Hiruzen Sarutobi was looking at the list of Jonin leaders, selecting candidates who could become the Jonin leaders for Uchiha Sasuke and Naruto Uzumaki.

Asuma Sarutobi had already been eliminated by Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Kurenai Yuhi had only recently become a Jonin and specialized in genjutsu; she might not be able to keep Uchiha Sasuke and Naruto Uzumaki in check.

Other Jonin were also not very suitable.

Upon seeing a name, Hiruzen Sarutobi’s eyes narrowed slightly.

Hatake Kakashi.

Hiruzen Sarutobi now trusted Kakashi greatly.

Because Kakashi had already become one of the sharpest blades in his, Hiruzen Sarutobi’s, hand.

Kakashi could perfectly complete any of his commands.

As Chiba’s disciple, Hiruzen Sarutobi had tested Kakashi several times, and Kakashi had passed all of his trials.

Hiruzen Sarutobi unconsciously picked up his pipe and took a puff.

If Kakashi were to be the leading sensei for Uchiha Sasuke and Naruto Uzumaki, Kakashi could indeed keep both of them in check, and at the same time, report their every move to him.

However, Naruto Uzumaki’s matter was very important, and Hiruzen Sarutobi felt that he must be careful.

Hiruzen Sarutobi’s eyes narrowed.

Then he would test Kakashi one more time.

Hiruzen Sarutobi called a Ninja to fetch Kakashi.

Kakashi arrived at Hiruzen Sarutobi’s office, glanced at the list on the table, and immediately guessed that Hiruzen Sarutobi had called him because it was about him becoming a team leader.

However, Kakashi didn't know if Hiruzen Sarutobi had already decided on his students or if he was asking for his opinion.

If it had already been decided, then it would be troublesome, because if Naruto Uzumaki wasn't among the Genin assigned to him, it would be useless even if he brought it up.

Hiruzen Sarutobi said, “Kakashi, I called you here because I want you to lead two people, and I want to ask for your opinion.”

Kakashi breathed a sigh of relief inwardly; asking for his opinion was fine, at least there was still room for negotiation.

Kakashi inquired, “Third Hokage, who do you want me to lead first?”

“Uchiha Sasuke and Naruto Uzumaki.”

Kakashi looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi in surprise, not expecting Hiruzen Sarutobi to actively let him lead Naruto Uzumaki, which would save a lot of trouble.

Kakashi agreed, “Third Hokage, I am willing to lead Uchiha Sasuke and Naruto Uzumaki.”

Hiruzen Sarutobi stared at Kakashi and asked, “Kakashi, you have no objections? Were you already thinking of leading Sasuke or Naruto?”

Facing Hiruzen Sarutobi’s scrutinizing gaze, Kakashi calmly replied, “Yes, I already had a candidate in mind, Uchiha Sasuke.”

Now it was Hiruzen Sarutobi’s turn to be surprised.

Kakashi and Uchiha Sasuke had no particular connection, so why would Kakashi want to lead Uchiha Sasuke?

Kakashi explained, “Third Hokage, you also know that Sasuke’s older brother, Uchiha Itachi, was once my subordinate.

At that time, Itachi was a subordinate I trusted, yet he committed such an unforgivable act.

Perhaps Itachi had problems long ago, but I didn’t discover them.

If I had found out earlier, perhaps none of this would have happened.

I have always felt guilty, so I don’t want Sasuke, Itachi’s younger brother, to one day follow in his brother’s footsteps.

I hope Sasuke can become a Ninja loyal to Konoha.

Therefore, if you hadn’t mentioned it, I would have also requested you, Third Hokage, to let me guide Sasuke.

I will make Sasuke a true Konoha Shinobi.”

Kakashi didn’t know if Hiruzen Sarutobi was testing him.

However, Kakashi treated all of Hiruzen Sarutobi’s words and actions as tests, which ensured he wouldn’t make a mistake.

This was also why Kakashi had passed Hiruzen Sarutobi’s many previous tests.

He had no personal feelings for Uchiha Sasuke; it was just that Uchiha Sasuke and Naruto Uzumaki were together, which prompted Kakashi to come up with this explanation.

Hiruzen Sarutobi had no doubts about Kakashi’s explanation, so he nodded and said, “Since that’s the case, then it’s perfect, Kakashi.

Besides focusing on Sasuke, you also need to pay close attention to Naruto.

You understand Naruto’s importance to us.”

Kakashi ‘puzzled’ asked, “I know Naruto is very important to Konoha, but why don’t you, Third Hokage, guard Naruto separately?

After all, I will definitely take them out of the village for missions in the future, which is too dangerous.”

Hiruzen Sarutobi naturally would not tell Kakashi about Minato Namikaze’s impending awakening.

This matter, apart from him and the medical Ninja who were taking care of Minato Namikaze, no one else in Konoha knew about it.

Even Utatane Koharu, Homura Mitokado, and Danzo did not know.

Hiruzen Sarutobi had also given strict orders to those medical Ninja.

If they leaked this matter, it would be treated as treason against the village.

The explanation given to those medical Ninja was that this was for Minato Namikaze’s safety; if Minato Namikaze’s former enemies knew that Minato Namikaze was still alive and about to awaken, then Minato Namikaze would be in great danger.

However, the true reason was only clear to Hiruzen Sarutobi himself.

Hiruzen Sarutobi said to Kakashi, “I hope Naruto can live a normal life, so it’s better to treat Naruto normally.

After this, as the leading Jonin, you should proceed as usual and not treat him specially because of Naruto’s identity.”

Kakashi nodded and replied, “Yes, I understand.”

...

A week later at the Ninja Academy.

“Alright, let’s begin the graduation exam.

Those whose names are called, please come to the next classroom.

The test this time is the Clone Technique.”

Naruto Uzumaki heard the test content without any change in expression.

The Clone Technique was no problem at all for Naruto Uzumaki.

Currently, Naruto Uzumaki could even use the Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu.

Because Chiba had considered that if the Nine-Tails didn’t cause trouble, it would be very simple for Naruto Uzumaki to learn the Clone Technique and pass the Ninja Academy exam easily.

However, Chiba guessed that in that case, Naruto Uzumaki might not be able to learn the Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu from the Scroll of Seals.

So, when Chiba taught Naruto Uzumaki the Wind Breathing Full Sword Style, he also taught him the Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu.

Soon, Naruto Uzumaki’s name was called, and he went to the next classroom for the assessment.

Iruka said to Naruto Uzumaki, “Alright, begin.”

“Clone Technique.”

Naruto Uzumaki directly created five clones.

Iruka nodded, “Very good, you passed.

Come and get your forehead protector.”

Naruto Uzumaki walked forward and picked up a Ninja forehead protector.

Mizuki, sitting beside Iruka, smiled and said to Naruto Uzumaki, “You’re truly excellent, Naruto.

You can easily create five clones.”

Naruto Uzumaki casually said, “Thank you, Mizuki-sensei, for the compliment.”

Naruto Uzumaki turned and left the classroom, while Mizuki’s gaze remained fixated on Naruto Uzumaki’s retreating figure, almost unable to tear his eyes away.