Danzo, I'm The Hokage.

The voices of discussion surged across the battlefield like a tidal wave.

"What?"

"What did Kakashi just say?"

"He said he lost?"

The surrounding ninjas exchanged bewildered glances, questioning the outcome of the fight. The scene before them was utterly unbelievable.

Kakashi, the elite jonin of Konoha Village, had admitted defeat—defeated by someone who didn't even know ninjutsu.

Iruka stood frozen, his mouth slightly agape.

"How is this possible?"

This was Kakashi, renowned as the Copy Ninja across the ninja world. How could someone like him lose? Even after employing all his special techniques and utilizing the Sharingan—capable of perceiving an opponent's every move—Kakashi had still been kicked away by Kirito without any chance to react.

A storm of doubt swirled in Iruka's heart as he stared at Kirito's calm, composed expression. At that moment, he realized the truth behind Kirito's earlier words. This young man, far younger than him, wasn't joking when he claimed to be powerful. Kirito truly possessed the strength of a jonin.

Mizuki, who had been mocking Kirito before the fight, stood in stunned silence, his eyes wide with disbelief.

"Why? How could Kakashi lose?"

"Kakashi even used the Sharingan…"

"No… this has to be fake…"

Mizuki's shock quickly gave way to fear, his expression twisting into one of sheer terror. He began doubting everything—his skills, his judgments. Memories of their first encounter replayed in his mind, where he had smugly flaunted himself in front of Kirito. Kirito's calm and dismissive gaze during those moments now felt haunting.

"Why? Why?!" Mizuki roared internally.

"You had this kind of strength, and you chose to toy with me!"

Meanwhile, Might Guy stood nearby, taking a deep breath to steady himself. Even he, someone who had fought Kakashi countless times, had assumed that once the Sharingan was activated, Kakashi would swiftly overpower Kirito.

But the opposite had occurred.

Guy's battles with Kakashi were numerous, and he was all too familiar with his rival's strength. Even with the Sharingan, Kakashi was not someone to be taken lightly. Guy knew he could potentially defeat Kakashi with a single strike—but only by unlocking the Eight Gates. One or two gates wouldn't be enough; at least three would be required. To achieve a decisive blow like Kirito's, he might even need to open the fourth or fifth gate.

Yet Kirito had defeated Kakashi with ease, almost casually.

Guy's heart raced as he stared at Kirito. Was it possible that this young man's taijutsu skills surpassed his own?

Beside him, Yuhi Kurenai brought her hand to her mouth in shock, her ruby-red lips slightly parted. Her intelligent eyes focused intently on Kirito, who had so effortlessly defeated Kakashi.

Handsome, confident, calm, and overwhelmingly powerful—Kirito embodied every quality that fascinated her. For a moment, an unspoken emotion flickered in her gaze.

As the crowd processed Kirito's astounding strength, Guy's excitement became uncontainable.

Konoha had few jonin with such mastery of taijutsu, and Guy had long felt lonely on his chosen path. Now, here was someone who appeared to be his equal—perhaps even his superior.

"This is youth!" Guy declared, unable to hold back any longer. Without hesitation, he approached Kirito.

Standing before him, Guy's face lit up with fervor. "Hello! I am the Blue Beast of Konoha! Let's have a passionate battle!"

His gaze burned with the intensity of a predator sizing up its prey.

The crowd's excitement reignited. Was Might Guy really about to challenge Kirito? Another battle seemed imminent.

But before anything could happen, Kakashi's voice extinguished the rising energy.

"Guy, don't start trouble," he said calmly. "Kirito has already used most of his strength fighting me. You wouldn't want to challenge him when he's not at his peak, right?"

Kakashi adjusted his forehead protector. "Besides, I have to take him to meet the Hokage."

Hearing this, Guy sighed and nodded. "Fair enough. Then go see the Hokage first. We'll settle this later!"

Kirito merely gave a brief nod, uninterested in any duel. Truthfully, he didn't want to fight anyone—his goal was simply to live quietly and stay under the radar. The fight with Kakashi had only happened because he was forced to prove himself.

After all, if Kirito wanted to join Konoha, he needed to demonstrate his strength. Otherwise, the Hokage wouldn't have allowed it.

With that, Kakashi led Kirito to the Hokage's office.

"I'll report to him first," Kakashi said as they reached the door. "I'll do my best to recommend you, but I can't guarantee anything."

Kirito nodded slightly, watching Kakashi disappear inside. He wasn't worried. His performance on the battlefield was undeniable.

In the office, Sarutobi Hiruzen sat by the window, his Hokage robes pristine despite his age. His sharp, calculating eyes observed Kirito as he entered.

Kirito offered a casual smirk. "Hello, Hokage."

Kakashi stiffened at Kirito's boldness, while Hiruzen's gaze deepened. He exhaled a puff of smoke and spoke calmly.

"Kakashi has told me everything. Your strength is impressive. Konoha welcomes you, Kirito. From now on, you're a special jonin of the village."

With that, he dismissed them.

As Kakashi led Kirito out, the office door opened again. Danzo entered, his expression stormy.

"Sarutobi, what is the meaning of this? Promoting an outsider to special jonin without consulting the elders?"

Hiruzen's calm expression remained unchanged. "Kirito's strength surpasses even Kakashi's. He is more than qualified."

Danzo slammed his hand on the desk. "Strength isn't everything! He's not from Konoha—how can we trust him?"

Hiruzen's voice turned cold. "I am the Hokage, and my decision is final. Kirito will not join your Root. This discussion is over."

Danzo's frustration was evident as he stormed out. But for Hiruzen, the situation was already in motion, and Kirito was now a valuable addition to Konoha.