The air inside the Third Hokage's office was heavy with the scent of tobacco. Smoke curled lazily from the pipe in Hiruzen Sarutobi's hand as he regarded the man standing before his desk — Oda Hide — with a sharp, questioning gaze.
Hiruzen exhaled slowly, setting the pipe aside before speaking.
"Uchiha Izumi was given special permission by several of us to graduate early. I told you about this in advance, so tell me — how could you possibly fail her?"
Oda Hide's expression was firm, his voice steady.
"Their team lacked cooperation. I asked them to openly point out each other's shortcomings to improve their teamwork. Instead, they ended up arguing… and even fighting. I judged them unqualified."
Hiruzen's brows furrowed.
"Your own report stated that Izumi didn't participate in the fight. In fact, she tried to stop them. Why fail her despite knowing that?"
"She's part of the team," Oda Hide replied without hesitation. "If someone in the team makes a mistake, it's everyone's responsibility to resolve it. If they can't, resentment builds, and that will harm future missions. I did this for their own good."
The Hokage's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Not everyone has that kind of maturity, especially a child."
"Hokage-sama, I did," Oda Hide countered immediately.
"You…" Hiruzen began, but was cut off.
"This is my principle, and I will not change it," Oda Hide said firmly.
A sharp "Hmph!" cut through the room. From the shadows, Danzo Shimura stepped forward, his eyes cold.
"Don't think we're blind to your real motives. You harbor prejudice against the Uchiha because your lover died during the Nine-Tails attack — due to rumors about their clan. Isn't that right?"
The tension in the room deepened. Izumi's early graduation had been agreed upon by four of Konoha's highest authorities. For Oda Hide to defy that decision — regardless of the reasoning — was an open challenge to their authority. In political terms, it was a slap in the face.
"No, I don't!" Oda Hide's voice rose. "Sir, I—"
"Enough," Hiruzen interrupted. "Oda Hide, you may leave. If the Academy's graduates cannot meet your standards, perhaps you should return to your previous duties. I'll make arrangements. You're dismissed."
"Hokage-sama, I—"
"No more talk," Hiruzen said, his tone final.
Oda Hide's shoulders sagged. "…Yes."
He bowed slightly before walking out, the weight of failure heavy on his steps.
The room fell silent until the sound of the closing door faded.
"You shouldn't have told her about the Nine-Tails rumors," Hiruzen said, turning his gaze to Danzo. "Coming from you, it will only make her believe them more, deepening her resentment toward the Uchiha."
Danzo gave a small shrug.
"I never claimed it was fact — I said it was rumor."
Still, he continued with a sneer in his voice.
"I thought Oda Hide had potential. I promoted her from teaching civilian classes to clan classes. But she treated them the same way — as if clan ninjas could be handled like commoners. For the great clans, reputation is worth more than life. After the war, they've lost many of their best. Now is the time to strengthen their ranks. Failing Genin from the Hyuga, Aburame, and Uchiha clans? That undermines the Academy's credibility."
Homura Mitokado spoke next, his tone measured.
"We've already been pressing the Uchiha quite hard. Even while keeping them in check, we need to give them some breathing room. Otherwise, resentment will fester."
Koharu Utatane nodded in agreement.
"Approving Izumi's early graduation was meant as a gesture. To have her fail now will only make the clan feel deliberately targeted."
Danzo's voice was low, but cutting.
"That's not necessarily bad. If they're going to turn against us, better we see their true nature early and cut away the rot."
Koharu's eyes narrowed.
"Konoha is weaker than it once was. The Uchiha are still an indispensable fighting force. We cannot afford open hostility."
Hiruzen gave a slow nod.
"Danzo, I agree with Koharu. Your approach is… too extreme. As for Oda Hide, she's normally shrewd, but this was a mistake at the worst possible moment."
Before the conversation could go further, a voice called from outside the door.
"Hokage-sama! The clan heads of the Hyuga, Aburame, and Uchiha request an audience."
Hiruzen exhaled through his nose.
"They've come sooner than expected. Let them in."
---
The Next Day
The sun was just beginning to climb when Izumi dressed for her summons. She wore a simple white top and shorts, layered with a black jacket, and the standard black shinobi sandals with open toes — practical for ventilation during long missions. A small but important detail; trapped sweat could cause odor, and in the field, even scent could betray a ninja's location.
The Hokage's office loomed large as she approached. The messenger ninja at the door gave her a brief nod before announcing her arrival.
"Come in," came the Hokage's voice from inside.
Izumi stepped in and immediately saw three figures in discussion: Hiruzen Sarutobi, Danzo Shimura, and Uchiha Fugaku, the Uchiha clan head. All three turned toward her.
Hiruzen's expression softened.
"Oda Hide was… overly strict. It caused you unnecessary trouble. I wanted to ask — do you have any thoughts on the matter?"
Izumi bowed deeply.
"No, Hokage-sama. I didn't perform well enough. The teacher was right to be strict. I will improve. It's all my fault, and I'll definitely succeed next year."
Fugaku spoke then, his tone calm but firm.
"I reported that the decision was unfair. The Hokage has agreed to retain your Genin qualification. But now, we need to discuss your future."
"My… future?" Izumi repeated.
Hiruzen leaned forward slightly.
"Yes. Fugaku suggested you join the Uchiha Police Force, but you're still young, and the duties can be… demanding. Another suggestion was that you enter Root — Danzo's special Anbu unit — to be trained from the ground up. But Root is… difficult to leave, and requires absolute loyalty and sacrifice."
Danzo's eyes were unreadable as he regarded her.
"My plan," Hiruzen continued, "is to place you in a functioning team that has lost members. That way, you can start missions immediately."
Izumi's mind raced. This wasn't just about a job. This was choosing a side. The Police Force meant aligning entirely with the Uchiha, and distancing herself from Konoha's leadership. Root meant being bound to Danzo — possibly even risking her Sharingan. The third option — remaining a regular ninja — gave her the freedom to move and grow.
She forced a smile.
"I want to follow the path you recommend, Hokage-sama — to become a ninja like you."
"Hmph." Danzo's scoff was sharp, but Hiruzen only smiled.
"Very well. Then work hard."
"Yes, sir."
---
Outside, Fugaku walked beside her.
"You look exhausted. Didn't sleep last night?"
Izumi laughed awkwardly.
"I couldn't sleep at all. I even… cried. It's embarrassing."
Fugaku chuckled.
"There's nothing embarrassing about that. Even adults cry, especially when faced with injustice. What's shameful is giving up, not trying to change things."
Her posture straightened.
"I'll work hard, Clan Head-sama!"
"Good. You're part of the Uchiha. If you grow older and decide to join the Police Force, the door will always be open. For now, it's better you gain experience."
Izumi smiled warmly.
"I want to see the world first — experience more. The Police Force can wait."
"That's the right mindset. Our clan's future depends on the next generation."
They stopped at a street corner.
"Go home," Fugaku said. "Your mother will be worried."
"Okay. Goodbye, Clan Head!" She gave a small wave before trotting off.
Fugaku watched her go, a faint smile crossing his face. Then he turned and walked away.
---
When Izumi reached home, she immediately told her mother the news. She was officially a ninja now. Her mother's joy mirrored her own — but it was short-lived.
A thought struck her like a bucket of cold water.
Wait… wasn't my goal to conquer the world?
Why am I so happy about just becoming a ninja?
She pouted, mentally chastising herself.
Bah!
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