In the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi and Fugaku Uchiha sat drinking tea and eating snacks, gazing through the blinds at the center of the training field, chatting amiably.
The old Third Hokage took a sip of tea and sighed. "Uchiha Mai, Obito, Asuma, Kurenai... they are all very talented children. Setting aside Mai and Asuma for a moment, I've looked at Obito's report cards.
His theoretical knowledge is a mess, but his practical combat is above average. The strange thing is, after a period of exposure to any practical subject, his level improves drastically."
"That performance is very similar to Jiraiya back in the day. He seems like a piece of rotten wood at first glance, but he's actually a ninja with a very bright future."
"He's just an ordinary child; he doesn't deserve such high praise from the Hokage," Fugaku said modestly, though he felt a pang of anxiety deep down.
The Hokage faction praising a Uchiha youth's potential? What's the angle here? Genuine praise or a subtle warning?
Fugaku leaned toward the latter. After all, Mai had been beating the daylights out of Asuma quite frequently lately. The old man was probably feeling a bit embarrassed.
Hiruzen smiled, put down his teacup, and continued. "Kurenai has inherited Shinku's excellent talent for Genjutsu; she will become a fine ninja.
Rin Nohara and Might Guy may have average talent, but they are quite good among civilian ninjas. Especially the latter—his dedication is enough to be a role model for all of Konoha."
"Shinobi life isn't just about killing; it's about relationships and politics."
With the rise of civilian geniuses like Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Minato, the hearts of the common people had to be won.
Why keep Rin and Guy in the mix? Anyone with political sense understood—politics isn't a dirty word; it's necessary.
The old man's tone shifted. "However, being a ninja of the Leaf requires more than just talent. One must understand the Will of Fire."
"I remember when I went to the Land of Lightning with Lord Tobirama to sign a peace treaty. We were ambushed by the Golden and Silver Brothers.
Trapped and facing the loss of dozens of Konoha's elite, Lord Tobirama asked: 'Who is willing to be the decoy to lure them away, knowing it means certain death?'"
"Everyone hesitated for a heartbeat. Only I stepped forward without a second thought. You know the outcome.
Lord Tobirama named me the Third Hokage and then gave his life to buy us time.
At that time, I wasn't the most talented; Danzo was my equal, and perhaps even stronger then. Why did Tobirama choose me? Because I had grasped the Will of Fire."
As a leader, one must establish legitimacy. Hiruzen's legitimacy was that single moment of choosing to die alongside his master. He mentioned it whenever he had the chance, using it to define the Will of Fire.
In truth, no one could define the Will of Fire perfectly. Sometimes it was selflessness, sometimes it was the sacrifice of the individual for the collective, sometimes it was the spark of hope for the next generation.
This vague definition was perfect for Hiruzen; it allowed him to interpret it according to the needs of the moment.
The "final interpretation rights" of the Will of Fire rested with the Hokage.
"The Hokage's spirit of sacrifice is a lesson for us all," Fugaku clapped, playing the part of the perfect flatterer.
"It's simply the choice anyone who understands the Will of Fire would make," Hiruzen waved it off modestly—simultaneously painting anyone who didn't step forward (like Danzo or the other elders) as being on the wrong side of the ideology. Masterful stroke.
After reinforcing his own narrative, Hiruzen brought the topic back. "So, I am curious. Only two people can join Minato's squad.
Four will be 'eliminated.' In this situation, who will be the first to grasp the Will of Fire? Who will step forward and choose to withdraw to let the others succeed?"
Here it is—Konoha's classic routine: The Team Placement Test!
Testing wasn't limited to just bell-snatching.
"It will surely be your son, Asuma!" Fugaku offered another bit of praise. "As your son, he surely has a deep understanding of the Will of Fire.
Even if he bullies classmates, extorts protection money, skips class, pranks teachers, and smokes... I believe he is a good boy at heart. In the right moment, he will make the right choice."
Fugaku's inner monologue was dry: The Will of Fire is whatever Hiruzen says it is. Of course, Asuma understands it.
The Uchiha had always been a thorn in the side of the Hokage faction, and Danzo's group was constantly pushing the "Uchiha Threat" narrative.
As Clan Leader, Fugaku's life was exhausting—he had to be agreeable even when he didn't want to be.
"Sore wa dou kana..." (I wonder about that...)
The old man used a classic line of doubt. "It's not impossible for Uchiha Mai to be the one to step forward.
I hear he is on good terms with Guy and Kurenai, and is of the same clan as Obito. Isn't it said that the Uchiha are a clan of 'supreme love'? Sacrificing for a friend... that is a great love."
"With Mai, it is possible. No one in the clan is more amiable than he is," Fugaku nodded.
"Let's wait and see," Hiruzen smiled.
Down on the field, the six students were stunned. What? Only two passes? That elimination rate is insane! All those years of work for nothing?
Mai's mind worked fast. The part about only two joining Minato's team was likely true. The part about the others never becoming ninjas was almost certainly a lie. Konoha loved these psychological tricks.
Even the weakest among them, Rin, was better than most average civilian ninjas. With the world on the brink of war and villages in an arms race, they wouldn't just throw away capable soldiers. The situation wasn't as dire as Minato claimed.
Therefore, the goal was simple: stand out and join Minato's squad—the elite track—without any real guilt.
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