Morning, at the academy.
As soon as class started, An Yan received a message from Teacher Sato.
"What? Early graduation! But I didn't apply for it!"
An Yan was bewildered as Teacher Sato handed him a Genin forehead protector. He had planned to develop his skills at the academy and graduate normally at twelve. Why was he being graduated now?
Teacher Sato smiled. "The Third Hokage has reformed the academy system. Outstanding students like you, who are capable enough, will all graduate early. And it's not just you. Tsunade and Hiruko have graduated as well."
An Yan clenched his fists. That damn old monkey Sarutobi, that heartless capitalist! Konoha must be short on Genin after so many died, so he's promoting a batch of students to be cheap labor.
Nearby, Tsunade had already put away her forehead protector. She looked at An Yan with a puzzled expression. "Don't you always talk about the Will of Fire? Now is your time to shine for the village. Why do you look so unhappy? Look at Hiruko."
An Yan glanced at Hiruko. The fool had already put on his forehead protector, completely unaware of his tragic fate as a new member of the workforce, and was still grinning foolishly.
And once you become a ninja, you have to earn your own living. The village won't give you a relief fund anymore, don't you understand!
An Yan really wanted to grab Hiruko by the neck and shake the water out of his head.
The Third Hokage has played his cards well. He's using the money that would have been for relief funds to hire these graduates, saving on expenses while increasing the village's income. A true masterstroke. No wonder you became Hokage.
"Sigh, once I become a Genin, there's no more relief fund. My parents gave their lives for that. It's a little sad," An Yan explained to Tsunade. He quickly packed his things. He would have to go take a photo and register his personal information, then he would be leaving the academy.
Hearing his explanation, Tsunade was silent for a moment before saying, "You have to look forward, you can't dwell on the past. I'm sure your parents would be proud of your growth."
An Yan was confused. What did you just imagine? When was I dwelling on the past? Well, in times like these, it was best to just smile.
An Yan smiled at Tsunade and changed the subject. "After graduation, we'll be formed into ninja squads. I hope we can still be together, Tsunade."
Tsunade returned a bright smile. "Me too. I hope I'm with you, An Yan."
Hiruko popped his head out from behind Tsunade. "Me too, me too!"
Tsunade's smile froze slightly. An Yan was speechless. This kid has no tact. Is this really the time for you to chime in?
The three of them left the classroom. Year 2, Class A erupted in a huge cheer. The three academic monsters were finally gone! Now, a new king would rise. As long as I secretly study and out-compete everyone else, I will be the new king.
The students discussed how they wouldn't have to compete so hard anymore, while simultaneously resolving to study even harder while their rivals let their guard down.
The innocent students had been corrupted. Whose fault was that? It seemed Hiruko had started the trend.
That's just how academic sharks are.
The three of them went to take their photos, registered as ninja, and then waited in a designated classroom as instructed. There was no graduation exam or anything; they just waited for their team leader.
In the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi was looking at the student files, pondering which students to assign to Danzo Shimura. With the new academy reform, every teacher would lead a team of three graduates. Not only Hiruzen himself, but all his old classmates would also be leading teams.
Hiruzen had already chosen his own students: Tsunade from the Senju clan, the commoner genius Orochimaru, and Orochimaru's close friend, the dead-last Jiraiya.
He had to be careful with the students he gave to Danzo. Danzo competed with him in everything, including disciples. So, he had to choose suitable students.
An Yan is Lady Mito's personal student and has the same political influence as Tsunade. He's also good friends with Tsunade, so he's a good choice. As for the other two, Hiruko gets along well with An Yan, which can form a bond. Who should be the third?
Hiruzen tapped his finger on the desk, thinking. With Danzo's personality, if he assigned him a dead-last, he probably wouldn't teach them properly, wasting a good child's potential. So, he would choose another genius.
And so, when An Yan arrived at the designated training ground, he saw Danzo Shimura waiting for him.
At this time, the "Scapegoat Kage" was still young. He wasn't one-eyed, his arm wasn't crippled, and his mind wasn't twisted yet.
As a character Kishimoto later created to take the blame for the Third Hokage and fill in plot holes, Danzo's death was brutal. Being killed by Sasuke once wasn't enough; he was killed over and over again, which satisfied the audience but also made them complain about how pathetic the "5.5th Kage" was. He had a top-tier setup but executed the dumbest moves.
Using Izanagi to dodge a kunai, stabbing a Susanoo with a kunai, and sealing a bridge before his death—all famous scenes.
Madara used Izanagi to revive himself. Obito used it to turn the tables. And you, Danzo, use it to dodge a kunai?
It just goes to show that people get muddle-headed when they're old.
However, in his youth, Danzo was exceptionally skilled. As a direct disciple of the Second Hokage and a rival to Hiruzen for the Hokage position, he was far from the senile character killed off by the plot later on.
Hiruzen Sarutobi possessed all five chakra natures: wind, lightning, water, fire, and earth.
Danzo Shimura also possessed five chakra natures, but they were wind, fire, water, earth, and yin. He was also one of the best among ordinary ninja, almost immune to being countered by any single jutsu.
People like Danzo and Hiruzen were the pinnacle of what an ordinary ninja could achieve.
Above them were the various Kekkei Genkai users.
Danzo had always modeled himself after the Second Hokage, following his example in everything. The Second Hokage never married, so he never married. The Second Hokage never smiled, so he always wore a stern expression.
When An Yan saw Danzo, he felt his world collapse. If he became Danzo's student, would he ever have a chance to become Hokage?
Danzo himself was the one most obsessed with the title!
It couldn't be helped. Danzo's methods were too extreme, so he was always being held back by Hiruzen, constantly feeling frustrated. And Hiruzen always used his position as Hokage to suppress him, with the line, "I am the Hokage," which probably gave Danzo a tumor.
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