Hokage's Office – Morning
Orochimaru had come specifically to apologize for last night's "reckless behavior."
And yet—
Kazuki didn't even show up.
"How amusing," Orochimaru murmured, eyes gleaming faintly.
The urge to drag the boy back to a laboratory and dissect his secrets was almost overwhelming.
Mito Uzumaki's expression darkened slightly as she glanced at Orochimaru.
"Hiruzen," she said calmly, "I know the village once attempted to revive the First Hokage's Wood Release through large-scale experimentation."
"That path was wrong."
"It has been banned."
Her gaze sharpened.
"What happened last night must never happen again."
Hiruzen nodded immediately.
"Yes, Old Lady Mito. I have warned Orochimaru. He understands."
Orochimaru smiled politely.
"Of course, Mito-sama. It won't happen again."
Next time, he thought quietly, I won't give him a chance to fight back.
But before that—
He needed Kazuki outside the village.
Kumogakure was unstable.
The perfect excuse to send someone powerful… and isolated.
"Perhaps he simply forgot," Orochimaru suggested lightly. "Shall I retrieve him?"
"No," Mito said sharply. "Kushina and I will go."
Hiruzen nodded after a moment.
"…Let's all go."
Kazuki's Cabin
Kazuki had not expected the Hokage himself to show up.
He was still lying on his bed.
Training.
In his own way.
He had discovered something interesting:
When he lay still and mentally simulated ninjutsu—
His proficiency increased faster than physical repetition.
Being lazy…
Was optimal training.
Fusion progress:5.2% → 5.3%
Flying Thunder God — Level 2Impure World Reincarnation — Level 2
His perception had sharpened noticeably.
In fact—
In terms of theoretical mastery—
He might already be the most proficient user of Flying Thunder God alive.
Tobirama was dead.
Minato hadn't learned it yet.
As for Impure World Reincarnation—
Orochimaru was still years away from completing it.
Kazuki stretched lazily—
And froze.
Outside.
Mito.
Kushina.
Hiruzen.
Orochimaru.
"…That's awkward."
He jumped out the window.
"Kushina. Old Lady Mito. Hokage-sama. Orochimaru-kun. Good morning."
He yawned casually.
Hiruzen's eye twitched.
"Young people should train diligently. Sleeping in like this is a waste of time."
Mito snorted.
"He nearly died last night. Let him rest."
Orochimaru merely smiled.
Kushina waved excitedly.
Kazuki glanced internally at his stats again.
5.3%.
Efficient.
Hiruzen cleared his throat.
"Ahem. Orochimaru, apologize."
Orochimaru stepped forward and bowed slightly.
"Kazuki-kun. I apologize for last night's disturbance."
Kazuki waved lazily.
"It's fine."
Hiruzen felt slightly relieved.
At least the boy wasn't holding a grudge.
"Kazuki," Hiruzen continued, "after reviewing last night's events, the council has decided to promote you."
"You are hereby exempt from the Chūnin Exams."
"Effective immediately, you are a chūnin."
He expected gratitude.
Excitement.
At least surprise.
Instead—
Kazuki said flatly:
"I refuse."
Silence.
Hiruzen blinked.
"…What?"
"I decline the promotion."
"I'm perfectly happy as a genin. I, Kazuki, will never become a chūnin."
Everyone froze.
Inside Kazuki's mind—
[System Notification — Three options available:]
Option 1:Accept promotion and become Konoha's rising star.Reward: C-Rank Ninjutsu — Manipulated Shuriken: Triple Blade.
Option 2:Refuse exemption and take the Chūnin Exams properly.Reward: B-Rank Physique — Human Bullet Tank (Spiked Variant).
Option 3:Flatly reject promotion. Remain a genin forever.Reward: ×10 Hashirama fusion speed.A-Rank Ninjutsu — Lightning Release: Chidori.
Kazuki's eyes lit up slightly.
Does this even require thought?
Ten times fusion speed.
And Chidori?
Being a genin was underrated.
Let others chase rank and paperwork.
He would chase godhood.
Outside—
Hiruzen rubbed his temples.
"Kazuki… do you understand what you're refusing?"
Kazuki nodded calmly.
"More responsibility."
"More missions."
"Less sleep."
"No thank you."
Kushina tried not to laugh.
Mito looked thoughtful instead of angry.
Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with even deeper interest.
This boy—
Didn't crave status.
Didn't fear authority.
Didn't follow normal ambition.
That made him far more dangerous than a prodigy.
Hiruzen sighed.
"You are the only known Wood Release user in this generation."
Kazuki shrugged.
"Then I'll be the strongest genin in history."
System confirmation sounded quietly.
Fusion speed ×10 activated.
Chidori unlocked.
Kazuki felt lightning chakra patterns flow into his knowledge instantly.
His smile widened faintly.
Now this is efficient.