In one day, Ishigami Hara's [Learning] experience increased by twelve points, bringing it from 4861/5000 to 4873/5000. With only 127 points left to reach level 4, it was clear that the upgrade wouldn't take long, possibly just a few more days.
Of the twelve points gained, one came from mastering a new Water Release jutsu. Although it was a C-rank jutsu, it was still impressive—certainly not something one would learn at the ninja academy.
People often underestimate C-rank jutsu, but in reality, the Fire Release : Great Fireball Technique is also ranked C, and it's a hallmark of its class. Being a C-rank jutsu indicates that its power is by no means insignificant.
In addition to the Water Release jutsu, Ishigami Hara also learned two sealing techniques. One was the Two-Thread Lantern Formation, while the other was a practical sealing technique for opening and sealing objects, like the one used with sealing scrolls. Though this technique wasn't high-level, it was highly useful.
Ishigami Hara's learning speed was astonishing, mastering these techniques almost effortlessly. While he hadn't yet reached complete proficiency, he was already far beyond the beginner level. This kind of rapid mastery amazed Uzumaki Mito, who viewed him as a rare genius worthy of cultivation.
Naturally, word of such talent couldn't be kept secret, especially from the Hokage. Though such gifted individuals weren't unheard of in Konoha's history, they were certainly rare. As a result, Ishigami Hara's importance grew in the eyes of Sarutobi Hiruzen.
As expected, discussions arose in the Hokage's office about his future, with a clear divide between Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzō.
"Since the boy is under Lady Mito's care, we should train him in the usual way," Sarutobi Hiruzen suggested.
After noticing Ishigami Hara's change in hair color, Sarutobi speculated that the Uzumaki bloodline within him had altered. As Hokage, particularly during the critical transition of the Nine Tails' Jinchūriki, Hiruzen considered using Ishigami Hara to help ensure stability during the change.
In fact, Hiruzen briefly entertained the idea of making Ishigami Hara a candidate for the new Jinchūriki. No one had a greater advantage than someone with Uzumaki blood for such a role. Ishigami Hara's emerging abilities seemed like a fortuitous development. However, Uzumaki Mito's involvement led Hiruzen to abandon this notion, as he needed to respect her wishes, even as Hokage.
Shimura Danzō, on the other hand, had a different perspective. After learning of Ishigami Hara's immense talent—his rapid learning and the large chakra reserves typical of the Uzumaki clan—Danzō was convinced that Ishigami Hara was an invaluable asset.
"Hiruzen, you must understand that we're in the midst of a war, and my Root has suffered heavy losses. It's time to replenish our numbers. Hand him over to me, and I guarantee he'll become a cornerstone of Root. We can't afford to be sentimental about this!" Danzō argued forcefully.
Danzō was clearly frustrated. The Root had been assigned many high-risk assassination and sabotage missions during the war, leading to significant casualties. With a genius like Ishigami Hara emerging, Danzō saw it as an opportunity that Sarutobi Hiruzen, in his role as Hokage, was hesitant to seize.
"It was agreed that I would operate in the shadows while you handled things in the light. Now there's a loss in the shadows, and you, as Hokage, refuse to lend a hand. It's truly infuriating," Shimura Danzō grumbled.
Sarutobi Hiruzen took a slow puff from his pipe, letting the smoke linger in the air before speaking. His voice emerged from the haze.
"Don't you see? Lady Mito is deliberately keeping the boy close at this time. She clearly regards him as part of the Uzumaki clan. Do you not understand what that signifies?"
Shimura Danzō frowned deeply, thinking it over. "You're suggesting Lady Mito sees the boy as the Uzumaki clan's legacy left in Konoha?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen shook his head. "Calling him a 'legacy' doesn't quite capture it. To be more precise, she's grooming him to be an heir, a successor of the Uzumaki clan."
"But what about Uzumaki Kushina?" Danzō asked, then quickly realized. "Right, Uzumaki Kushina is the Jinchūriki—her strength belongs to the village. Ishigami Hara, however, is seen purely as an Uzumaki. Is this Mito's way of telling us not to exploit him?"
Danzō's expression darkened. He understood this message wasn't just for Sarutobi Hiruzen—it was a direct warning to him, the leader of Root.
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded calmly. "That seems to be the case, which is why the boy cannot be handed over to Root."
Still unwilling, Danzō protested, "No! With his talent and level-headed personality, he's perfect for Root. It would be a waste not to recruit him."
Hiruzen gave Danzō a measured look before shaking his head slightly. "This decision is final. There is no room for debate."
Danzō's face flushed red with anger. "Hiruzen, you'll regret this!"
Hiruzen calmly tapped the ash from his pipe and replied, "I am the Hokage."
"Hmph!" Danzō scowled, but realizing he had no power to change the decision, he stood abruptly, storming out of the room and slamming the door behind him.
"Alas..." Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed, shaking his head in frustration but not bothering to call Danzō back.
As Hokage, Sarutobi couldn't afford to make decisions based purely on emotion. Initially, he had planned for Ishigami Hara to follow the standard path of a ninja academy graduate. His top-ranking performance would have made him a natural teammate for Uzumaki Kushina under special adjustment. However, Ishigami Hara's extraordinary talents and changing circumstances meant that a typical arrangement would no longer suffice.
Now, even placing him in a regular genin team seemed challenging.
"How to arrange this... it's truly a headache," Hiruzen muttered, realizing the complexity of the situation.
Unaware of the debate around him, Ishigami Hara carried on with his training. Even if he knew, he likely wouldn't be too concerned.
In the blink of an eye, half a month passed, and Ishigami Hara finally upgraded his [Learning] ability.
[Ding! Learning has been upgraded to Level 4. Skill enhancements include photographic memory, improved comprehension, ability to draw analogies, and deeper insight into the essence of knowledge.]