Graduate Early?
Inside the Hokage Office, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, sat at his desk, reviewing a report from Kakashi Hatake.
The report detailed Naruto Uzumaki's recent progress—his chakra reserves were growing at an alarming rate, his combat instincts were sharpening, and he had begun demonstrating an innate ability to sense chakra. However, while his raw potential was impressive, his fundamental ninja skills were still lacking.
The request in question was Naruto's desire to graduate early from the Academy and become a genin.
Hiruzen set the report down and steepled his fingers, glancing at Kakashi, who stood silently to the side.
"Kakashi," the Hokage said, his voice measured. "As someone who graduated early yourself, do you believe Naruto is ready to leave the Academy and become a full-fledged ninja?"
Kakashi took a moment before responding. "From my experience, Naruto isn't ready yet. His skills are improving, but he lacks discipline and formal training. The Academy exists for a reason—graduating early would only hinder his growth."
Hiruzen nodded slightly. "And yet, despite his shortcomings, he is insistent. Do you believe this is about becoming a ninja… or is there another reason?"
Kakashi hesitated before answering. "Naruto isn't just looking to prove himself—he wants to understand his past. He knows there's something being hidden from him. He's desperate to learn about his parents."
Hiruzen's expression darkened. He had promised Naruto that he would tell him the truth when he became a ninja. But if Naruto learned that he was the son of the Fourth Hokage—Minato Namikaze—and that the villagers despised him despite his father's sacrifice, how would he react?
Would he resent the village? Would he blame Hiruzen for his hardships?
He tapped his fingers on the table, weighing the risks. If Naruto were allowed to graduate early, he might be even harder to control. And if he wasn't ready for the responsibilities of a shinobi, he could endanger himself and others.
Finally, Hiruzen made his decision.
"I won't tell Naruto the truth yet," he said. "But… I will allow him to graduate early. If he is to become a ninja sooner or later, he may as well adapt to shinobi life now."
Kakashi's visible eye widened slightly in surprise.
"However," Hiruzen continued, "Naruto will need guidance. Kakashi, I want you to step down from the ANBU and take on a new role as his jonin instructor."
Kakashi blinked. "Me?"
Hiruzen nodded. "You were trained by Minato, and you understand the burdens of secrecy and expectation. Naruto needs someone like you to guide him."
Kakashi sighed. "I don't mind, but there's a problem. A three-man team is standard protocol, and the Academy's current graduates have already been assigned. If I take Naruto alone, it would be an unusual exception."
Hiruzen considered this. "Then for now, we will delay his graduation. When next year's class is ready, we will place Naruto on a balanced team. Until then, I want you to keep a close eye on him and prepare him for the responsibilities ahead."
At that moment, Kakashi seemed to remember something. "Hokage-sama, Naruto's sensory abilities are improving. He has already started detecting ANBU operatives tailing him. Should we adjust our surveillance methods?"
Hiruzen nodded. "Do as you see fit. But ensure that Naruto does not get too close to the Uchiha Clan."
Kakashi gave a small nod, understanding the underlying tension in the Hokage's words. While he couldn't give Naruto the answers he sought, he had at least ensured that the boy would have more freedom.
For now, that was the best he could do.
---
Meanwhile...
After Kakashi left, Hiruzen turned his attention to another pressing matter—the Uchiha Clan.
Recent ANBU reports indicated an alarming increase in the Uchiha Police Force's acquisition of weapons. Explosive tags, kunai, and shuriken were being stockpiled in quantities far beyond what was necessary for law enforcement.
Enough to fight a small-scale war.
Hiruzen sighed, rubbing his temples. Complaints against the Uchiha Police Force had risen as well—yet another sign of the growing rift between the clan and the rest of the village.
While Danzo and the others saw this as an opportunity to further isolate the Uchiha, Hiruzen understood that the problem was deeper. Uchiha Fugaku, the clan head, was not simply preparing for war—he was attempting to form alliances with other ninja clans, likely to strengthen his political position.
But the other clans wouldn't ally with the Uchiha. Their history of arrogance had left them isolated.
As he mulled over his thoughts, a knock on the door pulled him from his contemplation.
"Enter," he called.
The door opened, revealing a young man with dark eyes and a calm demeanor—Uchiha Itachi.
Hiruzen's gaze softened slightly. Itachi was the only Uchiha he could still communicate with after the death of Shisui.
"Itachi," he said. "Do you have new information regarding the Police Force?"
Itachi gave a slight nod. "My father has begun reaching out to other clans, attempting to form alliances."
Hiruzen exhaled slowly. That confirmed his suspicions. But if Fugaku was still in the negotiation stage, it meant the Uchiha were not yet prepared to act.
For now, there was still time.
Hiruzen studied Itachi carefully. The young Uchiha was highly intelligent—far beyond his years. If only he had been older, perhaps Hiruzen could have entrusted the village to him.
But Itachi was only thirteen. Too young.
And yet, Hiruzen couldn't shake a lingering thought. Itachi reminds me too much of Danzo…
Shisui had been different—he had believed in the Will of Fire with unwavering conviction. But Itachi was more calculating. He was loyal to the village, but his loyalty came with a dangerous level of pragmatism.
The kind of mindset that Danzo would exploit.
Still, Hiruzen placed a hand on Itachi's shoulder. "This must be difficult for you. Torn between your clan and your village."
Itachi's face remained unreadable. "My father's actions will only bring harm to both the Uchiha and Konoha. His vision does not extend beyond our clan."
Hiruzen offered a weary smile. "If you were older, I would have considered you as a Hokage candidate. You understand the bigger picture better than most."
Itachi shook his head. "I am nowhere near that level."
With that, he bowed and exited the room.
As Hiruzen watched him leave, he couldn't help but think of Shisui. If only he were still alive…
Now, all he could do was wait.
And prepare for what was coming.
Visit patreon.com/Akeyno to get 30+ chapters