Chapter 49: Promotion to Jonin

In an underground chamber, Yuto stood tall, presenting a broken sword with both hands.

"One of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, Jinpachi Munashi, has been confirmed dead." He paused, then continued, "Before his death, Jinpachi triggered an explosive scroll, leaving no remains. However, I managed to collect his teeth, which I will send to the medical team for examination."

Hiruzan ran his fingers over the broken sword, sighing after a long pause.

"You completed the mission thoroughly, Yuto-kun. You are already an excellent shinobi." He returned the broken sword to the branch family youth with a smile:

"On behalf of the village, I congratulate you on becoming a Jonin."

"I will never forget Hokage-sama's guidance," Yuto replied, bowing deeply. As Hiruzan stroked his beard and laughed, Yuto winked at Tsunade, nudging towards her ample hips.

The blonde woman blinked, subconsciously reaching back and finding a thin straw stuck there.

—It must have gotten there when she sat on the cart.

'Yuto is indeed observant and meticulous... as expected of my beloved student,' Tsunade thought proudly, not realizing anything unusual about her student's attention.

Hiruzan missed the secret exchange between his student and grand-student. He continued, "Yuto-kun, you received the most difficult task, which is why you were the last to return. But I am pleased that all five of you completed your missions... The Will of Fire burns eternally."

"According to tradition, your promotion ceremony will be witnessed by the Jonin and high-ranking members of the village. Rest well these days, gather your strength; the future of Konoha depends on you."

After a few more words of comfort, Hiruzan finally got to the point.

"Yuto-kun, here it's just you, me, and your sensei. As my grand-student, I haven't given you any special treatment... Is there anything you want? I can grant it as a promotion gift."

Tsunade played with the straw, signaling Yuto to think carefully before answering.

Previously, Tsunade had requested Hiruzan Sarutobi to allow her to teach Yuto advanced fuinjutsu. Despite being firmly rejected, Tsunade managed to secure some benefits for her student in a nearly stubborn manner.

Hiruzan wouldn't alienate Tsunade over such a minor issue. Therefore, he chose this moment to speak, having carefully considered his words. Both Tsunade and Yuto owed him a favor.

'Why is the Third Hokage offering me benefits... Are the other four getting anything too?' Yuto thought. Trusting Tsunade, he spoke directly, "Hokage-sama, during my battle with Jinpachi, I realized my current self is too weak. As a shinobi, my offensive techniques are too limited... So, I would like to acquire a long-range attack technique."

'A long-range attack, that makes sense. Fighting Jinpachi up close with a Gentle Fist against his explosive sword must have been dangerous.' Hiruzan thought for a moment and nodded approvingly.

"Very well... Yuto-kun, I will select a suitable technique from the scrolls and have it delivered to you by the ANBU in a few days."

Yuto expressed his gratitude. Given Hiruzan's status, he wouldn't offer a mere C-rank jutsu. At the very least, it would be a high B-rank technique, possibly even A-rank or S-rank.

---

The following days were relatively peaceful for Yuto. The tension in the village grew as the ninja world became more restless. High-level figures like Minato Namikaze frequently appeared in the Hokage office. Newly forged ninja tools and soldier pills piled up, and the number of bodies wrapped in white cloth returned to the village increased daily.

For Yuto, however, this turmoil was distant. As a newly promoted Jonin recovering from his injuries, he was respected and left to rest undisturbed at the Senju compound.

During this time, both Kakashi Hatake and Yuto Hyuga were widely recognized.

Kakashi, at just 12 years old, became the youngest Jonin in the history of the Land of Fire, His genius reputation intimidated many.

Yuto, at 13, though a year older than Kakashi, had an impressive background as well. As a member of the Hyuga clan with its Kekkei Genkai and Tsunade's personal disciple, he stood out. His Jonin promotion exam involved defeating a team of Mist Chunin and one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, Jinpachi Munashi. This was enough to attract attention from other villages.

The village celebrated these two young Jonin, easing the tension before the looming war. The continuous emergence of new talents was reassuring for the villagers and lower-ranked shinobi.

Four days after Yuto completed his exam, the promotion ceremony was held at the Hokage office.

Besides the high-ranking members and clan leaders, all available Jonin attended. The ceremony was brief, with Hiruzan Sarutobi praising each of the five promoted shinobi before dismissing everyone to continue his meetings.

As the leader of Konoha, he indeed bore significant pressure.

After the ceremony, Hiashi Hyuga, the clan head, approached Yuto with a warm demeanor, "The main house is proud of you. You can sit next to me at the next clan meeting. I suggest Tsunade-sama and the Hyuga clan interact more. When will your 'Lion's Fang Bite' technique be added to the clan's secret scrolls?"

Hiashi's words were a mix of praise and subtle pressure, classic tactics from a superior to a subordinate.

Yuto listened with a respectful smile, occasionally offering compliments, showing utmost respect, friendliness, and obedience.

Their conversation ended amicably, with both seemingly satisfied.

Days passed, and Yuto fully recovered, resuming his training and waiting for the long-range attack jutsu promised by Hiruzan... as well as the impending war.

However, the first significant event was Tsunade's sudden return.

The blonde woman seemed weary, giving Yuto a complicated look before saying, "Yuto, Shibuki has been reforged... But the forger wants to meet the user of this weapon first."

Yuto was puzzled but agreed, "Uh... Sure, let's go then."

"Alright." Tsunade placed her hand on the ground, drawing a complex summoning seal with chakra and said softly:

"Let's go... to the Shikkotsu Forest."

(End of Chapter)