Inside a hidden room.
This is where the Konoha Jonin Class gathers.
The Konoha Jonin Class holds significant power because it's the true upper echelon of Konoha; even the Hokage's succession requires a trust vote from the Jonin.
The head of the Konoha Jonin Class is named Nara Shikaku, an incredibly intelligent ninja, hailed as Konoha's genius strategist, always able to come up with the best strategies.
This head of the Jonin Class sat at a desk, and when he saw Kakashi Hatake bring in Akihara Kagura, a wry smile appeared on his lips.
Nara Shikaku was a smart ninja, well aware of Konoha's current situation, and understood why Sarutobi Hiruzen promoted Akihara Kagura to Jonin.
"Is there nowhere to sit?"
Akihara Kagura frowned slightly as she walked in.
The room only had one set of desk and chair, with Nara Shikaku sitting there, as if implying an investigation, and those who came to be investigated seemed only able to stand.
"…"
This is a real tough character!
Nara Shikaku sighed inwardly, reluctant to use his status and rules to pressure others, to avoid displeasing the other party.
Compared to ninjas from other clans, the Nara Clan is considered a symbol of wisdom. Even in usual circumstances, as long as they can achieve their goals, they would deliberately leave room for their competitors, let alone a true Wood Release genius.
"Hey, hey, hey…"
Kakashi Hatake once again sensed the troublesome side of Akihara Kagura, and sighed faintly: "You're the one here for the assessment..."
"You can sit here."
Nara Shikaku surprisingly picked up the folder on the table, holding a pen in his hand, and stood up, intending to give Akihara Kagura his seat.
"Never mind."
Akihara Kagura shook her head, feeling it was a bit awkward: "Sitting there, it seems like I'm being examined for committing some error..."
"It's just a casual chat."
Nara Shikaku's attitude was extremely courteous, as if he had already understood Akihara Kagura's character, explaining with a smile: "This is a necessary conversation for a ninja in the village before being promoted to Jonin, I might need to ask some questions to determine if you're fit for the promotion..."
"Another exam..."
Akihara Kagura seemed to sense some kind of malice, waved her hand and was about to leave: "It's too much hassle, I might as well choose not to get promoted."
"I can choose not to ask."
Nara Shikaku immediately added, his baseline was quite flexible, as he started writing his evaluation on the paper in front of him without leaving room for Akihara Kagura to argue, sincerely congratulating Akihara Kagura on her promotion.
"Congratulations on being promoted to Jonin."
"Now you can update your ninja information."
"..."
Kakashi Hatake watched silently, recalling his own promotion to Jonin at twelve years old during the war, and how different it was from today's absurdity.
"Thank you."
Akihara Kagura glanced at Nara Shikaku.
[System Notification]: [You have a new superior (Nara Shikaku), reward for new entry-level gift package, unlock new traits!]
[Light and Shadow (When light appears, someone shields the light, and shadows appear, like a reflection from another world. The host can freely traverse through the shadow world, manipulating opponents' shadows for battle.)]
This trait is quite useful.
For Akihara Kagura, she could launch covert assaults through shadows, using them to puppeteer enemies.
Frankly speaking...
This jutsu under the sunlight is even more practical than the Flying Thunder God Jutsu!
Akihara Kagura looked at Nara Shikaku, and for once displayed courtesy: "If there's anything you need help with in the future, just let me know."
"That would indeed be an honor..."
Nara Shikaku smirked and nodded.
After Kakashi Hatake and Akihara Kagura left, Nara Shikaku continued to watch their backs with a smile, without any sign of disrespect throughout.
Swoosh.
A hidden door slowly opened.
An older-looking man entered, frowning, and inquired: "Shikaku, isn't this a bit too hasty?"
Nara Shikaku leaned back in his chair, hand resting on the back of his head in a lazy manner, seemingly not worried about his ways: "It's merely a formality, why make it unnecessarily complicated?"
"You…"
The man could only shake his head helplessly: "A Jonin has numerous responsibilities; it's crucial for them to be accountable..."
Compared to a Chunin, a Jonin is absolutely in leadership roles, mostly leading a team of ninjas, and must be responsible for their subordinates.
"Be that as it may..."
As Nara Shikaku spoke, he tilted his head, gazing at his approaching old friend with a knowing smile: "Nonetheless, the most important thing is strength, right?"
Nara Shikaku looked up to the dim ceiling, expressing his truth: "Future, or perhaps even now, that young kid is already very strong..."
Furthermore.
Within Konoha Village, there's another truth, that the Hokage may not necessarily be the strongest in the village, but the strongest individual is bound to become the Hokage.
"Let's go."
Nara Shikaku beckoned his friend: "Sorry for making you come here for nothing today, let's grab Chouza and have a drink tonight!"