Chương 162: 162
Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, set down his brush and leaned back, his attention turning to the second essay that had recently come across his desk. This essay, titled "The Will of Fire," was already causing quite a stir among the instructors at the academy. It wasn't the first time Hiruzen had come across a piece of writing by Haruto Takeda. The boy had submitted an earlier paper proposing improvements for the academy, one that had been thoughtful and practical. That essay had suggested ways to enhance training methods and had even been discussed among the instructors, leading to minor changes in how certain lessons were conducted.
But this second essay was different. It went beyond practical improvements—it spoke directly to the heart of Konoha's philosophy, and it demonstrated a deep understanding of the village's core beliefs.
Hiruzen began reading through Haruto's second essay once more:
"The Will of Fire is not just a philosophy. It's the backbone of our village, the force that drives us to protect our comrades, our families, and Konoha itself…"
The essay was profound for someone so young. It outlined how the Will of Fire could be made even stronger through personal connections and ritual, ideas that went beyond the typical understanding of the village's core values. The essay spoke of giving each shinobi a personal connection to the Will of Fire through personalized affirmations and rituals that could help them reaffirm their commitment to Konoha before every mission. It was well thought out, almost visionary, for a Genin who had only just begun his journey as a shinobi.
The Hokage was impressed. Haruto wasn't just another talented Genin—he was thinking on a deeper level, about the future of the village and how to preserve its strength in the next generation.
Hiruzen reached for Haruto's most recent dossier, the one compiled by ANBU as part of the regular observation of promising young shinobi. He had requested it specifically after the academy instructors brought this latest essay to his attention.
ANBU Surveillance Report: Haruto Takeda
Mission Duration: 72 hours
Operative ID: [Redacted]
Date: [Redacted]
The report detailed Haruto's relentless training regimen, his mastery over medical ninjutsu, and his unique ability to maintain Shadow Clones for extended periods of time without showing signs of mental fatigue. This was far beyond what most Genin could handle, and it was clear Haruto was pushing himself in ways that would normally overwhelm others his age. The dossier also noted his keen interest in fūinjutsu, a skill not typically pursued so intensely by Genin.
Despite his remarkable abilities, Haruto didn't have much influence among his peers—he was driven, quiet, and kept to himself, more focused on his training than on forming social bonds. While this lack of influence wasn't a problem, it did mean that Haruto was largely flying under the radar when it came to social dynamics within the academy and among the younger shinobi of Konoha.
Hiruzen's fingers tapped lightly on the edge of his desk as he considered what he had learned. There were many powers of influence within the village—the clans, the elders, and even the Hokage himself. Navigating these forces required more than just strength; it required understanding how influence worked within the structure of Konoha.
Hiruzen had always kept an eye on promising shinobi, pulling those with the potential to become future pillars of the village into his sphere of influence. He had done it with Minato Namikaze, who was still young but showing incredible talent. Minato had the skill, but more importantly, he had the right mindset—a loyalty to the village that could be nurtured.
Now, as he looked at the dossier, Hiruzen realized that Haruto could be another pillar for Konoha. Haruto was not yet widely known among his peers, but his understanding of Konoha's core values, combined with his exceptional skills, made him someone worth investing in.
The Hokage knew that power dynamics were always at play in Konoha. The clans, the elders, and other powerful figures in the village were constantly vying for influence, and shinobi like Haruto could easily be caught in those currents. Hiruzen wanted to make sure that Haruto wasn't just another talented shinobi left to be shaped by the village's politics. He needed to pull Haruto closer, to ensure that the boy's talents were aligned with the village's best interests—and his own.
"First the academy paper, and now this one," Hiruzen muttered to himself. Haruto had shown incredible foresight, and the Hokage knew he couldn't leave this potential untapped.
Minato was already someone Hiruzen had pulled into his sphere. He was also working to guide young Kakashi Hatake and Shisui Uchiha—two other promising shinobi who would likely play important roles in Konoha's future. But Haruto… Haruto had shown something different. His understanding of the Will of Fire made him stand out, not as someone who sought power or influence, but as someone who could lead with wisdom and conviction. And that was just as valuable, if not more so, than raw strength.
Hiruzen folded the dossier and placed it neatly on his desk. He knew what needed to be done. He couldn't afford to let Haruto slip away or be influenced by other forces in the village. The boy's potential was too great, and his vision for Konoha too important.
"I need to form a connection with him," Hiruzen thought. "He's in good hands with Sakumo Hatake, but it's time I get involved directly."
The Hokage stood, walking to the window that overlooked the village. He could see the academy in the distance, where young shinobi like Haruto were being molded. Haruto Takeda might not have influence among his peers now, but that could change. And Hiruzen would make sure that when it did, the boy would stand firmly by Konoha's side—and by his.
Just as he had done with Minato, Hiruzen would bring Haruto into his fold, guiding him not just as a shinobi, but as a future leader. The boy's talent was undeniable, and his potential influence within the village could be just as significant. Hiruzen would make sure Haruto's flame burned bright—but controlled.
Konoha's future depended on it.
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