"What?! You're saying Uchiha Rukawa already has Chūnin-level strength? Maybe even beyond that?! Iruka, this isn't a joke, is it?"
In the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi stared at Iruka with wide eyes, disbelief written all over his wrinkled face.
"It's true, Lord Third. I wouldn't dare joke about something like this. Based on my assessment, Uchiha Rukawa absolutely has the strength of a Chūnin."
Iruka answered respectfully but firmly.
He proceeded to recount every detail of Rukawa's performance that day.
"Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!"
The Third Hokage's face lit up in delight. He repeated the word three times, his smile blooming like an old chrysanthemum.
"The Uchiha truly are Konoha's strongest clan.
First, Uchiha Itachi became a Chūnin at age ten.
Now his younger brother, Uchiha Rukawa, already wields Chūnin-level strength at just seven!"
"Wonderful. Truly wonderful."
He beamed with satisfaction.
"Then, Lord Third, should we allow Rukawa to graduate early?"
Iruka ventured to ask, then quickly added:
"After all, Kakashi-senpai graduated at age five and became a Chūnin at six. I believe letting Rukawa graduate early would be entirely reasonable."
"Of course! No problem at all. A genius on par with Hatake Kakashi deserves early graduation."
The Third agreed without hesitation.
"However, you won't be handling this matter. Just focus on your teaching duties.
When I have time, I'll personally test this Rukawa myself.
Let him experience the true meaning of the Will of Fire."
He smiled benevolently.
"That's excellent news! With your personal guidance, Lord Third, I'm sure Rukawa will become a great Konoha ninja."
Iruka's face glowed with admiration.
"Mm."
The Hokage nodded slightly, signaling that Iruka was dismissed.
Iruka bowed and left the office in brisk steps.
Once Iruka's figure had disappeared, the warm, grandfatherly smile on the Hokage's face vanished.
In its place was a cold, grim expression.
Uchiha. Again, it's the Uchiha.
Why do they keep producing such monsters?
First, it was Shisui the Body Flicker.
Then Itachi, a Chūnin at ten.
And now Uchiha Rukawa.
Sarutobi stood up and walked to the window, staring toward the Uchiha district. His eyes darkened.
Tch.
Such an unstable clan had no place in Konoha's future. Only their eradication could ensure lasting peace.
"Shinnosuke."
He spoke softly.
A masked shinobi appeared behind him in a flash, kneeling on one knee.
"Father, your orders?"
The man was Sarutobi's eldest son, Sarutobi Shinnosuke.
Without turning around, Hiruzen said calmly:
"Tell Danzo he can accept Uchiha Itachi's condition. Let Uchiha Rukawa live.
But he needs to act soon. No more delays."
"Huh? Father, are we really moving against the Uchiha now? Our preparations aren't fully complete. Rushing in could lead to disaster."
Shinnosuke sounded concerned.
The Uchiha were renowned even beyond the village. Wiping them out prematurely was dangerous.
"Sigh..."
Sarutobi let out a long breath.
"I don't want to move early either, but I can't help it. The Uchiha are too unstable.
If we don't eliminate them soon, I won't sleep easy.
Especially now, with another genius rising. If we let him grow unchecked, it'll be even harder to destroy them later."
"But this is too sudden..."
Shinnosuke still hesitated.
"Enough. This isn't your concern. Just deliver my message to Danzo.
Trust me, my old comrade has been preparing for this moment for a long time.
He's been itching to destroy the Uchiha for years."
"Understood."
This time, Shinnosuke didn't argue.
He disappeared with a flicker and headed to the Foundation to inform Danzo.
Sarutobi lingered at the window for a moment longer before returning to his desk.
He picked up his pipe and began puffing slowly.
"Uchiha Rukawa. Seven years old. I hope you truly understand the Will of Fire.
Because otherwise... your clan will be erased."
Smoke curled around his face, veiling his expression in shadows.