Chương 171: 171
Haruto stood at attention as the Hokage and his entourage entered the hospital meeting room, his nerves buzzing with anticipation. Officially, this was just a routine inspection—the Hokage checked in on the hospital every few years—but Haruto couldn't help hoping for something more. Maybe, just maybe, he'd get the chance to talk to the Hokage. After all, he had brought his latest essay along, just in case the opportunity arose.
Tsunade had gathered her top medical-nin protégés, including Haruto, Shizune, and Suzuki, along with the hospital's senior medical staff. Haruto stood beside Shizune, sneaking a glance at her calm demeanor before turning his focus back to the Hokage. He listened intently as Hiruzen Sarutobi discussed the hospital's progress with Tsunade, all the while wondering if he'd have a chance to make an impression.
As the Hokage moved through the room, talking with various shinobi and senior staff, Haruto couldn't help but feel a flutter of nerves. If I can get just a moment…
To his surprise, the Hokage's gaze shifted toward him, and before he could fully register it, Hiruzen was walking over. Haruto stiffened slightly, not expecting the Hokage to approach him directly. His heart pounded with excitement as the Hokage stopped in front of him.
"So, Haruto," the Hokage began with a warm smile, "how has your experience been as a Genin so far?"
Haruto blinked, trying not to look too shocked. He knows my name? That thought brought a quiet thrill. That's a good sign. Keeping his composure, he bowed slightly and answered.
"It's been everything I thought it would be, Hokage-sama," Haruto said, doing his best to sound calm, "but also… much more than I expected."
The Hokage raised an eyebrow, his expression curious. "Much more? In what way?"
Haruto hesitated briefly, his mind flashing to some of the tougher missions he'd been on—the brutality of the human smuggling operation, the darker sides of shinobi life. But now wasn't the time to get too deep into that. He kept his answer measured.
"The missions, the responsibilities… they've been more challenging than I imagined," he explained. "I've had to grow faster than I expected."
The Hokage nodded thoughtfully, his smile softening. "That's how it is in this line of work. Challenges shape us, often faster than we'd like." He paused, eyes twinkling slightly. "I've heard you've been handling them well."
Haruto could feel the Hokage's attention in a way that was more than casual. This wasn't just small talk—the Hokage was gauging him. It was clear now that this visit wasn't just about the hospital.
"And," the Hokage continued, "I've had the chance to read some of your essays. I must say, I'm quite impressed. You have a sharp mind."
Haruto's heart skipped a beat. He read my essays? That was more than Haruto had hoped for. The fact that the Hokage had taken the time to read his work felt almost surreal.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama," Haruto said, bowing slightly, feeling the pride swell inside him. "It's an honor that my work reached you."
The Hokage's smile widened with amusement. "I admire young shinobi who think about more than just battle. Foresight and thoughtfulness are just as valuable as physical strength." There was a pause, and the Hokage's eyes seemed to twinkle with something that felt almost teasing. "You don't happen to have another essay on you, do you?"
Haruto blinked. Actually… I do. He couldn't help but laugh softly at the timing. "Well, I do, Hokage-sama," he admitted, feeling a little sheepish. "It's on a different subject, though."
The Hokage raised an eyebrow again, this time clearly amused. "Were you planning this?" he asked with a chuckle.
Haruto shook his head quickly. "No, no, I just thought it might be useful, considering the topic."
"Well, let's have it, then," Hiruzen said, still smiling.
Haruto quickly reached into his pouch and handed over the essay—his latest piece on the potential of a village-run bank for Konoha. The Hokage took the paper, looking over the title with genuine interest before tucking it away.
"I'll make sure to read this carefully," the Hokage promised. "You've got some interesting ideas, Haruto. I look forward to seeing where your mind takes you."
Haruto bowed again, feeling both proud and relieved. "Thank you, Hokage-sama."
The Hokage paused, studying Haruto for a moment, then leaned in slightly, his tone becoming more personal. "And if you continue progressing as you have, let's say when you become a Chunin, I'll personally teach you a B-rank jutsu."
Haruto's heart skipped a beat at the offer, but inwardly, he couldn't help but feel a bit underwhelmed. A B-rank jutsu? The only reason he hadn't learned one already was that he didn't have access to the necessary scrolls. With the right resources, he could probably teach himself.
Still, Haruto nodded politely. "I would be honored, Hokage-sama."
The Hokage chuckled softly, clearly sensing that Haruto wasn't as excited as most shinobi might be. "But," he added with a knowing glint in his eyes, "if you manage to become Chunin in the next two or three years and take first place in the arena spars, I'll teach you an A-rank jutsu instead."
Now, that caught Haruto's attention. An A-rank jutsu? That was something he could definitely use. His mind raced at the possibilities, but then the thought of being a Genin for two or three more years gnawed at him. Two or three years? He really hoped it wouldn't take that long.
Still, Haruto kept his expression respectful and smiled. "I'll do my best, Hokage-sama."
Hiruzen smiled knowingly, reading more in Haruto's expression than he let on. What Haruto didn't know was that the Hokage already knew he would be taking the Chunin Exams this year—he'd spoken to Sakumo Hatake about it earlier. But for now, the Hokage kept that knowledge to himself, letting Haruto think the future was further off than it actually was.
"I look forward to seeing your progress," the Hokage said warmly, before turning to speak with others in the room, including Shizune, who had been watching the exchange with a smile.
As the Hokage moved on, Haruto stood still for a moment, processing everything. This wasn't just a routine visit. He had managed to catch the Hokage's attention, and now he was part of something bigger. He felt a quiet excitement settle over him.
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