Hokage's Office
The Third Hokage sat behind his desk, a warm smile on his face as he looked at Uchiha Izumi standing confidently before him.
"Uchiha Izumi," he began kindly, "we've decided to promote you directly to Chunin. Congratulations." He paused, then added, "Additionally, you may choose a rare Ninjutsu to learn. Is there anything in particular that interests you?"
Without hesitation, Izumi answered, "Hokage-sama, I don't want to learn more Ninjutsu. Instead, I want to study Sealing Techniques and Barrier Techniques — the kinds of jutsu that use talismans and special scrolls."
The Third Hokage's expression shifted to one of vigilance. "Why these, exactly?"
Izumi's eyes brightened as she explained, "It's not because the Uchiha are particularly interested in the Nine-Tailed Fox. I already have no shortage of Ninjutsu; I can often learn new jutsu just by watching others perform them. But these sealing and barrier techniques are unique and worth mastering. Besides, I find them fascinating."
Hiruzen nodded thoughtfully. "I see. Very well, I'll provide you with some scrolls that cover these areas. Study them carefully."
Izumi's face lit up with joy. "Thank you, Hokage-sama!"
The Hokage continued, "From now on, you will no longer need to undertake missions alongside Muraki and his squad. Instead, I plan to train you intensively. Would you prefer to join the Anbu for training, or undertake more open, upright work?"
Izumi considered the question carefully. "I'd rather do more open and upright work, Hokage-sama."
The Third Hokage looked intrigued. "May I ask why?"
Izumi spoke earnestly, "I don't like killing. I prefer to resolve conflicts peacefully whenever possible. In the past, I acted decisively because the mission took priority. But now, having a choice, I want to work openly. Besides, I'm still too young to join the Anbu; it wouldn't be suitable."
"Hmmm, that's a mature way of thinking," Hiruzen said approvingly. "I respect your choice."
He rose and said, "I will assign you to an elite squad made up of Jonin and Chunin. You should have plenty of opportunities to grow there."
Izumi smiled brightly. "Thank you very much, Hokage-sama!"
"Wait here a moment," Hiruzen said.
Izumi nodded respectfully.
The Hokage left the room briefly, then returned carrying a scroll. He handed it to Izumi.
"Here are the scrolls for Sealing Techniques and Barrier Techniques that you requested. Study them well. The Village currently lacks talent in these fields. If you excel, you may even take on responsibilities related to these techniques in the future."
Izumi accepted the scroll eagerly. "Thank you, Hokage-sama! I will work hard to master them!"
Hiruzen smiled. "Good. I'm granting you a month's vacation. Use this time to consolidate your knowledge. When you return, I will arrange new teammates for you, and you will begin your missions."
"I understand. Thank you!" Izumi said respectfully and left.
---
Back at Home
Once home, Izumi immediately began studying the scrolls.
"Hmmm, there are so many jutsu here… including advanced Perception Ninjutsu. Not bad at all."
She scanned through the techniques: Four Violet Flames Formation, Heavenly Canopy Formation… Her excitement grew. "Looks like I won't be bored anytime soon."
Without hesitation, Izumi started practicing.
Suddenly, a sharp voice called out, "Izumi! What's burning?! Why does the house smell like something is on fire?"
From her room came the sound of rushing water and a command: "Water Release! Water Wall!"
Hazuki's voice grew stern. "Izumi!"
The young ninja opened the door sheepishly. "Haha, Mom, it was an accident! Just a little accident!"
Hazuki glared. "Go outside to practice your Ninjutsu!"
"Okay, okay, I'm going!" Izumi grabbed her scroll and dashed outside.
---
In the Forest
Deep in the forest, Izumi created four clones who spread out to the four corners.
They shouted simultaneously, "Four Violet Flames Formation!"
A shimmering square barrier appeared around them.
Izumi's face lit up with joy. "It worked on the first try! Amazing!"
But her happiness was short-lived. She suddenly felt a presence behind her and muttered, "This chakra… It's Uchiha Shisui."
As if on cue, Uchiha Shisui appeared.
"Yo! Isn't this Izumi? Long time no see," he greeted with a warm smile.
Izumi returned the smile. "Indeed, it's been a while, Shisui-bro."
Shisui laughed. "Just call me Shisui, like Itachi does. Calling me 'Shisui-bro' sounds a bit too formal. You've become quite famous lately."
Izumi scratched the back of her head awkwardly. "Ah, no, no… I just relied on my Sharingan's ability to copy the enemy's Ninjutsu and got lucky defeating the enemy."
Shisui chuckled. "Don't be modest. Defeating the enemy takes real strength. There's no need to underestimate yourself."
Izumi smiled nervously. "Is that so… haha…"
A brief silence passed, the air growing slightly awkward.
Then Shisui asked, "That Ninjutsu you just used — I saw it from afar. Truly impressive."
Izumi waved her hands dismissively. "Oh, no, no. How could I be as amazing as you? Shisui the Teleporter, renowned across the Ninja World! Who doesn't know of him?"
Shisui shook his head with a serious look. "Titles mean nothing. Even if I am strong, I can't resolve the conflict between the Village and the Uchiha Clan. You understand that, don't you?"
Izumi's smile faded. Inside, she thought bitterly, After fooling Itachi, now you want to fool me? I'm not stupid.
She sighed softly. "Alas, this conflict has existed since the founding of the Ninja Village. During the Fourth Hokage's time, he had no solid power base and wanted to consolidate his authority, which reduced the Third Hokage's influence. He allied with the Uchiha and other clans, improving relations significantly. But now that the Third Hokage has regained power, things have reverted — or worsened."
Shisui's eyebrows rose in surprise. "I see. So there's this hidden layer of political connections."
Izumi nodded. "You think more deeply than most. Do you have a solution?"
Shisui looked at her curiously..
Izumi smiled. "Actually, all conflicts have solutions — it just depends on whether those in power want to solve them."
Shisui asked, surprised, "And how do you propose to resolve this?"
Izumi's smile deepened. "There are three methods — upper, middle, and lower paths — but all are very difficult to achieve."
Shisui's interest was piqued. "What are these methods?"
Izumi said confidently, "The best and simplest method would be for someone from the Uchiha Clan to become Hokage."
"Ah!" Shisui shook his head firmly. "Impossible."
Izumi replied, "Exactly. This is the simplest and most difficult method. The higher-ups will never allow an Uchiha to become Hokage."
Shisui asked, "Then why suggest this strategy?"
Izumi smiled knowingly. "There's a reason. Among the young generation of the Village, whose talent and strength rival yours and Itachi's?"
Shisui thought carefully. "Only Kakashi is strong, but he's not your opponent."
"Exactly!" Izumi said with a grin. "This is the time when the Uchiha Clan has its greatest hope to reach the Hokage seat — and the greatest threat to the establishment. The village's leaders fear an Uchiha Hokage will seek revenge and grow arrogant."
"Indeed. But me becoming Hokage?" Shisui shook his head doubtfully. Suddenly, his thoughts flickered toward Itachi, wondering if Itachi might be the one destined for such a role...
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