The Hokage office was still the same as Kyojiro remembered — the only difference, perhaps, was the smiling face of Minato joined by the amused look on Jiraiya's face.
The Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, looked at the both of them — Kyojiro and Kakashi — with a soft smile on his face. His authoritative voice rang out, "I read the file. Both of you failed to report the ambush on time despite finding out about it."
His eyes narrowed down. "However, you did contribute in the fight... and did most things right for a scout."
He leaned forward. "Now, you both tell me — why should I promote you? You failed your mission to begin with."
Kyojiro nodded his head. He expected such a question. Turning towards his teammate, Kakashi — the boy was quite like a still pond. 'Right... he still believes too much in that mission-above-all-else bullshit.'
Turning towards the Hokage, he spoke, "While I admit... we failed the mission and by result should not be promoted, I assure you we will do our best in scouting out the field. In fact, we believe there was a spy in the scouts... who was feeding the enemy information."
Seeing Hiruzen listen, he continued, "Though I admit, as ninjas we should have expected such an outcome... I understand my fault, and it wouldn't be wrong to not promote us."
Kyojiro had a thousand points in his head as to why he should be made Jonin — from his strength to the almost perfect scouting that he did.
Yet he wasn't a fool. He should have expected a spy, and the fact was — they did fail the mission.Had Jiraiya not been there, they would have all more or less died.
As a ninja, taking accountability for your own actions was the most important step toward improving.
Hearing the answer provided by Kyojiro, Hiruzen smiled. "Well said. You both were in the fault, and it's good that you recognized it." He continued, "As you would have guessed, you aren't being promoted right now—"
Kyojiro sighed. 'Of course... God knows how long I'll have to wait to get that position.'
Yet Hiruzen continued, "However, a lot of things were out of your control. So... I will be monitoring you both for the next missions that you do." His eyes shined in the room. "If you do well enough... well — you can guess."
Kyojiro couldn't help but widen his eyes. 'What...?' The last thing he expected from the Hokage was this — especially against an Uchiha.
He nodded his head. "Thank you, Hokage-sama."
Kakashi too muttered a soft thank you.
Hiruzen, understanding the conversation was finally over, turned towards Jiraiya.
The white-haired Sannin sighed before turning towards Kyojiro. "There is another reason why I called you here, Kyojiro."
Kyojiro raised an eyebrow. 'Another reason?'
Jiraiya couldn't help but lop an arm around the Uchiha's neck. He muttered, "You ever wonder why you can't use that form for long?"
Hearing the words, Kyojiro's eyes widened. His heart pounded against his chest as he looked towards the smiling face of the Sannin.
'He knows?' Multiple chaotic thoughts rang through his head, yet the Sannin continued.
"Well, I know the reason — at least somewhat... So, it would do good for you to come with me for a few days."
SWOOSH
Wind entered the office, rattling Kyojiro's hair. The man himself had his eyes completely wide from shock. An amazed and warm feeling emerged in his heart.
'A Sannin helping me...'
Never in a million years had he imagined that. As a person who had read countless Naruto fanfictions, Hiruzen was always painted as the evil and foolish head of the village... while the Uchiha were painted as goats for slaughter.
Kyojiro too took caution in trying to hide his powers as much as he could. Yet seeing the offer extended towards him, he couldn't resist. 'Jiraiya is a truthful guy... even if Hiruzen plans some deceit, I know this man isn't involved.'
His gaze sharpened. 'And once I understand how this functions... I doubt even you would be able to stop me, Hiruzen.'
Turning towards the white-haired Sannin, "Thank you," his voice gentle but serious....News travelled fast in the Uchiha clan... and the death of two Jonin by just one brat of seventeen years was an occasion for pride and joy.
Yet the man who read through the scroll wasn't the least bit happy. 'That brat, Kyojiro... instead of returning and informing us of such a feat, he first went to the Hokage office.'
Setsuna grimly noted how Kyojiro was a master swordsman. 'So he hasn't even gotten better at using the Sharingan...'
However, unlike other Uchiha who put the Sharingan above all else, Setsuna knew — 'Before the Mangekyo, none of the Sharingan transformations matter... and as of right now, even his swordsmanship is important for the clan.'
Turning towards his right-hand man, he spoke, "Spread the news throughout the clan, as well as inform Kyojiro to come see me."
The moment he saw his right-hand man disappear, he huffed. Something about the brat irked him.
And Setsuna knew better than to doubt his instincts. 'Kyojiro... you are dangerous... aren't you?'..."Call me Sensei now, you brat," Jiraiya spoke, pressing his fist harder and harder on the Uchiha's skull.
"Does that mean I am your disciple?" Kyojiro asked, amused.
Jiraiya turned with a huff. "Well, not yet, of course."The man's attention span was truly similar to a child — the moment a woman passed by, he immediately forgot about Kyojiro, instead slowly following the pretty girl.
Kyojiro meanwhile sighed from behind. 'So this is what I've gotten myself into.'
Following behind the white-haired Sannin, he lightly pressed from the side, "So again, what did you know about my form?"
The Sannin, finally out of his lusty look, turned towards Kyojiro. "You don't even know it, do you..."
A smile emerged on his face. "Brat, you've been using Natural Energy all this while."
And for the first time in the whole day, Kyojiro's mouth hung open.'Huh?'
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Here is your bonus chapter for the day guys, Thanks for all the power stones and keep voting.. let get this story to the top :)
90 Powerstones = 1 Bonus chapter