Chương 19: In the Shadow of the Will of Fire

Senju Daiken stood in front of the Hokage's office door, waiting for permission to enter. His mind was already working overtime, sorting through plans, ideas, and contingencies. The development of the village's next generation of shinobi prodigies would rest on his shoulders, and he intended to ensure they grew into true defenders of Konoha. strong, loyal, and prepared for anything. The ANBU standing guard nodded with quiet respect before opening the door, allowing Daiken to step inside.

The Hokage's office was nothing new to him. As a seasoned jonin, Daiken had been here more times than he could count, though this visit carried a weight he hadn't felt in a long time. Behind a fortress of paperwork sat Hiruzen Sarutobi, looking every bit like a man who had lived through several wars and still hadn't earned a proper break. The old Hokage glanced up from the reports, his tired eyes softening slightly as he offered Daiken a brief nod and gesture to sit. A few moments passed in silence.

Then Hiruzen sighed, long and weary, as he reached for his pipe. He lit it with practiced ease, letting the smoke curl lazily toward the ceiling while his gaze drifted toward the window. The village bustled beyond the glass, alive and recovering.

"It's good to see you, Daiken," Hiruzen said at last, his voice tired but genuine. He turned back to face him with a small, knowing smile.

"I'm glad you agreed to take on this task. Supervising the next generation... it's no small thing. Especially not for someone of your strength." Daiken blinked, a little surprised. The elders had offered him the position, and in truth, he hadn't felt he had a choice. Refusing the Council was never simple, and in times like these, everyone had to carry more than their share. But to be personally thanked by the Hokage? That was no small thing.

"There's no need to thank me, Lord Hokage," Daiken said, sitting straighter.

"After what happened... I understand the burden the village carries now. We need strong shinobi. Stable ones. If I can help lay the foundation for that, how could I say no? Especially when you returned to lead us again after the Fourth..." He trailed off, unable to finish the sentence. Hiruzen exhaled a long, slow puff of smoke, eyes darkening just slightly at the memory Daiken had stirred. The grief was still there, even if he no longer spoke of it. A moment later, Hiruzen nodded.

"Still. I'm grateful. There are few I trust with a role like this. Fewer still who are truly suited for it." Daiken dipped his head in respect.

"You honor me, Lord Hokage." Hiruzen took another drag from his pipe, then leaned forward a little, interest sparking behind his weathered eyes.

"So then. how is the Advanced Class? What's your first impression, now that they've begun?" Daiken leaned back slightly, a thoughtful look settling on his face. Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

"It's early. Too early to draw conclusions," he began carefully.

"But after watching them during the entrance tests, and speaking with Ryusaku-san to hear his observations as well, I'd say we have a promising start. The clan children in particular have strong fundamentals. They're disciplined, motivated, and clearly well-prepared. Their families did not cut corners." Hiruzen nodded, unsurprised.

"Given the losses we've suffered... the Nine-Tails, the aftermath of the Third War... it's no wonder. The clans are doing everything they can to ensure their children are ready. They've seen what happens when you aren't." The Hokage fixed his gaze on Daiken again.

"Any standouts?" Daiken nodded.

"A few. The first would be Senju Genta. Solid chakra, strong body, great potential. He's everything you'd expect from our bloodline." Hiruzen arched a brow slightly but said nothing, thinking privately, "Of course he'd start with a Senju." Daiken continued without pause.

"Then there's Nara Shizuru. Incredible chakra control for her age. Smart. Sharp. But she lacks stamina. And if I'm honest, she doesn't have much drive either." Hiruzen sighed quietly, thinking, "Like every Nara before her." He had spent decades trying to find a way to cure that affliction, and he'd long since given up. If the Nara ever learned to care more than once a week, Konoha would probably rule the continent. Daiken's tone lightened slightly as he moved on.

"Sena Yamanaka will go far. She's polite, disciplined, well-mannered. Strong chakra control, excellent potential if she mastered her clan's techniques... and frankly, she has the makings of a politician. Much like the Nara girl, she's extremely intelligent for her own age." Hiruzen raised his brows at that, visibly pleased.

"So, there's a chance we might mold a future leader?"

"I believe so," Daiken said.

"She's got what it takes. I'll be keeping a close eye on her." He shifted slightly in his seat, his voice tightening a bit.

"There's also Kaen Uchiha. Tremendous stamina. Fierce determination. Excellent chakra reserves. But he's volatile. If he's not carefully guided, his passion could consume him." Hiruzen's face darkened at the mention of the name. Tensions with the Uchiha were rising. Accusations still hung in the air after the Nine-Tails attack, and though nothing had been proven, suspicion tainted everything. He was still trying to find a way to de-escalate it all before something broke beyond repair.

Daiken seemed to sense the discomfort but pressed on.

"He's aggressive. Zealous about his clan's pride. But that's the Uchiha for you." Hiruzen didn't respond, lost briefly in his thoughts. But the next words from Daiken brought him back to the present with a jolt.

"However... the most impressive student I've seen so far isn't from a clan at all. He's an orphan." Hiruzen looked up sharply from his pipe, eyes narrowing slightly.

"A civilian orphan?" Daiken nodded.

"Yes. And he has the highest chakra reserves I've ever seen in a six-year-old." Hiruzen's brow furrowed.

"Even more than the Senju children?"

"Far more," Daiken confirmed.

"And that's not all. His chakra control is extraordinary. His stamina is relentless. His body is already conditioned beyond what any child his age should be capable of." The Hokage's eyes widened. He leaned forward, his tone suddenly sharper.

"How is that possible? Have you investigated his origins?" Daiken shook his head.

"There's very little to investigate. He was found in a devastated district of the village during the Nine-Tails attack. No family. No records. He's been in an orphanage ever since." Silence hung between them for a long moment.

"Are you certain?" Hiruzen asked at last, his voice low.

"I am," Daiken replied quietly.

"I don't know what he is yet... but I intend to find out."