Meeting Jonin Sensi

Haruto and Daichi stood side by side, their eyes fixed on Shisui Uchiha, who had arrived at the training ground before them. Shisui stood with his arms crossed, his sharp gaze sweeping over the area, measuring everything and everyone around him. He exuded a calm confidence that came from years of experience, far more than any Genin usually had. His posture, while relaxed, hinted at his time in ANBU—always vigilant, always ready. Despite his calm demeanor, there was a certain gravity around him, something that set him apart.

Haruto greeted him with a respectful nod, as did Daichi, but their greetings were met with only a curt acknowledgment from Sisui. Though polite, it was clear he wasn't the type for small talk. The air was thick with unspoken tension, and while they all waited, the silence spoke louder than words. Daichi, usually full of energy, was unusually still, his arms crossed behind his head, glancing occasionally at Haruto.

Haruto, leaning against a nearby tree with his legs crossed, kept his focus forward but his mind was racing. They had offered their greetings, and now there was nothing to do but wait for their Jonin teacher to arrive.

The minutes dragged on in silence, save for the occasional rustling of leaves. Then, without warning, a new presence entered the clearing.

Haruto blinked. No way… White Fang.

Standing before them was none other than Sakumo Hatake, his white hair unmistakable, his presence commanding yet calm. Haruto felt a jolt of disbelief. This was their Jonin teacher?

His mind raced through the stories he'd heard. Sakumo Hatake, the White Fang of Konoha, a man whose skill and reputation had once rivaled the Legendary Sannin. He had led many successful missions, and his strength was said to be unparalleled. But Haruto also knew the darker side of his story: Sakumo had once abandoned a crucial mission to save his comrades, an act of loyalty that cost him everything. The villagers had turned on him, blaming him for the mission's failure, and the shame had driven him to take his own life. Yet, here he stood—alive and breathing, his eyes calm and steady.

Haruto could barely believe it. This man, one of the village's most respected shinobi, was going to be their Jonin teacher.

His heart pounded in his chest. This was going to be far more intense than anything he'd imagined.

Sakumo glanced at each of them in turn, his sharp eyes taking in every detail. After a brief silence, he spoke, his voice calm yet carrying authority. "I am Sakumo Hatake," he began. "You'll be under my care from here on out."

Haruto, Shuisi, and Daichi stood up straighter, their attention locked on the legendary shinobi before them.

"We're going to be working closely together," Sakumo continued. "To do that well, we need to understand each other. So, we'll start with something simple—your likes, dislikes, and your future goals. I'll go first."

"I like peace and quiet," Sakumo began, a faint smile on his face. "Moments where I can train or reflect. I dislike unnecessary conflict and people who abandon their comrades. Loyalty is everything in our world."

He paused, his gaze growing serious. "My goal is to guide the next generation of shinobi to not only be strong in battle, but also in character. Strength means nothing without honor."

Sakumo then turned his gaze to Haruto. "You first."

Haruto gave a respectful nod, stepping forward slightly. "I like martial arts training," he began. "I enjoy pushing myself and finding my limits. It gives me a sense of purpose."

He paused for a moment, considering his next words carefully. "I dislike betrayal. Loyalty means a lot to me, and I can't stand people who abandon those who depend on them."

His voice softened slightly as he continued. "My goal is to become strong enough to protect the people I care about. I don't need recognition or fame—just the ability to stand on my own and support others."

Haruto stepped back, and Sakumo gave a small nod before turning to Shuisi.

Shuisi stood silently for a moment before speaking, his voice calm and steady. "I like perfecting my Fire Release techniques and refining my Sharingan. I find peace in discipline and control."

He paused, his gaze softening as he continued. "I dislike senseless violence. I believe that strength should be used to bring about peace, not to create more chaos."

Shuisi's tone grew more resolute. "My goal is to become a shinobi who uses power to maintain peace. I want to honor my clan by protecting others, not just through strength, but through stability."

When Shuisi finished, Sakumo gave a brief, silent acknowledgment before turning to Daichi.

Daichi's voice was calm yet firm when he spoke. "I like training—especially with water jutsu. It helps me focus and grow stronger."

He paused briefly, his expression growing more serious. "I dislike people who waste their potential. I believe that if you have the ability to grow, you should use it."

Daichi's eyes sharpened with determination. "My goal is to restore my clan and, one day, my village. I want to make sure the Uzumaki name isn't just remembered, but that we thrive again."

With that, Daichi stepped back, and the group fell into silence as Sakumo considered each of their words.

Sakumo stood quietly for a moment, his gaze moving between his new students. He had listened carefully to each one, absorbing not only their words but the resolve behind them.

"Thank you for sharing," he finally said, his voice calm but carrying weight. "You all have strong goals and beliefs. Keep hold of them—they'll guide you through the hardest moments."

His hand rested lightly on the hilt of his sword. "We'll train hard, and we'll grow together. But remember, the bond between comrades is what will truly make you strong. Never forget that."

The three Genin stood in quiet reflection. Haruto felt his resolve growing stronger, Shuisi's determination to seek peace remained clear, and Daichi stood steady, his goal of restoring his clan firmly set in his mind.

Sakumo turned to lead them forward. "Let's begin."

With that, their journey as a team under Konoha's White Fang began.