Shinnō
"Bit of a coincidence," Nara Shikaku said after a moment's thought. "Even shinobi would struggle to keep up with the Sky Ninja's flight speed, yet this boy arrived in Konoha at almost the exact same time they did."
"We'll know once we take a look," Fujimoto Tōma replied.
He stood, secured the Hokage hat at his waist, and headed toward Konoha Hospital. Shikaku followed.
They arrived quickly.
"Hokage-sama, this way please," a medical-nin greeted them.
"How's the boy?" Tōma asked.
"He's stable," the medic replied. "He's currently being treated by Shinnō."
"Shinnō?" Tōma paused. "Why is he in Konoha Hospital?"
"Yes, Shinnō," the medic said with clear admiration. "An exceptionally skilled doctor."
"He isn't from Konoha, is he? Why is he treating patients here?" Tōma frowned.
"He arrived after the boy was brought in," the medic explained. "He recognized him as his student and followed. Given his reputation and their relationship, we allowed him to assist."
"I see," Tōma said calmly.
They entered a ward.
The unconscious boy lay on the bed. Beside him stood a middle-aged man wearing a hat. Shinnō.
Treatment was still ongoing, so Tōma and Shikaku waited without interrupting.
When it finally ended, the surrounding medics murmured in awe at Shinnō's technique.
"Hokage-sama," Shinnō said quickly upon noticing Tōma. "My apologies for not greeting you earlier. I was in the middle of treatment."
"No need," Tōma replied. "The patient comes first."
He looked directly at Shinnō. "I hear the boy came to Konoha because his village was attacked by the Sky Ninja, leaving many civilians injured. He was looking for you and seeking Konoha's help."
Shinnō's expression darkened. "That… is terrible news."
"Why were you in Konoha?" Tōma asked, studying him.
"I wished to meet Lady Tsunade," Shinnō answered smoothly. "One of the Legendary Sannin. Her medical skill is unmatched. I hoped to learn from her. But now…" He glanced at the boy. "I'll need to return with him."
"There will be other opportunities," Tōma said evenly.
He turned to the medical-nin. "When the boy wakes up, bring both of them to the Hokage's office."
"Yes, sir."
Tōma and Shikaku left.
Only after they were gone did Shinnō realize his clothes were soaked through with cold sweat.
That gaze earlier had felt like a blade pressed against his throat.
For the first time, regret crept in.
Why did he have to choose this moment to act?
Those Sky Ninja were not easy to gather. Years of preparation, wasted in an instant.
He had heard rumors about Fujimoto Tōma's power at the Hokage succession ceremony, but rumors were cheap. Civilians always exaggerated strength.
People once claimed the Third Hokage was the strongest of all time too.
He hadn't believed it.
Reality corrected him brutally.
His plan had already begun, and there was no turning back. He had ordered the attack on his student Amaru's village before realizing something was wrong with Konoha's atmosphere.
There should have been chaos after such a high-profile execution.
Instead, the village felt calmer than ever.
That was when unease truly set in.
Fear, yes—but also exhilaration.
For years, Shinnō had chased power without fully understanding it.
Today, Fujimoto Tōma had shown him.
This was true power.
And when his own plan succeeded, when the Zero-Tails was complete, he would surpass even that.
No—he had to.
He would avenge the Second Shinobi World War.
On the way back to the Hokage's office, Shikaku spoke up.
"Hokage-sama. Shinnō is suspicious."
"He was afraid," Tōma replied, a faint smile crossing his face. "Fear doesn't come from nowhere."
Shikaku nodded. Since Tōma hadn't exposed him, there was clearly a plan in motion.
Back at the office, Tōma made his decision.
He had ANBU summon Naruto, Hinata, and Sakura.
"Too bad Shikamaru's already been taken by Kakashi," Tōma remarked. "He'd be perfect to lead this."
Naruto was strong, but impulsive. Worse, he couldn't keep secrets. Some things simply couldn't be entrusted to him.
As for Hinata and Sakura, both were medical-nin. Most combat-capable medics were stationed at the hospital and rarely left the village. Only Tsunade's students were exceptions.
Shikaku smiled faintly, clearly proud of his son.
"If you'd had a few more like him," Tōma said dryly, "task assignments wouldn't be so tight."
Shikaku suddenly understood Kakashi's pain and chose not to respond.
He did voice one concern. "This team doesn't seem to have a clear leader."
"Relax," Tōma said. "Naruto's stronger than you think. Some schemes don't matter against raw power. Besides, I've made other arrangements."
Shikaku blinked, then nodded.
The younger generation really is terrifying, he thought.
Naruto, Sakura, and Hinata soon arrived and were briefed on the mission.
"Wait," Naruto said, scratching his head. "I don't know medical ninjutsu. Why am I going?"
"Your job is to protect them on the way," Tōma replied.
"Oh! Got it!" Naruto grinned.
"Are you sure that's okay?" Sakura muttered.
"I—I believe Naruto-kun can do it!" Hinata said softly, cheeks red.
Sakura looked between them, sighed, and gave up. Fine. Let them get closer.
"We should meet the mission targets at the hospital first," Sakura said.
"Agreed," Tōma nodded. "Register the mission before you leave. The rank hasn't been finalized yet."
The three departed.
Afterward, Tōma summoned two more people.
Hyūga Neji. Jūgo.
"Shadow them," Tōma instructed. "Shinnō may be dangerous. Protect the team from the dark."
"Yes, Hokage-sama," Neji replied, his gaze complicated.
Jūgo simply nodded.
Once they were gone, Tōma watched Neji's retreating back.
Strong. Calm. Reliable.
The only problem was the Bird Cage Seal.
"Caged bird…" Tōma murmured.
He hated that seal even in his previous life.
But dealing with it meant touching the Hyūga clan's deepest core.
Troublesome.
He rubbed his temples.
"One thing at a time."
"Shikaku," he said at last, "set a meeting and notify the advisors."
"Yes."
...
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