The following procedure proceeded smoothly.
The third Hokage stepped forward, offered his congratulations to the returning ninjas, and delivered a speech. His words drifted through the cold wind and the cheers before reaching everyone's ears.
Shinichi spotted Shizune and Kurenai in the crowd. The two girls stood at the front of the crowd, waving vigorously at him with bright smiles on their faces.
Not far away, Kakashi stood with his hands in his pockets while looking at him expressionlessly.
Beside him, Obito stood on tiptoe while craning his neck to look this way, occasionally turning his head to chatter to Rin Nohara beside him, making her cover her mouth and laugh softly.
The third Hokage and the two advisors stood aside and watched the scene while nodding with satisfaction.
As the morning light grew warmer, the cheers lingered for a long time.
In the Hokage Building, inside the Hokage's office.
Among the nearly three thousand personnel who had returned, those who needed rest had already gone back to rest, and those who required further treatment for their injuries had been sent to the hospital for treatment. However, as the overall person in charge who led this team back safely and bore the responsibility of reporting important information from the frontline, Shinichi's work was not yet over.
He needs to submit a formal, detailed work report to the highest decision-making level in Konoha.
Shinichi stood before the desk and gave a detailed report of the return situation over the past three days, as well as the overall situation on the front line, from the handover of rotating troops to the arrangements for sending the wounded to the rear, from the specific course of the battle at Kikyo Pass to the current movements of the Village Hidden in the Sand.
The third Hokage sat behind his desk, listening and nodding slightly, occasionally taking a puff of his cigarette.
Koharu and Homura sat on a chair to the side, occasionally jotting something down in their notebooks. They would interject with a question or two, and Shinichi would stop to answer them one by one. After they nodded, he would continue talking.
"The above is the complete situation of the southwest front from the battle at Kikyo Pass to the end of the rotation."
After Shinichi finished speaking, the office went quiet for a moment.
Koharu Utatane closed the notebook in her hand and raised her head to look at Shinichi. Known for her strictness and severity, she now wore a smile on her face and spoke first: "Shinichi, you did a great job this time. At such a young age, you've taken on this responsibility and handled things very well. We've read all the news coming back from the front lines, and it's all extremely good. Thank you for everything you've done for the village and for your comrades on the front lines."
Homura Mitokado adjusted his glasses and continued the conversation: "Indeed, you have exceeded all our expectations this time. The village is proud of you, child."
Finally, the third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, slowly exhaled a puff of smoke, gently placed his pipe in the ashtray on the table, and a relieved smile appeared on his face.
"Shinichi, you did very well this time. You have deeply practiced the Will of Fire and lived up to the village's expectations of you, and you have also lived up to your own beliefs."
After the praise, the third Hokage's expression immediately turned serious. He reached into a drawer, took out a pre-prepared certificate, and placed it on the table.
"Special Jonin, Shinichi Higashino."
"Here!"
Shinichi straightened his body.
"In view of your outstanding performance, significant contributions, top-notch ninja skills, and absolute loyalty to the village during your time on the southwestern front."
The third Hokage's gaze fell on Shinichi's face, and he said, word by word: "After deliberation by me and the Konoha Council, it has been decided that Special Jonin, Shinichi Higashino, is promoted to Jonin of Konoha, effective immediately!"
The announcement was complete. The third Hokage picked up the Hokage seal and solemnly stamped the bright red Hokage seal on the end of the promotion certificate.
"Pa."
After a soft sound, the mark became clear, symbolizing the formal recognition and authorization from Konoha's highest authority.
"I hope you will uphold the Will of Fire and continue to strive to protect the village and your companions."
After stamping, the third Hokage gently pushed the promotion certificate forward.
At the very moment the third Hokage stamped his seal, Shinichi clearly sensed something stirring deep within his consciousness, but he suppressed the urge to investigate; it wasn't the right time yet.
"Yes! Thank you, Hokage-sama and the two advisors!"
Shinichi stepped forward and solemnly accepted the gifts with both hands.
"Congratulations, child!"
At this moment, Koharu, who was sitting next to him, said with a smile.
"From this moment on, you are officially a Jonin of Konoha, and also the youngest Jonin in Konoha's history. This record will probably stand for a long time."
In fact, given Koharu Utatane's consistently conservative style, she had been hesitant about placing this young child prematurely in the position of youngest Jonin.
However, the achievements of this child were so great that they could not be ignored and were enough to disregard all factors of age or seniority.
It has reached the point where he must be given the honor and status he deserves.
Perhaps this child was destined to break the mold and make history.
Looking at the boy in front of her, Koharu Utatane sighed inwardly.
"Do a good job, Shinichi." Homura Mitokado also nodded with a smile. "Do not fail this honor, nor the expectations the village has for you. The future of Konoha needs young people like you."
"Yes! I will certainly do my utmost to live up to the expectations of the third Hokage and the elders, and to the expectations of Konoha!"
Shinichi carefully put away the certificate and bowed again.
After straightening up, he looked at the third Hokage and tentatively began to speak: "Hokage-sama, regarding the Village Hidden in the Cloud..."
Before he could finish speaking, the third Hokage waved his hand.
"You don't need to worry about these things for now."
"Go on, go back and get some rest. You've worked hard these past few days."
Shinichi paused for a moment, then nodded.
"Understood, Hokage-sama."
He didn't say anything more, bowed again, and turned to leave the office.
The door closed gently behind them, and the soft sounds of three people talking could be heard.
Stepping out of the Hokage Building, a biting cold wind swept over him.
Shinichi walked slowly along the street, his mind stirring slightly as his system panel quietly appeared.
[Name: Shinichi Higashino]
[Occupation: Jonin, Master swordsman]
[Talent: Omitted...]
[Number of draws: 1 (Purple)]
Shinichi's gaze lingered on the word, Jonin, in the occupation section.
As expected.
His previous plan was successful. He first made the world recognize him as a Jonin, so that when he was actually promoted, the recognition was already in place. Therefore, he was able to generate the corresponding occupation the moment he was promoted.
Shinichi's lips curled slightly as he continued looking down.
[Jonin: You are already a pillar of the village and possess the powerful strength to stand on your own. Your comprehension and training efficiency in creating original Ninjutsu, high-level chakra control, and training of advanced theory are greatly increased, and you can more efficiently form your own unique combat system. Your efficiency in guiding others in learning matters related to ninja skills is significantly improved.]
Your efficiency in guiding others in learning matters related to ninja skills is significantly improved!
Your comprehension and training efficiency in creating original Ninjutsu, high-level chakra control, and training of advanced theory are greatly increased, and you can more efficiently form your own unique combat system!
Shinichi's gaze lingered on this description for a long time before he withdrew his thoughts and looked at the last line.