While Hagoromo was busy daydreaming about his "stingy transportation plan" to turn a legendary Sage realm into a private kennel, the Third Hokage arrived at the front lines with the cream of Konoha's crop.
Because of the devastating blow dealt by the Sand's surprise attack, the Konoha defensive line had entered a phase of total contraction. The casualties had been severe enough that the "Three-Tier Defense" model was no longer sustainable; stretching their remaining forces too thin would only invite the enemy to pick them off one by one.
Tsunade had consolidated all remaining assets near the central command. For now, preserving their strength was more important than a counter-offensive. They needed to wait for the Hokage's reinforcements before making a move.
Fortunately, the Sand was in equally rough shape. Their long-distance trek from the Rock front had left them overextended and exhausted. Currently, their priority was defending against a potential Iwagakure push, leaving them with no spare resources to launch a second assault on Konoha.
The tables had turned. What was once the Sand forcing Konoha into a stalemate had become Konoha preparing to crush the Sand and force them to sign a peace treaty. In a multi-front war, one wrong move can trigger a landslide.
After six days of recovery, Hagoromo was finally summoned. He had enjoyed his leisure time, assuming he was too low on the totem pole to be noticed by the "Professor." He was wrong.
In times of war, a ninja's life is often treated as a tool. While the "Will of Fire" emphasizes the value of the new generation, the reality is colder. When Hagoromo and Kushina were in danger, the Hokage's focus was—understandably—on Kushina. A genius ninja can be born again, but a Nine-Tails Jinchūriki is irreplaceable. Hagoromo accepted this logic; he'd have made the same call.
But Hagoromo was no longer just a "genius." The detailed reports of the battle—and his "physics" explanation relayed by Tsunade—had piqued Sarutobi's interest.
Furthermore, the social web placed Hagoromo firmly in the Hokage's inner circle. He was Kushina's student, and Kushina was the future wife of Minato, who was the student of Jiraiya—Sarutobi's favorite pupil. He was, for all intents and purposes, a direct descendant of the Hokage's lineage.
However, the news Sarutobi delivered during their meeting nearly made Hagoromo choke.
"Wait, wait, Lord Third... did you just say you want to promote me directly to Jonin?!"
"Is there a problem?" the Hokage asked calmly.
Of course there is! On paper, he was a Genin. In actual combat—without his "cheat codes"—he felt like a Chunin at best. Maybe an "Elite Chunin" if he was feeling cocky, but Jonin? That required leadership, strategic awareness, and what Kakashi would later obsessively call Teamwork.
Hagoromo was a solo act. He'd never even tried coordinating a team. If they wanted him to do something, he'd rather they send him on an assassination or infiltration mission. But a young ninja wouldn't be sent on S-rank solo missions; it was too risky for a "Legacy" student.
"Lord Third, I heard promotions require strict exams and evaluations. Isn't this... a bit of a back-door deal?"
Hagoromo was mostly worried about his "White Yaksha" nickname. He was already a glowing target on the battlefield. Adding a "Boy Wonder Jonin" title to that would be like painting a bullseye on his forehead for every enemy kage.
"Hm, you have a point," Sarutobi mused. "But given your performance against the One-Tail witnessed by everyone, your merit must be rewarded. Fine, let's adjust it. Your rank is officially raised to Chunin."
Hagoromo was speechless. What was that? Offering Jonin then immediately 'settling' for Chunin? He wasn't upset about losing the higher title—he didn't want it—but he couldn't figure out the Hokage's game.
"I know what you're thinking," Sarutobi said, patting Hagoromo on the shoulder. "Tsunade told me your 'Railgun' requires years of chakra storage. But your promotion isn't just based on that. Your kill count on the front lines has been verified. You're more than ready for Chunin."
Hagoromo could only accept. If the boss wants to promote you, you don't say no.
Dismissing Hagoromo was just a footnote in the Hokage's busy day. That evening, the true high-level council began.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, Tsunade, Minato Namikaze, the Strategic Planning staff, and all Battalion Commanders gathered. The final map was spread out on the table. The stalemate was over.