Bab 79: Hokage’s POV: A Plan in Motion
The quiet hum of activity outside his office was a comforting backdrop to Hiruzen Sarutobi's thoughts. The Hokage's desk was scattered with reports, yet his attention was firmly fixed on just one—Haruto Takeda.
The boy's rapid progression had been noted multiple times, but it was this latest update that pushed Hiruzen to think more seriously about the boy's future. A student with no clan to guide him, no strong ties, advancing at this pace—it could be both a gift and a risk. The last thing Hiruzen wanted was for Haruto's talents to stagnate in the Academy or, worse, draw attention from those who sought to exploit raw potential.
His thoughts drifted to the Academy's yearly test. It was an ideal opportunity for Haruto to make the choice—to either graduate early and be assigned to a team or to remain in the Academy for another year. Hiruzen found himself hoping for the former. A shinobi like Haruto, with his talent and lightning affinity, needed more personalized training under the eye of a Jonin. But nudging a young shinobi wasn't always straightforward. Haruto would need to come to this conclusion on his own—or so it would seem.
Hiruzen tapped his pipe lightly against his desk, thinking carefully about how to proceed.
Hiruzen had learned over the years that a direct approach wasn't always best. Young shinobi, particularly those with promising talent, needed to feel like they were in control of their own destiny. Haruto had shown independence and dedication, and the Hokage wasn't about to undermine that.
Yet, a nudge in the right direction wouldn't hurt. The boy was on the brink of something great, but he needed guidance. He needed to see the value in stepping into the world of true shinobi work—not just as a student, but as part of a team.
Hiruzen set the report aside, a plan beginning to form in his mind. He knew exactly who could push Haruto toward that realization.
"Tsunade…" he muttered thoughtfully. She had been particularly interested in the boy, especially after hearing about his progress in medical ninjutsu. She had already taken note of his discipline and keen intelligence. If anyone could subtly guide Haruto to understand his potential beyond the Academy, it would be her.
Hiruzen stood, walking to his desk and taking out a small scroll. With a few deft strokes, he wrote a command, sealing it with his personal mark. He didn't need to explain the details—Tsunade would know what to do. The message was simple but clear enough to set things in motion.
The Hokage sealed the scroll and set it aside, ready for delivery. Tsunade was many things, and one of those was sharp. She would understand what was needed—how to handle Haruto in a way that would help him see the possibilities that lay before him. He wouldn't be forced into any decision, but if all went according to plan, Haruto would soon realize that graduating early was the best path forward.
Hiruzen's gaze settled once again on the Hokage Monument, the afternoon light casting long shadows over the village. This was the way of leadership. Guiding without controlling, nudging without overt interference. Haruto was a talented boy, and the future could be bright if he walked the right path.
But like every young shinobi, the choice had to be his.
A faint smile touched the Hokage's lips. The pieces were already in motion.
"Let's see where this leads, Haruto."
With that, Hiruzen turned back to his work, knowing that the next few months would be crucial for the boy's development—and that he had just set the first step in a plan that would shape the future of one of Konoha's most promising young shinobi.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone