章 75: The Hokage’s Reflection - The ANBU Report
A week had passed since Hiruzen Sarutobi requested a discreet investigation into Haruto Takeda, the Academy student whose potential had caught the attention of both Tsunade and the Hokage himself. Now, sitting in his office as the last light of day began to fade, Hiruzen flipped through the ANBU report in his hands. It was as thorough as expected—detailed observations of Haruto's daily routines, his interactions, and any notable behaviors. The Hokage had grown accustomed to reviewing such reports, but something about this one held his attention longer than most.
The boy had potential, but it was the nature of that potential—and how it manifested—that intrigued Hiruzen.
Daily Routine
The report began with Haruto's daily schedule, starting from the early hours of the morning. Unlike most of his classmates, Haruto was up before dawn, engaging in intense training sessions. What stood out, though, was that he wasn't alone. For several weeks now, Haruto had been training with Daichi Uzumaki, a fellow Academy student. The report detailed how the two boys pushed each other in their morning exercises, a healthy competitiveness that seemed to benefit both of them.
Hiruzen smiled slightly. "Training with an Uzumaki, are we? A strong partner, especially for a boy with no clan backing."
The ANBU had noted that Haruto used a Weighted Seal during his training, increasing the resistance on his body as he moved through taijutsu drills and physical conditioning. It was a remarkable choice for someone his age, and a testament to the boy's discipline. Interestingly, Daichi used a similar method, suggesting the two were learning from each other, refining their skills together.
"He's not just training alone—he's smart enough to find someone who challenges him," Hiruzen murmured to himself.
Interactions and Social Dynamics
Despite his intense focus on training, the report mentioned that Haruto wasn't entirely reclusive. While he wasn't the most social student, he interacted regularly with Daichi and a few other classmates, including Might Guy, who had become a frequent sparring partner during Academy hours. The report described Haruto as somewhat distant from most, but not unfriendly—more of a quiet observer who knew when to engage.
Hiruzen read over the section on Haruto's interactions with instructors. He was respectful, but notably, he often held back in both taijutsu and ninjutsu, performing just enough to avoid drawing too much attention. It wasn't that he was failing—it was the opposite. Haruto was deliberately keeping himself from standing out too much, as if he were waiting for the right moment to show his true capabilities.
The Hokage's brow furrowed. Holding back? That could be a sign of someone who was wary of revealing too much too soon.
"He's cautious," Hiruzen said quietly, a note of concern entering his thoughts. "Or perhaps… strategic."
Medical Interests
What truly stood out in the report was Haruto's unwavering commitment to medical ninjutsu. Every Sunday, he volunteered at the hospital, working diligently under the supervision of Shizune. The ANBU detailed how Haruto not only completed his assigned tasks but also absorbed everything around him—listening to medical-nin, watching procedures, and asking insightful questions when the opportunity arose.
More impressively, Haruto wasn't just studying theory. The ANBU had observed him practicing chakra scalpel techniques, using it during training sessions to increase his control. He had even been seen incorporating it into his sparring, though he refrained from using it in live combat due to its lethality. This level of chakra control was unusual for someone his age, and it hadn't gone unnoticed.
Hiruzen raised an eyebrow as he read the report's notes on Haruto's chakra scalpel practice. "Already experimenting with medical techniques in combat? At this age?" he muttered, more to himself than to anyone else. "He's ahead of most chūnin in that respect."
Additionally, Haruto had been hunting on the outskirts of the Forest of Death, using the chakra scalpel to butcher game with precision. It was practical training—combining survival skills with medical ninjutsu in a way that showed both creativity and discipline. He wasn't wasting time; he was refining his control over his abilities every step of the way.
Risks and Observations
Reaching the end of the report, Hiruzen paused to consider the ANBU's conclusions. Haruto was talented, no doubt. But there was something underlying his actions—a sense of confidence that bordered on arrogance, though not yet fully realized. The boy wasn't showing off, but he knew how far ahead he was of his peers, and he was careful not to let that become too apparent.
This concerned Hiruzen. The boy wasn't reckless, but there was a subtle danger in his restraint. Haruto was clearly waiting for the right moment to reveal his true strength, which showed maturity, but it also hinted at a possible disconnect between his abilities and how he perceived others around him.
The Hokage set the report down, his thoughts shifting to another former student. Orochimaru had been brilliant in his own way, always pushing boundaries and questioning the limitations placed on him. After the Second Great Ninja War, Orochimaru's ambitions had shifted—he became more secretive, more obsessed with power and knowledge. It wasn't a direct parallel, but Hiruzen saw the seeds of potential danger in Haruto, as well.
Haruto's ambition wasn't about power, but about innovation. That could be just as dangerous if not guided properly.
"I've seen this before," Hiruzen murmured to himself. "I need to be careful with this one."
Next Steps
Hiruzen stood up and paced the room, his mind turning over the possibilities. The ANBU report had confirmed what Tsunade had suspected—Haruto was a prodigy, especially in the field of medical ninjutsu. But with that potential came risk. He needed guidance, someone to keep him on the right path, to ensure that his talents were used for the good of Konoha, and not twisted into something dangerous.
The Hokage paused by the window, looking out at the village below. Konoha's strength lay in its people, in nurturing the next generation of shinobi. Haruto had the potential to be one of the greats, but it would take careful, deliberate mentorship to bring that potential to fruition.
Perhaps Tsunade was right—Haruto might need more direct guidance in the near future. Hiruzen made a mental note to speak with her about taking the boy under her wing, perhaps sooner than anticipated. Haruto's progress couldn't be left to chance. If his ambitions were properly nurtured, he could become a powerful asset to the village.
But Hiruzen would keep a close eye on him all the same.
"Let's see where this leads," Hiruzen murmured to himself. "He could become a great asset… or a potential problem if left unchecked."
With a final glance at the ANBU report, Hiruzen returned to his desk, knowing that he would need to follow up on Haruto's development soon. The boy's future was just beginning to unfold, and the Hokage intended to be there to guide it every step of the way.
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