The last day before summer break arrived, and the Academy dismissed early—no explanation given, but no one questioned it. The promise of freedom hung in the air, mingling with a quiet anticipation that something significant was about to unfold.
During lunch, as classmates exchanged farewells and laughter, Shorai followed Iruka to his office, heart pounding with a mix of curiosity and nervousness. Iruka knocked gently and announced, "We're here."
"Come in," came a calm, aged voice from within.
Iruka opened the door, revealing Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, seated behind his desk. A scroll and an open book lay before him, but it was the presence of the man himself—the weight of his legacy—that filled the room. The red-and-white hat of the Hokage rested quietly beside him.
"L-Lord Hokage…" Shorai's eyes widened, breath catching. He bowed deeply, humbled by the moment.
Hiruzen's smile was warm, gentle. "No need for such formality. Sit, please. Iruka has spoken highly of you for years. I wanted to meet you in person."
Shorai took a seat, feeling the gravity of the moment settle around him, Iruka quietly beside him.
"I'm honored you'd spare time for someone not yet a shinobi," Shorai said, voice steady but reverent, a flicker of awe beneath his calm.
"You may not wear the flak jacket," Hiruzen replied softly, "but your skill and mind rival that of a chunin. I've watched you—and Naruto—for some time now. You've surprised me more than most."
Shorai glanced at Iruka, then back at the Hokage, a rare smile breaking through. "Thank you, Grandpa."
Hiruzen chuckled, eyes twinkling. "Grandpa? I like that."
"I've heard your goals," Hiruzen continued, voice heavy with meaning. "To surpass even the First Hokage… to walk a path of strength and peace. Have you ever considered becoming Hokage yourself? With your discipline and will, you could achieve what even Hashirama could not."
Shorai met his gaze, then turned to the Hokage Monument visible through the window, the weight of history pressing down. "It's a great honor… and a heavy burden. I understand why others would strive for it—the power, the responsibility. But it wouldn't suit me. Not because I lack ambition, but because the role demands sacrifice. A Hokage must be free to serve the village without personal ties weighing them down."
He paused, voice softening. "That's why I believe Naruto is the one meant for that title."
Hiruzen raised a brow, surprise flickering in his eyes. "Naruto? Not yourself?"
"Naruto Uzumaki," Shorai said, meeting the Hokage's eyes with quiet conviction. "I've studied history, legends, and the patterns of fate. I know about the Nine-Tails. I know he's the son of the Fourth. I haven't spoken of it—only observed. But I believe you sealed the truth to protect him… to keep him safe from the village's fear."
The room fell into a heavy silence. Iruka's posture stiffened. Hiruzen's expression shifted—surprise, then a quiet, proud acceptance.
"You… know all that?" he asked, voice barely above a whisper.
"I value honesty," Shorai said simply. "I'm open with you because I trust you. My goal isn't power for its own sake—it's to protect those who gave me a home. To change the world, not rule it."
Hiruzen studied him for a long moment, then smiled with genuine warmth. "You remind me of Minato… and Hashirama. Yet you see what others miss. Naruto may be loud, but his heart is pure. He will be Hokage one day. And you… you may be the one who helps him get there."
He leaned forward, eyes shining. "Iruka tells me you've been studying medical ninjutsu—practicing healing on your own."
"Yes, Grandpa. Since I was six, I've read every medical scroll in the library. Last year, my chakra became unbalanced—Yin overwhelmed Yang. I had to heal myself. It took a year of preparation."
Hiruzen shook his head, amazed, a hint of pride in his voice. "You're truly a prodigy. Your control, your knowledge… it rivals a seasoned shinobi. Iruka, test his elemental affinity after this."
"For now," Hiruzen said, "you've expressed interest in fuinjutsu and medical ninjutsu. Given your talent in healing, I wonder if you'd be better suited focusing there."
Shorai hesitated, vulnerability flickering in his eyes. "I don't know why, but learning comes easily to me. I can grasp concepts fast… and in combat, I sometimes feel like I can predict movements. I wonder—did I inherit this from my parents? Is there any record of them?"
Hiruzen's expression softened, touched by the question. "You were brought to Konoha during the Nine-Tails' attack. No records exist. But your abilities suggest something… unique."
"There's one more thing," Shorai said, voice dropping to a whisper. "For months, I've felt a strange sensation during high-speed movement—no resistance, no heat. Like I'm cutting through air without friction. Could it be related to elemental chakra?"
Iruka leaned in, surprised. "You never told me that."
Hiruzen frowned thoughtfully. "It could be advanced chakra control… or something more. We'll find out."
He reached into his robe and pulled out a scroll, offering it with a steady hand. "If you're still set on fuinjutsu… start here. Basic seals, storage techniques, the fundamentals. I'll be watching."
Shorai took the scroll, bowing deeply. "Thank you, Grandpa."
Hiruzen smiled, eyes full of hope. "I look forward to your achievements, Shorai. The future of Konoha walks on many paths. Yours is just beginning."