Shikigami Summoning in Konoha

Chapter 64: Changing Missions

Due to the previous incident involving the Three-Tailed Fox, Katsuragi now has direct access to the Third Hokage; the gatekeepers have been specifically instructed not to hinder him, treating him not as a mere child.

"What brings you here, Katsuragi?" asked the Third Hokage, feigning ignorance as if he hadn't been observing everything like watching a movie; truly a crafty old fox.

"Lord Third, I have important information to report!"

Katsuragi, playing along as if the Third was unaware, began, "Mizuki-sensei approached Naruto and me just now, and he shared something very secretive. I came to confirm it with you."

"Oh? What is it?"

The Third Hokage's eyes twinkled with amusement, already aware from his surveillance that Katsuragi would not fall for Mizuki's words. He was initially concerned this might disrupt his plans but was relieved to see Katsuragi playing his part.

"Mizuki-sensei told us that there is a Scroll of Seals here with you, and that mastering the jutsu within could enable Naruto to graduate," Katsuragi said directly.

"Oh? And what else did he say?"

The Third Hokage appeared nonchalant, genuinely unconcerned.

"He also mentioned that this scroll is a precious asset of the village and that if we asked you directly, you would definitely not give it to us. So, he suggested that Naruto and I steal it."

Seeing the Third's expression, Katsuragi continued indifferently, recognizing that the Third was merely teasing him.

"If I tell you this, wouldn't it prevent Naruto from graduating if it were true?"

The Third Hokage looked at Katsuragi, chuckling as he lit a cigarette after walking to the table.

"Lord Third..."

Katsuragi watched the Third continue his jest, exasperatedly saying, "I haven't even had dinner yet, I came straight here. Mizuki-sensei is clearly up to something, are you really not going to do anything about him?"

"Ha ha!"

The Third Hokage laughed heartily, then took a deep drag on his cigarette and said, "Yes, I understand. I have my own plans for this matter; just do as Mizuki instructed for tonight."

"Alright!" That was all Katsuragi needed to hear. As he prepared to leave for dinner, he paused and asked, "Lord Third, Naruto will graduate, right?"

"What if he doesn't?"

The Third Hokage smiled at Katsuragi. As the Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails, Naruto's fate as a ninja was already sealed, even if he couldn't graduate from the academy.

"Impossible!" Katsuragi shook his head, then, adopting a detective-like demeanor, rested his chin on his hand and said, "Before the exam, you had already arranged Naruto's team placement, so he definitely won't fail to graduate."

"You are smart!" The Third Hokage shook his head, then seemed to recall something, and added, "I've considered your arrangement. Your previous suggestions were sensible, so indeed you can't be placed in a regular team."

"However, in a few months, there is a Chunin Exam, and Konoha will invite other villages for a large-scale exam. I need someone to demonstrate the strength of the next generation of Leaf shinobi."

"Me?" Katsuragi was taken aback.

The Third Hokage smiled, not directly answering but continuing, "There is still some time until the exam, and having a teacher during this period is crucial. Thus, although I'm assigning you to an independent squad, you must join other teams to complete missions until the Chunin Exam. I'll arrange something else for you afterward, depending on your performance."

"The Chunin Exam…"

Katsuragi muttered to himself, aware that Orochimaru and his plans for the destruction of Konoha were part of this upcoming event. Although the original story saw these plans fail and the Third Hokage lose his life, the same could disrupt any further arrangements for him if history repeated.

However, Katsuragi couldn't divulge these concerns. "Which team will I follow?" he asked casually.

"I've arranged three for you!"

"Three!?" Katsuragi was stunned by the number.

"They are all Jounin," the Third Hokage explained as he puffed a smoke ring, noticing Katsuragi's reluctance. "And it's not just me making these arrangements. They are all willing to teach you, but you must pass each of their tests."

"And I have informed them of your capabilities, so these won't be mere Genin-level tests. Prepare yourself mentally."

Katsuragi looked incredulously at the Third Hokage, almost wishing the elder had not 'cared' for him so much. With his shikigami abilities, he didn't need such mentoring.

"They are Kakashi Hatake, Kurenai Yuhi, and Might Guy. Kakashi will train you in Ninjutsu, Kurenai in Genjutsu, and Guy in Taijutsu."

The Third Hokage watched Katsuragi's stunned face and continued, "Your Taijutsu is already strong, so try to spend more time with the other two to learn their skills. However, you must first pass their tests."

"Guy you know already. Kakashi and Kurenai will introduce themselves during tomorrow's team assignments."

At that moment, Katsuragi noticed an update in his courtyard missions, adding three new conditions corresponding to the tests set by the Jounin:

"Kakashi Hatake's Test: Uncompleted (0/3)"

"Kurenai Yuhi's Test: Uncompleted (0/3)"

"Might Guy's Test: Uncompleted (0/3)"

Katsuragi internally cursed as he reluctantly nodded to the Third, "I understand."

"Good, manage it as you see fit tomorrow. You can start with any of their tests." The Third Hokage saw Katsuragi's bitter expression and chided, "Don't look so gloomy; you're the first in the Leaf Village to get this kind of treatment."

"Che!"

Katsuragi silently scorned the special treatment. What should have been a straightforward path to an SSR now had complicated twists.

"If I fail to gain any of their approvals..."

Katsuragi worried inwardly.

"Go have your dinner, and don't forget to do as Mizuki said tonight. Just make sure he doesn't harm Naruto," the Third Hokage instructed before returning to his desk, seemingly ready to resume work.

Katsuragi didn't stay any longer. After bidding farewell, he left the Hokage's office, pondering how to pass the tests of the three Jounin tomorrow. Guy's test was manageable; he was almost certain to pass. Kurenai's temperament was agreeable, likely posing no issue.

The real challenge was Kakashi, who valued teamwork and comradeship. As long as he could demonstrate these qualities, he should be able to pass as well.

Under the dark night sky, after dinner, Katsuragi arrived at the designated meeting place Mizuki had mentioned, waiting. Soon, Naruto appeared with a large scroll on his back. Excitedly, he called out:

"Katsuragi, the old man really had this scroll! Come check it out."

Approaching the large scroll, Katsuragi wondered if the Third Hokage had really allowed Naruto to take the original Scroll of Seals or if it was a specially prepared decoy. And considering the variety of seals possible, it seemed unlikely such a valuable item wouldn't have any protections.

End of Chapter 64