NOVEL WEB Chapter 18: Promotion
The next morning, under the rising sun, Uchiha Yuma met Namikaze Minato at the agreed location, and together, they headed to the Hokage building. Guided by Minato's familiarity with the area, they arrived at the Hokage's office.
Sarutobi Hiruzen greeted Yuma warmly as they entered. "Are you Uchiha Yuma? Not bad, a handsome young man," he remarked with a smile.
Yuma, ever humble, bowed slightly. "Thank you for the compliment, Hokage-sama." He had a positive impression of Sarutobi Hiruzen, as a group leader who greeted him so kindly. It was difficult not to feel good about him.
"Please, no need to be so formal," Sarutobi replied, setting down his pipe and focusing on the matter at hand. "I called you here today mainly to reward you."
With that, he handed Yuma a letter of appointment. "In recognition of your outstanding performance in this mission, you are hereby promoted to Special Jōnin."
"Additionally, you're permitted to study a forbidden technique at the Forbidden Technique Hall."
Yuma was taken aback. The title of Special Jōnin was a significant achievement—it placed him above Chūnin but below full Jōnin, signaling that he had mastered a particular aspect of the ninja arts. It was a title many aspired to, and even more intriguing was the opportunity to study a forbidden technique.
The Forbidden Technique Hall housed Konoha's most dangerous and potent techniques, some of which were kept secret, including the famous Book of Seals. Orochimaru's pursuit of forbidden arts came to mind as Yuma considered his options.
"I'll do my best to live up to the village's expectations and serve Konoha with all my strength," Yuma responded solemnly.
In the Forbidden Technique Hall, Yuma sat cross-legged, unrolling a scroll. As it unfurled, a pattern of an eight-headed giant snake emerged. "Yamata no Jutsu... So powerful," he murmured, impressed by the technique's potential.
Yamata no Jutsu, a forbidden art developed by an unknown figure, could channel one's soul and thoughts into a form of chakra—a technique tied to Ōtsutsuki's ancient secrets. Though it wasn't strictly a combat skill, it held the promise of unlocking vast abilities, especially when combined with techniques that allowed for body transfers.
Yuma was determined. If he mastered the Yamata no Jutsu, he would be able to access the core of Chakra, gaining incredible power. His thoughts briefly drifted to the possibility of mastering immortality techniques, but he quickly refocused.
After setting the scroll aside, he left the Forbidden Technique Hall and returned to the Hokage's office.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, holding the scroll, raised an eyebrow. "Are you certain you wish to learn this technique? It's not without its drawbacks. While it's powerful, it has its own set of limitations, especially in terms of mobility."
"I am sure, Hokage-sama," Yuma affirmed. "This technique suits me best."
Sighing, Sarutobi handed the scroll to Yuma. "Very well. Take this and study it carefully. But remember, once you have mastered it, come back to report."
Minato, who had been quietly observing, patted Yuma on the head. "Now that you're promoted and have the technique you wanted, go home and start your training. Hokage and I still have matters to discuss."
With a contented nod, Yuma took the scroll and left, a smile on his face as he made his way back to the clan.
Meanwhile, Uchiha Fugaku, having received word of Yuma's promotion, summoned him to his office. He wanted to discuss his recent achievements, but Yuma, feeling the weight of his success, couldn't help but think how lucky he was to be a part of the Hokage lineage. It seemed everything was falling into place.