"Lord Hokage, this is the list of students showing exceptional potential in the academy," said a ninja wearing a ferret-themed ANBU mask. He stepped forward and respectfully handed Hiruzen a scroll.
Hiruzen, sitting calmly behind his desk with his pipe in hand, unrolled and read through the summarized assessment.
[Hatake Ryumo – High aptitude in Water Release. Currently forcing Lightning Release training in an effort to mimic his brother.]
[Raito Yagami – Quiet and reserved. Displays elite-level taijutsu talent, arguably the best in the academy. Exhibits strong chakra reserves and potential for covert operations.][Kuro – Highly capable in ninjutsu but prone to overconfidence and excessive enthusiasm.]
Hmm… Ryumo from the Hatake clan. Impressive, though still nowhere near Kakashi's level, Hiruzen thought, exhaling a puff of smoke. He recalled Kakashi's rare request—that Ryumo be looked after.
Even so, Kakashi has withdrawn from all politics. A brilliant shinobi, but leadership… no. He will not walk that path.
The Hokage let his hand rest against the desk for a moment as he stared out the window.
I'm growing old. How much longer until someone truly worthy steps forward to bear this mantle? His thoughts lingered as the smoke from his pipe swirled upwards.
"Is this all?" Hiruzen finally asked.
The ANBU ninja stepped forward again, handing over a second, far more detailed dossier. This one contained psychological assessments, background histories, and personal ambitions.
"These students are estimated to have jōnin-level potential, Lord Hokage," he reported. "Possibly higher. Given the current losses after the Third Shinobi War, their development could be crucial. I recommend considering early recruitment into the ANBU for select individuals."
Hiruzen's eyes rested on the masked figure, thoughtful.
"I will review it personally," he said, his tone calm but firm.
The ninja bowed silently and vanished, leaving Hiruzen alone with the quiet weight of leadership—and the potential of the next generation.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Time passed swiftly like wind brushing past and the end of the second academy year arrived.
Throughout that time, Raito rarely engaged in conversation with others. He spoke only when necessary, focusing his efforts on study and relentless training. The only people he interacted with regularly were Shikai, Kuro (who attached himself to Raito like a persistent leech), and occasionally Ryumo.
Raito had already mastered several jutsu techniques, especially most D-rank ones available in the library. By now, he had learned all the required skills for graduation. Yet one thing stood out: his quiet but consistent interest in the village's history and wartime events.
"Good morning, students," Kenta announced. "Today, we will be accepting applications for early graduation. If you're interested, fill out the form handed to you."
His shadow clones moved through the classroom, distributing sheets.
Shikai glanced at his form with mild disinterest, then turned toward Raito, only to freeze.
Raito sat perfectly still, staring at the paper with a disturbingly wide grin.
"…Are you okay?" Shikai asked, giving him a subtle shake. The grin vanished immediately.
"Yes, I'm fine," Raito said calmly, already filling the form with swiftly. "Just happy."
Sure you are, Shikai thought, unimpressed.
"HEY! RAITO, SHIKAI, CHOKA! You guys applying too?" Kuro yelled while standing on top of his desk.
"Kuro, stop shouting and sit down," Kenta sighed, already used to his antics.
"Sit down, idiot," Ryumo muttered, dragging Kuro back down by the leg.
"What are you, my father?" Kuro snapped, pulling his leg away.
"Yes," Ryumo replied with a straight face.
"Buzz off, man. You're not even cool," Kuro retorted.
"Doesn't matter to me," Ryumo said casually.
Kuro clicked his tongue and walked toward Shikai's desk. "I hate that guy's guts."
And I hate yours, Raito thought but kept it to himself.
"Well? Are you applying?" Kuro asked, pointing at the form.
"Already done," Raito replied.
"I see no reason to stay another year," he added, glancing at Shikai and Choka.
"You do you," Shikai shrugged. "I'll stay another year. Then I'll graduate properly."
"What he said," Choka added—mid-bite into a raw potato.
Kuro smacked his stomach. "That's raw, idiot."
"I'm applying too," Kuro said with a grin, hands behind his head. "Academy's boring."
Raito and Kuro walked together to submit their forms.
Now then… it's time to put my plan into motion, Raito thought as he handed his application over. One way or another, it begins.
_____________________________________________________________________________
They were informed that the exams would take place two days from now.
Two days… just enough time.
I'll have to wait for night to set everything in motion, Raito thought. The plan might not work, but if it did, the payoff would be invaluable.
I can't reveal the Ten Shadows to anyone, not yet. It's my main source of combat power, and I can barely train it without risking exposure. I haven't even faced the next shikigami.
If I suddenly show I possess this technique now, Danzō will have me kidnapped and dissected before dawn. But if I wait until I'm strong enough to protect it… it'll already be too late.
His jaw tightened.
Ninjutsu isn't even my strength, it took me four whole days just to learn the Clone Jutsu. Kuro mastered it just by watching the hand signs once!
He took a deep breath.
But if my guess is right… this gamble will change everything.
The reason I've been cultivating the image of someone obsessed with village history, the reason I've kept silent all this time was for this exact moment.
That night, a blood-curdling scream rang out from Raito's house. Conveniently or perhaps deliberately, a pair of ANBU operatives were patrolling nearby. They immediately took notice.
The following morning, Raito sprinted to the Hokage building and stumbled into the reception hall.
Visibly trembling, eyes red and watery, he cried out, "I… I need to meet Lord Hokage. Urgently!"
The receptionist hurried to calm him down but informed him that the Hokage was currently occupied—as expected, considering the activity surrounding the mission dispatch area. Raito knew that already, but he persisted as long as he could.
He waited for six hours in the lobby before leaving, still feigning a shaken state.
As he walked away, expression neutralizing, he thought quietly:
That should be enough. Let's see if the bait is taken.
[A/N: Take what I write with a grain of salt, as it is my first time writing anything, lets see if I cook]