Sarutobi Hiruzen swiftly opened the sealed envelope containing the examination papers.
He started reviewing from the first paper, smoking as he went, and earnestly grading with a red pen.
This set of exam papers was carefully prepared by Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Although somewhat difficult, the challenge lay in bringing out the true abilities and truths of the candidates through their answers.
As the Third Hokage of Konoha and honorary principal of the Ninja School, Sarutobi Hiruzen usually only made speeches at the start and end of the school year, participating in school affairs rarely otherwise.
Thus, this time Sarutobi Hiruzen was not only assessing Aomi but also ensuring all Konoha students embodied the Will of Fire.
"Nohara Rin."
This was the first paper Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at. The neat handwriting immediately won the Hokage's favor.
"Not bad... though the thinking is a bit immature, the main idea sticks to the Will of Fire. This child is from a civilian family, having such insight is commendable."
"Oh, there's even something about Uchiha Aomi, tsk tsk…"
In the last essay question, "Describe your understanding of the Will of Fire", Nohara Rin cited Aomi generously sharing Ninjutsu: Mystical Palm Jutsu with her as an example, seeing it as a real-life embodiment of the Will of Fire.
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded slightly, a smile appearing on his lips.
What Nohara Rin stated wasn't wrong. To willingly share ninjutsu with a civilian ninja was indeed the Will of Fire.
More interestingly, Sarutobi Hiruzen sharply caught a hint of emotion in Nohara Rin's words…
"Ah, young people, this is where bonds begin, very well, very well…"
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded approvingly and awarded Nohara Rin's paper a high score of eighty-seven.
This great start put the Third Hokage in a good mood, making him look forward to the performance of other students.
"Might Guy."
Sarutobi Hiruzen chuckled as he read this paper, his expression gradually changing, sighing helplessly.
The entire paper was filled with youth, youth, youth!
Discipline was youth, the Will of Fire was youth, both the Ninja Clan and civilian ninjas were youth!!
Even as the Third Hokage, Might Guy detailed numerous examples proving he was a Hokage full of youth.
After pondering for a moment, Sarutobi Hiruzen laughed, "Youth, huh? An interesting little guy, I'm really not that old yet…"
"Though the child's theoretical knowledge is somewhat lacking, his positivity and love for Konoha can clearly be seen through the paper."
"Good child, keep it up."
Sarutobi Hiruzen gave Might Guy a score of eighty-three and specially wrote a comment, "Looking forward to the day your youth blooms."
In Might Guy's paper, he mentioned Aomi healing him.
He considered Aomi a paragon of the unity of youth and the Will of Fire, and an example to learn from and chase after.
So far, both papers that pleased Sarutobi Hiruzen mentioned Aomi's name.
This made him even more eager to see Aomi's answers.
"Uchiha Obito."
Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression became serious, as the Anbu had previously given him special reports on this Uchiha genius who awakened the double Tomoe at age seven.
Later, the Anbu reported information that suggested Uchiha Obito had contact with the Uchiha Clan's hawkish elder, Uchiha Setsuna, who had once attempted an armed rebellion.
"A Uchiha genius, hawk faction…"
Sarutobi Hiruzen took a deep drag on his cigarette. The combination of these terms, even for the Hokage of Konoha, posed a troublesome issue, one of the most difficult facing Konoha.
Upon seeing Uchiha Obito's answers, Sarutobi Hiruzen's brows furrowed, eventually knotting together.
The bulk of Uchiha Obito's paper was about the Uchiha Clan.
Focusing on power, he elaborated on how, after the dissolution of the Senju Clan, the Uchiha Clan's leading position in Konoha presented advantages, thoroughly recounting what Uchiha Setsuna had recently instilled in him…
Finally, he clumsily combined the Will of Fire with the Uchiha Clan, rambling on aimlessly, but Sarutobi Hiruzen had already lost patience to continue reading.
"Shinnosuke, keep a close watch on Uchiha Obito, and shift the Anbu's surveillance focus towards him and Uchiha Setsuna."
Opposite him, Sarutobi Shinnosuke nodded, "Understood, Father."
As the Third Hokage's eldest son, his position was now the Anbu Commander, overseeing all Anbu operations.
Sarutobi Shinnosuke watched as his father's expression shifted from serene to stern with curiosity, he picked up Uchiha Obito's paper, and soon enough, his eyes narrowed.
"This kid has major issues… According to my intel, Uchiha's hawk faction has had contact with him. It seems to have deeply influenced him. Should we take further action, Father?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen waved his hand, "Words reveal one's heart, just enhance surveillance."
Calming his emotions, the Third Hokage quietly searched for Aomi's paper.
He had originally intended to read through all the students' papers in the exam hall.
This would ensure fairness as Hokage, but reading Uchiha Obito's paper gave him a small shock, causing Sarutobi Hiruzen to no longer want to wait.
If Aomi were similar to Uchiha Obito…
"Impossible, Aomi wouldn't be like that, he's a descendant of Kagami, so kind-hearted…"
Sarutobi Hiruzen mumbled to himself, quickly locating Aomi's paper, and reading it with utmost seriousness.
Sarutobi Shinnosuke's ears twitched.
Not only his Hokage father, but even his younger brother Sarutobi Asuma, had recently inadvertently mentioned this name.
A young boy from the Uchiha Clan, yet he had such an influence within the Sarutobi household…
Watching his father's expression change, Sarutobi Shinnosuke's curiosity deepened.
As Sarutobi Hiruzen read Uchiha Obito's paper earlier, his stern expression faded away, replaced by a genuine smile as he began reading Aomi's answers from the start.
"…Where the leaves of Konoha dance, the fire of Will burns eternal… giving rise to new leaves…"
"Fallen petals are not ruthless, they turn into spring soil and nurture new blooms…"
Sarutobi Hiruzen softly recited these two lines, light glimmering in his eyes, gently tapping the table.
The writing resonated deeply with him.
Especially the first line, it seemed to conjure a solemn scene in Hiruzen's mind: a Hokage, willing to sacrifice themselves to protect the hopeful future of the village.
"Teacher, I miss you."
Sarutobi Hiruzen gazed at the photo frame of Senju Tobirama not far away, whispering, "Rest assured, for the village, I too will not hesitate to sacrifice myself…"
Once more, he recalled the scene of Senju Tobirama staying behind for them, a regret he could never forget in his life.