Chapter 119: Being a Konoha Genin Is Actually This Difficult
The moment Sasuko and Naruko reached the Hokage building entrance, the guard ninja saw Sasuko and immediately straightened, bowing respectfully and proactively pulling open the door: "Welcome, Miss Sasuko."
Naruko watched from the side in amazement.
By convention, outside visitors needed to report and wait first, but Sasuko's treatment was like a master returning to their own home with servants opening doors as naturally as breathing.
This was probably the so-called "Sasuko Uchiha has returned to her loyal Hokage building."
Unfortunately, this guard didn't know that the Miss Sasuko he addressed was actually here to apply for work, and as a Genin at that.
According to Konoha tradition, aside from extremely rare exceptions, all ninja had to start from Genin. Through repeated mission tempering and strict assessments, only after earning everyone's recognition could one advance to Jonin.
The guard's respectful attitude made Sasuko freeze slightly, her earlier nervousness dissipating.
But she couldn't help wondering: clearly this was her first time at the Hokage building. Why were even the guards here so polite to her?
Could this building housing Konoha's highest authority have guards whose main duty was actually greeting guests?
She couldn't help glancing at Naruko beside her, who returned an understanding smile.
Naruko had never enjoyed such treatment. Now she also couldn't help her curiosity—when Sasuko proposed taking missions and becoming a ninja to Granny Tsunade, how would that Hokage react?
Naruko followed Sasuko all the way to the top-floor Hokage office. Administrative personnel they encountered along the way all showed amazed expressions seeing this unfamiliar beautiful girl.
A female clerk familiar with Naruko came over asking softly: "Who is this?"
Naruko smiled slyly: "Uchiha Sasuko."
The other first froze, then as if recalling some important information, hurriedly bowed deeply to Sasuko: "Pardon me!" After speaking, she quickly departed carrying documents.
Sasuko's confusion deepened—the guard's attitude was understandable, but why were even office personnel she'd never met so respectful?
Naruko watched from the side with great interest.
It seemed Yu had never told Sasuko about his external actions or actual position in Konoha.
This also explained why when Sasuko proposed becoming a ninja, she'd been so shocked: partly because Sasuko was actually willing to leave Yu's side, and partly—given Yu's position in the village, his most valued adoptive sister suddenly saying she wanted to become a ninja would itself trigger countless speculations.
Sasuko stopped walking, turning to Naruko: "You know something, don't you?"
Naruko immediately composed her expression, putting on a serious face: "Sasuko, what's wrong?"
Sasuko noticed her barely contained appearance, narrowing her eyes slightly: "Why is everyone so respectful to me?"
Naruko tilted her head, feigning innocence: "I don't know~ Maybe because Sasuko is too beautiful?"
Sasuko looked around, discovering the gazes directed at her indeed all carried obvious respect, even some nervousness.
In such circumstances, she couldn't do anything to Naruko—before outsiders, she always maintained a dignified, cold image.
Sasuko glanced at Naruko without pursuing further.
The two arrived at the top-floor Hokage office unimpeded.
Sasuko raised her hand to knock lightly. The door opened immediately.
A capable woman with short black hair wearing dark clothing appeared behind the door—Shizune.
She respectfully stepped aside, nodding acknowledgment to Sasuko.
They came before the Hokage's desk to find Tsunade looking at them with a smile, greeting warmly: "Don't stand. Sit."
Sasuko and Naruko took seats at Tsunade's indication. Shizune promptly served freshly brewed tea, elegant tea fragrance slowly permeating the room.
"I didn't expect Miss Sasuko to visit personally." Tsunade's hands folded before her on the desk, tone gentle. "Is there something you need help with?"
Sasuko sat properly, hands resting lightly on her knees: "I want to register as a ninja, starting from Genin."
The office suddenly quieted.
Shizune's hand serving tea paused slightly. Even Tsunade's eyes showed a trace of surprise.
"This is unexpected." Tsunade quickly recovered, glancing at Naruko beside them. "Was this Naruko's suggestion?"
"It was my own decision." Sasuko's tone was calm yet firm. "I hope to improve myself step by step through proper channels."
Tsunade nodded thoughtfully, her gaze carrying appreciation: "I was present at your graduation assessment. With your strength, you truly shouldn't be buried. However..." Her tone shifted. "The ninja path isn't easy. Have you thought this through? What do your family members think?"
Sasuko heard the deeper meaning in her words.
"This is unrelated to anyone. I want to become a ninja." She lifted her chin slightly. "Please give me this opportunity."
This declaration left Tsunade somewhat troubled.
Logically, Sasuko's displayed strength had long exceeded Genin standards, but she was after all that man's most valued sister—that existence who'd once split an entire desert with one strike.
Tsunade's expression gradually grew grave.
If anything happened to Sasuko during mission execution, Konoha likely couldn't withstand that person's fury. Thinking this, she felt tremendous pressure.
Even Sasuko noticed this gravity, somewhat puzzled: could becoming a Konoha Genin really be such a serious matter?
Tsunade lifted her teacup for a light sip, using this action to rapidly organize her thoughts.
When she set down the cup, her face had already exchanged for a warm smile:
"Miss Sasuko having such enterprising spirit is admirable. However, ninja registration requires proper procedures. Especially for outstanding Genin with special talents like yourself—careful evaluation is even more necessary."
She unobtrusively observed Sasuko's reaction, continuing in steady tones: "How about this—I'll have Shizune first organize the recent mission list suitable for newcomers. You can also use this time to consider carefully. After all, a ninja career concerns one's entire life. There's no need to rush a decision."
Shizune immediately responded understandingly: "Mission archives are currently being organized. It may take three days to retrieve everything."
Tsunade's fingertips lightly tapped the desk, tone growing even gentler: "Moreover, by convention, newly promoted Genin all need a senior Jonin as guiding instructor. Currently, suitable Jonin in the village are all on external missions. We'll need to wait for their return before making arrangements."
She stood, walking before Sasuko with elegant bearing and casual tone: "I understand your determination, but precisely because I value your talent, we need to make thorough preparations. Please give us some time for proper arrangements."
This speech was watertight, neither directly refusing nor cleverly setting multiple buffer steps.
Sasuko felt somewhat dazed by Tsunade's solemn response.
She blinked, unable to help softly confirming:
"Um... I just want to register as a Genin. It shouldn't require such a complex process, right?"
She truly didn't understand why an ordinary Genin registration would need such mobilized arrangements.
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