"As for team assignments," Yoruha said slowly, "I've actually given it some thought. I'd prefer to be in a class by myself—no team, no Jōnin instructor."
It wasn't a spontaneous decision.
This idea had been on Yoruha's mind for a long time.
First of all, the traditional Nine Rookie team setup was well-structured.
Yoruha didn't want to disrupt that dynamic.
Secondly—
Over the years, he had received sign-in tasks from his system in bizarre and dangerous places outside the village.
If he were bound to a team, those missions would become a logistical nightmare.
What if the system threw another mission like the pink pig stake at him again?
He'd get stuck for days—maybe even weeks.
And time… didn't wait for anyone.
So, with all that in mind, this was the perfect opportunity to speak up.
"Alone? Without a Jōnin to guide you?"
The Third Hokage's aged eyes blinked in surprise. "That's… quite the bold request."
To be fair—
Yugao Uzuki had already returned and reported what had happened.
She'd told him that Yoruha's swordplay was impressive—on par with elite Jōnin.
But still, no matter how talented, Yoruha was still just a child.
A ninja's life was filled with high-risk missions.
Even the best didn't go solo right after graduating.
"That's right," Yoruha replied calmly. "I want to operate solo.
After all, Hokage-sama… do you believe there's anyone here qualified to be my teammate?"
His voice was neither arrogant nor boastful.
Just honest.
Hiruzen stared at Yoruha's face, seeing the confidence in his expression.
A spark of youth, firm and unshaken.
He sighed inwardly and reached for his pipe again.
For a second, he almost lit it… but in the end, he didn't.
Just holding it between his fingers was enough to steady himself.
"These kids are going to give me gray hair…"
Funny thing was—Sasuke Uchiha had said something similar not long ago.
He, too, had requested to work alone.
But Hiruzen had rejected him flatly.
Why?
Because while Sasuke had potential, he still had too many emotional wounds.
Too much instability.
And frankly—he wasn't ready.
If he left Sasuke unsupervised and something happened…
Itachi would assume Hiruzen had set him up to die.
But Yoruha?
That was a different story.
Yugao's exact words had been:
"His sword... it's terrifying. Like fighting a Jōnin in a kid's body."
Sure, swordsmanship alone didn't make a complete ninja.
But with Yoruha's current strength?
Starting him off from scratch like everyone else didn't make much sense either.
Still…
Allowing him to work solo right out of graduation was a huge risk.
Would Yamanaka Inoichi even agree to that?
Children of prestigious clans weren't easy to assign, and if anything happened to him…
"Yoruha," the Third Hokage said carefully, "you may not fully understand the dangers of the ninja world.
Solo missions are filled with unpredictable risks. It's not just about ability—there are logistical and tactical challenges as well.
Have you even talked to your father about this?"
Unable to help himself, Hiruzen raised his pipe to his lips again.
He didn't light it, though. Just pretended to smoke—an old habit for calming his nerves.
"These kids today… Always so eager to run before they can walk."
Yoruha gave him a flat look and said,
"I'll convince my father myself. As long as you approve, Lord Hokage."
That look.
That tone.
It was the kind of face that said: "I've read the whole story. I know how this plays out."
"I watched the entirety of Boruto," he thought. "And you're telling me I don't understand the ninja world?"
It was hard not to laugh.
Hiruzen chuckled softly and took a moment to collect his thoughts.
"I really do envy this generation."
So full of life. So fearless.
They had dreams. Direction. Fire in their eyes.
He, on the other hand, was just an old man second-guessing every decision he made.
Just as he was about to give his answer, a knock came at the door.
"Come in," Hiruzen said, a little startled.
The door creaked open—
A confident young kunoichi with short purple hair strode in.
She tossed a scroll casually onto the Hokage's desk.
"Old man, mission complete. Here's the contract signed by the client."
Her voice was casual and carefree.
Then her eyes fell on Yoruha.
She gave him a once-over, then smirked.
"Hey, old man, who's the kid?
He's kinda cute."
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