"A prodigy, huh?"
The Third Hokage acknowledged the logic behind their words. Still, he wondered-was there even a prodigy among this year's graduating class?
If they were going to throw some random team at Xin, it would likely stir up complaints, especially from Tsunade. Jiraiya and Orochimaru might not make a fuss, but Tsunade was bound to fight for Xin.
Deep in thought, the Third Hokage opened the files on the academy graduates. Koharu and Homura exchanged satisfied glances. They knew the plan was set.
Xin wouldn't be going to the battlefield anytime soon. Soon enough, he'd be just another jonin instructor, leading a team of fresh-faced rookies through mundane missions.
His fame would eventually dwindle.
It didn't matter how strong he was. Without a towering reputation to back him up, his influence would be limited.
As for Tsunade...
Well, she might raise a stink with the Hokage, but she wouldn't come after them directly. Koharu and Homura could rest easy.
"Sarutobi, the logistics and medical departments are swamped with work. We'll take our leave now," Koharu said, seeing that their plan was progressing smoothly.
They left the Third Hokage alone, staring at the academy files, his brow furrowed in frustration.
He couldn't just assign any random team to Xin, but none of the current graduates stood out as particularly remarkable.
After much deliberation, he finally selected three profiles. Gazing at the files, he sighed deeply.
"Looks like I'll need to pay the Hyuga clan a visit," He muttered.
That night, the Third Hokage cut his workday short and made a special trip to the Hyuga clan to speak with the clan head. Only after a long discussion did he return home to rest.
The next morning, Jiraiya was summoned to the Hokage's office.
"Hey, old man! Why'd you drag me out here so early?" J
iraiya complained the moment he walked in. "I already told you I need a break!"
The Third Hokage took off his hat and set it on the desk, meeting Jiraiya's eyes with a somber expression.
"I understand you want to rest, but the frontlines are under pressure. Hatake Sakumo is holding off the Third Kazekage, but the strain is growing. We've lost a number of jonin, so I've decided to send you and Orochimaru to support him."
"The situation's that bad?" Jiraiya's carefree demeanor vanished, replaced by a serious expression.
"It is," the Hokage confirmed, handing him two intelligence scrolls. He lit his pipe, taking a long, thoughtful drag as Jiraiya skimmed through the documents.
Looks like my vacation is officially over.