"Special Jonin?"
Obito was the first to break the silence.
He stared at Hiruzen Sarutobi with obvious confusion, then glanced at Ren as though trying to determine whether his friend had suddenly transformed into something extraordinary while he wasn't looking.
"Lord Third, what exactly is a Special Jonin?" Obito asked. "Is it some kind of… super-powerful Jonin?"
Hiruzen chuckled.
"You could say it is something along those lines."
Before Obito could become even more confused, Minato Namikaze stepped forward and patiently explained.
"A Special Jonin is a shinobi whose abilities in one or more specialized fields have reached Jonin level, even though their overall experience or comprehensive abilities may not yet meet the standard required of a full Jonin."
Minato glanced toward Ren.
"They possess Jonin-level status in certain respects and are granted some of the authority and responsibilities associated with that rank. You can think of them as specialists who stand somewhere between Chunin and Jonin."
Obito rubbed his chin.
His face became increasingly serious.
Then Minato continued.
"Ren's ninjutsu ability has already reached a level comparable to some Jonin. His combat judgment is also excellent. However, he is still young, and there are areas where he naturally lacks experience."
Minato smiled faintly.
"His chakra reserves also have room to grow. Giving him some time to accumulate experience before assigning him full Jonin responsibilities would be more appropriate."
Obito's eyes widened.
He slowly turned toward Ren.
His mouth opened.
Then opened wider.
"So…"
He pointed dramatically.
"Doesn't that basically mean Ren is already half a Jonin?!"
Hiruzen actually nodded.
"That is a surprisingly reasonable way of putting it."
"WHAT?!"
Obito looked as though he had suffered a greater blow than during his fight with Guy.
Everyone else reacted differently.
Asuma crossed his arms, unable to completely hide the envy in his eyes.
Rin's face lit up with genuine happiness.
Kurenai's expression was similar, although the warmth in her eyes lingered on Ren slightly longer than necessary.
Guy clenched both fists.
The flames of competition practically burned behind his eyes.
"Ren!" he shouted. "Your youth has advanced another step ahead of mine!"
Ren ignored him.
Around them, the other newly promoted Chunin exchanged complicated looks.
Genma Shiranui sighed.
Raidō Namiashi rubbed the back of his neck.
For people like Asuma, Guy, Kurenai, and perhaps Obito, becoming Jonin in the future was hardly an impossible dream.
They had talent.
They had powerful backgrounds.
They had room to grow.
But for many ordinary shinobi, Special Jonin might represent the highest rank they could realistically reach in their entire lives.
And Ren?
That possible lifetime achievement was being offered to him as his starting point immediately after becoming a Chunin.
The difference was enough to crush anyone's enthusiasm for comparing themselves to him.
Ren himself remained silent.
He hadn't expected Hiruzen to make the proposal so quickly.
But he wasn't completely shocked either.
War changed everything.
During peaceful times, promotions required careful examination of experience, leadership skills, mission records, psychological stability, and political considerations.
During wartime?
Strength mattered far more.
Kakashi had become a Jonin at only twelve years old.
Based purely on the strength Ren had publicly displayed during this Chunin Exam, he was already stronger than many ordinary Chunin and capable of fighting against Jonin-level opponents.
And that was merely what everyone had seen.
Ren had deliberately kept several of his most dangerous abilities hidden.
The Nerve Activation Technique remained one of his greatest trump cards.
His flash-based techniques were another.
Both could decide a battle almost instantly if the opponent had no prior knowledge of them.
There was no reason to expose such weapons casually.
Once an ability became famous, enemies would develop countermeasures.
A hidden blade was always more dangerous than one everyone knew existed.
Still…
Ren had another concern.
Rank brought benefits.
Higher-level missions.
Better access to village resources.
Greater authority.
Potential access to advanced ninjutsu and restricted information.
But rank also brought responsibility.
Special Jonin was still considered part of the Jonin hierarchy.
Accepting the promotion meant Konoha could begin assigning him missions appropriate for that status.
Dangerous missions.
Battlefield missions.
Perhaps even missions where Ren would be expected to lead others.
And considering Minato's team…
Ren could already imagine himself being dragged across the shinobi world with Obito and Rin following behind him.
Not exactly relaxing.
Unfortunately, whether accepting the promotion was advantageous and whether refusing it publicly was wise were two entirely different questions.
The Hokage himself had just announced his intention in front of several people.
Rejecting him outright would be unnecessarily disrespectful.
Besides…
Ren wasn't exactly afraid of responsibility.
After several seconds of thought, he raised his head and met Hiruzen's gaze.
"Thank you for your trust and recognition, Hokage-sama."
His voice was calm.
"I'm willing to accept the nomination."
Hiruzen's smile immediately deepened.
"Good."
The Third Hokage nodded approvingly.
"Then I'll submit your nomination to the Jonin Council as soon as possible. Once the review has been completed, you will be informed of their decision."
"Understood."
Hiruzen paused.
Then, almost as though remembering something else, he added, "There is also the matter of the ninjutsu I promised you."
Ren's eyes flickered.
He remembered perfectly.
Previously, Hiruzen had promised him the opportunity to choose a high-level technique from Konoha's collection.
"You don't need to decide immediately," Hiruzen continued. "Think carefully. You may discuss the matter with Minato or Tsunade if you wish. Once you've chosen what direction you want to pursue, come see me."
Ren nodded.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama."
He really hadn't decided yet.
There were too many possibilities.
Choosing a high-level technique simply because it looked impressive would be foolish. Ren wanted something that could actually strengthen his existing combat system or compensate for a weakness.
Fortunately, there was no reason to rush.
Hiruzen was the Hokage.
Whatever else could be said about him, Ren doubted he would publicly promise a ninjutsu reward and then suddenly pretend the conversation had never happened.
After speaking with Ren, Hiruzen turned his attention toward the others.
He praised Guy's persistence.
Encouraged Obito to continue refining his Sharingan.
Complimented Rin's calm performance.
Spoke briefly to Kurenai about her genjutsu.
Even Asuma received a few words.
The reaction was almost amusing.
To these young shinobi, the Hokage remained an almost legendary figure.
A few simple words of praise were enough to make Guy's back straighten.
Obito looked ready to take another Chunin Exam immediately.
Even Kurenai seemed encouraged.
Only Asuma remained relatively calm.
After all, when the legendary Third Hokage was also the old man sitting at your family dinner table, some of the mystical aura naturally disappeared.
Eventually, Hiruzen smiled.
"Well, I shouldn't keep you any longer."
He raised one hand.
"Today is your day."
His gaze moved across the group of newly promoted Chunin.
"Go celebrate."
Then his expression softened slightly.
"The future of Konoha belongs to all of you."
"Hokage-sama!"
Everyone bowed.
Hiruzen departed with Minato, Shinku Yuhi, and Masamune Tachibana.
Ren watched them disappear into the crowd.
Then something caught his attention.
Farther away, Tsunade stood with her arms crossed.
She had clearly been watching.
Their eyes met briefly.
Tsunade gave him a look that seemed to say, Don't get too proud of yourself, brat.
Then, without bothering to approach, she turned and walked away with Shizune.
Ren smiled faintly.
Only after the adults had gone did Rin finally turn toward him.
Her smile was brilliant.
"Congratulations, Ren."
She clasped her hands behind her back.
"Looks like we might have to start calling you Special Jonin Ren soon."
Obito immediately jumped into the conversation.
"Exactly!"
He slapped Ren on the shoulder.
"I seriously didn't expect you to be the first one on our team to reach Jonin level!"
Then his expression twisted slightly.
"I thought it would be that annoying Kakashi."
Ren raised an eyebrow.
"Special Jonin isn't the same as full Jonin."
"Close enough!"
Obito waved dismissively.
"Teacher Minato literally said it counts as Jonin level!"
Asuma nodded.
"He has a point."
Kurenai smiled.
"So that means Ren should treat us."
Guy immediately agreed.
"A celebration feast worthy of burning youth!"
Genma sighed dramatically.
"How enviable. I'd be satisfied if I became a Special Jonin eventually."
Ren stared at them.
It was becoming painfully clear where this conversation was heading.
His wallet.
He coughed.
"Fine."
Everyone immediately quieted.
"Since we've all been promoted today, how about we celebrate together?"
Obito's eyes lit up.
"Barbecue?"
"Something better."
Ren glanced toward the afternoon sky.
"Let's buy food and have a picnic."
The response was immediate.
"YES!"
Obito recommended a wooded area near the Naka River almost instantly.
He frequently trained around there and knew several peaceful spots with good views.
Nobody objected.
Truthfully, they didn't particularly care where they went.
They were young.
They had just become Chunin.
They wanted food, friends, and somewhere they could laugh without an examiner shouting instructions at them.
That afternoon, the group arrived at the riverside carrying far too many bags.
They spread blankets beneath the trees.
Food quickly covered nearly every available space.
Freshly grilled skewers.
Crispy tempura.
Rice balls stuffed with salmon, plum, and vegetables.
Fruit.
Snacks.
And, naturally—
Several bottles of ice-cold Konoha Raw Cola.
Obito raised one bottle like he was proposing a toast.
"To becoming Chunin!"
Everyone lifted their drinks.
"To becoming Chunin!"
Bottles clinked together.
For the next two hours, the riverside became louder than some training grounds.
Obito and Guy resumed arguing about their match.
"You only won because I underestimated you!"
"Youth does not recognize excuses!"
"My Sharingan was already active!"
"And my youthful fists were active too!"
"That doesn't even mean anything!"
Nearby, Rin tried to stop laughing long enough to distribute food.
Kurenai sat beside Ren for part of the meal, occasionally asking about his Water Release training while pretending not to notice when Rin glanced toward them.
Asuma and Raidō eventually approached Ren with more serious questions.
They wanted to know about his shuriken technique.
Specifically, the way he had manipulated the trajectory and timing of his throws during the exam.
Ren explained what he could without revealing anything he considered important.
Angles.
Blind spots.
Anticipating evasive movements.
Using the first projectile to manipulate the opponent rather than immediately attempting to hit them.
Asuma listened carefully.
Raidō looked increasingly depressed.
"So I've basically been throwing shuriken wrong my entire life."
"You're still alive," Ren replied. "So it can't be that wrong."
That earned another round of laughter.
Sunlight filtered through the canopy overhead.
The Naka River flowed quietly nearby.
Leaves rustled in the breeze.
For a little while…
There was no Third Shinobi World War.
No hidden villages.
No border disputes.
No political calculations.
No missions with casualty probabilities attached.
There were only children sitting beside a river, arguing about battles and stealing food from each other's plates.
It was the kind of ordinary afternoon shinobi rarely realized they would someday miss.
Eventually, the sun began descending.
Golden light spread across the river.
One by one, everyone stood and reluctantly prepared to leave.
Obito and Guy were still arguing as they disappeared down the road.
Asuma left with Genma and Raidō.
Kurenai lingered briefly before finally waving goodbye.
Ren and Rin naturally walked home together.
By the time they reached their neighborhood, the sky had begun turning orange.
The moment they approached the house—
"Woof! Woof!"
A small dog came charging toward them.
Its tail wagged so violently that its entire body seemed to move with it.
Rin immediately crouched.
"There you are!"
The little dog practically threw itself into her hands.
Rin laughed while scratching behind its ears.
Ren watched helplessly.
Apparently, after everything that had happened today, the dog had still managed to become the most important person in the area.
A voice came from nearby.
"Ren! Rin!"
Ren turned.
Tajima Mikami and Hiroshi Nohara were approaching, both carrying large bags filled with ingredients.
Hiroshi smiled broadly.
"You two were incredible today."
His gaze moved toward Ren.
"Especially you. That last battle had everyone in the stands talking."
"You're exaggerating, Uncle Hiroshi."
Ren glanced at the bags.
"What's all this?"
Tajima laughed.
"We decided to prepare dinner together."
Hiroshi nodded.
"We were originally planning to celebrate at Yakiniku Q, but forget about getting a table there tonight. With so many visitors in Konoha because of the Chunin Exams, every private room is booked."
"So we're cooking at home instead," Tajima finished.
Ren nodded.
That made sense.
Two weeks earlier, after Ren and Rin had returned from their previous mission, Hiroshi had treated both families to dinner.
This time, the Mikami household returning the favor was only natural.
Then—
Ren's eyes suddenly sharpened.
Someone had appeared nearby.
No footsteps.
No warning.
An ANBU shinobi stood silently on a rooftop, an animal mask concealing his face.
His gaze settled on Ren.
"Mikami Ren."
Everyone immediately became quiet.
"Report to the main village gate tomorrow morning at seven."
The ANBU's voice was flat.
"You will rendezvous with Jonin Minato Namikaze and participate in a classified mission."
Rin froze.
"A mission?"
Her hands stopped moving against the dog's fur.
"With Teacher Minato?"
She looked toward the ANBU.
"Are Obito and I going as well?"
The ANBU gave no answer.
His body blurred.
Whoosh!
He vanished with the Body Flicker Technique.
Rin slowly stood.
Her earlier smile was gone.
"What kind of mission is it?"
Ren already knew why the ANBU hadn't answered.
Classified meant classified.
He smiled lightly.
"Nothing too complicated."
Rin stared at him.
Clearly unconvinced.
"If it were simple, they wouldn't send an ANBU to deliver the message."
Ren paused.
Fair point.
"The objective itself should be straightforward," he amended. "Minato-sensei will be there, so there's nothing to worry about."
That part, at least, was true.
Few places in the shinobi world were safer than standing beside Minato Namikaze.
Rin remained worried.
But she also understood something Ren didn't need to say aloud.
If only Ren had been summoned…
Then bringing her and Obito might actually make the mission more dangerous rather than safer.
Eventually, she nodded.
"Okay."
Then she looked directly into his eyes.
"But be careful."
"I will."
"And tell Teacher Minato I said hello."
Ren smiled.
"Sure."
The family dinner that night was lively.
Both households ate until the table was nearly empty.
Tajima and Hiroshi even opened a bottle of alcohol to celebrate.
Unfortunately, both men had badly overestimated themselves.
After several cups, they had become suspiciously affectionate toward everyone in the room.
Soon afterward, their wives dragged them away and put them to bed.
Ren escorted Rin next door before returning home.
Then the mood changed.
His equipment came out.
Kunai.
Shuriken.
Wire.
Explosive tags.
Medical supplies.
His short blade.
Everything was checked carefully.
Twice.
Tomorrow wasn't a Chunin Exam.
There would be no referee standing nearby.
No audience.
No one stopping the battle before someone died.
Once his preparations were finished, Ren went to sleep.
Morning arrived quickly.
Shortly before seven, Ren reached Konoha's main gate.
He wore dark clothing suitable for movement.
His ninja pouch was secured properly.
His short blade rested within easy reach.
A familiar golden-haired figure arrived almost simultaneously.
"Morning, Ren."
"Morning, Minato-sensei."
Ren glanced around.
Nobody else was waiting.
"Just us?"
Minato shook his head.
"Technically, there are four people involved."
Ren looked at him.
"Two shinobi departed Konoha two days ago. They're already moving ahead of us toward Kusagakure."
"Who?"
"Inuzuka Hana and Shikuro Aburame."
Ren's expression shifted slightly.
He knew the second name.
Shikuro Aburame was one of the more unusual members of the Aburame clan.
Unlike ordinary Aburame who relied on larger kikaichū colonies, Shikuro cultivated microscopic venomous insects capable of entering an opponent's body through physical contact.
It was an extremely dangerous ability.
In the future, that same technique would be associated with Torune Aburame.
Having someone like Shikuro involved told Ren immediately that this mission required far more than brute force.
Minato continued.
"They're responsible for infiltrating the area first, confirming the location where the prisoners are being held, identifying enemy patrol routes, and gathering information about the guards."
Ren nodded.
Inuzuka and Aburame shinobi were perfect for reconnaissance.
Enhanced smell.
Tracking.
Insects.
Concealment.
Information gathering.
For a covert infiltration and rescue mission, there were few better choices.
Minato stepped closer.
"Ready?"
Ren nodded.
Then Minato placed one hand on his shoulder.
"Kusagakure is too far away for us to waste time traveling normally."
Ren immediately understood.
"We're using Flying Thunder God?"
"Yes."
Minato's expression became slightly amused.
"You've experienced it before, so you know roughly what to expect."
Ren remembered.
When Team Minato had first been formed, Minato had transported Ren, Obito, and Rin from the Academy to a training ground outside the village.
That jump had covered only a few kilometers.
Not particularly pleasant.
But manageable.
Then Minato added—
"This trip is considerably farther."
Ren's eyes narrowed.
"How much farther?"
Minato smiled.
"Enough that we won't make the entire trip in one jump."
That somehow sounded worse.
Minato tightened his hand slightly on Ren's shoulder.
"Shikuro and Hana placed Flying Thunder God kunai at several predetermined points along the route. We'll move between those markers."
Ren suddenly understood.
Repeated teleportation.
Wonderful.
"You may experience stronger disorientation than last time," Minato warned. "Nausea, dizziness, spatial confusion. All normal."
Ren inhaled slowly.
"Okay."
Minato studied him once more.
"If you're ready—"
Ren nodded.
"Let's go."
The world vanished.
Flying Thunder God Technique.
There was no sensation of movement.
That was the strange part.
Ren didn't feel as though he had accelerated.
Instead—
Reality itself seemed to collapse.
The village gate stretched strangely.
Morning mist twisted into impossible shapes.
Trees elongated like reflections across disturbed water.
Then everything shattered.
For a fraction of a second, Ren felt as though his body existed somewhere it absolutely should not.
And then—
Snap.
Forest.
They stood beneath unfamiliar trees.
Ren barely had time to register them.
Minato activated the technique again.
Snap.
The forest disappeared.
A rocky hillside replaced it.
Again.
Snap.
Now they stood beside a rushing river.
Again.
The world broke apart.
Ren's stomach lurched violently.
The sensation was nothing like the short teleportation he remembered.
Each jump individually lasted almost no time.
But his senses couldn't properly adjust before another came.
Distance lost meaning.
Direction lost meaning.
Up and down briefly became suggestions rather than rules.
After the third jump, Ren's face had gone slightly pale.
After the fourth—
Minato finally stopped.
Ren stood perfectly still.
Or at least he thought he did.
Unfortunately, the world disagreed.
The river seemed to rotate.
The trees leaned sideways.
The ground moved beneath his feet like the deck of a ship caught in a storm.
His stomach made a very serious attempt to escape his body.
Ren closed his eyes.
Absolutely not.
He had survived ninjutsu.
Giant summon beasts.
Enemy shinobi.
Chunin Exams.
There was no chance he was going to be defeated by transportation.
Several seconds passed.
His senses finally began correcting themselves.
The spinning slowed.
The world reluctantly returned to its proper position.
Ren opened his eyes.
Minato stood beside him, looking perfectly comfortable.
Of course he did.
The man who casually tore holes through space looked as though they had simply crossed the street.
Then Minato spoke in the gentlest possible voice.
"How do you feel?"
Ren stared at him.
His face remained completely expressionless.
His stomach, unfortunately, was fighting for its life.
And judging by Minato's faint smile…
they still hadn't reached Kusagakure.
----------------------------------------------
Extra chapters available in Patreon⚡
[Www.patreon.com/Samurai492 ]"
_________________________________