Sora and Fox brought Kabuto, following the triumphant procession, and slowly entered the gate of Konoha village.
A large crowd of villagers had already gathered at the village entrance. Holding flowers and streamers, their cheers surged like a tidal wave.
"Welcome home, heroes!"
"Look! It's Lord Orochimaru!"
"And the other ninja lords!"
The crowd was boiling, the atmosphere extremely fervent.
Sora walked in the middle section of the procession. Looking at the excited, admiring, smiling faces on both sides of the road, his heart was completely calm.
'Heroes?'
'They are merely survivors. Who will remember the names of those who remain forever on Kikyōyama?'
He had personally experienced the cruelty of war. The cheers and glory before his eyes, in his view, were more like a temporary pain-numbing medicine. They could not conceal the heavy price Konoha had paid in this battle.
He glanced at Orochimaru, who was walking not far ahead, basking in the attention of the crowd, a faint smile on his face.
'This guy certainly enjoys this kind of scene. However, he truly rendered great service this time. His reputation is indeed quite high now.'
Sora then looked at Kabuto beside him, who was somewhat at a loss, tightly clutching the hem of Sora's clothes. Kabuto clearly had never seen such a spectacle. He was quite frightened by the noisy crowd, his small face pale.
"Don't be afraid. Just follow me." Sora whispered a word of reassurance.
Kabuto looked up, saw Sora's calm profile, seemed to find his anchor, and nodded vigorously.
Afterward, Sarutobi Hiruzen personally attended and delivered an impassioned speech. He praised the bravery and fearlessness of the frontline soldiers, commemorated the ninja who had sacrificed themselves, and looked ahead to Konoha's future peace.
Sora stood below the stage, listening to this familiar proclamation of the "Will of Fire." His heart was unmoved, even felt a bit like laughing.
'For the village, for the next generation... It sounds wonderful. But are those who were sacrificed, who were treated as pawns, not also Konoha ninja?'
He remembered the six Konoha ninja who died in the trap mission. He remembered the severely injured Grey Wolf and Night Owl.
These, in the eyes of the higher-ups, were perhaps all just "necessary costs."
After the commendation ceremony ended, ninja of various ranks disbanded according to the arrangements. Sora was just preparing to take Kabuto to the orphanage to settle him first, when an Anbu silently appeared before him.
"Green Snake, the Hokage wishes to see you."
It had come.
Sora understood in his heart. His performance on the battlefield must have long been reported back to the village.
Sarutobi Hiruzen summoning him at this time, the purpose was clear.
"Captain, please look after Kabuto for a moment." Sora said to Fox.
Fox nodded. "Go ahead."
Sora patted Kabuto's shoulder, giving him a reassuring look. Then he followed that Anbu, walking towards the Hokage Building.
...
Inside the Hokage's office.
Sarutobi Hiruzen sat behind the large desk, looking at Sora who stood straight before him. His heart was filled with endless thoughts.
Silver-white short hair, a face somewhat youthful yet exceptionally steady, eyes clear and calm. It was completely impossible to tell this was a twelve-year-old youth who had just returned from mountains of corpses and seas of blood.
'Twelve years old... Elite Jonin level strength...'
'Back then, recruiting him specially into the Anbu was only because his potential and Uzumaki bloodline were seen. No one expected his growth speed to be this astonishing!'
After the incident with the "Raven" unit in the Land of Lightning, Sarutobi Hiruzen originally thought that Sora now possessing Jonin strength would already be the limit.
But the intelligence reports from the Kikyōyama battle showed that Sora could not only skillfully open the first five Gates of the Eight Inner Gates, but also had mastered some of Tsunade's Super Strength techniques. His taijutsu cultivation was even approaching elite Jonin level!
Holding the rear alone, forcing back the long-established Pakura of the Scorch Release, beheading a Suna Jonin...
This combat record would be enough for any Jonin to be proud of, let alone a twelve-year-old child!
Finally, Sarutobi Hiruzen slowly began to speak.
"Sora, I am very satisfied with your performance in the Kikyōyama campaign. Especially when facing Suna's Pakura, you not only protected your comrades, but also heavily damaged Suna's morale, enhancing Konoha's prestige."
Sora slightly bowed, his tone respectful. "Lord Hokage flatters me. This was merely my duty."
"Merely your duty?" Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled. "Not every ninja can accomplish such 'duty' at the age of twelve."
He paused, picking up a document on the desk.
"According to the report from frontline commander Orochimaru, as well as the Anbu's own assessment, the strength, tactical proficiency, and decisiveness you displayed during the Kikyōyama campaign have all reached the standard of a Jonin."
"According to Konoha regulations, promotion to Jonin requires recommendation, strength assessment, mission evaluation, and the final approval of the Hokage."
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Sora, his tone becoming formal. "Your mission evaluation is undoubtedly excellent. In terms of strength, your performance on the battlefield is the best proof. As for recommendation, both Orochimaru and your captain Fox have spoken highly of you."
Sora listened quietly, not very surprised in his heart.
He remembered Kakashi was also promoted to Jonin at twelve. Although that was a special case during wartime, the battle merits he had now achieved, plus the "strength" he had displayed, were enough for Sarutobi Hiruzen to make the same decision.
'It's nothing more than buying allegiance with great rewards, and incidentally tying me more tightly to Konoha's war chariot.'
Sora saw it very clearly. A twelve-year-old Jonin, a war hero just returned from the frontlines, this title itself was a kind of shackle.
"Therefore, I have decided to exceptionally promote you to Konoha Jonin!" Sarutobi Hiruzen's voice rose slightly, carrying an undeniable authority. "From today, you are an officially registered Jonin of Konoha, entitled to corresponding authority and resource allocation."
"Thank you for your guidance, Lord Hokage!"
Sora appropriately showed a trace of "excitement" and "gratitude" on his face, bowing once more.
He understood the principle of acting a part fully.
"This is what you deserve."
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded with satisfaction, handing over a letter of appointment and the green flak jacket representing Jonin status.
"I hope you will continue to strive and contribute to Konoha's prosperity and peace."
"Yes! I will certainly exert my utmost effort!"
Sora took the flak jacket and appointment letter with both hands. This small jacket represented status and strength within Konoha.
Afterward, Sora briefly mentioned Kabuto's matter.
Sarutobi Hiruzen pondered for a moment, then nodded.
"Hmm, having compassion is a good thing. Since you brought him back, you are responsible for sending him to the orphanage. I will have someone make the necessary arrangements."
"Thank you, Lord Hokage." Sora expressed his thanks.
"Alright, you may go. After promotion to Jonin, there will be new mission assignments. These next few days, rest well and familiarize yourself with the duties of a Jonin." Sarutobi Hiruzen waved his hand.
"Yes, I take my leave."
Sora bowed, then exited the Hokage's office.
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