CHAPTER 13: Waking Up

Hiro lay unconscious in the hospital bed, his body still recovering from the intense battle and the strain of using the Susanoo. Shisui sat beside him, Fugaku having left to oversee war preparations. Shisui watched Hiro with a mix of concern and admiration, knowing that Hiro's actions had saved their lives but had come at a heavy cost.

As Hiro slowly regained consciousness, he felt a sharp pain in his head. Memories flooded back—waking up in a blood pool, the intense battle, and the overuse of his powers. He groaned, and Shisui immediately leaned forward, his eyes filled with concern.

"Hiro, are you feeling okay?" Shisui asked softly.

Hiro blinked a few times, the pain in his head subsiding slightly. "Yes, I think so," he replied, his voice hoarse.

Just then, a system screen popped up in Hiro's mind. You can sign-in at the hospital the system suggested. Hiro the mentally says in his head, "Sign-in".

Congratulations for signing in at the hospital. You are rewarded with the Sage Body.

Hiro's eyes widened in surprise. The Sage Body, one of Hashirama Senju's most prized abilities, granted immense natural energy. He felt a rush of energy surge through him, erasing his fatigue and filling him with newfound strength. This rush of energy surges also into his eyes causing some changes in his eyes which he'll try and figure out when he gets out of the hospital.

He tried to sit up, but Shisui gently pushed him back. "You should rest, Hiro. You've been through a lot."

Hiro smiled, feeling better than he had in days. "I'm fine, Shisui. Really."

Before Shisui could respond, the door opened, and Itachi Uchiha walked in. Hiro recognized him immediately as the future perpetrator of the Uchiha massacre from the anime, a dark destiny Hiro was determined to prevent.

Shisui smiled, breaking the tension. "Hiro, this is Itachi. Itachi, this is Hiro."

Itachi nodded curtly. "I know Hiro. He's not exactly well-known among the Uchiha."

The atmosphere grew awkward, but Shisui's laughter eased the tension. "Hiro is my friend, Itachi. Try to get along with him."

Itachi's eyes narrowed. "Between the village and the clan, who are you loyal to?"

Hiro's mind raced. *Damn, this kid is intense,* he thought. Shisui placed a reassuring hand on Itachi's shoulder. "Now's not the time, Itachi. Hiro is still recovering."

Hiro smiled, trying to shift the conversation. "It's okay, Shisui. I don't mind."

As Itachi prepared to ask another probing question, a ninja suddenly appeared in the room. "Shisui, Itachi, the Hokage has summoned you. The war has begun."

The ninja turned to Hiro, recognition flashing in his eyes. "Hiro, how have you been since the academy?"

Hiro recognized the ninja as his former academy teacher. "It's been... quiet. I've kept a low profile."

The teacher smiled. "The Hokage wishes to speak with you once you recover. Get well soon."

With that, the ninja, Shisui, and Itachi left, leaving Hiro alone with his thoughts. He remembered using the Susanoo during the ambush and sighed. Now the Hokage, the elders, and Danzo will be wary of me. But with the Sage Body, Hiro felt a renewed sense of confidence. For now, he was ready for whatever came next.

Outside the hospital, Shisui and Itachi made their way to the Hokage's office. The village buzzed with activity as preparations for the war intensified. Upon reaching the Hokage's residence, they were met with Sarutobi speaking with a lot of ninjas including the head of each clans.

Sarutobi began discussing the war allocations. "We must divide our forces strategically," he began. "Minato Namikaze will lead the assault on the Hidden Stone Village, given his exceptional speed and tactical acumen. The Hyuga Clan will provide reconnaissance and support, using their Byakugan to gather intelligence on enemy movements."

He continued, "The Aburame Clan will handle sabotage missions, disrupting enemy supply lines and communication. The Ino-Shika-Cho trio will serve as a versatile unit, capable of both offensive and defensive maneuvers."

Fugaku Uchiha, standing in the crowd, waved at Shisui and Itachi. They made their way over to him. "How is Hiro?" Fugaku asked.

Fugaku turned to Itachi, who had a serious expression on his face. "What was your impression of Hiro?" he asked.

Itachi, with a thoughtful look, replied, "He's more casual than the rumors suggest. Not as low-profile as I expected."

Their conversation was interrupted as Sarutobi continued, "The medical units, led by Tsunade, will be stationed at the rear, providing immediate medical attention and support to the front lines. Our intelligence suggests that the Hidden Mist and Hidden Stone are coordinating their attacks. We must remain vigilant and adaptable."

Minato Namikaze, the future Yellow Flash, stepped forward. "I'll ensure our forces are mobilized and ready. Speed will be our advantage."

Sarutobi nodded. "Indeed. Our goal is to minimize casualties and protect the village at all costs. We must also be prepared for any surprises the enemy might throw our way."

Danzo, silent but observant sitting in the room, absorbed the information, his own plans and machinations brewing in his mind.

Back in the hospital, Hiro's thoughts were a whirlwind. He knew his use of the Susanoo would draw attention, and he prepared himself for the scrutiny that would follow.

But with the Sign-in system and the current Sage Body now his, he felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.He plans to sign-in in important places in Konoha before he joins the war.

The war had begun, and Hiro was determined to display more of his power to warn any person of their thoughts of him and to play his part in protecting Konoha and shaping its future.

Meanwhile, what Hiro didn't know was that because of his strange fire techniques and the use of his Susanoo, rumors started circulating around about an Ashura Demon who had crawled from hell living in Konoha.

Because of his fight with the Rock shinobis and the seven swordsmen of the hidden mist that has been spreading around lately which in the future will be used as stories to scare children.