The Teacher's Bringer of Darkness Technique… Sarutobi Hiruzen wanted to refuse, the weight of that forbidden jutsu heavy in his mind, but he remained silent. He reached for his pipe, then, remembering the two young faces before him, reluctantly let his hand fall. The Bringer of Darkness Technique, the very illusion his teacher had used to subdue the Uchiha clan… Now, Renzou Uchiha… The Third Hokage's thoughts drifted, a fleeting image of his stern and cautious teacher appearing in his mind's eye. After a moment of contemplation, Sarutobi Hiruzen seemed to reach a decision.
"Very well. I will arrange for someone to teach you the Second Hokage's Bringer of Darkness Technique, but the instruction will only last for one week. How much you absorb will depend entirely on your own comprehension."
"Um?" Renzou Uchiha blinked, surprised. He hadn't truly expected Sarutobi Hiruzen to agree, let alone so readily! A week was a short time, but Renzou Uchiha was confident that with his analytical mind, he could grasp the fundamentals within that period. "Thank you, Hokage-sama."
"Hmm." Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded, then turned his attention to Uchiha Kai.
"Lord Hokage, there is nothing I particularly desire." Contrary to expectations, Kai made no request. Considering his position as the eldest son of a prominent Uchiha elder, Kai likely lacked for little.
"In that case," Sarutobi Hiruzen mused, "I will assign a highly skilled Jōnin with fire affinity to instruct you for a week. Consider that your reward." He knew the Uchiha clan possessed abundant resources and wouldn't be lacking, but focused, one-on-one instruction was something even they couldn't readily provide.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama." Kai's eyes gleamed with anticipation. While fire-style Jōnin were plentiful within the Uchiha, they were usually occupied with missions. Dedicated, personalized guidance for a week was a significant opportunity. Kai felt certain his strength would surge in this short time.
"As for your team assignments," Sarutobi Hiruzen continued, "there isn't a Jōnin available to lead you immediately. You will operate as a two-person team for the time being. A guiding Jōnin will be assigned later. As Genin, you will need to complete a certain number of D-rank missions each month. If you wish to undertake C-rank missions or higher, they will need to be reviewed by the Hokage Tower and carried out as a team with other Genin squads. Is that acceptable?"
"Yes, Hokage-sama! X2" Both responded quickly. This arrangement offered a degree of freedom, though it also meant they wouldn't have a seasoned Jōnin to rely on, placing them on the front lines in potentially dangerous situations. However, Sarutobi Hiruzen's decision was likely firm.
The Hokage nodded and cleared his throat. Instantly, two Anbu materialized before him, kneeling silently, awaiting his command.
"Take Uchiha Kai to Sarutobi Shinnosuke. Have him guide Uchiha Kai for one week and assign him a B-rank mission."
"Yes!" One of the Anbu rose and gestured to Kai. Kai nodded to the Anbu, giving a quick glance towards Renzou Uchiha, before the two vanished in a swirl of leaves.
"You will escort Uchiha Renzou to Genin Maruhoshi Kosuke. Instruct Kosuke to teach Uchiha Renzou the Bringer of Darkness Technique for one week. During that time, he is to teach to his heart's content. How much the boy learns is up to him."
"Yes!" The remaining Anbu responded and turned to Renzou Uchiha, who bowed to Sarutobi Hiruzen. "Farewell, Hokage-sama." He then looked at the Anbu beside him. "My apologies for the trouble." The Anbu nodded, and the two disappeared from the Hokage's office in a similar flash, leaving Sarutobi Hiruzen to sink back into his chair, his gaze lingering on the empty space where they had stood, a trace of reminiscence in his eyes. Consider this a small recompense for that child. That politeness… it truly reminds me of you, Shanzhou… Shaking off his thoughts, Sarutobi Hiruzen picked up his pen and returned to the stack of documents on his desk.
…
The Anbu took Renzou Uchiha to the mission center first. From the staff, they learned that Maruhoshi Kosuke was currently on a D-rank mission, weeding Training Ground Six. The two immediately headed to the fifth training ground. Upon arrival, they spotted a lone figure bending over, pulling grass in a corner. As they approached, the figure noticed their presence and looked up, a puzzled expression on his face as he regarded the two figures before him.
"Maruhoshi Kosuke, Hokage-sama has ordered you to instruct Uchiha Renzou in the Bringer of Darkness Technique for one week. Do your utmost to teach him. How much he learns in that time is up to him." With these words, the Anbu vanished, leaving Renzou Uchiha and Kosuke staring at each other.
"Hello, I'm Uchiha Renzou. Please, take a break. I can handle this for now," Renzou Uchiha said, breaking the silence. He stepped forward and bowed to Kosuke Maruhoshi, then gestured for him to rest while Renzou Uchiha walked over to the weedy patch, knelt down, and began pulling.
"Well then, I appreciate that, young man," Maruhoshi Kosuke replied, not refusing the offer. He walked to the side and sat down in the shade, a gentle smile on his face as he watched Renzou Uchiha diligently weeding. It wasn't much, and soon Renzou Uchiha finished and returned to Kosuke.
"Hello, Kosuke-senpai. I am Uchiha Renzou. I look forward to learning from you." Renzou Uchiha smiled and bowed respectfully.
"Hello, young man. Let's talk as we walk," Kosuke Maruhoshi suggested, and the two began to stroll out of the training grounds. "Since Lord Hokage has tasked me with teaching you the Bringer of Darkness Technique for a week, let's start tomorrow. It's already quite late today. How about we meet here at eight o'clock tomorrow morning?" Kosuke Maruhoshi gestured to the darkening sky with a smile. Winter was approaching; the days were growing shorter, the nights longer.
"Yes, then I will be in your care starting tomorrow, Kosuke-senpai."
"It's nothing. You go back and get some rest, prepare well for tomorrow. The mission hall should still be open. I'm going to submit this mission. See you tomorrow, young man."
"Okay, goodbye, Kosuke-senpai." Maruhoshi Kosuke clapped Renzou Uchiha on the shoulder and started walking towards the Hokage Building. Renzou Uchiha bowed slightly in his wake before turning to leave. Unbeknownst to Renzou Uchiha, Kosuke Maruhoshi paused, turned his head to glance at the departing figure, a soft smile playing on his lips as he murmured something before continuing on his way. "What a well-mannered child."
…
"The D-rank mission, 'Cleaning the Training Ground,' has been confirmed and submitted. Someone will inspect it later. If there are no issues, the reward will be processed."
"Okay, thanks." After his acknowledgment, Maruhoshi Kosuke exited the Hokage Building, intending to head home, when a familiar voice called out from behind him.
"Kosuke, long time no see."
Hearing this, Kosuke Maruhoshi felt a jolt. He turned his head and respectfully saluted a figure emerging from the shadows. "Lord Hokage."
Stepping into the dim light was none other than the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen. "Teach that child well, Kosuke. If he proves capable, there's no harm in imparting everything you know."
"Yes, sir." Though surprised, Maruhoshi Kosuke suppressed his questions and chose to obey.
"Kosuke," Sarutobi Hiruzen continued, lowering his Hokage hat slightly, his gaze intent. "Are you still unwilling to accept a Jōnin rank? With your abilities, you could contribute so much more to Konoha."
"No, Lord Hokage. Before the Second Hokage, I vowed to remain a Genin in this life, to slowly atone for the sins I have committed."
"You… sigh." Sarutobi Hiruzen felt a pang of frustration at the unyielding resolve, then let out a quiet sigh. "It is your choice. That child's parents sacrificed themselves for Konoha. In these young ones, I see the future of our village."
"The future…?" Kosuke Maruhoshi fell silent as Sarutobi Hiruzen quietly departed, leaving Kosuke Maruhoshi alone in the deepening twilight…
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End of Chapter 38