After Fenghuo became a civil servant, he started his career working as a security guard seven days a week. During this time, he was shaped by the earnest teachings of three generations of Hokage, making his life feel unexpectedly "rich" and "fulfilling."
What comforted Fenghuo the most was practicing the Shadow Clone Jutsu.
Regarding the transformation of chakra's shape and nature, after more than two weeks of persistent training, he finally mastered the fundamentals.
That evening, Fenghuo began his practice in the small courtyard right after waking up.
Chakra gathered in his palms, and after adjusting its shape and nature, it gradually took on the crackling energy of lightning—faint sparks danced and exploded with a deafening roar. The momentum was powerful but difficult to control; there was no soft rustling like a thousand birds singing in harmony.
Fenghuo paused, recalling carefully that Chidori was a Lightning Release technique that required specific hand seals.
"Hmmm... what were the hand signs for Chidori? They seemed quite simple..."
He racked his brain but couldn't quite remember, so he resorted to a tedious trial-and-error approach, testing every possible combination one by one.
It was definitely a clumsy method, but fortunately, he had his Shadow Clones to help. Without them, Fenghuo might have lost his mind.
A quiet month passed quickly.
Today marked the end of the Chunin Exams for Fenghuo, Kakashi, and Uchiha Tenizumi. The three were summoned by Sakumo Hatake to the Hokage's office for a debriefing with Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Hiruzen Sarutobi puffed on his pipe twice before speaking slowly:
"Kakashi, Fenghuo, Uchiha Tenizumi — you've spent a month in Anbu. I have been observing your progress during this time… your growth."
Fenghuo inwardly scoffed. Damn it! This month was just brainwashing—trying to force loyalty to the village. Who do you think you're fooling?
But on the surface, he wore the mask of a dutiful and honest young ninja. Sarutobi smiled, pleased by the apparent sincerity.
After a long speech, Sarutobi finally announced with a smile:
"I'm happy to inform you that your Chunin Exams have concluded today, and… you have all passed."
Kakashi's face remained impassive.
Uchiha Tenizumi frowned, disappointed. He had hoped to make a great contribution to the Uchiha clan but realized the future lay in Sarutobi's hands, not his.
The next step was the formal issuing of Chunin certificates — a mere formality to mark their official promotion from Genin to Chunin.
"Kakashi, you have set a new record as the youngest Chunin in the history of the ninja world!" Hiruzen said cheerfully, watching Kakashi and Fenghuo with growing pride.
He occasionally glanced at Tenizumi, who seemed less favored by his clan elders, but quickly looked away without comment.
Despite breaking the record, Kakashi showed no pride. His quiet demeanor reflected the mindset of someone who regarded the achievement as merely expected.
After the promotion, Sarutobi did not assign new missions right away. Their days in Anbu were officially over.
The cursed seals on Kakashi and Fenghuo were removed immediately by a long-haired Anbu operative. Interestingly, they were the only ones present at the seal-lifting ceremony; Uchiha Tenizumi was absent.
This made Fenghuo realize just how inscrutable Sarutobi Hiruzen's plans truly were.
Before joining Anbu, Fenghuo had expected to be sent all over the world—to assassinate rebels, gather intel, or forge secret alliances. He even planned to assassinate Uchiha Tenquan if necessary. Instead, he had spent the past month quietly as a security guard without encountering any real threats.
Though not used to the sudden break from fieldwork, he adjusted quickly.
Meanwhile, his clones continued experimenting with Chidori's hand seals while he sought out hiding places to refine his skills.
News of the three's promotion soon spread.
Kakashi, known as a prodigy since childhood, drew the most attention—becoming the youngest Chunin at just six years old, a feat unmatched in Konoha's history. With the added prestige of being the son of the famous White Fang, Kakashi's spotlight shone brighter than ever, captivating the interest of Konoha's influential clans.
Fenghuo, one year older than Kakashi, was also under watchful eyes, especially from the Uchiha clan, whose invitations for meetings and greetings were nonstop.
Uchiha Chika, the clan patriarch; Uchiha Sanno, captain of the police force; and the elders of the Uchiha ancestral home had all called on him repeatedly within three days—offering greetings, handshakes, and proposals to establish good relations.
Fenghuo, however, found it impossible to respond properly and chose to avoid these visits.
Matt Dai and Yuhi Zhenhong even made a trip to the Anma clan's territory.
The Anma clan patriarch, Anma Congyun, wore a long face upon seeing Fenghuo and showed little interest, delegating a servant to entertain him instead.
Meanwhile, Fenghuo's recent activities with "sealing the fire" (presumably a secret technique or mission) drew the attention of the senior Uchiha elders, causing quite a stir.
In the Uchiha ancestral home, Uchiha Chinatsu, Uchiha Sanno, and several elders gathered with grim expressions to discuss Fenghuo's actions.
"Uchiha Fenghuo is a traitor!" one elder declared, condemning him openly. "I propose his name be struck from the family registry."
"Mitedai, Yuhi really are favored, as well as the Anma clan… all connected to the three generations of Hokage. It seems our little genius has already found a way to climb," Uchiha Bo Qianxia sneered.
"Take out his eyes!" another elder slammed the table, shouting, "We must never allow the Blood Succession Limit of the Uchiha to fall into outsiders' hands!"
"Yes, Fenghuo has awakened the double Sharingan at such a young age — his eyes are extraordinary and must be reclaimed!" another elder demanded.
Uchiha Yamano frowned and objected:
"If we do this, wouldn't it be declaring war on the Third Hokage? Fenghuo is still young and inexperienced. Blood is thicker than water. We can slowly influence him to reintegrate into our clan."
"Enough, this matter is settled!" an elder cut off Yamano coldly.
The rest sided with the harsh stance, leaving Sanno to reluctantly agree.
Elsewhere, after school, Obito, Kai, and friends pooled their money once more to celebrate Kakashi and Fenghuo's promotion at a local barbecue restaurant. Even Sarutobi Asuma was present.
"Cheers!"
Everyone raised their glasses, congratulating Fenghuo and Kakashi as they drank.
"No need to celebrate this much," Kakashi said, quietly sipping through his mask.
Lin Qi teased: "Kakashi, you really don't care about our feelings at all!"
"Yeah, we're still stuck as Genin, and you and Fenghuo are already Chunin," Yuhi Hong's soft, pleasant voice chimed in.
Fenghuo wanted to pinch her cheek, but Asuma, seated between them, remained quiet, a thoughtful look in his eyes.
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