Two days later, Hokage Office.
Tsunade had once again become a hands-off boss. Under the noble-sounding excuse of "letting Shinichi familiarize himself in advance with the duties and procedures of a jōnin instructor," she not only dumped the tedious task of writing mission reports onto him—
She also shoved today's formal oral report to the Hokage onto him as well.
"...And that concludes the full account and final outcome of our mission to the Land of Artisans and Takumi Village."
As the report ended, a brief silence settled over the office.
Behind his desk, Hiruzen listened quietly to Shinichi's detailed account before revealing a warm, grandfatherly smile.
"I never expected such turmoil to occur in Takumi Village. Fortunately, you arrived in time and handled the situation decisively. Not only did you preserve Konoha's cooperative relationship with Takumi Village and ensure the continued supply of important strategic resources, but you also helped stabilize an allied village's internal situation."
"You all performed exceptionally well. You've worked hard."
"Considering the nature of the incident, its scope, and the final results, your mission rank will be upgraded to S-rank."
An S-rank mission!
Shinichi and Tsunade reacted calmly.
But behind them, Shizune and Kurenai both revealed looks of excitement and delight. The two quickly exchanged glances and saw the same exhilaration reflected in each other's eyes.
"Now that the mission has been successfully completed, you should all go get some rest."
"Yes, Hokage-sama!"
All four responded in unison before bowing and leaving the Hokage's office.
After Team Ten departed, Hiruzen's gaze returned to the documents on his desk. He picked up an application requesting official registration of Yamato's identity.
The file contained only a brief summary of the boy's background:
Chance encounter in Tanzaku Town. Unnamed orphan. Given a name by Shinichi and brought back to the village.
Hiruzen skimmed through it casually before setting it aside and instructing the attendant beside him: "Have this child's records officially entered into the village registry. Arrange the usual welfare benefits and basic education according to standard procedures."
Ordinarily, outsiders seeking residency in Konoha had to undergo fairly rigorous identity verification, background investigations, and often a period of observation.
Even children were not exempt, though the process was somewhat relaxed depending on age.
But for Hiruzen, since Yamato was a child Shinichi had personally brought back, he couldn't be bothered with all those cumbersome procedures.
It was trust that went far beyond the ordinary.
Outside the Hokage Tower.
As Team Ten's jōnin instructor, Tsunade was about to dismiss the team when she suddenly seemed to remember something.
"Oh, right. The Chūnin Exams will be held next month."
"I know you're already a jōnin, so it wouldn't be appropriate for you to participate. But the Chūnin Exams are generally conducted in three-person teams."
"You'll need to find a suitable teammate for these two girls and form a squad to participate in this year's exams."
After a brief pause, she added: "As for who it is, that's up to you. Just make sure they're reliable."
"I understand, Tsunade-sensei."
"Good. I'll leave it to you. Dismissed."
A short while later, western Konoha.
The orphanage.
"That's the situation in general, Director. I'll leave this child in your care."
"Don't worry, Shinichi. I'll take good care of him."
"Then I'll be counting on you, Director."
Shinichi bowed slightly.
"It's no trouble at all. Honestly, child, you're far too polite. Come visit more often when you have time."
"I will, Director."
After making that promise, Shinichi gently patted Yamato on the shoulder and quietly gave him a few final instructions before turning and leaving the director's office.
Stepping out of the orphanage, he squinted slightly against the bright afternoon sun and slowly made his way home along the familiar streets.
Earth and Water.
As he walked, his thoughts drifted back to Yamato.
During the two days since returning to Konoha, Shinichi had privately conducted a few basic ninja aptitude tests on him—whether he could refine chakra, what chakra natures he possessed, and so on.
The results had proven quite interesting.
Yamato was naturally born with both Earth and Water chakra affinities.
In fact, Shinichi suspected that he might also possess an innate Yang affinity.
The problem was that the standard chakra testing paper currently used throughout the ninja world couldn't detect more obscure and specialized attributes such as Yin Release and Yang Release.
That discovery had led Shinichi to several thoughts and speculations.
Setting aside cases that required the Yin Release power of the Sharingan to forcibly balance or merge cells—such as Uchiha Madara, Obito, and Shimura Danzō—
Why, among all the human experiments involving the First Hokage's cells in the original timeline, was young Yamato the only survivor?
Why was he the only one who successfully inherited and stabilized the Wood Release power of the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama?
According to Yamato's own recollections later in life, he survived through a "powerful desire to live," miraculously enduring the procedure and obtaining that power.
But was a strong will to survive really all it took?
Among those dozens of children chosen as experimental subjects, did the others not long for life as well?
Did they not want to survive too?
Even earlier, during the previous round of First Hokage cell transplantation experiments conducted on adult shinobi, many of the volunteers had been experienced chūnin and jōnin—battle-hardened veterans with unwavering wills forged through blood and war.
Could their determination really have been weaker than that of a child only a few years old?
Yet what was the outcome?
Without exception, every single one of them failed, either transforming into grotesque trees or collapsing and dying outright.
Therefore, a "strong desire to live" might have been an important psychological factor, but it was by no means the only one—and perhaps not even the most decisive.
Earth and Water.
Soil and nourishment.
Thinking of this, Shinichi fell into thought.
Wood Release was a Kekkei Genkai born from the fusion of Water, Earth, and perhaps even Yang nature transformations.
If that was the case, then to successfully accept, integrate, and give rise to the power of Wood Release, did one need to possess those two—or even all three—chakra attributes from the start?
Perhaps acquiring them through later training wasn't quite enough. Maybe being born with them was the ideal condition.
Of course, there were likely many other hidden requirements still unknown to Shinichi: complex physical compatibility factors, and perhaps even a few inexplicable variables that people called fate or coincidence.
But regardless, Yamato—the only individual in the original timeline to survive the Wood Release experiments—would undoubtedly provide tremendous help and inspiration for Shinichi's future research into Wood Release.
For Shinichi, studying the bloodlines of this world was something he would inevitably do sooner or later.
Over the years, through observing the operation of his Entry system, he had discovered that external perception seemed capable only of generating and upgrading Entries representing broadly defined traits or abilities.
For example, Rending Stone and Splitting Metal represented great strength.
Copper Skin and Iron Bones represented high durability.
Light as the Wind represented exceptional speed.
However, the system appeared incapable of directly generating Entries tied to the specific bloodlines of individual shinobi clans through external perception alone.
Otherwise, considering the terrifying physique, astonishing recovery ability, enormous chakra reserves, and other traits he had displayed over the years—
Even though everyone knew he had no blood relation whatsoever to the Senju Clan, countless people—including top-tier experts—had undoubtedly suspected some connection between him and the Senju.
If bloodline Entries could truly be generated that way, he should at the very least possess a blue-quality Senju Bloodline Entry by now.
But the reality was that no such Entry existed.
Which meant that if Shinichi wanted to obtain the power of those bloodlines, he would have to research them personally.
He had once considered taking a shortcut using the Clone Entry.
For example, by thoroughly studying his clone Isshin and attempting to discover a method of perfectly integrating the tyrannical physical traits of the Monkey Clan into his own body.
After all, Isshin was essentially another version of himself that had perfectly fused with the bloodline traits of the Monkey Clan.
In theory, there should have been no better research sample.
However, when he actually began investigating, he discovered that on the microscopic level, Isshin's cells were fundamentally identical to his own in terms of their basic genetic material.
No matter how he analyzed or compared them, he could not reverse-engineer or isolate the mysterious bloodline factor responsible for that qualitative transformation in physical ability.
It was as though the fusion had occurred on a level beyond conventional matter and energy—something closer to a conceptual rule imposed upon reality itself.
With Shinichi's current knowledge, experience, and research methods, that was a realm far beyond his ability to comprehend.
'Then before that, I'll focus on raising Yamato properly.'
Shinichi thought to himself.
Although Yamato had survived the Wood Release experiment in the original timeline, luck had undoubtedly played a significant role. His eventual achievements might have been limited because of that.
But Shinichi believed he could do better.
First, strengthen Yamato's physical foundation and nurture the life energy within him—his Yang power.
Second, deepen his understanding and control of Earth and Water chakra.
Then, when the time came, he could extract a small sample of Yamato's cells and attempt a preliminary fusion with First Hokage cells to observe the results.
By then, Shinichi's taijutsu, medical expertise, and even his Gourmet Entry would likely have advanced to purple quality through years of effort and accumulated experiences.
At that point, he would surely be able to observe far more profound and fundamental secrets hidden within that microscopic cellular war, allowing him to reverse-engineer a safer and more efficient path to fusion.
As that thought crossed his mind, Shinichi suddenly found it rather amusing.
It seemed he was planning to systematically cultivate another First Hokage.
And the other person he had long ago chosen in his heart as his future first disciple—
Yakushi Kabuto.
A genius whose talents in medicine and research were unquestionably top-tier, and who would one day demonstrate extraordinary aptitude in forbidden jutsu research, human experimentation, and intelligence analysis.
In some respects, he was practically another Second Hokage.
His eldest disciple would be the First Hokage reborn.
His second disciple would be the Second Hokage returned.
Then who would become the Third?
A faint smile appeared on Shinichi's face as he temporarily tucked away that slightly mischievous thought.
...
That evening, in western Konoha, in front of a modest detached house.
Having just returned from his routine patrol and preparing to make dinner, Maruboshi Kōsuke heard a measured knock at the door.
"Who could that be at this hour?" he wondered.
Kōsuke wiped his hands with some confusion and walked over to open the door.
The person standing outside made him pause for a moment before a warm smile appeared on his face.
"Shinichi? Come in, come in. Have you eaten yet? I was just about to start cooking. Why don't you stay and have a meal with me?"
The person outside was indeed Shinichi.
Not only had he come in person, but he was also carrying a fairly heavy-looking food box in each hand.
"Kōsuke-senpai, sorry to trouble you."
Shinichi smiled and nodded in greeting.
Following Kōsuke into the living room, he placed the food boxes on the low table. As he opened the lids, he said, "Not yet. As it happens, I brought over some dishes I just finished preparing. Why don't we try them together?"
A while later, after several rounds of food and drink and once the atmosphere had become relaxed and cordial, Shinichi finally set down his chopsticks.
His expression grew more serious as he looked at Kōsuke.
"Kōsuke-senpai, the reason I came today wasn't just to visit you. There's also something I'd like to ask your help with."
"Oh?"
Kōsuke set down his teacup and looked at him attentively.
"What is it? If these old bones of mine can still be of any use, I'll do my best."
For this junior whom he had watched grow up with his own eyes—and whom he genuinely admired and held in high regard—Kōsuke had always been willing to help whenever he could.
"It's like this, Kōsuke-senpai."
Shinichi carefully considered his words before continuing.
"Next month, the village will be holding the Chūnin Exams. My teammates, Shizune and Yūhi Kurenai, intend to participate. It's an important opportunity for them to earn promotion to chūnin. According to the exam rules, they need to compete as a three-person team."
This differed somewhat from the original timeline.
Most members of Shinichi's graduating class—including Sarutobi Asuma, Might Guy, and Shiranui Genma—had originally been scheduled to take the Chūnin Exams collectively the following year, at age eleven.
However, perhaps because Shinichi's remarkable achievements on the front lines had become such a powerful source of inspiration and motivation, many of his fellow genin—and even their instructors—felt they could give it a try as well.
As a result, a large number of them independently decided to register for this year's exams.
There was, however, one thing that remained unchanged.
Hatake Kakashi, who had already been promoted to chūnin, was still being assigned by his teacher, Namikaze Minato, to participate as an official member of Team Seven alongside the still-genin Uchiha Obito and Nohara Rin, just as in the original timeline.
Strictly speaking, that wasn't entirely appropriate under the examination regulations.
But Konoha had always been a place that valued bonds.
Since this was a village-hosted exam rather than a joint Chūnin Exam involving other villages, and since most participants were genin from the same generation or similar age groups, the rules had room for flexibility under the banner of team development and strengthening comradeship.
Thus, with the tacit approval of Hiruzen, the unusual case of "Chūnin Kakashi participating in the Chūnin Promotion Exam" was quietly handled as a special exception.
But Kakashi was Kakashi.
And Shinichi was Shinichi.
Kakashi was ultimately only a chūnin, and he wouldn't be participating in the final tournament.
Shinichi, on the other hand, was a genuine jōnin—the Crimson Flame Shinichi who had shattered the Raikage's strongest shield and become famous throughout the shinobi world.
If he were to lead two young girls into the Chūnin Exams himself, it wouldn't be a special exception anymore.
It would be dragging the entire Chūnin Exam system across the floor and rubbing its face into the dirt.
If word got out, it would become a laughingstock throughout the entire shinobi world.
And Maruboshi Kōsuke was the candidate Shinichi had chosen as the third teammate for Shizune and Kurenai.
Admittedly, considering Kōsuke's actual strength, this was still a bit outrageous.
But at least on paper, he was a genin, wasn't he?
After listening quietly to the entire explanation, Kōsuke slowly nodded.
"All right."
"Then thank you, senpai."
Shinichi smiled before adding, "There's one more thing I'd like to trouble you with as well..."
...
Meanwhile, in the Land of Water, Kirigakure.
"Then, Chūkichi."
After finalizing the details of their cooperation, the Third Mizukage smiled faintly and instructed a ninja standing nearby.
"Escort Jōnin Pakura on my behalf. Make absolutely certain that she leaves the Land of Water safely and without incident."
"Yes, Mizukage-sama."
The ninja called Chūkichi acknowledged the order in a deep voice.
He wore a shinobi cap and a pair of glasses with red lenses. Strange blue markings decorated both sides of his face. His build was sturdy, and the aura he projected was sharp and disciplined, clearly marking him as a highly capable shinobi.
Once Pakura and Chūkichi had departed, the smile gradually vanished from the Third Mizukage's face.
"Go bring Yagura to me."
"Yes."
A short while later, a small figure entered the room with steady, measured steps.
The newcomer was no taller than a young boy—indeed, he looked younger than many newly graduated genin.
He had a fair, youthful face, short green hair, purple eyes, and a distinctive mark beneath his left eye resembling a tear streak.
Karatachi Yagura.
Judging by appearance alone, anyone would assume he was a gifted child prodigy no older than twelve.
In reality, however, he was already twenty-five years old—a mature, experienced, and powerful jōnin.
His naturally deceptive baby face and diminutive stature simply made him appear extraordinarily young.
"Mizukage-sama, you wished to see me?"
The Third Mizukage studied Yagura before him.
A trace of satisfaction flashed through his eyes as he slowly spoke.
"Yagura..."