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Chapter 20 - Hokage’s Secret Hope

Izuna sat on a branch of an ancient oak, watching Shisui practice the jutsu he had recently taught him. The sun was setting gently, casting golden rays through the leaves.

Shisui moved with intense focus, molding his chakra with precise hand signs.

"Izuna-san," he said, shaking his head. "When are you going to teach me the next jutsu?"

Izuna smiled and shrugged. "First, you have to master the one you're working on."

Shisui nodded and refocused. He began a swift series of hand signs, shaping new chakra patterns — a technique Izuna named Kaze no Senpuu (Whirlwind Wind Blade). It was a jutsu that created sharp air slashes to confuse opponents or quickly defend.

Izuna thought to himself. After all this time, he had finally mastered Minato's special space-time technique — Flying Thunder God Jutsu. That power had elevated him to a whole new level. Yet, one thing still troubled him.

Though a year had passed since he began working on the sealing jutsu for his Mangekyou Sharingan, he still hadn't perfected the protection. He'd made progress, but it would take just a bit more time to fully master it.

Over the past year, he had become a master of fuinjutsu, and his ninjutsu had improved significantly as well. His speed and precision in attacks had increased, and he dedicated special focus to shuriken techniques — his shurikenjutsu had become deadly.

He also trained his Sharingan daily with Kakashi, absorbing experience and learning new techniques. Izuna taught Shisui many jutsus and taijutsu moves, while Shisui himself had begun his journey in the academy.

Izuna felt the power growing inside him, but with it, the heavy weight of the responsibility his abilities brought. A year had passed, but his goal remained unchanged: to protect himself and those he cared about.

As the evening sky deepened into twilight, Izuna carried Shisui back to his home. The young Shisui had exhausted his chakra during their intense training session. Upon arrival, Izuna was warmly greeted by Shisui's family—his mother Hae, his uncle Kayami, and his aunt. They expressed their gratitude for Izuna's guidance and care in teaching Shisui.

After a brief conversation, Izuna bid them farewell and departed, his mind already shifting towards the future.

"The Third Great Ninja War is approaching," he thought, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "I need to prepare, not just for battle, but for the challenges ahead."

Over the past year, Izuna had immersed himself in the Uchiha clan's history and geography, delving into ancient scrolls and records. He learned that during the Warring States Period, the Uchiha and Senju clans were the most formidable shinobi clans. They were often hired by different countries to fight their wars, leading to constant conflict. This rivalry eventually led to the formation of Konohagakure, the Hidden Leaf Village, as both clans sought a more structured and peaceful way to resolve their differences.

Izuna pondered the implications of this history. "The Uchiha clan has always been at the forefront of conflict," he mused. "Our strength is both a gift and a burden. I must ensure that we do not repeat the mistakes of the past."

Determined, Izuna set his sights on mastering the fuinjutsu seal for his Mangekyō Sharingan. He knew that controlling this power was crucial, not only for his safety but for the well-being of those he cared about.

As he walked through the quiet streets of the village, the weight of his responsibilities settled upon him. "The path ahead is fraught with challenges," he thought. "But I will face them head-on, for the future of the Uchiha and the peace of the village."

Izuna sat alone in his room, reflecting on his situation. After losing his team in that incident, missions had become scarce.

"There aren't enough missions… Without a steady team, I only fill in when someone's missing. It's not enough to truly grow."

That's why I focused on training. "I have to get stronger on my own. If I want to protect those important to me, I can't rely on others."

————-

After the incident where Izuna bravely saved his comrades and demonstrated his extraordinary abilities, the village leader, Hiruzen Sarutobi, took notice.

Impressed by Izuna's skill, composure, and unwavering resolve under pressure, Hiruzen personally promoted him to Chūnin.

The promotion wasn't just a reward—it was a recognition of Izuna's growth and a call to greater responsibility.

Izuna had passed the Chūnin exams with flying colors, mastering complex jutsu, strategy, and teamwork beyond his years.

As Hiruzen placed the forehead protector symbolizing his new rank on Izuna's head, he said,

"Your talents are remarkable, Izuna. But the path ahead will test you even more. The village needs shinobi like you, now more than ever."

Izuna bowed respectfully, feeling both pride and the heavy weight of duty.

"I won't let you down, Hokage-sama," he vowed silently.

—————-

Inside the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi sat at his wide wooden desk, surrounded by stacks of mission reports and ninja profiles. He paused when he picked up one file marked with the Uchiha crest — Izuna's latest record.

He flipped it open and read the top lines carefully:

Name: Izuna Uchiha

Rank: Chūnin

Age: 8 years old

Affiliation: Hidden Leaf Village (Konohagakure)

Skills & Achievements (Past Year):

Successfully mastered Hiraishin no Jutsu (Flying Thunder God Technique) — rare for someone so young.

Elevated to Chūnin rank after rescuing a squad during a critical mission, demonstrating leadership under extreme pressure.

Exceptional talent in shurikenjutsu and taijutsu — now capable of high-level combinations with Sharingan prediction.

Training other young Uchiha, including Shisui Uchiha, passing on unique ninjutsu and combat skills.

Deep study of Uchiha Clan archives and regional geography for tactical advantage.

Overall Assessment:

Displays elite-level potential, high intelligence, adaptability, and a strong sense of responsibility.

Hiruzen read the summary twice, then closed the file slowly, exhaling as he looked out over the village rooftops.

"At only eight… Already this far. If he were older, I wouldn't hesitate to name him a Hokage candidate. Such talent and foresight…"

He placed the file aside, a glimmer of resolve in his eyes.

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