The morning was exceptionally pleasant.
In the Third Hokage's residence in Konoha, Hiruzen Sarutobi and Asuma Sarutobi sat facing each other.
Between them lay a battlefield.
The father and son were playing chess, and they looked quite happy together.
It was only the impatience on Asma's face that disrupted the harmony.
"Speak up, you old codger, what is your opinion?"
"Let me make this clear first: even if you disagree, I will protect the jade in my heart in my own way."
"Push the pieces to launch an attack," Asuma said unhappily.
He was chosen to become a guardian ninja in the Land of Fire.
We will be setting off soon.
The arguments with the old man that had lasted for many years seemed to become less important after the mother's death.
He has found the jade he is meant to protect.
Before leaving, he approached the old man and boasted about his answer.
Yu is your name, not yours.
For Konoha, the most important thing has never been the Kage.
Only by protecting the daimyo can the ninja organization of the Land of Fire prosper.
That was his answer.
But the old man remained noncommittal...
It doesn't matter.
The answer he found on his own did not require the old man's approval.
All he wanted was for the old man to sign the Hokage's name on the scroll of the list of guardian ninjas.
"Now that you've found what you believe to be jade."
"How much of your energy would it take for you to play a game of chess with me?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi maintained his usual calm and indifferent attitude.
Asma's patience was dwindling.
"No need for that lecturing attitude, you old geezer!"
"It's pointless for me to talk all day in ways that no one can understand!"
Asma's tone was already tinged with anger.
Hiruzen Sarutobi remained unmoved.
At least, that's how it looks.
"In that case, do me a favor."
"After I finish this, I will sign my name on the Guardian Ninja Scroll and let you go to protect your so-called... Jade."
As Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke, he took out a scroll from his robes and placed it on the somewhat scattered chessboard.
Asma hesitated for a moment.
Looking at the old man with his eyelids slightly lowered, and then at the scroll on the chessboard, he gritted his teeth.
You better keep your word!
With a cold snort, Asuma grabbed the scroll and disappeared.
a long time.
In the courtyard, in front of the chessboard, Hiruzen Sarutobi finally let out a sigh.
As a father.
As a father who is also the shadow of the village.
He really did his best.
He gave us plenty of hints.
The name "Da Ming" is clearly not "Yu".
Perhaps a ninja's mission is to protect the daimyo, but that doesn't mean it's their sole purpose.
The answer he gives will inevitably be the opposite of what his son chooses...
He really did his best.
Hopefully, the arrangements made before departure will be of some use...
...
at the same time.
Having just left that home he had no fondness for, Asuma quickly found a quiet place and opened the scroll.
This is the last barrier on his way to the Land of Fire.
Although he was reluctant, he really couldn't go unless the old man agreed.
But after he finished reading the scroll...
The displeasure on his face transformed into confusion.
"Really...that simple?"
"Two kids who graduated early?"
"Testing ninjas?"
Asma could hardly believe her eyes.
Perhaps the old man has really gotten too old and picked up the wrong scroll...
Let him be in charge of assessing the graduation of two kids whose average age is less than six?
wrong.
He must have overlooked something.
Otherwise, even if these two brats are monsters just like Kakashi back then.
With his current strength, let alone two, what difference would three or five make!
In such a large village as Konoha, how many can be selected as Guardian Ninja?
"I see."
"Two Uchiha."
"cut."
Asuma, after carefully examining the scroll once more, finally found the answer.
His expression turned disdainful.
Asuma let out a cold laugh, and his figure vanished once again...
I just don't know.
That disdain was directed at the Uchiha.
It was still for his own father.
...
Ninja Academy.
Kurokawa, the teacher in charge of Itachi and Haruko, suddenly felt a little panicked.
Two first-year students have applied to graduate early at the same time!
What's outrageous is that one of the female students had only been attending school for less than three days!
This is absurd.
Ultimately, it was the Uchiha clan that became too arrogant, perpetuating this bad habit to the next generation.
Or is it just a one-sided feeling that he, as a teacher, is incompetent?
and.
What surprised him the most...
The Hokage actually agreed!
Agreed!
That's outrageous.
Mr. Kuroko is now so afraid to even see these two students...
The open space where the assessment was conducted.
Itachi and Aokawa stood side by side, waiting for the exam to begin.
Qingchuan was still bothered by the sneeze he had that morning.
To be honest, he really took this exam seriously.
He prepared for three whole days!
Being cursed before leaving is such a bad omen!
At this moment, Qingchuan was too lazy to even maintain the smiling buff that he had painstakingly practiced for three days...
His face was completely indifferent!
This made Itachi, who was standing nearby, a little flustered...
Did I do something wrong recently?
Did I make Haruko angry?