"Are you sure you want to take Uzumaki Lin Yu as your assigned ninja? Are you certain, Orochimaru?" Hiruzen Sarutobi was looking rather weary these days, bogged down by treaty negotiations, prisoner exchange issues, the mysterious figure in black robes, and internal clan disputes...
His mind felt like it was about to explode. If not for the legacy of his teacher Tobirama, he’d have gladly handed the Hokage seat to Danzo and spared himself the daily schemes of usurpation!
"Yes, sensei. Uzumaki Lin Yu possesses extraordinary talent." Orochimaru, at this moment, still held considerable respect for Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Is that so?" Hiruzen Sarutobi rubbed his temples, a hint of annoyance surfacing. If the person before him wasn't his most favored disciple, he would have already thrown him out. A mere genin hardly warranted his attention.
"Then, as you wish. But will you be picking two others from the ninja academy to form a team with him?"
"No need. I’ve assessed this year's graduating class, and there aren't any particularly gifted ninjas."
"You… alright then. I'll have the ANBU deliver the assignment notice to you."
"Then, sensei, I shall take my leave."
"Orochimaru… do not disappoint my expectations of you!"
Orochimaru’s footsteps paused for a moment, his expression tinged with complexity, but he quickly regained his resolve and replied in his hoarse voice, "Yes, sensei."
*Bang…*
The Hokage's office fell into profound silence. Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't shake the feeling that Orochimaru had changed somehow. Was it because of Nawaki? Sigh, such a tragic child. But how come Tsunade didn't seem to mourn much? Was he not her full brother?
…
"I'm sorry, I know this is unreasonable, but Kai won't be a burden. Please, just let me join you on this mission…" Might Duy stood nervously before a chunin, a baby strapped to his back, his words filled with earnest plea.
The chunin frowned, a mixture of anger and helplessness in his tone. "What do you think being a ninja and going on missions is for! It was bad enough you slowed us down before, but now you're bringing an infant on a mission? You'll be an even bigger liability, endangering us all!"
"Sir, I know this is not ideal, but Kai’s mother just passed away. Kai is only five months old, and there’s no one to look after him."
Under the gaze of passersby on the street, Might Duy bowed ninety degrees towards the chunin. "Please give me a chance. I will complete the mission and ensure Kai doesn't hinder you."
The chunin hesitated for a moment before saying, "I'm sorry, you'll have to find someone else." With that, he quickly walked away.
Might Duy watched as the chunin disappeared in a few leaps, retracting his hand that had attempted to stop him. A shadow of dejection crossed his face, but when his gaze fell upon Kai on his back, his fighting spirit reignited!
For Kai, so that he could grow up healthy, he would surely gain the recognition of others. Youth, ignite!
Lin Yu and some civilians standing by the roadside happened to witness this scene. Lin Yu hesitated for a moment, but then stepped forward and greeted, "You must be Senior Might Duy, right? Hello, my name is Uzumaki Lin Yu, and I'm also a genin."
Might Duy turned around with a flicker of surprise. He had thought his sincerity had touched a ninja, only to find a youth of about ten years, quite immature.
A fleeting look of disappointment crossed Might Duy's face before he turned back and gave Lin Yu a thumbs-up. "That's right, young man. I am Might Duy. Do you want to burn with me in youth?"
Might Duy said it casually. Everyone in the village thought his passion was foolish, that there was something wrong with him in that regard. But he didn't care. His youth, his passion! As long as his son understood it.
Lin Yu appeared to be considering it. Might Duy was one of the foremost taijutsu masters in Konoha. If he were to fight with his life on the line, no one in Konoha could match him at this moment. However, Kai was still young, and he would absolutely not do that. "Really? But Senior Duy, you seem to be in some trouble?"
Might Duy sighed. "No one is willing to form a team with me. Genin alone cannot take on missions if they aren't in a team."
"I see. However, if that's the case, I might be able to help Senior Duy."
Might Duy looked at Lin Yu with a touch of surprise, a hint of doubt in his voice. "You should be a recent graduate at your age. You should already have your assigned jonin, and your four-person team wouldn't typically allow an outsider like me to join."
Lin Yu smiled faintly. "My situation is a bit unique. My team consists of only myself and my assigned jonin. My jonin is rather lazy and lets me take the lead in accepting missions, and naturally, in choosing teammates as well."
Might Duy's eyes widened with excitement upon hearing this. "Are you serious? You're willing to team up with me to take on missions?"
During wartime, prices had skyrocketed. If they didn't go out on missions, it would be difficult to make ends meet. He himself could manage, but there was Kai, who was constantly demanding sustenance. And as a genin, he couldn't possibly take on missions alone. It wasn't permitted, nor would he receive special treatment. Who was Might Duy? A perpetually low-ranked genin. Aside from those who knew his strength, no one had any high expectations of him, let alone give him special considerations.
Seeing Lin Yu nod, Might Duy was so excited he almost leaped into the air. His youth was about to ignite! However, considering Kai's safety, he suppressed his inner excitement and asked Lin Yu with a hint of puzzlement, "We've never met before. Why are you helping me so readily?"
"Because… my health isn't very good. I heard Senior Duy has a unique training method, and I want Senior Duy to lead me in burning with youth, to cheer for youth!" Lin Yu forced a serious and excited look at Might Duy.
Might Duy's eyes gleamed!
Finally, finally, someone understood his passion! He didn't know what this young boy's intentions were, but if you strive to burn with youth, then you are a good friend to Might Duy!
Might Duy's nose twitched, and he couldn't help but step forward, embracing Lin Yu with his robust arms, tears welling up in his eyes. "Thank you, thank you… Though we've only just met, your sincerity, your understanding of youth, has deeply moved me. Let us strive together for youth! In these days filled with youth, let us run 5000 laps together to…"
Lin Yu's mouth twitched. He had intended to dodge the embrace, but after a slight hesitation, he allowed it. At this moment, hearing Might Duy's passionate words, Lin Yu quickly interrupted, "Wait, Senior Duy, shouldn't we go accept missions first? Mission slots are limited. If some high-reward missions are taken by others, it would be a loss."
Upon hearing this, Might Duy immediately released Lin Yu and, grabbing Lin Yu's arm, dashed towards the mission assignment area, shouting, "Yes, missions are important! But youth cannot wait! Let us sprint towards the mission assignment area with youthful vigor!"
Lin Yu's body was tossed about in the wind, utterly disheveled.