"Because Lady Koharu and Lord Homura wish to meet you."
After leaving the Wine House, Kakashi and Shiki Uzumaki walked together toward the Hokage Office. The building remained exactly as it had been before, seemingly unchanged.
Just without its former master anymore.
"It makes sense. Since the advisors want to take a personal interest in me, they should meet with me directly now."
Shiki Uzumaki mused internally. He'd already figured out that his involvement in the battle against Sunagakure wasn't accidental.
Still, no one expected the war to end so suddenly—so quickly that many hadn't even realized it was over.
Many jonin had hoped to prove themselves in this war, but thanks to its sudden end, all the glory unexpectedly went to a mere child—something no one had seen coming.
"I suppose nobody expected someone like me, who seems tireless."
Even Shiki Uzumaki himself felt somewhat surprised by his performance on the battlefield.
Using the Eight Gates and possessing a relatively strong physical constitution, he had moved at incredible speeds, overwhelming chunin opponents one after another.
However, Shiki held back. Just as before, he only seriously injured them, knocking out the Sand Village ninja.
It wasn't because Shiki was overly merciful—he knew Sunagakure would eventually surrender to Konoha and remain its ally going forward.
Truly wiping them out would likely cause unnecessary problems.
Tap tap tap.
The sound of their footsteps echoed long and clear upon the wooden floor of the corridor.
They finally stopped outside a certain room.
During this process, Shiki just followed Kakashi's lead—he had no clue where the advisors' office was.
His only previous visits here had always gone straight to the Hokage Office.
Creak.
Kakashi extended his hand and pushed open the door. Two people were already standing inside the room.
"You're finally here," Koharu Utatane said, her tone carrying a hint of dissatisfaction.
Kakashi scratched his head and squinted slightly as he said, "I got lost again by accident."
Homura Mitokado, however, waved his hand dismissively. "Enough. Now that we've arrived, let's get straight down to business."
Compared to the always-inflexible Koharu Utatane, he appeared much more amiable.
Shiki simply stood in place, watching the conversation unfold between them.
"Shiki Uzumaki, although this isn't our first meeting, it is our first actual discussion."
Homura Mitokado began the conversation in a calm tone.
"Yeah, that's right."
"Do you know why we've called you here today?"
Homura looked at the twelve-year-old boy before him, who still remained completely composed, and found himself growing even more satisfied.
From his perspective, someone of this young age shouldn't be someone who flaunts himself excessively.
Shiki's behavior happened to meet his approval perfectly.
Shiki Uzumaki met Homura's gaze and said, "Not entirely sure myself, but since you've put me in the field, I guess you must have some expectations of me."
Homura didn't reply. He simply walked to the window with his hands clasped behind his back, gazing silently at the rain outside.
At that moment, Koharu Utatane spoke up.
"Lord Third has placed great hope in you over the past two years. He said you're the only jonin in Konoha who earned both his respect and admiration."
Shiki was taken aback—he hadn't expected the Third Hokage to speak of him to these two elders.
"It's just some kindness from my seniors—nothing particularly significant."
"No, you don't need to be humble. The truth is exactly as I said," Koharu stopped Shiki from protesting further. "We've seen your performance at the border this time. It proves Lord Third's judgment was correct. Therefore, you'll have the opportunity to join Konoha's administrative department as the next Hokage's assistant."
"This..." Shiki's eyes widened in surprise.
"What? You disagree?" Homura turned his head sharply, fixing Shiki with a piercing stare.
His expression was nearly blank, giving off the chilling impression that refusal wasn't an option.
Kakashi also looked at Koharu in astonishment, clearly confused about why the elders had made such a decision.
Shiki could only shake his head. "Not disagreement exactly—just some concerns."
Frowning, Koharu said, "Speak them."
"As the Hokage's assistant, wouldn't my strength be somewhat inadequate?"
Homura explained, "You're only an assistant. In many ways, you'll still be seen as a student. This is a recognition of your abilities. Truth is, Konoha doesn't have a more promising young ninja than you right now."
Koharu continued, "But don't let this go to your head. There are many talented youths, as for—"
Cough cough.
Kakashi suddenly interrupted Koharu. Then he spread his hands and said, "I think for a young person, it shouldn't be necessary to go this far."
"No, Kakashi. This incident has revealed serious issues. Right now, Konoha is facing a generational gap, and we need to bring in fresh talent in many areas. What's more, Jiraiya would definitely approve of this choice. He always had a soft spot for guiding young talents."
Jiraiya?
Shiki hesitated slightly, suddenly recalling how the elders had first considered Jiraiya their top candidate.
Later, Jiraiya had recommended Tsunade again.
But if Tsunade becomes Hokage...
"I accept!" To be continued.
Chapter 221: A Mission?
"I accept!"
The voice was clear and resolute.
"Oh?"
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
Want to read the subsequent content in advance?
Please follow my Patreon:patreon/Tansnovel
Tans Novel - The Fastest-Updating Naruto Fanfiction Account
Read 100+ chapters in advance, with at least 3 new chapters updated every day! More free chapters! 20+ Naruto fanfictions!
Just three steps:
1. Download and open the "Patreon" app
2. Search for "Tans Novel"
3. Click on the collection and enjoy to your heart's content
<><><><><><><><>