At that time, the Third Hokage had trusted Xia Li, but he never expected Xia Li's situation to become so perilous. If he had known, he would have forced Xia Li to leave the Anbu much earlier.
Originally, Xia Li should not have been allowed to participate in the rescue missions. Although his involvement increased the survival rate of Konoha's ninja, it came at a great risk…
The Third Hokage inhaled deeply, wondering if such danger was truly worth it for a genius ninja. After all, ordinary missions rarely required killing, but rescue operations inevitably faced hostile shinobi.
So killing was unavoidable.
At first, he and his advisors believed Xia Li shouldn't participate. Even with his extreme speed, no genius should be exposed to such peril. One mission might be acceptable, but sooner or later, it would endanger others. The village was paying attention, and they were not foolish.
Eventually, they consented because Xia Li had proven his absolute safety by using the Flying Thunder God Technique to escape from a sealed space. Even the Third Hokage could not deny it. And even if he personally disagreed, his subordinate advisors would have forced him to approve, thus increasing the overall survival rate of Konoha's ninjas.
The Third Hokage also understood that the advisor was not short-sighted enough to disregard the life of a genius ninja. Yet if hostile shinobi wanted to trap Xia Li near the Flying Thunder God Technique, they might attempt to use sealing jutsu, confining him in a separate space…
But Xia Li had already proven that he could escape any sealing jutsu. What could the Third Hokage do now? After all, if Konoha prided itself on being second in sealing techniques, only the Uzumaki clan ranked higher—and the Uzumaki were already destroyed. That made Konoha the best.
Even Konoha's sealing jutsu could not trap Xia Li when he used Flying Thunder God. How could other villages' sealing jutsu hope to contain him? It was absurd.
Including the Third Hokage, all of them thought this, and in the end, he had no choice but to agree.
From that day on, Xia Li began participating in rescue missions. This also meant that Mo Ying's actions were no longer hidden and were exposed to public view.
Meanwhile, Mo Sha Duo's reputation slowly spread throughout the village. He was even called "Konoha's Little White Fang" because his combat style so closely resembled the original White Fang.
Hostile ninjas even added the word "Bloody" to Xia Li's codename, making it "Bloody Mo Ying"!
The Third Hokage understood why. Every time Xia Li acted, no one survived. And the rumors of "no survivors" spread quickly.
Which ninja team didn't have a few sneaky ones… Moreover, Xia Li's missions weren't meant to kill everyone; some neutral parties were present.
Additionally, Mo Ying's reputation in Konoha had already spread widely and could not be concealed. Anyone curious about him could easily find out.
Now, the Third Hokage also realized that Xia Li—or rather, Mo Ying's—reputation in Konoha had evolved. The title "Konoha's Little White Fang" no longer fit him. He had surpassed his limits and had earned his own title: Konoha Mo Ying.
Although the pandemic had not widely spread, the news had already started circulating in small circles…
This was astounding. The Third Hokage clicked his tongue, deeply impressed and somewhat fearful of the impact Xia Li brought.
"Then, little Xia Li, have you thought about leaving the Anbu?" the Third Hokage asked.
"Yes, I have considered it, Grandpa Third," Xia Li nodded calmly. "My current physical condition requires some rest."
"Good, it's important that you recognize your limits," the Third Hokage said, visibly relieved and smiling. Usually, ninja can't avoid killing entirely.
But there were no ninjas like Xia Li. Most would rest after a kill to recover, then continue missions.
Xia Li, however, had barely stopped. Lives passed through his hands every single day. If the Anbu leader hadn't noticed Xia Li's deteriorating condition and reported it, his fate might have been misinterpreted as a complete descent into the abyss of killing.
"I overestimated my endurance," Xia Li admitted honestly. He had believed himself spiritually strong, but he was still immersed in a dark void, becoming exhausted and listless. Now, the consequences were clear.
"No, you underestimated yourself!" Sandai said sternly. "You are far more capable than you think."
Xia Li remained silent for a moment, then nodded.
"From now on, the Mo Ying squad will be disbanded. After all, you are the only one left," Sandai said.
"Understood," Xia Li nodded. Though he had considerable power as an Anbu captain, he had few subordinates. Still, if he needed help, he trusted that many Anbu members would willingly assist.
Though he never sought popularity, Xia Li's reputation among Konoha ninja and the Anbu was widespread.
"Then, little Xia Li, from now on you can live again under your own name, Xia Li, as a special jonin," the Third Hokage said.
"Alright." Xia Li was unsurprised; his abilities had already reached that level, and his accomplishments might even merit full jonin promotion.
The Third Hokage sighed. A twelve-year-old special jonin—he hadn't even protected him fully before, slightly restraining him, or Xia Li might have already massacred Iwagakure.
One jonin's strength was enough to elevate him to jonin rank.
As for his accomplishments? Single-handedly reducing ninja casualties across the entire village—wasn't that enough? Even the Third Hokage could hardly believe the record, but the data didn't lie.
However, if Xia Li directly claimed jonin rank, he would become a target. Considering his current state, it was best not to pressure him further.
The Third Hokage decided that promotion should wait. It was better to let him have the rank when the opportunity arose. He already had the power and prestige.
At this point, a new prodigy seemed to emerge among the Third Hokage's generation—Kakashi, who also became a jonin at twelve, though his circumstances were during wartime, which made it easier.
Xia Li, in this era of peace, had achieved jonin rank at twelve through sheer skill and significant accomplishments.
With such a reputation, when Mo Ying's true identity was eventually revealed…
The Third Hokage grew increasingly satisfied with Xia Li. If only he could control his killing intent!
Chapter 102 – Xia Li: Even Though I Didn't Replace Sakura…
"By the way, little Xia Li, today is the ninja academy graduation ceremony," Sandai said, smiling as if he had remembered something delightful.
"Huh? What a coincidence!" Xia Li exclaimed. "Who graduated in our class?"
"Iruka's teaching was excellent. Everyone in your class met the graduation standard," the Third Hokage said, stroking his beard with satisfaction. While the graduation requirements were not high, it was possible for all students to pass, which demonstrated Iruka's abilities.
Of course, graduation wasn't entirely positive; some things might be returned later. Not every student was ready to be a proper genin.
"Did everyone graduate?" Xia Li asked, surprised. "What about Naruto?"
"Yes," the Third Hokage nodded. "Though Iruka said his Shadow Clone Technique wasn't great, and he failed the first two tests, he passed the final one."
"Right," Xia Li nodded. She had also visited Naruto and realized he could withstand the Nine-Tails' chakra and use Shadow Clone effectively. He had worked hard these past two years.
"By the way, little Xia Li, have you thought about Naruto's graduation gift?" the Third Hokage suddenly asked.
"Gift?" Xia Li was startled. Did she need to give a gift? She thought a little, then said, "For Naruto, a meal at Ichiraku Ramen should be enough."
"Ha! He'd be happy, but just ramen isn't enough," Sandai said, handing Xia Li a scroll.
"This…?" Xia Li was puzzled, a hint of anticipation in her heart.
"This is a jutsu only Naruto can use. You can give it to him as a gift," the Third Hokage said with a smile.
"Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu?" Xia Li asked directly.
"You've clearly gathered a lot of Anbu intel," Sandai said, unsurprised. He knew Xia Li had exchanged information about the Nine-Tails and the Uzumaki clan.
The Third Hokage breathed easier. Even after learning about the Nine-Tails, Xia Li remained calm, proving his words had been genuine.
"As long as he is stronger than the Nine-Tails, it's fine?"
The Third Hokage looked at Xia Li and smiled. Xia Li's words might indeed work…
"Grandpa Third, wouldn't it be better if you gave this to Naruto yourself?" Xia Li asked, surprised. After all, from the village's perspective, it was better for the Hokage to establish a good relationship with the jinchuriki.
"Ha, I probably won't need it in the future," Sandai chuckled.
"You're still in good health," Xia Li remarked after a pause.
"No need to comfort me. I know my own condition," Sandai waved dismissively. "I just hope I can hold on a few more years…"
As he spoke, he looked at Xia Li. If he could last another four years, Xia Li would be sixteen—a grown adult in the village.
Xia Li held the scroll, inhaling deeply. He understood Sandai's intentions but felt it all somewhat surreal.
Regarding the Hokage position, Xia Li was not completely unaware, but his strength was far from sufficient. He was a barely adequate jonin, relying on the Flying Thunder God Technique to reach this rank. He was no match for the top-tier shinobi and would likely consider fleeing after a few rounds.
Even so, Sandai's decision made sense. Few were suitable for the role, and those who were suitable might refuse. Those who wanted it were often unsuitable.
Tsunade was missing. Jiraiya refused the position. Kakashi was unaware.
Other candidates? Asuma's skills were obvious; convincing the public would be difficult. Danzo was too extreme. Past Hokage had maintained mutual support and would likely never endorse him.
Other advisors? Their strength was considerable, and they would not accept the position.
And Mei Tekai? Impossible. The remaining jonin from elite clans were even less likely.
Thus, Xia Li suddenly felt some pity for the Third Hokage. Despite his age, he couldn't find a suitable successor. Those willing were not fit; those fit were unwilling.
Among the middle-aged generation, few were likely to fully mature. Meanwhile, the next generation was rising rapidly.
In a few years, Xia Li's abilities, influence, and reputation would make him a strong candidate.
However, Xia Li did not let the Third Hokage's importance cloud his judgment. Anything could happen in the coming years—like Orochimaru's plans for Konoha.
"Ha, don't think too much. It's still early. This old bone can still hold on a few more years," Sandai said with a smile.
"Mm," Xia Li nodded silently.
"Little Xia Li, do you want to try teaching a team?" Sandai suddenly asked, nearly causing her expression to betray her surprise.
What?! Teach a team? Xia Li remembered that her initial plan was to replace Sakura as a seventh-grade instructor. Since that plan had failed, could she really become a teacher?
Xia Li found the idea very strange and declined.
"Forget it, Grandpa Third. I'm not suited for teaching right now. Most importantly, they're all my students. Being the main instructor feels… weird."
"Mm," Sandai thought for a moment and did not insist. He had initially considered it but realized Xia Li, with her overwhelming killing intent, was unsuitable as a team leader. What if she couldn't teach them properly?
The Third Hokage pondered how to organize the desk. Though Xia Li couldn't be a teacher, these classmates might become allies in the future, so maintaining relationships was important.
"Little Xia Li, you can serve as a teaching assistant in various classes. You don't need to fight anymore," he said after careful thought.
"Yeah…" Xia Li froze, unsure, but saw that Sandai was sincere and didn't refuse.
"One thing, I'll inform the instructors—they won't allow you to act in battle. You shouldn't draw your sword anymore. Rest and teach the students. Ask the instructors questions and calm yourself," the Third Hokage said seriously.
"Yes, thank you, Grandpa Third," Xia Li said sincerely.
"Ha, if nothing happens, you can go home and see your mother. Don't forget you haven't been home in a long time…" Sandai sighed.
Xia Li paused, nodded silently, and left. Previously, she had returned after every mission, but with her growing killing intent, she feared affecting Xinei. Most of the time, she visited secretly, leaving small gifts to reassure her.
Now, it was truly time to go home and check on her properly.
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