"I support the motion!" Koharu nodded.
Seeing that all three were in agreement, Danzo snorted but did not object further.
Although it was not a direct attack on Kumogakure, eliminating the geniuses of other villages was also an acceptable method for him.
With no one else raising objections, Hiruzen continued, "Since we are all in agreement, let's now discuss the list of participants. Do you have any recommendations?"
This time, the Chunin Exam in Kumogakure was no ordinary event. After all, if they wanted to eliminate the new generation of other villages, those same villages would do the same to theirs.
Therefore, the selection of participants not only had to meet the requirement of being under fifteen years old, but they also had to possess a certain level of strength.
"It's a shame that Kakashi Hatake is already a Chūnin; otherwise, he would be a perfect choice," Koharu sighed with a slight tone of regret.
Kakashi's age was not an issue; in fact, it could have been an advantage. However, he had already become a Chūnin two years ago.
As for disguising himself as a Genin to participate, perhaps others could do it, but with Kakashi, it was unrealistic.
As the most outstanding genius the village had seen, his fame was not only known in Konoha but worldwide.
His promotion to Chūnin was no secret, so even if he went disguised as a Genin, the other villages would quickly find out.
"..."
Just when it seemed that no one had a viable alternative, a voice awakened them.
"Kakashi cannot participate, but there is someone else who is a perfect choice," Danzo suddenly spoke, with an enigmatic smile. "He has now replaced Kakashi as the village's greatest genius. His age and status make him the best option."
!
Upon hearing this description, those present immediately understood who he was referring to.
"Gen Uchiha… certainly a great choice," Homura nodded with a slight gleam in his eyes.
"His strength and age meet the requirements. If he participates, we could further solidify the village's authority, or, in eliminating the new generation of other villages, the results will be optimal," Koharu commented indifferently.
Hiruzen, without altering his expression, spoke with calmness, "This participation in the Chunin Exam is a mission of utmost importance. Gen Uchiha has become the most promising figure of this new generation. His inclusion in the list is, without a doubt, the right decision."
…
In a training field, Gen was leaning his back against a wooden post used for Taijutsu training, reading a scroll in his hands attentively and in silence.
Some time later, a person arrived at the training field.
"Good morning, Gen!"
It was Azora. Seeing that Gen was already there, he greeted him with a smile as he approached.
"Good morning, Azora," Gen also greeted, lowering the scroll and looking up.
Azora came closer and, noticing the scroll in his hands, curiously asked, "What are you reading? You looked so focused that I thought it was some powerful jutsu."
Gen glanced down at the scroll and smiled. "This? It's not a jutsu, just information about fire nature transformation."
Nature transformation is a fundamental skill for elemental Ninjutsu. Therefore, although Azora was surprised to hear it, he wasn't too shocked.
"Are you studying it to learn some powerful fire Ninjutsu?" he asked with interest.
The more powerful a jutsu is, the more it requires a high level of control over nature transformation.
For him, it was no secret that Gen specialized in fire Ninjutsu, so he asked directly.
"...Something like that." But Gen only replied with a slight smile, without giving further details.
Because of this, Azora became even more curious about what fire Ninjutsu Gen planned to learn.
In his eyes, Gen's talent and strength were unquestionable; ever since he met him, he had made him his goal and source of inspiration.
However, he wasn't the type to insist on getting answers. Noticing that Gen didn't want to talk more about the subject, he held back and didn't press further.
Perhaps, seeing how Gen kept pushing himself even while waiting, and after exchanging a few brief words, Azora felt inspired and decided to train his chakra control as well.
The Hyuga clan's Gentle Fist required extremely precise chakra control. However, unlike the Uchiha clan, the Hyuga clan was divided into the Main House and the Branch House, something that limited resources for those born in the latter, even if they were true prodigies.
In that context, Azora managed to stand out by becoming an elite Genin just one year after graduating. Besides his innate talent, his dedication and effort played a fundamental role in his achievement.
After a while, Momo also arrived.
Unlike Azora, Momo was much more cheerful; however, coming from a famous clan, she had an unusual maturity for her age.
After greeting them enthusiastically and realizing that both Gen and Azora were focused on their training, she decided to hold back her energy and wait in silence alongside them.
By the way the team operated, it was evident that Gen had become its central pillar. It wasn't just a stroke of luck but the result of his overwhelming strength and outstanding skills, which had earned him the admiration of Azora, Momo, and even Hayato himself.
Swish
Time passed until the scheduled meeting time arrived. Right on cue, Hayato appeared in the training field with his characteristic Shunshin no Jutsu, positioning himself in front of the three.
"Alright, everyone arrived early!" he greeted them with a smile, raising his hand as his eyes scanned the young shinobi.
"Sensei Hayato!" ×2
"Captain!"
At that moment, Gen, who was on one of the training posts, jumped down to position himself between Azora and Momo, displaying the same serenity as always.
________
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