c18: Soliciting
Standing on the elevated platform, Hiruzen Sarutobi the Third Hokage watched Chiba's display of power with a glint of surprise in his eyes. He hadn't anticipated such mature skill and discipline from someone so young. At only five years old, Chiba's level of control and combat instinct was terrifying.
Hiruzen had originally believed that if Chiba could simply hold his ground against two chunin-level ninja and a seasoned genin, it would be enough to pass the graduation assessment. But what he witnessed far exceeded expectations: Chiba not only held his own, he defeated all three opponents with near-flawless execution.
"As expected of the Hatake clan... truly gifted," Hiruzen murmured, both amazed and pleased.
The talent Chiba demonstrated was not just rare it was prodigious. If nurtured properly, he could easily become a ninja of Kakashi's caliber or surpass even that. For the future of Konoha, such a genius was an invaluable asset.
In the viewing stands, the spectators were equally overwhelmed. All eyes were fixed on the boy standing alone in the center of the training field, his expression calm, his posture unshaken.
A five-year-old child had just defeated three trained shinobi. Not over a long struggle but in barely a minute and with overwhelming force.
BOOM!
The silence was finally shattered by the eruption of voices and exclamations.
"Hatake Chiba is unbelievable. He made it look easy!"
"He's only five, and already has this kind of power? That's inhuman!"
"Hatake Sakumo really gave birth to two monsters."
The murmurs grew, and even seasoned ninja found themselves unnerved. The realization dawned: Chiba's battle had not just been against genin-level opponents. One of the three had clearly shown jonin-tier strength. Chiba had faced him and still won.
At that moment, Hiruzen stepped forward again, his voice firm as he addressed the crowd.
"Hatake Chiba has successfully defeated two chunin and one tokubetsu jonin with excellent performance. He has passed the graduation assessment."
As his words echoed across the field, many finally grasped the full weight of what had occurred. A five-year-old had taken down a ninja with advanced jonin-level techniques. In their eyes now, Chiba was no mere prodigy he was a future star of Konoha.
Watching silently from the corner of the viewing platform stood a tall, sharp-eyed man. His uniform was a deep, dark red, a katana strapped across his back. His right eye was hidden under a thick bandage, and twin scars crossed his chin like battle brands. His presence was cold and calculating Shimura Danzo.
He observed Chiba like a jeweler eyeing a rare gem seeing not only the shine but the potential to be molded, honed, and used.
Danzo, once a student of Tobirama Senju and former teammate of Hiruzen, had long coveted the Hokage title. Though passed over for leadership, his ambitions never faded. He bore resentment toward Hiruzen for winning the Third Hokage seat and had since dedicated himself to controlling Konoha from the shadows.
Now, his gaze was locked on Chiba.
"He's better than even Kakashi at this age," Danzo thought, his lips curling into a rare smile. "If I can bring him into Root, it would be a powerful asset."
Years ago, Danzo had tried to recruit Kakashi into Root, seeing his genius early on. But Hiruzen had intervened, preventing it, and instead placed Kakashi in the ANBU under his direct watch. Danzo hadn't forgotten.
This time, he wouldn't let it slip by.
"Chiba must be brought into Root... whatever it takes."
While Danzo plotted in silence, Hiruzen turned back to Chiba.
"Chiba, your performance was remarkable," the Hokage said kindly, but with gravity. "But remember not to become arrogant. This is just the beginning of your shinobi path. Stay humble, and train harder. That's how true strength is forged."
Chiba bowed deeply, respectful. "Yes, Lord Third. I understand and will continue to work hard."
Chiba felt there was more Hiruzen wanted to say something beyond a lesson. And sure enough, the next words came.
"Chiba, would you consider joining the ANBU?" Hiruzen asked directly. "It's an excellent opportunity. Your brother Kakashi is also in the ANBU. With your talents, the two of you could make an exceptional team."
Like Danzo, Hiruzen knew Chiba's ability was extraordinary. But unlike Danzo, he wanted to protect that talent not exploit it. And he knew full well what Danzo would try next.
That's why he acted first making the offer publicly, so that Danzo and Root could not seize Chiba without scrutiny.
He and Danzo had once fought side by side, but over the years, their ideologies diverged. Danzo's Root operated in secrecy, outside regular oversight, often sacrificing lives in pursuit of power and control. Hiruzen never agreed with such extremism.
Yes, Root had produced capable shinobi but at a cost. Talents were snuffed out early, and loyalty was enforced through manipulation, sometimes even via the cursed seal Danzo used to keep subordinates in line.
"Damn you, Hiruzen..." Danzo muttered under his breath, frustration flickering across his features.
Time and again, Hiruzen had intercepted Danzo's plans. The most talented genin and prodigies were always snatched away and placed in the ANBU before Danzo could reach them. And now, history was repeating itself with Chiba.
Because Hiruzen held the title of Hokage, he had final authority. Danzo could do little openly.
Watching Chiba receive the offer, Danzo's eyes narrowed.
"This boy is too valuable. I will bring him into Root... by any means necessary."
Back in the crowd, murmurs continued. Ninja and villagers alike were stunned.
Few genin were ever offered entry into the ANBU upon graduation. Only two stood out in memory: Hatake Kakashi, who was accepted into ANBU after graduation, and now Hatake Chiba.
The two brothers, already considered elite at such young ages, were becoming legends in their own right.
They were the Twin Stars of Konoha a legacy reborn.
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