Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, Izumo stepped in to deliver his report. As he entered, he noticed his friend Kotetsu Hagane already there, leaning casually against the wall. Kotetsu turned toward him with a grin. "Your team failed too?" he asked, half-joking.
Izumo shook his head and approached the Hokage, bowing respectfully. "Hokage-sama," he began, "I've tested my team. Ishida and Rishu are unfit to be Genin at this time." His tone was formal, but there was an underlying heaviness as he relayed the news. "However," Izumo continued, "Inoiki is an exceptional ninja. His performance was far beyond what I expected."
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked up from his desk, his curiosity piqued. "Oh?" he said, leaning forward slightly. "Tell me more."
Izumo recounted the events of the survival test, explaining how Inoiki had taken control of the situation, showing both strength and strategic thinking. When he described how Inoiki had used his Kekkei Genkai, psychokinesis, to immobilize him and take the bell effortlessly, the Hokage's eyes widened in surprise.
Hiruzen sat back, clearly impressed. He had always known Inoiki had great potential, but the rapid growth in his power was astonishing. "I knew Inoiki was strong," Hiruzen said thoughtfully, "but to overpower a Chunin so decisively... I hadn't expected that."
Kotetsu, standing nearby, couldn't resist poking fun at his friend. "You lost to a newbie?" he teased with a smirk. "Looks like you need to hit the training grounds more often."
Izumo shook his head, his expression serious. "It's not that simple," he said. "Inoiki's strength is far beyond what you'd expect from someone fresh out of the academy. Even if we both fought him together, the outcome would likely be the same. He's on another level."
The room grew quiet for a moment as the weight of Izumo's words sank in. Even Kotetsu was silent as he processed the gravity of what Izumo had said.
Hiruzen leaned forward, clasping his hands together. "It seems Inoiki's growth has surpassed all expectations. I'll need to consider his future very carefully," he mused aloud. "He's not just an ordinary Genin."
Izumo nodded. "Indeed, Hokage-sama. He's ready for more than just the standard team missions. I believe he can handle much greater challenges."
The Hokage remained silent for a moment, contemplating what to do with such a talented young ninja.
Suddenly, a thoughtful expression crossed Hiruzen's face, and a spark of inspiration lit his eyes. "I've decided," the Hokage said with a smile. "You and Kotetsu will be on the same team with Inoiki."
Izumo blinked, surprised by the unexpected decision. "So, will it be a three-man team, or will there be a fourth member?" he asked, curious about how the team structure would work.
Hiruzen's smile widened as he replied, "The fourth member of your team will be Genin Kosuke Maruboshi."
(A/N: I was struggling to choose a suitable Jonin for my team, but thankfully @Ouraga_n suggested Kosuke Maruboshi. Their recommendation clarified my decision, and I appreciate their input.)
The room fell silent for a moment as both Izumo and Kotetsu stared at the Hokage, their expressions a mixture of surprise and confusion. They exchanged a quick glance, understanding the significance of Hiruzen's decision. Kosuke Maruboshi was no ordinary Genin. Known as the "Eternal Genin" of Konoha, Kosuke had nearly fifty years of experience serving the village in that rank, though his skill and wisdom far exceeded that of a typical Genin. Despite his modest title, those who had worked with him knew the truth—Kosuke's strength and knowledge were formidable, though shrouded in humility.
Izumo and Kotetsu, having been fortunate enough to work alongside him before, knew Kosuke's true potential. His reputation wasn't widely known outside of those who had witnessed his abilities firsthand. To most, he was simply a Genin who had never advanced in rank, but to those who knew better, he was a hidden gem of Konoha.
Their silent contemplation was broken by Hiruzen's steady voice. "Izumo," the Hokage said, "you will act as the captain of this team."
Izumo quickly nodded, pushing aside his surprise to focus on the task at hand. He bowed deeply, his voice firm and resolute. "Yes, Hokage-sama. I will not disappoint you."
Kotetsu, still processing the decision, also bowed, accepting Hiruzen's orders. Though the team composition was unexpected, he trusted the Hokage's wisdom. The combination of Inoiki's raw power, Kosuke's vast experience, and their own skills could make for a truly unique and powerful team—if they could manage to work together.
Hiruzen's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he watched the two men before him. "Good," he said, his tone carrying the weight of his years of experience. "I have high hopes for this team. Inoiki is an exceptional young ninja, and with Kosuke's wisdom, he will have a guide like no other. You, Izumo, will ensure the balance and leadership. Together, I believe this team can accomplish great things."
Izumo and Kotetsu bowed once more, and with that, they left the Hokage's office. As they walked side by side down the hallway, Kotetsu couldn't help but let out a low chuckle. "Well, this is going to be interesting," he said, shaking his head with a grin. "I don't think anyone saw this coming."
Izumo nodded, his thoughts focused on the future. "No one did," he agreed. "But we've worked with Kosuke before. And now, with Inoiki on the team, it's our job to make this work."
Kotetsu glanced at him with a smirk. "Think you're ready to lead a team like this?"
Izumo smiled, though there was a hint of tension behind it. "Ready or not, it's happening. We'll just have to make sure we don't underestimate anyone—especially Inoiki."
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