"Shinji, the council vote for your promotion to Jonin has passed."
In the Hokage Office, Hiruzen stroked his beard, put down his teacup, and said.
Shinji, sitting on the sofa, nodded and replied, "Thank you, sensei."
Whether it was Hiruzen recommending him in the name of the Hokage, or how he lobbied the various Jonin, Hiruzen was genuinely helping Shinji. Otherwise, relying solely on himself, it would likely be impossible for him to achieve this within the next few years.
After all, it wasn't wartime now. If it were during the Second or Third Great Ninja War, as long as you had military achievements, you could be directly promoted to Jonin.
Hiruzen said, waving his hand, "No need, but you still have to face a strength test from three Jonin. They are Kakashi, a Jonin from the Uchiha, and a Jonin from the Hyuga clan."
"Of course, as long as you can gain the acknowledgment of Kakashi and the others, you'll pass."
Shinji nodded. After all, it was just a strength test. If he had to defeat everyone, then forget it.
Which Jonin doesn't have a trump card?
"Understood, sensei."
"But when is it? And where?"
Shinji asked curiously, as such an event would need to be scheduled according to the availability of the three testing Jonin.
"Two days later, at the Final Selection Ground." Hiruzen put down his pipe and slowly said.
"The Final Selection Ground?" Shinji thought carefully.
Wasn't that the final venue for the Chunin Exams?
"Uh, why there?"
Shinji was a bit confused. After all, such assessments usually take place in large training grounds. The Chunin Exams' final venue was, to put it mildly, a bit over the top.
"The Daimyo of the Land of Fire suddenly announced he would send a Daimyo Advisor to observe your battle. And, he'll be accompanied by high-ranking officials and nobles."
At this point, Hiruzen's tone gradually became displeased.
This Daimyo Advisor had always been handled by the Konoha Council, primarily responsible for financial resources. His sudden arrival, specifically to watch this test, made it clear without a doubt that it was the work of Homura and Koharu.
This was something Hiruzen hadn't expected. These two old classmates, despite being stripped of their positions, were still so persistent. They brought the Daimyo Advisor of the Land of Fire into Konoha in this manner. If not handled properly, it could throw Konoha into chaos.
After all, Konoha had always been a military autonomous entity of the Land of Fire, independent and self-governing since its establishment.
Upon hearing this, Shinji understood why Hiruzen was so angry.
After all, Konoha and the Land of Fire had always been interdependent, working together with a division of labor.
The Daimyo's office was responsible for national governance, diplomacy, and finance, providing resources to Konoha.
Konoha, on the other hand, held sway over military affairs, national defense borders, and mission execution. The Daimyo's office of the Land of Fire needed Konoha's military support.
If one were to discuss the degree of reliance, the Daimyo's office was at a disadvantage. Without resources, Konoha would merely suffer inconvenience. However, without Konoha, the Land of Fire would be carved up by the four great nations in an instant.
Now, these two old geezers were allowing the Daimyo Advisor of the Land of Fire to come directly to Konoha.
No matter what this Daimyo Advisor intended to do, it had already infringed upon the interests of Konoha.
After all, this Daimyo Advisor controlled the financial power. If he started to dictate terms in Konoha, would Hiruzen listen or not?
If he didn't listen, then resource supply would be stalled for a period. That would be enough to make Konoha suffer, and other ninja villages would also make their moves.
If he listened? That would be gradually surrendering Konoha's autonomy.
Seeing Shinji frown, Hiruzen shook his head and chuckled. "Don't worry, I'm not so old as to be easily provoked."
"You just focus on preparing for your promotion."
Hearing this, Shinji nodded helplessly. It seemed Hiruzen had his own plan. However, Shinji didn't intend to let him face it alone.
After bidding farewell to Hiruzen, Shinji walked out of the Hokage Building.
Shinji, who was just thinking of going to the training ground to check on Naruto and the others, stopped after seeing a figure.
"Shikaku-senpai?"
Shikaku was standing at a corner, seemingly waiting for him.
"Shinji, long time no see." Shikaku said with a smile.
"Shikaku-senpai, is this...?" Shinji walked closer, looking at Shikaku and asking curiously.
"Waiting for you." Shikaku said, shrugging.
"Regarding the upcoming visit of the Land of Fire's Daimyo Advisor?" Shinji was startled, then immediately said.
"Indeed." Shikaku smiled and nodded.
He knew Shinji would understand what he was waiting to discuss.
"Shikaku-senpai, is there something you need to tell me?" Shinji asked.
After all, if it were truly important, Shikaku would only appear in the Hokage Office.
"Lord Third plans to make sure this Daimyo Advisor doesn't return to the Daimyo's office." Shikaku said.
Shinji frowned upon hearing this. There was no reason for Hiruzen to do such a thing.
"This Advisor has always controlled the finances, and there's already a rift between him and the Daimyo." Shikaku explained.
Shinji showed understanding upon receiving this explanation. The Daimyo of the Land of Fire intended to kill with a borrowed knife. And the knife being borrowed was Konoha.
"That's unreasonable, to be so extreme, isn't it?" Shinji was a bit puzzled.
After all, there were many ways to deal with this Advisor. The Daimyo of the Land of Fire had no need to use Konoha as a tool for this matter.
"Actually, the choice lies with Hokage-sama. Whether it's done or not, the Daimyo doesn't care." Shikaku refuted Shinji's view.
To try for something even if the chances are low?
The hearts of those who play power games are all so dirty.
If Hiruzen dealt with this Advisor, no matter how he did it, at most there would be an inquiry.
If he didn't, then that Advisor would just be annoying. And the Daimyo, meanwhile, would sit idly by.
"Shikaku-senpai, do you have any ideas?" Shinji asked, looking at Shikaku.
"For some reason, Hokage-sama isn't planning to execute my plan." Shikaku said, shaking his head.
"I hope, Shinji, that two days from now, you will achieve your Jonin promotion through absolute suppression." Shikaku said, looking at Shinji with a serious expression.
"Only then can Hokage-sama, with equal standing, disregard the Land of Fire's attitude and deal with Konoha's cancer."
Hearing Shikaku say this, Shinji gave a wry smile.
For Hiruzen, to disregard the Daimyo Advisor of the Land of Fire, he would have to demonstrate his strength. Only then could he deter that group of people, for truth only exists within the range of firepower.
After the Third Great Ninja War, with Sakumo's suicide, the Sannin leaving the village, and the Fourth Hokage's death, the loss of a large number of top-tier combatants left Hiruzen struggling alone.
If a new genius were to rise, Hiruzen's influence would be greater.
Presumably, he didn't want him to feel pressure, which is why he told him not to worry too much and just get a smooth promotion.
Hiruzen, on the other hand, intended to sacrifice some things, including his prestige, to prevent Konoha from being put in a passive position.
As for why he didn't eliminate those two old geezers last time, it wasn't out of sentiment for old classmates.
Rather, it was because the Daimyo Advisor intervened at the time, and he was wary of the influence these two clans had developed within the village.
After all, Danzo truly was alone, while Homura and Koharu represented clans.