Chapter 14: Meeting the Sannin and the Third Hokage

I woke up to an unfamiliar ceiling.

My eyes fluttered open, blinking repeatedly as they adjusted to the harsh, sterile light above me. The ceiling was a dull white, interrupted only by a single fluorescent light fixture. The sharp scent of antiseptic filled my nostrils, and I realized with a start that I was lying in a hospital bed.

The room was quiet, save for the steady beep of a heart monitor nearby. I tried to move, but a sharp pain shot through my body, and I winced, gasping softly. My entire body felt heavy, bandaged tightly, as if I were a mummy. Every movement sent waves of pain rippling through me.

I'm actually alive? Insane. I thought for sure I was a goner after I lost consciousness.

How did I get here? And what happened to Kushina? Did she still get rescued?

Well, it doesn't matter to me right now. What's important is I got out alive from that horrible, horrible canon scenario.

Am I gonna get this close to death at every plot relevant moment? Dear God, I hope not...

I turned my head slowly, feeling the rough texture of the pillow against my cheek. Beside me, I saw a girl with black hair, her head resting on the side of the bed, her face peacefully asleep. It took me a moment to recognize her: Hyūga Yukino.

Yukino-chan…? What was she doing here?

My mind raced, trying to piece together the last things I remembered. The fight. The blood. The searing pain. Darkness. And now, waking up here, in this unfamiliar place, with Yukino by my side.

I watched her for a moment, her soft breathing a comforting presence in the otherwise cold and clinical room. How long had she been here? How long have I been here?

I swallowed, my throat dry and scratchy, and tried to reach out to her, but my body refused to cooperate. Instead, I lay there, feeling the weight of exhaustion and pain pressing down on me, my thoughts swirling with confusion and questions.

But one thing was clear: I was alive. And Yukino was here with me.

For now, that was enough.

As if sensing my thoughts, Yukino stirred, her eyelids fluttering open. She lifted her head groggily, her pale white eyes unfocused for a moment before they locked onto mine.

"Shirokumo-kun?" she whispered, her voice thick with sleep and disbelief. "You're finally awake?"

I managed a small nod, my lips curving into a faint smile despite the pain. "Yukino-chan..."

Yukino immediately hugged me, gently as she could. Her embrace didn't hurt in the slightest, but the soft hiccups broke my heart. She must've been really worried about me.

As she pulled away slowly, I saw how tears welled up in her eyes and she quickly wiped them away with the back of her hand and her sleeves. "You've been in a coma for ten days," she said, her voice trembling. "They said you might not make it. I was... I..."

Ten days? It's like a lifetime has passed since that horrific fight.

"I'm sorry..." I rasped, my throat protesting the effort.

"No, don't be sorry," she said, her hand gently covering mine. "You're alive. That's all that matters."

Her touch was warm, a stark contrast to the cold, sterile environment of the hospital. I squeezed her hand weakly.

"How... How did I get here?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper. "Did the Anbu pick me up? I think I heard the cloud-nin speak of them before falling in unconsciousness."

Yukino's expression softened, a mixture of sadness and relief in her eyes. "I found you, barely alive, after the Anbu abandoned you. I brought you here myself and the doctors did everything they could to just keep you alive."

"What? How did you find me...?" I asked, confusion mixing with the pain in my voice.

"I used my Byakugan," she replied, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

That's not what I meant. How did you know, Yukino? But I didn't ask my question again, I wanted to know something else.

"And Kushina?" I asked, dread curling in my stomach.

"I got Minato to come with me," Yukino said, her eyes brightening slightly. "He rescued her faster than the Anbu could find the Cloud Ninjas. She's safe."

So, Kushina was safe. Just like in canon. Despite the differences in the scenario caused by my being here, despite everything, Minato had still succeeded in saving her. That's great. Really great.

What's not great is that I got abandoned by the Anbu. The fucking bastards, the lot of them. Ugh, it's not that I don't understand where they put importance, but it still sucks to be left for dead like that. I'm supposed to be a leaf Shinobi too, you know!

Whatever. I'll figure things out on that matter another day, just surviving is my priority at the moment.

And on that note, I truly owe Yukino my life after that night. She's even still here with me after 10 days. I feel like I could cry from gratitude.

"Thank you for staying with me," I said, my voice faltering as I stopped myself from tearing up. That was a really scary night.

Yukino shook her head, tears spilling down her cheeks. "I couldn't leave you, Shirokumo-kun. I needed to be here to make sure you were okay."

"I don't know what I would've done without you. Die, probably."

"Don't talk like that. You're safe here, and you'll recover now."

But will I? After opening the fifth gate and getting hurt so bad… I'm worried if I got crippled like Rock Lee did. Tsunade would still be too young and inexperienced at this point in time, even if she did come to heal me.

I could be screwed for life.

I closed my eyes for a moment, the exhaustion overwhelming me. "I'm happy you're here, Yuki," I murmured.

She squeezed my hand tighter, her presence a comforting anchor in the sea of uncertainty. "Rest now," she whispered. "You're safe, and I'll be here when you wake up again."

With her words echoing in my mind, I allowed myself to drift back into the darkness, knowing that when I woke again, Yukino would be by my side.

...

I woke up to the sound of an unfamiliar female voice calling my name.

"Shirokumo-kun, wake up."

My eyes opened slowly, the room coming into focus. A young woman with blonde hair and huge knockers stood at the foot of the bed. Her presence was commanding, her gaze sharp and assessing.

"What's going on?" I asked, my voice still weak.

Yukino, who had been sitting beside me, looked up and then back at me. "It's Lady Tsunade," she explained, her voice filled with respect. "The princess of the Senju clan. She's the one who brought you back from the brink of death."

Hold up… Is Tsunade actually here? I did think of her earlier but-well, I guess that explained my miracle survival. But why would she operate on a nobody like me? 

I turned my head to Tsunade, managing a small nod. "Thank you," I said sincerely. Regardless of the reason, I still had to be polite. 

Tsunade nodded nonchalantly, her expression unreadable. "You're welcome," she said briskly. "The Hokage wants to see you. Both of you."

The Hokage? As in, old man Hiruzen? Well, I guess right now he wouldn't be THAT old, more like middle-aged. 

My mind raced, trying to process everything. The last time I could still walk, I had been fighting for my life. Now, suddenly, I was being summoned by the leader of our village.

"Can I... can I even get up?" I asked, looking down at my heavily bandaged body.

"You'll need help," Tsunade said, stepping closer to perform medical ninjutsu on me and allow me to at least move a bit. "But you can manage. I've seen worse."

I kind of doubt that's true after what I lived through, but I'll keep that to myself.

With her help, and Yukino's steady presence, I slowly sat up and got in a wheelchair they had prepared for me, every movement a reminder of my recent ordeal. The pain was intense, but manageable. I had survived this far; I could handle whatever came next.

"Let's go," Tsunade said, her tone leaving no room for argument. "The Hokage is waiting."

As we made our way down the sterile hallways of the hospital, with Yukino pushing my chair, Tsunade glanced at me. "You should feel honored," she said. "Lord Third arranged this meeting to be held in a private office inside the hospital. Normally, such meetings would need to be held in the Hokage's office itself."

I nodded, the weight of her words sinking in. This wasn't just a casual visit. It was something significant, and Hiruzen had made special accommodations for it.

Not sure how honored I should be feeling though, after the same man's elite squadron left me for dead.

I'll keep that to myself for now, though.

Or maybe...

We arrived at a specially prepared room in the hospital. The room was modest but clean, with a large wooden table in the center and several chairs arranged around it. Sunlight streamed in through a single window, casting a warm glow over the polished surfaces.

As we entered, I saw Kushina and Minato already seated and waiting. Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage of the Village Hidden in the Leaves, sat at the head of the table, his eyes studying me with a mix of curiosity and concern.

Two other men, both in their twenties, were also present. I knew them both well.

One had wild, white hair and a carefree demeanor. Jiraiya. The other had pale skin and intense, calculating eyes. Orochimaru. The presence of these two soon to be legendary ninja only heightened the gravity of the situation.

"Shirokumo, Hyūga Yukino," Hiruzen greeted us warmly. "Please, come forward."

Yukino pushed my wheelchair next to an empty chair before his desk and sat beside me, her hand still resting on mine while the others were to her right. 

I also noticed Kushina's intense gaze as she sat together with Minato, the look of concern on her, the look of guilt. She seemed to want to say something, but the current situation forbid her from speaking out of turn. How could she, in front of the Hokage himself?

"Thank you for coming," Hiruzen continued. "I understand you've been through a lot, Shirokumo-kun. But we have certain things to discuss."

I nodded, feeling the weight of their gazes upon me. Whatever this meeting was about, it was clear that it would be crucial for the future.

"Before we begin," Hiruzen said, his eyes softening as he looked at me, "let me say how relieved we all are that you survived. Your bravery and resilience are commendable."

"Thank you, Hokage-sama," I replied, my voice steady despite the lingering pain. "I wouldn't be here without the help of Yukino and Lady Tsunade. Your Anbu didn't seem to prioritize me all that much, though."

"Hey!" Tsunade barked. "You cannot-"

"Silence." Hiruzen raised his hand and Tsunade went quiet. "The boy has a right to feel discontent." 

"I only spoke the truth. And make no mistake, I bear no grudge towards you, Hokage-sama, but as a soon to be Leaf Shinobi, I feel disheartened after that night's events."

"I understand your feelings on the matter." Hiruzen took a puff out of his old smoke pipe before he continued. "I assure you I've already reprimanded the Anbu in question. Is there anything else I could do to quell your dissatisfaction with the village?"

Yeah, right. I'm sure he hasn't said a thing to them. This is the same era that got Sakumo Hatake to commit suicide after he prioritized his fellow shinobi instead of a mission. To these people, those who don't follow the rules are scum. But as Kakashi and Obito say later on, those who abandon their comrades are worse than scum.

Still, I'll play along so that this is to my advantage later on, at least.

"I appreciate the offer, Hokage-sama," I said slowly, "but I think I'll hold onto that offer for now. After all, a shinobi never knows what the future might demand of him."

I gave him a small, almost polite bow with my head. It hurt, but respect was warranted in this situation. "When the time comes, I trust you'll remember this conversation."

Tsunade didn't look all that amused by the way I led this conversation, though Jiraiya seemed like he was stifling some laughter. I couldn't even begin to read Orochimaru's face though.

Hiruzen nodded with a knowing smirk. "You're a smart one, kid. I can respect that. Alright, let us do just that then. I'll honor my word." 

He paused for a moment, then his eyes turned serious as he addressed the room. "Now then, on to the reason I called you all in here. Let's talk about the extraordinary actions that took place ten days ago."

"Right."

"Shirokumo, your resolve to protect Kushina in the face of three Jonin from the Cloud Village was nothing short of incredible. The fact you kept them occupied for so long, buying enough time for Kushina to be safely rescued, is more than just a miracle, especially for someone who has yet to even graduate from the academy."

I felt a swell of pride at his words, though the memory of the fight was still raw and painful. The others in the room nodded in agreement, their expressions respectful.

"Hyūga Yukino," Hiruzen continued, turning to my friend, "your quick thinking and acute use of the Byakugan allowed you to notice the situation and come to Shirokumo's rescue. Your timely intervention saved this little hero's life, and your valuable information helped Minato locate the enemy Jonin swiftly. Your actions were instrumental in that night's successful rescue."

Yukino's cheeks flushed red with a mix of pride in her gaze. "Thank you, Hokage-sama," she said softly.

Hiruzen then turned to Minato, his gaze warm. "And Namikaze Minato, your rescue of Kushina was executed with exceptional speed and precision. Taking down not one, but three Jonin from the Cloud Village is no small feat, and you accomplished it with remarkable efficiency. No harm came to you, and even they seemed to have been swiftly knocked out without sustaining any notable injuries. You, too, have demonstrated talents that go beyond your years. Beyond anything I've seen in my long reign as Hokage."

Minato nodded, his expression serious. "Thank you, Hokage-sama," he replied, his voice steady.

Hiruzen's gaze swept over all of us, his expression filled with pride. "Both Shirokumo and Minato have proved to be exceptional young talents who have performed admirably under extreme circumstances. Your actions have not only saved a comrade, but also safeguarded the village by ensuring Uzumaki Kushina remained secure. For this, you are more than deserving of several levels of rewards."

Jiraiya and Orochimaru nodded in agreement, their expressions indicating they fully supported the Hokage's words. The weight of the praise and recognition settled over me, making the pain and exhaustion worth it.

"Shirokumo," Hiruzen said, turning back to me, "your bravery and resilience have not gone unnoticed. Regardless of our little talk just now, we will ensure that you receive the medical care you need to make a full recovery. Additionally, you will be awarded a commendation for your exceptional courage and determination, as well as the opportunity to learn a jutsu of your choosing."

"Thank you, Hokage-sama," I replied weakly. This was quite the favorable outcome for me.

"Yukino," Hiruzen continued, "your quick actions and decisive thinking were crucial in saving both Shirokumo and aiding in the rescue of Kushina. You will also be awarded a commendation for your bravery and exceptional use of your abilities, along with the opportunity to learn any jutsu you desire as well."

Yukino bowed her head. "Thank you, Hokage-sama."

"And Minato, your swift and effective response ensured Kushina's safety and the defeat of a dangerous enemy. Your actions have proven that you are indeed a rising star among our ranks. You will receive a commendation and further training opportunities to hone your already impressive skills. You too, may learn a jutsu of your choosing whenever you feel ready to do so."

"Thank you, Hokage-sama," Minato replied, his eyes shining with determination.

Hiruzen leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smile on his face. "That night has shown us the extraordinary potential within our young ninja. Your actions have not only saved lives, but have also strengthened the bonds within our village. We are proud of each and every one of you."

Hiruzen's gaze shifted to us with a thoughtful expression. "In addition to the commendations and rewards, I have decided to take an extraordinary step given the circumstances and make another announcement."

I looked around, curiosity piqued. What could he possibly have in mind? The room fell silent, every eye focused on Hiruzen. The significance of his words was evident, and I could feel the weight of expectation in the air.

"Given the exceptional bravery and skills you three have demonstrated," Hiruzen continued, "I believe it's only fitting that you be recognized for your achievements in a more formal capacity. Therefore, I have decided to accelerate your progression within the village. Shirokumo, Hyuuga Yukino, and Namikaze Minato—consider yourselves promoted."

I blinked in surprise. "Promoted?"

Hiruzen nodded. "Yes, I am authorizing your early graduation from the academy. You have proven yourselves capable beyond your years."

I exchanged a glance with Yukino and Minato, our mutual astonishment evident. It was like a wave of excitement washed over us. 

Early graduation was an honor few received, and the gravity of it was not lost on me. 

I don't think early graduation was even a thing during this point in the timeline! Otherwise Minato would've graduated way earlier. It seems we accelerated that new rule along with our graduation!

Hiruzen raised a hand to silence the murmurs. "Additionally, I will be forming a new team with the three of you as its genin members. You will be placed under the tutelage of one of my three most trusted students, who are all currently present in this room."

We each looked at Tsunade, Jiraiya and the quiet Orochimaru. 

The Hokage turned to Jiraiya, who was lounging in his chair with a relaxed demeanor but a twinkle of interest in his eyes. "Jiraiya, I'm assigning you as the captain of this new team."

Jiraiya straightened out in his seat, a grin spreading across his face. "Looks like I've got some new students on my hands," he said, his tone playful but with a hint of seriousness. "I'm looking forward to working with you all."

"Likewise!" Minato beamed with excitement.

I guess being a student under your favorite author was a welcome bonus in his eyes. 

"Under Jiraiya's guidance," Hiruzen continued, "you will receive the training and mentorship needed to hone your abilities and prepare for the challenges ahead. This is a unique opportunity, and I trust that you will make the most of it."

Jiraiya stood up, stretching and giving us a confident smile. "You three have shown incredible potential. I see overflowing talent brimming in both Minato and Shirokumo here, their actions that night really set a fire in me! I'll be expecting a lot from you, but I also promise to support you every step of the way. Let's make sure we live up to those high expectations."

Jiraiya's excitement only seemed to grow. "Ahh, seriously! Where were you two golden geese hiding all this time? I've been looking for Geniuses like you to teach for a while now! So happy to meet you!" 

Geniuses? 

As in plural? 

Huh. I'm talented, I guess? 

I never thought I'd hear those words used to describe me. Especially not from someone as incredible as Jiraiya. I should feel happy, honored even, but why does that phrasing displease me so much?

Minato stood up to Jiraiya at that moment. "If I may speak freely, Jiraiya-sensei, I think there's been a misunderstanding. I'm the only one between us two who can be called a 'genius' or 'talented.' Shirokumo isn't like me." he shook his head, his whole speech reeking of uncharacteristic arrogance.

"Wha-What are you on about, kid?" Jiraiya was a bit stunned himself, blinking repeatedly.

"Sure, you are better. There's no doubt about that." Tsunade glared at Minato. "You might've been able to defeat those Cloud Jonin single-handedly, but Shirokumo's feats also warrant the moniker of a genius." 

"You misunderstand." Minato continued, smiling. "I was born with a natural gift, and strength came easily to me. I've had advantages that allowed me to excel without needing to work as hard as others. That much is true, even if it feels somewhat embarrassing to say it out loud. But Shirokumo… he's different. He wasn't born with the same gifts. Instead, he's fought for every ounce of strength he has. Without talent, he persevered and showed me that anyone could reach heights greater than those around them. His determination and relentless pursuit of growth make him exceptional in a way that goes far beyond mere talent. It pushes me to try my very best as well, as I don't want to be left behind by him in the slightest."

Minato smiled as he spoke. "So I can't just sit still and let you narrow that unimaginably hard work of his down to mere talent like my own." He shook his head. "No, Shiro is better than that."

"Minato..." I stared at him, somewhat dumbfounded by his words. 

Now that, that felt a bit more right to me.

As Minato finished speaking, the room seemed to hold its breath, absorbing the weight of his words. Yukino, sitting beside me, gave a small, almost imperceptible nod. Her pale eyes, usually calm and composed, now shimmered with a mix of pride and quiet admiration. She leaned in slightly, her shoulder brushing against mine, a silent reassurance that she agreed wholeheartedly with Minato's assessment.

Across the room, Kushina's reaction was more visible. Her intense gaze softened, and she bit her lip, clearly touched by Minato's words.

Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, sat back in his chair, a thoughtful smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He stroked his beard slowly, his eyes twinkling with approval. "Well said, Minato," he remarked, his voice carrying the weight of experience. "Shirokumo, it's rare to see such acknowledgement from a peer. You should take great pride in that."

"I'm sorry for jumping to conclusions." Tsunade let out a soft huff of amusement. Her lips curved into a faint smile, the usual sternness giving way to a rare moment of warmth. "Hard work is often underrated, but it's what builds real strength," she added, her tone more relaxed than before. "Shirokumo-kun, you're lucky to have comrades who recognize that."

Orochimaru, sitting silently in the corner, observed the exchange with his sharp, calculating gaze. His expression was inscrutable, but there was a slight tilt to his head, as if considering something deeply. His lips curled into a small, enigmatic smile as he spoke in his low, almost serpentine voice. "Indeed, the most interesting individuals are often those who defy expectations. I'll be watching your progress closely, Shirokumo-kun."

Please don't.

Jiraiya also stared at Minato in much the same way as I had, processing the words, his usually jovial expression replaced by something more contemplative. Then, a slow smile spread across his face. "Well, I'll be damned," he said softly, nodding. "You've got a point, Minato. It takes something special to see the value in hard work and perseverance, especially when you're as naturally gifted as you are."

He turned to me, his gaze warm but serious. "Shirokumo, I'd first like to apologize for undermining your efforts." He bowed lightly.

"I-It's fine, Jiraiya-sensei, please raise your head."

As he did so, he continued. "You've clearly earned the respect of your peers—not just because of what you can do, but because of who you are. That's something worth more than any natural talent. Keep pushing yourself, and there won't be any limits to what you can achieve."

I swallowed, a mix of emotions swirling inside me—pride, gratitude, and a strange sense of acceptance. 

I nodded slowly, my voice steady despite the weight of the moment. "I will, Jiraiya-sensei."

Jiraiya grinned, the seriousness melting away as he clasped his hands together. "Great! Now, let's not waste any more time. We've got a lot to cover and only so many hours in a day. Starting tomorrow, training will be tough, and I'm going to push you all to your limits." 

Minato and Yukino both nodded, their expressions determined.

Jiraiya then pointed at me. "Shirokumo! You can rest for now. When you're better, you're coming with to observe. When you're able, you're joining in!"

"Yes!"

As the meeting concluded and everyone dispersed, I remained seated for a moment, letting the weight of everything sink in. My body still ached with every movement, but there was a warmth in my chest that overshadowed the pain—a newfound sense of belonging, of purpose.

I glanced at Yukino, who gave me a small, reassuring smile as she stood close by my side, and then at Minato, who was already deep in conversation with Jiraiya about his books. They both seemed very amused by the fact they were author and reader.

Right now, I couldn't help but think this. Despite the fact that the village itself might not always have my back, and despite the horrid event that took place. I felt something I hadn't felt in a long time: Hope.

With comrades like these by my side, maybe—just maybe—I could carve out a place for myself in this world.

I just need to be careful not to let the darkest parts of it consume us.