Chapter Two
So You're the One Called Water Pillar?
The entrance ceremony at the Ninja Academy unfolded quietly, petals drifting through the spring air. Hoshino Yū's eyes were locked on the boy in the straw hat. For two years, he had searched for Luffy, and now someone familiar stood before him—familiar yet different enough to unsettle him.
He whispered softly, almost to himself.
"So similar… almost the same…"
Minato, walking beside him, noticed and tilted his head.
"Similar to what?"
"Liu Sea Pillar," Yū muttered, but he didn't continue.
Suddenly, the boy he was observing widened his eyes and pointed in his direction. Excitement lit his face.
"Are you… the author of The Great Voyage?"
Yū froze. The crowd had noticed the exchange. Their attention shifted; admiration and curiosity mingled with the sharp, watchful eyes of the shinobi stationed nearby. The tension prickled at his scalp. This was the Ninja Academy's entrance ceremony, after all—hidden observers could be Anbu or Root operatives.
A soft cough from the stage drew everyone's attention back. Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, cleared his throat. His voice, calm and measured, carried over the plaza:
"I have seen countless shinobi give themselves for the Village. Their spirit has not vanished but transformed into the fire that guides our path forward. Perhaps one day, those present will stand as ninjas capable of protecting others…"
The crowd settled into respectful silence. Minato exhaled beside him.
"Yū-kun… what were you thinking just now?"
"It's nothing," Yū replied, still studying the boy. "I just… need to meet him."
That single glance had completed fifty percent of his mission. Once he approached the boy, the quest would likely be marked as complete. Even if this wasn't the real Luffy, obtaining the rumble-rumble fruit reward was enough for now.
As the speeches continued—Sarutobi followed by several elders, including Danzo Shimura—Yū's focus never wavered. He merely waited for the right moment to approach.
Finally, as the crowd began to disperse, he turned to Minato.
"Follow me," he said.
They pushed through the students and parents until they reached the boy.
"Konnichiwa," Yū said, bowing lightly. "May I introduce myself?"
The boy turned, his face familiar but flushed with excitement.
"Yū-kun… I've followed The Great Voyage for over a year! Could you… give me an autograph?"
Yū blinked, caught off guard by the boy's enthusiasm.
The boy steadied himself, bowing slightly.
"Sumimasen. I am Mizuhashira, a third-year student at the Academy."
"Nice to meet you, Senior Mizuhashira," Yū said, extending his hand. "I am Hoshino Yū."
As Mizuhashira shook his hand, the translucent panel in Yū's mind flickered:
Main Quest: Get to know Straw Hat — Monkey D. Luffy
Progress: 100%
Reward: Rumble-Rumble Fruit ×1 added to inventory
The mission was complete. Relief and excitement surged through him as he secured the fruit.
Opening his personal panel, he reviewed his stats:
Name: Hoshino Yū
Age: 6
Chakra: 0.3
Attributes: Power 0.3 / Speed 0.3 / Stamina 0.3 / Spirit 6 / Seals 0.7
Chakra Affinities: Lightning, Water, Fire, Yin, Yang
Abilities: None
Items: Rumble-Rumble Fruit ×1
He studied the numbers carefully. Five chakra affinities, including Yin and Yang—more than expected. His memory of Minato's affinities matched in some respects, suggesting potential synergy for the future.
Mizuhashira's attention toward Minato was polite but neutral. Yū noted it. He adjusted his expectations and posture accordingly.
A new figure approached: a jonin or higher, judging by age and attire, but not masked—definitely not Root. His gaze swept over Yū and Minato with measured scrutiny.
"Hoshino Yū, Minato Namikaze. Come with me."
Yū forced a calm expression. The rumble-rumble fruit was secure. The mission's immediate goal had been achieved. Whatever came next could wait.
"Yes, Senior," they replied in unison.