"Thank you for having me, Senpai. I'll take my leave first."
Itachi did not partake in dividing Shin'ya's loot. He said he had not contributed to that operation and was not entitled to its share—he only took the twenty thousand ryō promised in the mission contract. Shuji covered the barbecue bill.
Night deepened as Shuji rubbed his aching shoulders, preparing to return for more training. At the street corner, an ANBU operative wearing an animal mask appeared without a sound.
"The Hokage wishes to see you," the ninja said evenly.
Sighing, Shuji scratched his head and glanced at the darkening sky—much like being summoned back to work in his past life. He followed the ANBU into the growing darkness.
In the Hokage's office, the last rays of sunset painted the room gold. Sarutobi Hiruzen stood with his back to the door, the hem of his cloak swaying gently. At the sound of footsteps, he turned slowly, smoke drifting from his pipe in golden light.
"You did well on this mission. Good work," the Third Hokage said kindly, though his eyes remained sharp with worldly experience. He removed his pipe, exhaling a curl of smoke.
"Thank you, Lord Hokage."
"No, it's the truth." Hiruzen walked to his desk, tapping his pipe on the edge and letting a few ashes fall. "When you were on border duty, you didn't show this level of skill…" He paused, shifting his tone. "Shuji, what do you think of that young Uchiha?"
"Incredible talent—far beyond his peers."
"He's without a partner now. And so are you," Hiruzen's voice grew quieter. "Since you worked well together, why not keep that team intact?"
"As for filling Genin slots, I will assign suitable shinobi."
Shuji frowned slightly. "With my rank, I'm not sure I'm qualified to be an instructor."
By Konoha's custom, such a pairing meant either he would serve as team leader with two Genin under him, or be promoted to Chūnin or even Jōnin rank—elevating the mission to at least B-rank.
"That is Itachi's own wish," Hiruzen said, looking past Shuji to the twilight outside. "He does not want to team with Genin again…" His words trailed off, but Shuji understood—that boy, having witnessed his comrade's death, did not wish to endure that again.
"If you are unwilling, I fully understand." Hiruzen exhaled a smoke ring, tapping the desk softly. "Having a Genin on high–level missions is irresponsible—to both of you."
Silence filled the room, broken only by the soft hiss of the burning tobacco. Hiruzen rose, his cloak tracing an arc as he moved.
"However," he turned back, eyes earnest, "I hope you will give this serious thought."
"If you refuse… there are others in the Uchiha clan willing to take Itachi on missions," he continued, a complex look in his eyes. "But if possible, I would not want the boy's perspective confined solely to his clan."
Shuji asked cautiously, "What does his father—and the Uchiha clan—think of this?"
"Fugaku has no objection," Hiruzen replied calmly.
"In that case, I have no objection either."
Lines around the Hokage's eyes softened into a pleased expression. "Well done… Shuji… and how is Lady Momoka's health?"
"Excellent," Shuji answered briefly.
Hiruzen nodded and retrieved a slightly aged dossier from the drawer. Shuji recognized it as his own file. The Hokage took up a brush and wrote on it.
"For now, you need not accept new missions."
"You may also prepare for promotion to Jōnin."
"Jōnin?" Shuji was genuinely surprised.
Jōnin are the village's core strength, second only to the Hokage. In theory, any Jōnin may compete for the title of Hokage—thus the rank is both prestigious and strictly limited.
Throughout Konoha's history, only a few have become Jōnin in their teens—Kakashi Hatake, Might Guy, the future Neji Hyūga… Beyond their talent and ability, each had special circumstances or sacrifices: Hatake's father died under mysterious circumstances, Guy's father perished saving him, Neji volunteered as a sacrifice to avert war.
Promotions often serve as both reward and consolation.
"Only Special Jōnin," Hiruzen clarified, breaking Shuji's thoughts.
Relieved, Shuji understood. Special Jōnin are a distinct tier: not fully promoted on all-round prowess, but recognized for excellence in a specific domain—such as supreme sensory abilities, top medical ninjutsu, or advanced sealing techniques. Their authority and status sit between Chūnin and full Jōnin; they handle specialized missions or act as expert advisors.
This arrangement avoids disputes over credentials inherent in granting full Jōnin rank.
"Understood," Shuji replied calmly. Special Jōnin suited him better: higher task privileges and pay, with fewer daily administrative duties.
Hiruzen slid the dossier back into the drawer with a soft sound. "You'll receive notice when the promotion process begins. You'll need recommendations from two current Chūnin or Jōnin, and to pass an evaluation tailored to your specialty." He regarded Shuji meaningfully. "With your ability, it should be no problem. Regarding recommendations…"
Shuji realized: his parents died in battle, his mentor was lost in the Nine-Tails' attack, and his border patrol teammates perished on the Cloud front. The most fitting supporters were gone. Yet Hiruzen could easily find worthy recommenders for him.
"I will manage that myself," Shuji volunteered.
Lady Momoka likely still knew hidden Senju clan members. Though they changed their surname and assimilated, some remained Jōnin or Chūnin—he had met them at festivals. Securing recommendation letters would not be difficult.
Hiruzen nodded. "Very well. Prepare yourselves. Once your team with Itachi is complete, I will have the ANBU inform you."
"Yes," Shuji saluted and took his leave.
Exiting the Hokage Tower, Konoha shone with its early evening lights. A cool breeze dissipated the lingering smoke of the office.
Being promoted to Special Jōnin… Shuji felt no thrill from the title itself, but appreciated the practical benefits: greater freedom, access to more critical missions, and richer rewards.
Chapters in advance there: patreon.com/Thaniel_a_goodchild