Chapter 96: Jonin

Faced with Wood Clone's formidable financial power, Tsunade swiftly succumbed. The sheer wealth and the existence of taxation in this world made the offer hard to resist. Additionally, the ninja world operates on a one-village-one-country basis. Although the daimyo is obliged to allocate funds for Konoha's military expenses annually, Konoha enjoys complete autonomy and doesn't have to contribute any of the taxes collected to the daimyo.

Considering the potential tax revenue from developing the four clan lands into tourism streets, entertainment districts, and real estate, Tsunade recognized the opportunity. After a brief investigation into Wood Clone's legitimacy and wealth, she signed the contract without hesitation, selling the clan lands to Wood Clone. The responsibility of overseeing the development was entrusted to professionals, with Sato secretly supervising the process.

Meanwhile, Sato's physical presence continued to play the role of a ninja. During this period, Konoha faced the Konoha collapse plan followed by an invasion and skirmishes along the Kingdom of Fire's borders. The smaller ninja villages targeted Konoha in a provocative manner, which was essentially an indirect signal from the major ninja villages. Many smaller villages existed as lackeys or subsidiaries of the larger ones, depending on the Five Ninja Villages' tacit approval for their existence. They often served as scouts or enforcers for their more influential counterparts.

In response to these provocations, Konoha sent its own forces to counterattack. However, in order to effectively intimidate and subdue these smaller villages, Konoha often deployed its most formidable combat power. This resulted in Kakashi and his team being kept extraordinarily busy, sidelining even their duties of training the next generation.

Had it not been for the eradication of the four major moth families, the impact of the Konoha collapse plan might have been quelled by Kakashi and his team's efforts. Yet, due to the recent upheavals, Sato and his counterparts found themselves burdened with even more tasks, with Sato's own mission data increasing significantly.

As months passed, reaching the 61st year of Konoha's existence, Sato turned thirteen. His mission statistics were as follows: 175 D-level missions, 58 C-level missions, 23 B-level missions, 8 A-level missions, and no S-level or super-S-level missions.

Following the great powers' provocations, Sato was met with encouraging news upon his return to Konoha. He was recommended to take the Jōnin exam. If he passes, he will bypass the rank of special Jōnin and directly become a well-rounded development Jōnin. With his mission data rapidly reaching Kakashi's level, he will soon become an Elite Jōnin, one of the most formidable combat forces beneath the Hokage.

Interestingly, it wasn't the senior border guards who recommended Sato, but Tsunade herself. Essentially, the multitude of tasks assigned to Sato in recent months were part of Tsunade's plan to improve his track record and qualify him for the Jōnin exam. Konoha is in need of a hero, and Sato's accomplishments, including his awakening of Wood Style·, mastery of the Flying Thunder God Technique, and possession of techniques like the Rasengan and potentially more advanced ninjutsu, position him as a candidate.

Tsunade's stance towards 'Uchiha Naraku remains as uncertain as other high-ranking officials in Konoha. Nevertheless, to prevent any sudden upheaval from 'Uchiha Naraku,' Tsunade is aware that she cannot afford to let Sato grow leisurely under a protective environment.

After passing the Jōnin exam, Tsunade made arrangements for the members of the eighth Team. Kakashi's team was to be disbanded. Kurenai was set to become the instructor Jōnin for the tenth Team. As for Shino, he had two options: he could take either the Chūnin exam or the Anbu exam.

However, Tsunade had special plans for Sato and Hinata. She intended to create a special team, including Karin, with the objective of forming the ultimate blade under her command, a force balancing light and darkness. This team would possess extraordinary capabilities: the mobility of the Flying Thunder God Technique, Wood Style's group attack potential, and Gentle Fist for close combat, dual perception via byakugan and Kagura Mind Eye, Wood Style+Adamantine Sealing Chains for both near and distant engagements, and physical healing supported by three medical ninjas.

With this formidable combination, Tsunade could already imagine the dread their enemies would feel. Hinata and Karin's talents and potential meant that as Sato matured and took on the role of Sixth Hokage, these two women would become his right-hand aides. This strategic placement would ensure that the Hyuga clan is effectively encircled, securing their allegiance within the team.

Despite Tsunade's intentions and plans, Sato remained unaware of her thoughts. Upon learning of Tsunade's recommendation for him to take the Jōnin exam, he was slightly surprised but didn't hesitate to accept. Having absorbed the strengths of numerous formidable individuals, including Hokages, Elite Jōnins and even legendary figures such as Senju Tobirama and Sarutobi Hiruzen, Sato not only possessed immense power but also an extensive repertoire of knowledge. As Hokage, he was more than equipped to govern Konoha effectively.

After taking the confidential Jōnin exam, Sato became one of Konoha's Jōnin. He wore a green vest distinct from Shikamaru's, showcasing his new status. When Sato flaunted his Jōnin vest to Team 8 and Ino–Shika–Chō, Shikamaru and Chōji couldn't help but be amazed.

Shino's sunglasses concealed his emotions, but the others' expressions revealed their astonishment. Sato explained that he had taken the all-round assessment, aiming to gain experience even if he didn't succeed. However, he found the exam easier than expected.

Shikamaru, taken aback, couldn't help but remark, "Sato, when did you become a Jōnin!?" Both he and Chōji were struck by Sato's casual confidence and a hint of arrogance.

Sato smirked slightly, replying, "I participated a while ago. The results were announced yesterday, and I received the Jōnin vest today." He continued, "I took part in the challenging all-round assessment, thinking I'd accumulate some experience before trying again. But as it turns out, it wasn't as tough as I thought."

This response left Shikamaru and others somewhat wounded by Sato's nonchalance. Shikamaru muttered in frustration, to which Ino chimed in, supporting Sato's accomplishment. Hinata, too, showed agreement, causing Shikamaru to relent. He realized he was outnumbered and surrendered.

Amid the friendly bickering, Shikamaru couldn't help but feel that Sato had incredible luck on his side. He envied the drama he had hoped to witness in Sato's future relationships, but it seemed that with Sato's new status and growing responsibilities, his romantic choices were becoming clearer. Sato's ascent as Konoha's shining hope and his future as the Sixth Hokage brought stability and prosperity to the village.

Among his peers, Sato was not only the beacon of hope but also the shadow lurking behind the village's security—a significant element of its hidden future challenges.