While Fujin''s presence excited the younger ninjas, it had a relieving effect on the older ninjas. Seeing Fujin made them feel confident about Konoha''s future.

    "With him, Konoha will be safe for another half a century."

    "Hahaha, yeah. What I''m looking forward to is how much stronger he''ll become. He is only sixteen."

    "Indeed! He might even surpass the Fourth Hokage! Once he does, other villages will think ten times before starting a war against us or they''ll be burned just like Suna!"

    "While there is no doubt about his strength, I''m looking forward to how he''ll lead us."

    The ones present in the training ground weren''t just strangers. There were several acquaintances of Fujin in the army as well. In one corner of the training ground, three men stood together while looking at Fujin.

    Kimiyama Yasuoka muttered, "I knew he''d become strong, but I never imagined that he''d reach this level, let alone in just a few years."

    Obake Kaneie recalled his memories while saying, "Yeah, I still remember that mission like it was yesterday. To think he was so modest back then."

    Endo Tadao chuckled and said, "You know, we may never be promoted to Chunin, but how many Chunins here can say that they had Suzuki Fujin as their team leader? Already so many of our classmates are jealous of us, haha!"

    The other two chuckled as well. Years ago, the three of them were the first group Fujin led on a mission. While they weren''t talented enough to become Chunins nor had the drive to put in the effort, that mission became a source of pride for the trio. Outside of the Anbu ninjas, they were the only ones who could brag about this.

    In another part, several young ninjas of the same age as Fujin were gathered together.

    A boy sighed, "To think that Fujin would reach this stage and I''m still a Chunin..."

    Next to him, Aoki Nora chuckled and said, "Why are you sighing? Even back in the academy, you could never compete with him. The only ones who could were Teru, Yori, Nobu, Hoka and Hana..."

    As he spoke, his eyes landed on a girl not too far away from him. Hyuga Hana noticed his gaze and glanced back at him as Nora teased, "Now that I recall, you used to be quite competitive with him for the top rank. Do you still want to compete with Fujin?"

    Hana immediately replied, "At least I am a Special Jounin, unlike you."

    Nora chuckled and said, "You''re still as sharp-tongued as ever, Hana."

    Hana ignored him and said, "Besides, what''s the point in comparing me with that monster? Just feel honored that we were lucky enough to be in the same class as him and know him so well. You may not know how strong he truly is, but I know it from Hoka. He is already far beyond a level we could reach."

    Shin looked at him and said, "It''s all your fault for giving that lousy introduction!"

    Genki grinned. Without even glancing at his friend, Genki began catching up with Fujin. The two talked, completely ignoring Shin who stood there awkwardly. After some time, Genki introduced his comrades to Fujin.

    Seeing Fujin with Genki, all other acquaintances of Genki also showed up one by one. They wouldn''t miss the chance to connect with someone who could become the next Hokage. For the next 20 minutes, Fujin was introduced to nearly 50 Jounins, Special Jounins and some Chunins!

    As they talked, Genki chuckled and asked, "Does your offer still stand? I''m sure every squad would like you on a rank A mission."

    Fujin raised an eyebrow and asked, "You remembered it after 5 years?"

    Genki coughed awkwardly and said, "You can''t blame me. You were a part of a couple of teams and joined the Anbu soon after."

    Fujin chuckled, "I know, I was just messing with you."

    Genji smirked and said, "I guess it''s my turn now to ask you to take me on rank S missions."

    The ones around Genki also began looking at Fujin, who was left completely speechless. Fujin couldn''t help but wonder, ''Wasn''t he alright? Since when did he become so shameless? Sigh, this damned village... Everyone is infected by Hiruzen''s shamelessness!''

    ————

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