The Third Hokage smiled, deciding not to dwell on those matters any longer. Instead, he seemed to have thought of something else and asked, "Kakashi has taught you many techniques—have you mastered them all?"
Yoruha wasn't quite sure what the Third Hokage meant by this, but he didn't hide anything.
"Yes, I've mastered them all."
"It seems Kakashi might not have many more techniques to teach you. Although he knows a lot of ninjutsu, most are fairly standard. There might not be many that are particularly useful to you. In the future, if you want to learn new techniques, you can go to the archives. You'll find all of Konoha's technique records there—including some forbidden ones."
Kakashi was stunned. He hadn't expected the Third Hokage to be so generous. Yoruha might not have understood the true weight of what the archives represented.
The archives were where all of Konoha's sealed records were stored—not just jutsu, but historical documents, secret intel, and information both dark and light. Even Kakashi couldn't freely access them.
When he had once tried to look up information on Wood Release, he had to sneak in—and was caught by the Third Hokage. Only afterward was he granted access, and even then, it was limited to Konoha's research on the subject. Entry to the archives was restricted to those the Hokage trusted deeply, individuals in high positions.
Even the Scroll of Seals was stored there.
This meant the Third Hokage completely trusted Yoruha. But it also meant that Yoruha was now clearly aligned with the Hokage's faction.
Yoruha was quite pleased. He was genuinely interested in many of Konoha's techniques—
The Flying Thunder God Technique.
Wood Release.
Various sealing techniques—especially those of the Uzumaki clan.
So Yoruha smiled and said, "Thank you, Lord Hokage."
The Third Hokage nodded.
Kakashi's expression, however, was complicated.
After chatting with the Third Hokage for a while, Kakashi led Yoruha out of the office.
Yoruha's records had been updated.
He was now officially a Chunin.
The change came so suddenly that even Yoruha found it hard to believe.
Although confident in his abilities, he hadn't expected to become a Chunin at such a young age. This meant higher pay—and more combat opportunities.
But Kakashi didn't seem to be smiling.
Yoruha noticed.
"Kakashi-sensei, aren't you happy?"
As they walked down the street, Kakashi glanced at him.
"I am happy. But do you know why the Hokage promoted you?"
Yoruha chuckled, hands in his pockets, seemingly unconcerned.
"I might have an idea, but I don't really care."
Kakashi paused.
Looking at Yoruha's calm smile, he seemed to understand something—and smiled, too.
"You're right. There's no need to worry. No matter what, I'll be with you every step of the way."
But Yoruha didn't actually understand the Third Hokage's true intentions.
He thought the Hokage simply wanted to make use of him earlier.
He didn't know the Hokage intended to groom him—even considering bypassing Kakashi to have him succeed as the Fifth Hokage, just like Minato Namikaze back in the day.
If Yoruha hadn't displayed such strength during the Land of Waves mission, the Third Hokage would have taken his time. Kakashi, with his experience and position, would've been a more natural candidate.
But the strength Yoruha had shown changed everything.
It was just like back then—when the Hokage had originally wanted Orochimaru as his successor.
But then Minato Namikaze appeared.
And Orochimaru's actions crossed the line.
So the Hokage chose Minato.
Minato was, after all, his student's student—his grand-disciple.
Now, he was preparing to do the same.
In his eyes, Yoruha's potential was even greater than Minato's.
Minato had been a genius—but Yoruha was something else.
Yoruha's talent wasn't like Minato's. It resembled the First Hokage—Hashirama Senju.
The Third Hokage had already confirmed it.
Yoruha possessed the Sage Body.
Kakashi's next words left Yoruha a little speechless.
He had assumed Kakashi was talking about taking him along for future missions outside the village.
With a hint of resentment, he muttered,
"Kakashi-sensei… there's no teacher who exploits their student like this, right?"
Kakashi was stunned.
He suspected Yoruha hadn't understood the full meaning of his earlier words.
So he asked, "Do you know what the Third Hokage's words mean?"
"Of course. Isn't it just promoting me to Chunin so I can work harder for the village?"
"I've been prepared for that all along."
Kakashi's mouth twitched slightly.
He was now certain—Yoruha hadn't understood the implications of the promotion.
Or what Kakashi himself had meant.
Helplessly, Kakashi began to explain.
"The Third Hokage didn't promote you just to give you tasks."
"This is his way of declaring to the village where you stand—and who you stand with."
"Giving you access to the archives is a sign of deep trust. Even I need the Hokage's approval to enter."
Yoruha frowned.
Kakashi misread the expression.
Given what he knew of Yoruha, he assumed he didn't like getting involved in these kinds of power struggles.
Just as Kakashi was about to explain the upside of playing along, Yoruha spoke.
"Whatever. Any faction's fine. I'll just do what I'm required to. I don't want to—and can't—handle anything more."
Kakashi looked at him, slightly surprised.
"So you don't mind the Hokage making such a unilateral decision?"
Yoruha smiled.
"What's strange about it? He's the Hokage. He naturally has that authority."
"Besides, it doesn't hurt me. So why blame him?"
Kakashi smiled, too.
"It's good that you think that way. Now that you're a Chunin, when I need your help in the future, it'll be legitimate. Even Sensei can't object."
"If Sensei knew you said that," Yoruha replied lightly,
"He probably wouldn't be too happy."
"He won't be."
"He'll just be happy knowing you're a Chunin."
Kakashi smiled as he spoke.
The two continued down the street. Before long, they ran into Naruto and his team heading toward Ichiraku Ramen.
"Kakashi-sensei! Yoruha! You finally came out!"
Naruto waved at them, smiling brightly.
Sasuke and Sakura followed behind.
Yoruha glanced at Kakashi and smiled.
"Kakashi-sensei, looks like you're treating us today."
Kakashi sighed.
Sigh...
He had been planning to buy one of Jiraiya's novels later.
But Naruto liked ramen.
If he liked barbecue, Kakashi's wallet would've been in real danger.
The two arrived in front of Ichiraku.
Naruto grinned,
"Kakashi-sensei, Yoruha—did you know we were coming here?"
Kakashi stayed silent.
Yoruha answered,
"Yeah. Kakashi said he's treating."
Hearing that, Naruto's eyes lit up.
"Long live Kakashi-sensei!"
Kakashi looked at Yoruha, his mouth twitching slightly.
When did I say that...?
Although deep down, he knew... he was going to pay for this meal.
Sasuke watched Yoruha quietly—
Wondering what had happened inside the Hokage's office.
Sakura was curious too.
Bonus chapter in few minutes give me powaa