Capítulo 10: Chapter 10: Shadows of War
As Minato joined the group in the aftermath of the duel, his quiet nature masked a sense of amazement. Watching Hikaru and Raiden spar had captivated him—two students his own age, displaying a skill and maturity that went beyond what he'd expected from a first-year Academy duel. He hadn't missed the sharp movements and controlled precision in each swing of Raiden's wooden katana, nor had he failed to notice Hikaru's unyielding, calculating defense. These weren't just two kids swinging wildly; there was a depth of strategy that surprised him. He couldn't help but wonder where he himself stood in comparison and if he'd be able to match that level with more practice.
Raiden, catching his friend's eye, shrugged off the moment's intensity as they shared brief comments about the duel. But Minato remained silently reflective, his usual smile edged with a new layer of contemplation.
At the edge of the field, Daichi Ueda watched his young students carefully. A seasoned chūnin, Daichi took pride in training the next generation, viewing it as both an honor and a responsibility he took seriously. His sharp eyes were trained on the group, but he was particularly focused on Hikaru and Raiden. The duel had held a surprising degree of technique, especially from children just beginning their training.
Daichi saw it all—the way Raiden's offense was both calculated and relentless, driven by a raw skill with the blade that spoke of something far beyond typical Academy training. Raiden's attacks had been powerful and instinctive, traits that Daichi knew could be dangerous if left undisciplined but could also flourish with the right guidance.
Then there was Hikaru. He had taken a defensive approach that was as much about survival as it was about study. It was clear that he hadn't rushed his actions, each move a quiet calculation, each dodge a reaction that showed sharp intuition. Daichi noted that Hikaru had barelay moved offensively at all—he was analyzing, waiting for the perfect moment to turn the tables. It was a style that spoke of patience and wisdom, one Daichi recognized as uncommon in children his age.
Daichi was struck by the contrast between the two: Raiden, who moved with inherited skill and a certain intensity; and Hikaru, with an intelligence that would allow him to sense and learn his opponents' strengths. These weren't just untrained children testing out techniques; they showed the marks of shinobi in training, and their duel displayed a promise that had to be handled carefully. He could see that the future might hold something different for these two if given the proper direction.
It was clear to him that these students had potential, and with that potential came the need for extra attention. Daichi resolved to watch them closely and knew he couldn't let their talent slip under the radar.
That afternoon, as Daichi wrote his report, he described the distinct qualities he had observed. He outlined Hikaru's strategic defensiveness and Raiden's polished offensive tactics, as well as the need to monitor their progress. In Daichi's view, these students could one day become powerful assets for the village, or, if left unchecked, might develop without the discipline needed to handle their growing skills responsibly.
Sealing the report with his family's insignia, Daichi decided it was best to bring these observations directly to the Hokage. This was more than a simple report on Academy performance; it was an early warning of promising but potentially volatile talent.
The Hokage would want to know.
Hiruzen Sarutobi stood in his office, gazing out over the village he'd sworn to protect. The scene was serene, with villagers bustling in their daily routines, laughter and conversation drifting upward in faint threads of sound. But to him, this peace was an illusion, a thin veil over the raging fires beyond Konoha's walls. War had tightened its grip, threatening to swallow everything.
He took a slow drag from his cigar, the embers flaring brightly as he inhaled deeply, feeling the familiar weight of smoke fill his lungs. The warm calm it offered was brief—barely enough to stifle his frustration. His students, among the best shinobi he'd trained, had shown incredible resilience on the front lines. Yet, he knew it wasn't enough. The battles stretched across multiple fronts, and even with their impressive skills, they were spread too thin to make decisive gains. Konoha was losing lives at a staggering rate, and while they fought valiantly, the scale of the conflict demanded more than any team could give.
The smoke around him grew dense as he ground his teeth on the cigar, exhaling with a heavy sigh. His mind drifted to Sakumo Hatake, another shinobi whose strength had been a pillar in the battlefield. Sakumo's skills were remarkable—almost unrivaled—but even his strength couldn't change the tide alone. It was a bitter truth that stung at Hiruzen, tightening the tension in his jaw as he thought of each shinobi who'd fallen, each life sacrificed to maintain the village's freedom.
And then, there was the matter of Mito Uzumaki. Time weighed heavily on her now, and Konoha's connection to the Nine-Tails was at a precarious threshold. Her age posed a risk that grew more dangerous with each passing day. They would need a new jinchūriki, and soon. The thought of the Nine-Tails breaking free—roaming unchecked through Konoha—was a nightmare Hiruzen had no intention of allowing to become reality. But finding a replacement was easier said than done; not just anyone could bear such a burden.
His musings were interrupted by a light knock on the door. A messenger entered, bowing briefly before handing Hiruzen a scroll. As the door closed, he unfurled it, his brow lifting slightly as he recognized the contents: Daichi's report on the academy's newest students. In spite of himself, Hiruzen felt the tension in his shoulders ease as he read through the instructor's observations, each line outlining a new face, a young mind eager to serve Konoha.
Among the names, several stood out: Hikaru Nara, with an unusually developed sensory talent that made Hiruzen pause. He had long been aware of the boy's blindness—a condition that, under any other circumstances, might have set severe limitations on a young shinobi's growth. Hiruzen could still remember hearing of Takeshi Nara's unusual decision to adopt Hikaru, a blind infant found deep within the clan's sacred forest. It was an unexpected choice, even for Takeshi, and Hiruzen had questioned it privately, wondering if the child could ever rise to meet the demands of the shinobi path.
Yet, here Hikaru was, proving all such doubts wrong. According to Daichi's report, Hikaru's sensory abilities seemed to not only rival those of sighted students, but to even them. That a boy without sight had achieved such awareness was remarkable, a testament not only to Hikaru's will but also to Takeshi's faith in him. Hiruzen felt a hint of admiration at this revelation. It stirred something within him, the old memories of how even the seemingly disadvantaged could rise to extraordinary heights if given the right support and opportunity.
Alongside Hikaru's name, Raiden Hatake, Sakumo's nephew, drew his attention as well. The young Hatake already demonstrated an impressive skill with the katana, undoubtedly inherited from his family's tradition. As he continued reading, other promising students caught his eye, from clan-born prodigies to the sharpest civilians—all young minds eager to uphold Konoha's legacy.
Hiruzen's gaze softened. Yes, the present was grim—Konoha was locked in a brutal, relentless war. But as he read through Daichi's words, he couldn't help but feel that there was hope waiting in this new generation. These young shinobi were more than students; they were the future bearers of the Will of Fire, the unbreakable spirit that would carry Konoha into the future, no matter the obstacles they faced. And maybe, just maybe, they were the key to restoring balance in the years to come.
As he carefully folded the scroll, his thoughts were already turning back to the war, the tensions mounting on every front. But this time, a faint glimmer of hope lingered beneath the surface.
As Hiruzen contemplated the bright potential of the academy students, the door to his office creaked open, drawing his attention. His two most trusted advisors entered: Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane. Alongside them was Danzo Shimura, the enigmatic leader of Root, whose reputation for pragmatism often clashed with the ideals of his fellow advisors.
Homura was a man of few words, his demeanor stoic and often serious. He was analytical, always focused on the broader picture and strategic implications, and his sharp mind frequently caught details others missed. Koharu, on the other hand, was more expressive, her spirited nature often lightening the heavy atmosphere in the room. She had a deep understanding of village politics.
Danzo, however, had a more intimidating presence. His harsh gaze and the bandages covering his right arm gave him an air of mystery. He was fiercely protective of the village, though his methods were often ruthless, and he believed that the end justified the means, regardless of the cost.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Finally reached chapter 10
what do you think so far?
Status de energia semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Pedra de
Poder