Watch all the chapter in our website , wevnovel. fun , with no ads.
==================================================
If a Chunin develops one aspect of their [Skills] to the extreme—whether it is Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, Genjutsu, Sealing, Perception, Summoning, Disguise, or even a Bloodline Limit—and that single aspect reaches the level of a Jonin, they are classified as a Special Jonin.
To be considered a Jonin, a Shinobi must be able to perform multiple B-rank Ninjutsu. They must also master one specific area among Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, or Genjutsu, or develop a Bloodline Limit to a high level.
As for the Kage-level, it is a very vague concept. It refers to the strongest few Shinobi in the village. The term is a general classification used to distinguish them from other Jonin.
Because of this, the definition of Kage-level changes depending on the era.
Kifu made a judgment regarding his own strength based on the current period and the structure of the Konoha Shinobi.
'If the war starts now and I reveal my full power, I might be promoted to Jonin.'
The strength of the Shikotsumyaku combined with the Sharingan was something others could not even imagine.
However...
He did not actually care about these things.
A peaceful life, a comfortable pace, and steady growth were the ultimate forms of enjoyment for him.
Kifu kept his pace slow, but the rhythm of the Shinobi world entered a period of sudden and incredible acceleration.
One day.
Sarutobi Hiruzen summoned Kifu to the office once again.
This time was different from the last. In addition to the Hokage and the advisor Danzo, another powerful figure was present.
He was the most brilliant disciple of Sarutobi Hiruzen and one of the famous Sannin. It was the Cold Lord, Orochimaru!
Chapter 23: The Gaze of Orochimaru
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked serious.
The atmosphere inside the office was quiet and heavy.
When he saw Kifu arrive, he took a puff from his pipe and exhaled a ring of smoke. He stood up slowly.
He walked over to the map of the Shinobi world hanging on the wall. The map detailed the geography, towns, and the layout of several outposts at the borders.
He stood silently before the map. He smoked one puff after another until the tobacco inside the pipe turned to ash.
Danzo frowned and spoke in a deep voice. "Hiruzen, why are you still hesitating?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen walked back to his desk. He tapped the pipe to empty the ash and refilled it with fresh tobacco. He lit it again.
Only after finishing this did Sarutobi Hiruzen finally speak.
"Last night, a squad of Iwa Shinobi launched a surprise attack on our Torimori outpost in the Land of Valleys. We have lost contact with all Shinobi at the post. Intelligence was sent out only at the final moment. The teams guarding the border of the Land of Fire also caught glimpses of the Iwa Shinobi."
The Konoha Shinobi in the office felt a shock in their hearts.
The same thought flashed through their minds.
Was the Great Shinobi War finally beginning?
Kifu felt a bit confused. 'Wait. Was it not the Hidden Sand Village that started the Third Great Shinobi War?'
The Iwa Shinobi were the most restless, but Onoki was not a man who acted without a brain.
"This is a signal. The Iwa Shinobi are finally losing their patience. However, they have not launched a large-scale invasion yet. This is still just a probe," Sarutobi Hiruzen said.
This had been the state of the Shinobi world lately. Everyone was either testing the limits of Konoha or preparing to do so.
"Hiruzen, you still want to endure this?" Danzo could no longer sit still.
He stared at Sarutobi Hiruzen with a fierce gaze.
The enemy was already bullying them. Konoha could not continue to wait for death.
If they remained timid, the next move would not be a probe. It would be an all-out invasion.
Once the Iwa Shinobi attacked, the other Hidden Villages would not stay quiet either.
Sarutobi Hiruzen raised his hand to stop Danzo from speaking further.
"I understand the stakes better than you. We worked hard for this peace. We cannot give it up easily."
Sarutobi Hiruzen turned to look at Orochimaru. "Orochimaru, take three squads of Shinobi. Do not hold back this time!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen was finally showing his resolve. He even recalled Orochimaru from the eastern front because Orochimaru was known for his ruthless methods.
"Humph!"
Danzo saw that Sarutobi Hiruzen still wanted to keep the conflict small. He slammed his cane onto the floor and left the office immediately.
Kifu stayed in the corner and did not speak while the leaders talked.
He wanted to ask if it was appropriate for a Genin like him to attend such a meeting.
Unfortunately, he did not dare to ask.
One side of Orochimaru's mouth curled up. He licked his lips with his tongue and nodded.
Kifu felt as if the gazes of the two powerful men had landed on him.
"Kifu," Sarutobi Hiruzen called out.
"Hokage," Kifu said as he stepped forward and bowed respectfully.
The expression of Sarutobi Hiruzen softened slightly when he looked at him.
"You will go as well. You have done very well during this time. we have received many thank-you notes from the families of the deceased. They are grateful that you handled the bodies of their loved ones with such care. They also thank you for helping the residents who are struggling.
Go and bring our comrades from the Torimori outpost back home. Orochimaru and the others will protect you."
Kifu forced a smile that looked more painful than crying.
'If I knew this would happen, I would not have done those things.'
He had spent time, effort, and money. In the end, it only served to make Sarutobi Hiruzen remember him as a dedicated Body Collector.
There were many Body Collectors in Konoha. Even though he was the only one willing to look after the Mortuary, it did not mean he wanted to go to the battlefield.
He wanted to say something, but Sarutobi Hiruzen ignored him. The Hokage began discussing mission details with Orochimaru and the other Jonin.
When Kifu left the office, he looked like he had lost all hope in life.
"Kifu-kun."