After leaving the Hokage's office, Chao Yanqian wasn't surprised. Although everything went as Chao Yanqian had hoped, the Third Hokage had completely seen through Chao Yanqian's intentions. Chao Yanqian was so eager to go to the front lines at Iwagakure in order to seek guidance from Namikaze Minato on the Flying Thunder God Technique.
Essentially, Chao Yanqian's suggestions were made with Konoha's interests in mind. Even if his intention to learn the Flying Thunder God Technique was exposed, the Third Hokage would not give up on observing Chao Yanqian. At most, he would simply keep a close eye on this "Lost Thousand of the North."
However, this incident also made Chao Yanqian more vigilant, and he thought to himself: "Even if I encounter more critical situations in the future, I must remain calm."
Making a hasty mistake had already taught the so-called "North Korea's Lost Thousands" a lesson.
He also felt fortunate that he hadn't made a serious error this time and that there was still a chance to make up for it. Moreover, through this incident, Chao Yanqian's mindset had grown again.
For the current Chao Yanqian, learning the Flying Thunder God Technique and gaining the power to protect himself in front of Orochimaru was the top priority.
Three days later, the appointment order officially promoting Chao Yanqian to Tokubetsu Jōnin was finally issued. At the same time, the village assigned him a new mission: lead one hundred medical-nin and support Jiraiya on the front lines.
Because of the need to guard against other Hidden Villages, the Third Hokage had no plans to increase Jiraiya's forces for the time being. He only asked Jiraiya to stabilize the battlefield and prevent Iwagakure from breaching the Land of Fire's borders. However, with Iwagakure's large-scale offensive, Jiraiya was under enormous pressure, and Konoha's ninja forces had suffered heavy casualties.
To reduce Konoha's losses, dispatching a group of medical-nin to the front lines could help relieve Jiraiya's burden.
The Land of Fire sits at the center of the continent, with the most fertile land and the richest resources. But in times of war, those prosperous lands become a target other nations would seize any opportunity to bite into the Land of Fire while Konoha is at its weakest.
If not for the strong Hokage leadership of previous generations and the continual birth of genius ninja in Konoha, the Land of Fire might have been destroyed long ago.
This expedition was very different from the usual low-key operations. At only eleven and a half years old, Chao Yanqian had been promoted to Jōnin he was Konoha's most promising young genius in the past two years.
To build momentum, the village's high-ranking officials held a grand farewell ceremony for Chao Yanqian and the hundred medical-nin. The villagers who came to see them off nearly filled the entire area in front of Konoha's gate.
In the past, expeditions were kept low-profile to conceal information, but the main purpose of this high-profile farewell was to establish Chao Yanqian's reputation across the ninja world. The goal was to let other Hidden Villages know that Konoha had produced yet another genius that Konoha would not be defeated.
At the same time, Chao Yanqian's arrival at the front lines would also help boost morale among Konoha's forces.
By making Chao Yanqian such a public figure, the villagers would remember him. And if Konoha won a decisive victory over Iwagakure in the future, it would be easier for Chao Yanqian to share in the glory.
Most importantly, it would make even Orochimaru hesitate before acting he wouldn't dare move against someone as publicly praised as "North Korea's Lost Thousands."
Of course, this strategy had its drawbacks.
In the next Great Ninja War, young prodigies from other villages might deliberately target Chao Yanqian, hoping to make a name for themselves. Even the leadership of other villages might issue direct orders to eliminate him.
The Third Hokage's reason for agreeing to such a high-profile campaign wasn't only about promoting Konoha's strength it was also about tying Chao Yanqian tightly to the Hokage's inner circle.
The surveillance and interference by Danzo's Root division couldn't be hidden from the Third Hokage. Although Danzo gave his own explanations, the Third Hokage was not fooled by Danzo's true motives.
But once Chao Yanqian achieved fame and recognition in Konoha, Danzo would have a harder time pulling him into Root. Even Chao Yanqian himself would be unlikely to agree.
Even if Danzo touted Root's advantages, someone like Chao Yanqian who had basked in the light would never choose to enter the darkness.
With a tense heart, Chao Yanqian led one hundred medical-nin and one hundred escort ninja on the road to the front lines.
This return to the village had left a deep impression on Chao Yanqian. The Third Hokage's subtle tactics made him wary, and Orochimaru's growing pressure continued to stir anxiety in him.
Can this situation be reversed? All the hopes of "North Korea's Lost Thousands" now rested on the Flying Thunder God Technique. At this moment, Chao Yanqian resembled a desperate gambler, placing his final bet with the last of his chips, hoping to win the game.
The ninja squad moved quickly, and three days later, Chao Yanqian arrived at the Konoha encampment.
He first checked in with the medical unit to arrange accommodations, then went alone to report to Jiraiya.
"Jiraiya-sama," said Chao Yanqian respectfully, "Tokubetsu Jōnin Chao Yanqian, under orders to lead one hundred medical-nin in support of the front lines, reporting for duty!"
"Oh! Fantastic! I've been waiting a long time for you," Jiraiya laughed as he approached enthusiastically, looking down at Chao Yanqian without the arrogance shown by many other senior ninja.
Even though the Third Hokage appeared like a kind old grandfather in front of Chao Yanqian, the latter could still sense the weight of his presence. But standing before Jiraiya, despite the vast difference in strength, age, and status, Chao Yanqian felt like Jiraiya was simply an ordinary friend completely down-to-earth.
"Jiraiya-sama, here's the list of the medical-nin," Chao Yanqian said, handing him the documents.
"Forget that how's Tsunade doing?" Jiraiya asked with a cheeky grin, clearly hinting at something.
Chao Yanqian gave Jiraiya a helpless look and sighed. "Tsunade-sensei is doing just fine. Before I left, she specifically told me to pass a message to you."
"Oh? What did Tsunade say about me?" Jiraiya asked eagerly.
"Tsunade-sensei said… you're a big pervert, and that I should stay far away from you." Chao Yanqian raised his hand solemnly. "I swear, those were her exact words."
As a disciple of Tsunade, she absolutely didn't want Chao Yanqian to become like Jiraiya.
"What!?" Jiraiya clutched his chest dramatically, sighing to the sky. "Tsunade… how could you see me that way?!"