, hopefully steering him into darkness and bringing him into the ranks of Root.
"Since Yuhi Kurenai believes that Kirito's strength rivals that of a Jonin," Danzo began, "I suggest he shouldn't participate in the upcoming Chunin Exams." He turned to Sarutobi Hiruzen and proposed, "How about we, the leadership, arrange a special test for him? If he passes, we promote him to Chunin immediately. What do you think?"
Sarutobi hesitated, replying, "It's not impossible, but there's no precedent for such an action."
Danzo's idea, however, aligned with Sarutobi's private concerns. The Uchiha clan was growing more restless by the day, and tensions were higher than ever, especially since Uchiha Shisui's death. If a civil war broke out, it would be catastrophic for the village. An undercover agent within the Uchiha ranks was needed.
Danzo pressed further, comparing Kirito to Uchiha Itachi. "Just like Itachi, who became a key asset in Konoha within a year of graduating from the academy, Kirito could follow a similar path." The underlying message was clear: Danzo was subtly agreeing to Kirito being placed as a spy within the Uchiha, so long as Kirito was promoted quickly.
Sarutobi, convinced by Danzo's argument, turned to his advisors Koharu and Homura, asking for their thoughts. The two, ever-neutral and often siding with the strongest opinion, voiced no objections. The decision was made.
After leaving the Hokage building, Kurenai found Kirito and his teammates to inform them of the new plans. "Kirito," she said, "you won't need to participate in the Chunin Exams next month. The Hokage will arrange a separate test for you in a few days. As for your teammates, Airi and Pontsu, they'll be placed on a new team with other senior Genin."
Kirito, however, saw right through the situation. "They're just flattering me," he thought. "It looks like those old guys are getting desperate. But that plays right into my hands. Soon, they'll all be under the spell of my illusions."
Airi, standing nearby, was visibly upset at the news. She hugged Kirito tightly, her soft body pressing against him, as she cried, "Kirito, I don't want to leave you!"
After spending half a year together, the three teammates had developed a bond. Though Kirito often kept to himself, he had saved them several times, proving his reliability. Airi had grown especially fond of Kirito, though it was more like the affection of an older sister for her younger brother, rather than romantic love.
Kirito, caught off guard by the embrace and Airi's tears, blushed. The softness of her hug and the faint scent of her perfume made the situation awkward. Meanwhile, Kurenai, watching from the side, was growing increasingly annoyed. She recalled how Kirito had once confessed his feelings for her, and now seeing him in Airi's arms, she was consumed with jealousy. She tried to calm herself down, repeating, "Don't get angry, don't get angry."
The tension was palpable, while Ponji stood by, munching on chips, seemingly oblivious to the drama.
Sensing the rising jealousy in Kurenai, Kirito quickly freed himself from Airi's embrace. "There's no need to be so emotional," he reassured her. "We'll still see each other."
"But I can't bear to leave you," Airi replied tearfully.
The situation only diffused when Kurenai spoke up, and Airi finally let go of Kirito. Then she suggested, "How about this? When Kirito-kun gets promoted to Chunin, we'll all go to my family's barbecue restaurant to celebrate."
"Barbecue?" Ponji's eyes lit up instantly at the mention of food, his round face beaming with excitement.
"Wait, your family owns a barbecue restaurant?" Kirito asked, surprised.
(End of Chapter)
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