Chapter:21

Kirito knew that, aside from the Uchiha clan's area, there was only one barbecue restaurant in the Hidden Leaf Village.

He had visited it several times with Uchiha Izumi.

"I think it's called Xiaosan BBQ."

"That's right! My father owns it!" Airi beamed, placing her hands over her chest. Her pretty face turned slightly pink as she spoke with pride.

Kirito stood tall with messy black hair, a Leaf Village forehead protector, and striking facial features. His outfit consisted of a tight black combat suit, a ninja tool bag strapped to his waist, and a kunai pouch tied to his right leg. A sword, Kyoka Suigetsu, rested on his back. At over 1.7 meters tall, his figure was both lean and muscular.

Three days later, under Yuhi Kurenai's guidance, Kirito arrived at the Hokage's office.

"Hokage-sama, I've brought Kirito," Kurenai said. "Kirito, come greet the Hokage."

"Hello, Hokage-sama," Kirito began. "I've admired you since I was young. You are the strongest and greatest Hokage in the history of the village. My dream is to become a great ninja, just like you."

Without hesitation, Kirito showered Sarutobi Hiruzen with praise, rattling off his "legendary resume" from the academy textbooks. His fanboy enthusiasm was palpable.

Kurenai twitched at Kirito's words. She realized Kirito wasn't the reserved person she knew anymore.

Hiruzen, meanwhile, sized up Kirito, observing his sincerity. Seeing the admiration in Kirito's eyes, his impression of the young ninja improved. *Danzo must be overthinking this one*, Hiruzen thought. *How could someone so dedicated to the Will of Fire and the village ever betray Konoha?*

Chuckling, the Third Hokage said, "You are a bright young man, Kirito."

"This is our first formal meeting, but I've been aware of you since you were young. Like your parents, you've inherited the Will of Fire. I'm proud of you."

With a serious expression, Kirito replied, "Thank you, Hokage-sama. I will work hard for the village and Hokage-sama, even to the point of death."

Kirito's tone and expression conveyed complete loyalty. His words suggested he would die happily if the Hokage asked.

"Devotion to the cause until death," Hiruzen repeated. The more he looked at Kirito, the more he liked him. "It's good to have that mindset, but this isn't wartime. What you need is to grow. Konoha depends on the next generation."

"I will live up to your trust," Kirito responded with a respectful nod. *Flattery is free, after all*, he thought.

Kurenai, standing beside them, felt a shiver. *Is this really Kirito?* she wondered.

Hiruzen, oblivious to Kurenai's thoughts, was pleased with Kirito's flattery. "I assume Kurenai has told you about the Chunin promotion?" he asked.

"Yes, Lord Hokage," Kirito said.

"Good. Kurenai tells me you have Jonin-level strength, so this will be a great test. If you demonstrate the required skill, I can promote you directly to Jonin."

Hiruzen led the way as they exited the office, with Kirito and Kurenai following closely behind.

Soon, they arrived at an open field near the Forest of Death. Almost all of Konoha's core members were there, including Danzo, the two village advisors, and several Anbu. Uchiha Itachi and Kakashi were also present.

Most of the attendees showed little reaction to Kirito's arrival, but Uchiha Itachi's face, hidden under his mask, grew serious. Through his Mangekyo Sharingan, he noticed how Kirito's chakra was mysteriously strong and concealed. *Could it be you?* Itachi thought. *Did you steal Shisui's right eye? Kirito, you've suddenly become so bold. What are you up to?*

Itachi was starting to suspect that Kirito might be behind Shisui's missing eye, though he hadn't ruled out another potential suspect—Uchiha Obito, the masked man who had killed his teammates years ago.

Kirito, always alert, noticed Itachi's intense gaze but didn't dwell on it. His focus was on his own objective, which would soon be achieved.

"Kiri—to," Kurenai whispered, pointing to three elder figures. "These are the Hokage advisors, Utane Koharu-sama and Mitokado En-sama. And that is Shimura Danzo-sama, head of the Root division."

Kirito flashed a sunny, respectful smile, bowing to the three elders. "Honored advisors, Lord Danzo."

Koharu and Mitokado nodded approvingly at Kirito's attitude, while Danzo remained cold and distant. "Let's get started," Danzo said. "Your opponent will be him."

"Kakashi, step forward."

At Danzo's command, a tall figure with white hair and wearing an ANBU uniform and dog mask emerged from the group.

Kirito's eyes gleamed with amusement. "Hatake Kakashi? I didn't expect to face you like this", he mused.

(End of the chapter).

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