Elite Jonin Selection

Morning at the Fuma household's entrance.

Minato, dragging a half-awake Kushina, hurriedly climbed over the wall with practiced ease.

In the courtyard, Fuma, bare-chested, was about to begin his morning warm-up when he noticed a head of yellow hair peeking over the wall.

"Yo, Minato, you're here early. Looks like you're eager to see your teacher in action," Fuma said with a smile, gesturing for Minato to come in.

Taking a deep breath, two thick plumes of white mist shot from his nostrils. His muscles, like coiled dragons, tensed up, revealing numerous veins.

As he moved, his bones seemed to come alive, cracking loudly, while his muscles appeared to wriggle with their own consciousness.

Minato's mouth twitched as he squatted in the corner, internally screaming, "This is definitely not normal taijutsu, nor is it human. This is absolutely not normal!"

Clenching his fingers and combining strength from his waist and legs, Fuma imprinted a semicircle on the courtyard's stone floor, assuming a standard Konoha-style taijutsu stance.

"—Boom!!!"

A single punch caused a sonic boom in the courtyard, the air crying out in agony under the pressure. The target was a nearly three-meter-tall iron figure reflecting a ghostly light.

With one punch, the iron figure was sent flying like a protagonist hit by a truck in an anime.

In a flash, Fuma's feet shattered the blue bricks beneath him, debris flying everywhere. He appeared behind the iron figure before it hit the wall.

"—Iron Mountain Punch!"

This was a major killing technique Fuma had developed, drawing from his previous life's experiences.

Using the lumbar spine as the source of power and the thighs for support, he gathered all his strength to explode from the shoulder!

"Buzz—"

The iron figure let out a mournful wail, its steel body shattered and covered in cracks, resembling a dismembered ghostly figure.

Minato's face turned pale. From his perspective, he only saw the iron figure fly toward the wall and then back at him at high speed.

However, proving his future Fourth Hokage mettle, Minato gritted his teeth and stood in front of Kushina just as the iron figure was a few meters away from crashing down.

Fuma, satisfied, smiled and instantly appeared in front of Minato, delivering a precise front kick that shattered the iron figure into pieces.

For a moment, iron chunks flew in all directions, and the ground was pitted and scarred, as if after an epic battle.

Fuma quietly admired his handiwork, picking up a warm towel to wipe his body.

As the towel touched his red-hot skin, it sizzled and emitted steam.

Kushina, now fully awake, was trembling from the explosive sounds, which brought back nightmares of the fall of Uzushio Village.

The girl known as the Red Hot-Blooded Habanero at school now hid behind Minato, clutching his back tightly.

Minato, also pale, leaned against the wall, holding Kushina's hand and breathing heavily.

"Fuma-sensei, is this your fighting style?"

Fuma casually waved a hand, donned his combat vest, and grabbed Minato and the still-stunned Kushina.

"I'm special. In the Five Great Shinobi Villages, I'm probably the only one who fights like this."

"But your path is destined to be different from mine. Don't be blinded by my power; your future will be just as brilliant."

Fuma delivered a bowl of motivational "chicken soup" and quickly headed toward the training grounds behind the village.

Minato's yellow hair swayed in the wind as he silently contemplated life while being carried.

Although Uchiha Fuma had been like an older brother to him since he was very young, taking care of him, and recently even became his master, Minato had never seen Fuma train.

Such a brutal and intensely masculine combat style left a deep impression on Minato, making him feel unfamiliar with Fuma.

....

Konoha, Training Ground No. 47.

The Jonin had already gathered in small groups. Any ordinary Chunin arriving here would be amazed at the presence of so many prominent figures.

The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and his old friend, Danzo Shimura, were already there.

From Sarutobi's cheerful expression and Danzo's sour face, it was clear they had been arguing again.

Clan leaders were exchanging pleasantries with smiles that were warm yet insincere.

Jonin bearing the insignia of their rank had formed their own circles, discussing the day's matches.

Their unintentional positioning subtly reflected the current power dynamics in Konoha, with the divide between clan and civilian ninja becoming increasingly pronounced under the "Will of Fire."

This Jonin selection was also the first significant move by the civilian ninja faction, fed up with seeing some inept clan ninjas in high positions.

Fuma, carrying the two kids, approached the Third Hokage with a cheerful greeting.

"Third Lord, I brought my apprentice and his little girlfriend to watch today's matches and gain some experience."

The Third Hokage sighed helplessly, while Danzo, with his usual scowl, looked at Kushina.

Danzo always believed that a jinchuriki should be nothing more than a weapon, devoid of emotions. Even a backup should be prepared for that!

However, Kushina's unique status, personally trained by Uzumaki Mito, meant she shared the same rank as Danzo in terms of seniority.

The Third Hokage coughed and took Minato and Kushina, gently patting their heads.

"In that case, I'll take care of them. They are the new leaves of the village, destined to face the winds and rains."

Kushina, seeing the Third Hokage, visibly brightened up. She had always had a good relationship with Hiruzen Sarutobi.

When Hiruzen first took office, he often sought Uzumaki Mito's assistance due to his unstable position.

At that time, Kushina had just moved to Konoha and lived with Mito, gradually becoming close to the Third Hokage, who became a sort of guardian to her.

Relieved of the two distractions, Fuma stretched and pondered today's opponents and the benefits he aimed to secure.

In fact, his reputation in Konoha was significant among certain circles but limited due to his Anbu background. Few knew of his impressive combat record beyond the higher-ups.

Fuma's goal today was to make a name for himself, secure leadership in the upcoming war, and gain merits to exchange for the Scroll of Seals.

Danzo's cold voice interrupted his thoughts, "I still believe that joining Root is your true stage. Your darkness is deep enough."

Fuma squinted nonchalantly, "Danzo, I think it's strength that speaks for a ninja. If I become the leader of Root, I might consider it."

Danzo's face darkened further, and he snorted heavily, "Ridiculous!"

The Third Hokage cleared his throat and used a peculiar jutsu to amplify his voice, announcing, "Jonin Squad, assemble!"

Immediately, the Jonin, who had been chatting, swiftly took their positions, ready to hear the Third Hokage's next instructions.

The Third Hokage took out a lottery box, scanned the crowd, and began to speak.

"This is the Konoha Jonin Squad Elite Selection. The top three will be the winners.

"You all are the backbone of Konoha, and with the upcoming war, everyone should be prepared.

"This time, the forces will be divided into three major units: the main attack force against Sunagakure, the main attack force against Amegakure, and the battlefield support unit.

"I will stay in the village, and the three winners will take command positions in these units.

"If you wish to take command, be prepared!"

As his words fell, a hush settled over the crowd.

The civilian ninjas were surprised by the fair method of deciding battlefield command.

Commanding on the battlefield carried immense honor and responsibility, enough to sustain a mid-sized clan for twenty years if victorious.

The clan ninjas, on the other hand, saw this as favorable. They didn't believe that those from ninja clans would lose to anyone.

Tensions rose as the stakes became clear, setting the stage for a high-stakes and explosive showdown!

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