Morning sun filtered softly through the high windows of the Hokage's office, casting golden lines across the scroll-strewn desk. Hiruzen Sarutobi sat behind it, his pipe resting untouched at his side. A gentle smile played on his lips as he glanced over a stack of academy reports.
"Hm… quite a group this year," he murmured to himself, eyes scanning the names.
Shikamaru Nara — sharp like his father, too lazy for his own good, but clever.
Hinata Hyuga — shy, gentle, lacking confidence… but skilled in taijutsu.
Chōji Akimichi — soft-hearted, always snacking, hesitant to fight, steady in his own way.
Sasuke Uchiha — quiet, driven, a natural with shuriken and taijutsu.
Ino Yamanaka — spirited, determined, eager to prove herself.
Kiba Inuzuka — loud, wild, and already close with his ninken.
Sakura Haruno — top marks in theory, struggling in practice, but trying.
Shino Aburame — observant, silent, and already in sync with his insects.
Naruto Uzumaki — loud, impulsive, average in class, but... energetic, full of fire.
Johan Uzumaki — genius, calm, composed, quick to learn.
Hiruzen paused on that last name. A slow, thoughtful smile crept onto his face.
"So... they're growing well."
He lifted a hand.
An ANBU appeared, kneeling silently.
"Summon Iruka," Hiruzen said simply.
The ANBU nodded once and vanished without a sound.
A few moments later, a gentle knock at the door.
"Come in," Hiruzen called.
Iruka Umino stepped inside, straight-backed but still a little unsure around the Hokage.
"You summoned me, Lord Hokage?"
"I did," Hiruzen said kindly. "How are you holding up, Iruka?"
Iruka gave a polite smile. "I'm doing well, sir."
They exchanged a few casual words before Hiruzen leaned back and folded his hands.
"And the students? How are they coming along?"
Iruka nodded, launching into his usual report. When he'd gone through most of the names, Hiruzen cut in with quiet interest.
"So… how's the progress of the twins, Iruka?"
Standing before him, Iruka straightened his back slightly and replied with quiet conviction.
"Lord Hokage, Johan is… remarkable. His grades are at the top of the class. Whether it's taijutsu, theory, or the basic jutsu, he picks things up almost instantly. I've never seen a student absorb knowledge like he does."
Hiruzen leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowing thoughtfully.
Hm. Just like Minato was… Bright, focused, and quick to learn.
A flicker of something deeper passed behind his gaze.
Good, Konoha could use a new light, someone who can carry the will of fire forward.
He paused, then asked more softly, "And his behavior? With the other students?"
Iruka nodded.
"He's mature, more than most his age. He's opening up to the others. Doesn't shout or fight. Helps when someone struggles, but never shows off. He keeps to himself, but not in a bad way. Just… quiet."
"Very good," Hiruzen said, nodding in approval.
"And Naruto?" he asked after a beat, his voice light but curious.
Iruka hesitated, then let out a sigh.
"Naruto… He's a handful. Still doesn't take classes seriously. Always pulling pranks or causing a scene."
Hiruzen chuckled, a deep, amused sound from his chest.
"He reminds me of someone else who used to cause a lot of trouble around here…"
He gave Iruka a knowing look.
Iruka flushed slightly and rubbed the back of his neck, smiling despite himself.
"I suppose that's fair."
Hiruzen's tone turned gentler.
"I know it's not easy. You carry your own scars. But that helps you understand them, especially those who don't have someone to guide them."
Iruka looked down for a moment. "I know, Lord Hokage… it's just not always easy."
"Give it time," Hiruzen said gently. "Time has a way of shaping even the wildest fire."
Iruka bowed slightly. "Yes, sir."
Hiruzen gave a warm smile.
"You've done well, Iruka. Choosing you as a teacher was the right call."
"Thank you, Lord Hokage," Iruka said quietly, then turned and left the office.
Once the door closed behind him, Hiruzen exhaled, the weight of thoughts settling again on his shoulders.
They're growing well, he thought. Stronger by the day.
He raised a hand.
From the shadows, an ANBU knelt silently before him. "Lord Hokage."
Hiruzen's voice was calm, steady.
""Pull the surveillance off the twins. They no longer need to be watched constantly."
The ANBU looked up, startled. "But, Lord Hokage"
Hiruzen raised a hand. "It's alright. They've earned their space. Let them grow without shadows trailing their every step."
"…Yes, Lord Hokage." The ANBU bowed deeply and vanished.
Hiruzen turned back to the window, watching the village bathed in sunlight.
Let them find their own path.