Chapter 12: The Hidden Shadow's Regret

Hokage Residence

After assigning the teams and their Jonin leaders, Hiruzen dismissed Minato, Shinku Yuhi, and the others. Once the room was empty, he sat quietly, contemplating with his pipe in hand.

To be honest, Uchiha Mirai's performance today had taken him by surprise. While most assumed Mirai had narrowly won, Hiruzen knew better—Kakashi had been thoroughly outmatched, whether in kenjutsu or ninjutsu. In other words, Uchiha Mirai's skills had already surpassed Kakashi's in every way.

This impressive display brought back memories of an old teammate—Uchiha Kagami. A prodigy who had emerged seemingly out of nowhere, Kagami had earned the trust of their sensei, becoming part of his personal guard. Back then, Kagami's presence had helped pacify the growing discontent among the Uchiha, keeping the clan aligned with the Hokage's faction for a long time.

Maybe... it was time for him to consider nurturing Mirai in a similar role, to one day serve in the Hokage's Anbu. Of course, that would depend on whether Mirai could pass the tests Hiruzen had in mind.

Just then, the office door swung open without warning. Danzo Shimura strode in, oblivious to the tension in the room.

"Hiruzen! I request that Uchiha Mirai be assigned to 'Root.'"

Hiruzen frowned, annoyed by Danzo's blunt entrance.

"Danzo, how many times must I remind you—knock before you enter!"

Danzo smirked, dismissing the rebuke. "Hmph! If you didn't spend so much time spying on the women's bathhouse with that crystal ball of yours, you wouldn't need such rules."

Hiruzen's face turned stone cold.

"Slander. Utter slander," he muttered, his patience thinning.

"Of this year's new genin, I only want Uchiha Mirai," Danzo reiterated, his tone unwavering.

"No," Hiruzen replied firmly. "I have other plans for Mirai."

Danzo's eyes narrowed. "You've seen his abilities. Even Kakashi couldn't beat him. Such a dangerous individual belongs in Root, where he can be properly managed. Or would you prefer another Uchiha Madara lurking in the shadows?"

"Your hatred of the Uchiha clouds your judgment, Danzo," Hiruzen said calmly.

"Born wicked—the Uchiha are naturally drawn to darkness," Danzo sneered, quoting words from their old teacher.

Hiruzen sighed. "Times have changed, Danzo. The world of shinobi is more unstable than ever. If we target the Uchiha too directly, we risk internal strife. And if the other villages attack while we're divided, Konoha could fall apart."

With the Senju clan diminished, Tsunade gone, Jiraiya traveling, and Sakumo Hatake dead by suicide, Konoha no longer had the overwhelming strength it once wielded to keep other villages in check.

"In times like these, adopting a conciliatory approach toward the Uchiha is our best option. That was Sensei's way, too."

Danzo's expression remained unmoved.

"The village is in this state because of your incompetence," he replied icily. "Hiruzen, you should step down as Hokage."

"Enough!" Hiruzen's patience finally snapped. "Danzo, my decisions are final. Your role is to follow my orders."

Danzo scoffed, "You'll regret this, Hiruzen."

"Remember, I am the Hokage!" Hiruzen's voice rang out.

The door slammed shut behind Danzo as he exited, leaving Hiruzen massaging his temples in frustration. He understood Danzo's concerns but believed that even a genius like Mirai would need years to develop into a true threat. Besides, with the village's power centralized under his command, he was confident he could control any situation that arose.

If Mirai ever showed signs of going rogue, he could deal with it then.

...

The Next Day – Ninja Academy

In the classroom, newly graduated genins sat eagerly, their faces alight with excitement. Today, they would find out who their teammates would be—the ones with whom they'd face countless missions and battles.

Everyone was buzzing with curiosity about who they'd be paired with.

"Obito, who do you hope to team up with?" Rin asked, smiling at him.

With you, obviously! Obito wanted to say, but instead, he stammered out, "Anyone's fine, as long as it's not Mirai or Kakashi."

"Huh? But Mirai and Kakashi are both great ninjas! I'd feel a lot safer if they were my teammates," Rin said innocently.

Obito grumbled to himself, casting a sour look toward Mirai and Kakashi.

In the back of the room, Kurenai nudged Mirai.

"Mirai, any guesses who your teammates will be?"

Mirai pondered theatrically, "I'm guessing it'll be you."

Kurenai's eyes widened. "How did you know?"

"Let's just say I have a hunch. I also heard your dad is one of the Jonin instructors this year."

"So… you thought I'd beg him to put us on the same team?" Kurenai's cheeks flushed as she stammered, "I didn't do that! I just… might have overheard him mentioning the team lineup."

Mirai chuckled, enjoying her flustered reaction. "I see."

"I didn't do anything like… making meals or doing chores just to sway his decision," she added hastily. "So if we're on the same team, don't get any weird ideas!"

Mirai smirked. Classic tsundere.

Just then, several Jonin, including Shinku Yuhi and Minato Namikaze, entered the room. The lead instructor, addressed the class, silencing their chatter.

"Konoha has assigned outstanding Jonin to guide you all. When I call your names, follow your assigned Jonin."

The room fell silent with anticipation.

"Uchiha Mirai, Kurenai Yuhi, Asuma Sarutobi!"

"Obito Uchiha, Kakashi Hatake, Rin Nohara!"

"Genma Shiranui, Ebisu, Might Guy!"

And so the teams were announced, each name stirring a wave of excitement among the young genin, as they set off on the next stage of their journey.

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