Early morning.
The people of Konohagakure rose as usual, but when curiosity led them to the central square, they discovered that the newly built Konoha Wall of Honor had changed.
The Konoha Wall of Honor.
It was said that only those who had rendered exceptional service to the village were qualified to have their names engraved upon it.
Depending on the scale of their contributions, the names were divided into three categories.
First Category: Leaders.
Those who, like the founders of Konoha or the Hokage who had shaped the village's destiny, held a monumental influence.
Second Category: Guardians.
As the name suggested, this section was reserved for those who had made great sacrifices in defending the village.
Third Category: Memorial Stele.
Similar to the Memorial Stone, it honored the ninja who had fallen in service to Konoha.
These three categories embodied the very essence of heroism. Only truly great shinobi were worthy of being immortalized here.
Until now, the wall had remained empty. According to official statements, records of those who had once contributed to Konoha were still being compiled.
Unquestionably, when the wall was first unveiled, it drew the attention of every villager and shinobi alike.
After all, who wouldn't want their name etched upon this wall of glory? Who wouldn't wish for their descendants, passing by one day, to see their name and proudly tell others of their heroic deeds?
It was just a wall—but its influence was immense, far beyond what Minato had imagined. For days, he had been troubled over whose name deserved to be engraved first.
But now, a new name had appeared.
Hakken Yoru!
Even more astonishing, his name was engraved under the category of Konoha's Leaders.
A child? What merit could possibly place him there?
Yet when the villagers read the events recorded beside his name, all they felt was awe and respect.
He belonged here!
Hakken Yoru. Current Commander of Konoha's ANBU.
Graduated from the Ninja Academy at the age of six. That same year, he joined the ANBU and supported the front lines. Completed an S-rank mission—severely wounding Kumogakure's elite Eight-Tails Jinchūriki, Killer Bee—while also capturing the Two-Tails Jinchūriki for Konoha. His actions ended the border war and secured advantageous terms in Konoha's peace negotiations.
On the night of July 1st that same year, the Raikage personally led a squad to infiltrate Konoha. Hakken keenly detected their presence and engaged them in fierce combat.
In that battle, he killed six Kumo jōnin and captured the Raikage alive!
Shock. Admiration. Awe.
With such achievements, placing his name among the Leaders was more than justified.
And July 1st—wasn't that just the night before last? While they slept peacefully, such a battle had taken place!
Konoha had escaped disaster thanks entirely to the boy whose name now adorned the Wall of Honor.
Gratitude welled up in their hearts. Many kindhearted villagers, thankful to still be alive, bowed deeply before the Wall of Honor.
Their gratitude was sincere, untouched by pretense. And Konoha's hero, Hakken Yoru, truly deserved it.
It was his presence that had allowed them to sleep peacefully that night. No—perhaps it was more accurate to say that his existence itself allowed them to live in peace.
A hero…
As the villagers reflected on the fragility of life, a hunched figure stood quietly in a corner of the square, watching.
The Konoha Wall of Honor—a place filled with glory.
Lighting his pipe, Hiruzen Sarutobi took a slow, pensive drag.
Why hadn't he thought of such a brilliant way to win hearts during his own time as Hokage?
People spend their whole lives pursuing something—power, the chance to change fate, fame, or honor.
And if, while chasing those things, their name could be remembered and revered by future generations like this… then even death wouldn't be something to regret.
Swallowing hard, Hiruzen realized what he had been missing all along—the feeling of being admired.
Lifting his gaze toward the distant Hokage's office, a fiery determination flashed in his eyes as he strode forward with firm steps.
…
"Your Raikage personally led a team here the night before last."
At the Mitarashi residence, Hakken—who had carried out a surprise assessment of the ANBU's training progress the previous night—had finished his work and was now reclining comfortably on a lounge chair in the courtyard, enjoying a gentle massage from the young maid.
To be fair, Yugito seemed to have already grown accustomed to this role. She had picked up the massage techniques quickly.
There's a kind of terror called habit.
Once you become used to something, you start taking it for granted. Like letting her master fall asleep on her lap every night, or offering these indulgent massages. Such was the habit of a maid.
Hearing Hakken's words, Yugito's small hands trembled slightly.
"Raikage-sama has arrived? Where?"
Summoning her courage, she reasoned that as a kunoichi of Kumogakure, asking this question shouldn't be too much.
"Konoha Hospital, special care ward."
Hakken yawned, turned his head, and pinched Yugito's chin, amusement flickering in his eyes.
"What? Want to go see him?"
"Whatever my master says."
Cat owners know that when a cat's tongue brushes against your palm, there's always a strangely soothing sensation.
A good maid.
Turning back, Hakken lost interest in teasing her. The maid was sensible—at least she understood her place—and that pleased Hakken greatly.
Knock, knock.
A rhythmic tapping sounded at the door. The sensible maid went to open it.
A masked ANBU ninja stepped inside respectfully, never once glancing at Yugito. That wasn't his concern.
Lately, the ANBU's atmosphere had changed completely.
Ever since their Commander had captured the Raikage alive, the members had shown him nothing but deep respect. The true impact of that awe had only just begun.
"Commander, Hokage-sama requests your presence immediately, if you have time."
Kneeling on one knee, the ANBU ninja bowed to Hakken and spoke respectfully.
"Minato-sensei wants to see me?"
Hakken yawned and nodded.
"Right. It's about time."
The Raikage had indeed been captured. Through his seamless coordination with Minato, and with the Raikage's soul steadily weakened by the Soul-Devouring Blade, he had finally fallen unconscious and been subdued.
A Zanpakutō cuts the soul!
The Raikage's spirit was already incomplete; his arm was completely ruined. The effect of the blade's slain souls was equally terrifying. As long as Hakken didn't withdraw those souls gnawing at the Raikage's essence, the man had no strength left to resist.
It was suppression on the level of the soul—utterly inescapable.
Because of that, Hakken felt no concern about the Raikage losing control in Konoha Hospital. He simply didn't have the power to do so.
Still, deciding how to deal with the Raikage would no doubt give Minato-sensei a headache.
"Understood. I'll go shortly."
Rising to his feet and shouldering his Zanpakutō, Hakken wore a calm, confident smile.
When it came to handling the Raikage, he already had the perfect plan in mind.