NARUTO- CH-106. Leaving Konoha

But if not Tsunade, who else can they choose?

Jiraiya?

This guy believed the lies from Mount Myoboku and spent his days searching for the Child of Prophecy. Not to mention becoming Hokage, they can't even see his shadow.

As for Danzo, that's even more impossible.

Doesn't he understand his old friend?

If Danzo were to become Hokage, with his personality, the first thing he'd probably do is declare war on many countries.

Declare war on the Land of Thunder! Declare war on the Land of Wind! Declare war on the Land of Earth! Declare war on the Land of Water!

Hiruzen suddenly thought of Itachi.

It's a pity his last name is Uchiha.

"Where are you going?"

Hiruzen came back to his senses and asked.

"The Land of Thunder." Tsunade casually replied, handing the warrant to leave the village to Shiki.

Shiki scanned the document and found it straightforward, granting permission to leave the village with Hiruzen's signature and the Hokage's seal.

"So far?"

Hiruzen couldn't help but frown.

"Not far." Tsunade snorted, "Old man, you should get out and explore once in a while!"

In her mind, ever since becoming Hokage, Hiruzen rarely left Konoha Village.

"When you go, you need to be aware of the Fourth Raikage." Hiruzen said in a serious tone, "Sugi Village has issued a bounty, claiming the Fourth Raikage stole their secret technique."

"This is typical of Hidden Cloud Village." Tsunade said, recalling the kidnappings of Kushina and Hinata by the Hidden Cloud.

She glanced at Shiki subconsciously.

Though he didn't have a bloodline limit, his talent alone might make him a target for abduction by the Hidden Cloud.

---

The Main Gate of Konoha Village

"I'm bored," Izumo sighed.

"It was more exciting when the Fourth Hokage was around," Kotetsu agreed with deep sympathy.

"Any standout newcomers in Konoha recently?" Izumo asked, glancing at the sky.

As gatekeepers, their daily job was to record the ninjas entering and leaving the village. Beyond that, there wasn't much to do.

To pass the time—and out of personal interest—they kept tabs on the new generation of ninjas.

"There is," Kotetsu said with a mysterious smile. "You'll be surprised."

"Really?" Izumo turned to him, skeptical.

"Don't underestimate my intelligence!" Kotetsu patted his chest proudly.

"Alright, spill it!" Izumo was intrigued.

"Yesterday, the Ninja Academy held its final exams, and a genius emerged," Kotetsu said, smiling.

"Hyuga Neji, right?" Izumo rolled his eyes.

"Times have changed, Izumo," Kotetsu replied earnestly. "Hyuga Neji was knocked unconscious by a single punch."

"What?!" Izumo stood up, shocked.

"It's true. The one who defeated him is Shiki, the student of Lady Tsunade."

"The next Chunin Exam will be something to see," Izumo said, still in disbelief.

"We should apply to be proctors for the Chunin Exam. Think the Hokage will agree?" Kotetsu mused.

"That might be tough," Izumo said, shaking his head.

"Can't hurt to try," Kotetsu said, a nostalgic look crossing his face. "I'll call on the XXX team if it works out."

The XXXteam, comprising Shiranui, Raido, and Genma, had once served as Minato's bodyguards and performed the Flying Thunder Formation Technique.

Nowadays, they were just as idle as the gatekeepers themselves.

"Wait, someone's coming. It looks like Lady Tsunade."

Izumo subconsciously straightened up, and Kotetsu did the same.

"We're leaving the village," Shizune said, handing the travel warrant to Izumo. "Tsunade, Shizune, and Shiki."

Izumo glanced at Kotetsu.

Was this the same Shiki?

---

**Outside the Village**

Shiki noticed Izumo and Kotetsu glancing at him curiously.

What's with the looks?

"Registration is complete. You're free to leave anytime," Izumo said, returning the travel warrant.

"Thank you," Shizune replied politely.

Tsunade, however, didn't even glance at them and walked straight out.

She had already left Konoha before Minato became Hokage and had no memory of Izumo and Kotetsu, so there was no need for pleasantries.

"I never thought we'd be registering Lady Tsunade one day," Izumo said, a little awestruck.

"Are you saying Lady Tsunade usually skips the main gate?" Kotetsu teased.

"That's not what I meant!" Izumo glared at him.

"That Shiki kid is the same one who asked about Guy last time," Kotetsu suddenly remembered.

"It is him," Izumo confirmed after a moment.

Shiki's striking appearance left a lasting impression.

---

Beyond the village was the dense Forest of Death.

For Shiki, it was his first time venturing out.

Last time, when he went to the Fire Nation's capital, they used summoning techniques.

Not this time.

According to Tsunade, running was the real training.

The trio darted through the treetops, their movements startling birds and beasts as they moved swiftly through the forest.

Soon, they reached its edge.

"Shizune," Tsunade called, halting.

"Yes, Lady Tsunade," Shizune responded, handing Tonton to Shiki.

Pulling out a map, she turned to him.

"Shiki," Shizune said, "do you know what a ninja should do after accepting a mission?"

Oh, it's teaching time.

Shiki glanced at the map. "First, determine the route."

"No, it's assessing the client," Shizune corrected, smiling. "A ninja should never accept a mission beyond their capability."

Shiki recalled Team 7's disastrous first C-rank mission, escorting Tazuna.

Despite being classified as C-rank, it led to encounters with Zabuza and Haku—threats far beyond the mission's level.

If Kakashi hadn't led the team, they might not have survived.

"The mission only begins after confirming the difficulty is appropriate," Shizune continued. "Next, the travel route should be fast and safe. And camping locations should always be remote…"

"I understand, Shizune-nee," Shiki said with a small smile.

__________

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