Early in the morning, Chao Yanqian was sweating like rain on the training ground as always, doing the most basic training.
Waking up early is a habit that has been cultivated for many years. Over the years, unless he was injured and needed bed rest, Chao Yanqian would persist in doing basic training, rain or shine, even during thunderstorms.
In August of Year 44 of the Konoha calendar, Chao Yanqian was eleven and a half years old.
At this stage, basic practice is the one thing that must never be neglected.
For ordinary ninjas, maturity develops gradually from ignorance. When they're young, they're often playful and yearn for powerful ninjutsu, only to regret their choices when they become adults.
Especially during wartime. Although the pressure of war can stimulate potential in some, the lack of time for proper training severely limits their future achievements. Even someone like Kakashi Hatake, hailed as a genius in his youth, eventually plateaued among the elite.
Chao Yanqian's greatest advantage lies in his mature mind from an early age. He knew what he needed to do and had created a detailed training plan, strictly enforcing it upon himself.
Although improvements in the basics are slow, every small advancement would prove immensely valuable to Chao Yanqian's future.
In the next few years, as his body matures, his chakra reserves will significantly increase. The issue that has troubled Chao Yanqian the most will finally be resolved. Then, with more combat experience, Chao Yanqian will be able to match average jonin.
It is precisely for these reasons that Nara Shiraku, head of the Asakusa branch of the Nara clan, submitted an application to the village on his behalf. Once approved by Konoha's higher-ups, Chao Yanqian will become the youngest special jonin in the village's history, breaking Kakashi Hatake's record of becoming a jonin at age 12.
In terms of mission qualifications, Chao Yanqian already meets the requirements to apply for special jonin. The only gaps were in raw strength and experience.
However, based on Chao Yanqian's consistent performance, his mature thinking, and the fact that all missions under his leadership have been successful, these concerns are now fading. Furthermore, his critical role in revealing the Red Sand Scorpion Sasori's assassination of the Third Kazekage proved his capabilities beyond doubt.
After careful consideration, Nara Shiraku consulted the Tsukuni elders and submitted the application to the village.
As Nara Yakuhisa put it, even to boost the morale of frontline shinobi, the village would be inclined to approve Chao Yanqian's application for special jonin. Not to mention, he already meets the qualifications.
For shinobi at the frontlines, the emergence of a young genius back in the village symbolizes that Konoha's future is in good hands. And the Will of Fire is all about passing the flame on to the next generation. With such youth to entrust the future to, frontline shinobi would fight even harder.
Since returning to Konoha this month, Chao Yanqian's reputation has risen rapidly. While working at Konoha Hospital treating injuries and saving lives, most of the village's shinobi came to know him and now greet him warmly.
This isn't due to anyone promoting Chao Yanqian behind the scenes it's his consistent efforts that have earned the respect and approval of Konoha's ninja.
In this environment, it would be easy for Chao Yanqian to recruit a few loyal subordinates. But after much thought, he gave up on the idea.
It's not the right time yet.
Chao Yanqian's growth is not yet complete, and Konoha's current pool of exceptional shinobi isn't particularly outstanding. More importantly, openly recruiting subordinates could raise suspicions in the eyes of the Third Hokage.
Chao Yanqian's only intention in forming a team was to gather intelligence. But for that purpose, instead of relying on unreliable shinobi, it would be far better to continue collaborating with Uchiha Chizuru.
With Chizuru's status in the Uchiha clan, gathering intel is much easier.
As long as Chao Yanqian can offer something of value to persuade him.
Recently, Chao Yanqian has been closely monitoring the state of the ninja world. Given his current position in Konoha, he has access to most non-classified information.
Through the Red Sand Scorpion incident, Chao Yanqian proved his analytical and investigative abilities. Perhaps even the Third Hokage hopes he can continue using intelligence analysis to contribute to Konoha's strategic plans.
The war with Iwagakure has mostly stabilized. Jiraiya is holding the front lines steadily. Although Iwagakure has attacked aggressively, they've failed to breach the borders of the Land of Fire. The reason the Third Hokage hasn't sent reinforcements is due to alarming intelligence from Kumogakure.
The Eight-Tails jinchūriki went on a rampage, causing losses in Kumogakure. Though the Third Raikage managed to suppress the beast and appointed a new jinchūriki, it's rumored that he was severely injured in the process and remains unconscious.
But the Third Raikage's legendary durability is well-known across the shinobi world. While the injury may be real, few believe he was critically incapacitated.
The fact that news of his condition leaked without any secrecy has also raised suspicions.
Because of this, the Third Hokage has been cautious in his decisions, wary of Kumogakure's next move.
However, Chao Yanqian can't wait any longer. The time he agreed upon with Orochimaru is drawing near, and his experimental medicine has yielded no results. If he can't make it to the Iwagakure front to learn the Flying Thunder God Technique from Minato Namikaze, Chao Yanqian fears he won't have any other options.
To reach the front lines sooner, he has decided to take a risk and try convincing the Third Hokage to let him go.
To persuade him, intelligence will be the key.
From the intel Chao Yanqian has gathered, both Kumogakure and Kirigakure offer potential breakthroughs.
Kumogakure is recovering from the Eight-Tails incident. Once they regroup, they're bound to enter the war to seize an advantage.
Based on the plot of the original manga, at this point, Iwagakure should be preparing to ambush Kumogakure, which ultimately leads to the death of the Third Raikage at the hands of 10,000 enemy shinobi.
Likewise, Iwagakure suffered massive losses in that conflict.
The Battle of Kannabi Bridge cut off Iwagakure's supply line. But a bridge can be rebuilt easily using Earth Style ninjutsu why then would they agree to a ceasefire with Konoha?
According to Chao Yanqian's analysis, Iwagakure likely suffered severe losses while attacking Kumogakure. Combined with Minato Namikaze's fearsome battlefield reputation killing dozens of enemy nin at once Ōnoki no longer dares to take risks.
But with Sunagakure temporarily withdrawing from the war, Iwagakure's forces are now pinned down by Konoha. Everything hinges on how this fragile balance shifts.