The days passed peacefully — waking up early, helping with morning chores, meals at fixed times, and free time interspersed with supervised activities. For the other orphans, it was the usual routine. For Yosuki, each day was a new opportunity to move closer to his goal.
He maintained his training as much as possible, using his free time or the early morning hours before most of the children were awake. The nearby park had become his personal outdoor training ground.
His training routine was simple, based on books he had read and a pure instinct that seemed to come from his previous life — the importance of a solid physical foundation. Push-ups, sit-ups, squats, and running became his daily bread.
At first, 200 push-ups left him trembling on the ground. Ten days later, he could do 500, even 550, before his muscles began to complain, and his recovery was noticeably faster than average.
His morning runs, which initially left him gasping after just a few laps around the park, now stretched across greater distances, his stamina growing day by day.
This didn't feel like normal improvement for a six-year-old. Yosuki knew it. His muscles seemed to absorb the effort and rebuild themselves stronger and faster than they should.
It was as if his body craved training, responding with alarming speed. He suspected this was the effect of the sealed ability the sphere had mentioned — "feeding his body slowly, gradually enhancing his talents."
If this was only the beginning of that growth, he could barely imagine the full potential once the ability fully awakened.
---
"Yosuki-kun, are you just getting back from training? Come in quickly and wash up — your breakfast is on the table."
As soon as he arrived at the orphanage door, Yosuki was greeted by Aiko, the caretaker who had helped him speak to the orphanage director about becoming a ninja.
"Hm. Thank you, Aiko-san. I'm starving." Yosuki smiled, accompanied by a rumble from his stomach as he ran inside.
Aiko followed him with her eyes, a gentle smile on her lips. But once Yosuki was out of sight, her smile faded, and she vanished from the spot. Not like disappearing into thin air — but through sheer speed of movement.
---
[Hokage's Office]
The familiar scent of pipe smoke lingered in the spacious office of the Hokage.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, stood by the large window, observing the village below. This was the village he had sworn to protect — the same village his teacher, Tobirama Senju, had once safeguarded. A village he would gladly give his life to preserve.
On the other side of the room, kneeling on one knee with her head bowed in a formal posture that betrayed years of ANBU discipline, was Aiko, the orphanage caretaker.
Though she no longer wore the tactical gear of her past, the precise respect in her movements and the seriousness of her expression revealed her background.
Her black hair fell softly, framing a calm face, but when her eyes briefly rose to meet the Hokage's, they reflected only focus and respect.
"Hokage-sama," Aiko's voice was clear and concise, without a trace of the warmth she used with Yosuki.
"I've come to report on Yosuki Sōten. As discussed, I've been closely observing his behavior over the past few weeks."
Hiruzen took a long puff from his pipe, still gazing out at the village, though his full attention was on his former subordinate.
"Go on."
"He has shown a remarkable change in disposition," she began.
"From a reserved and introspective child, he has become unusually focused and determined for someone his age. His interest in the Ninja Academy seems genuine and deep. He's committed time to physical training, using the orphanage grounds and the nearby park. His improvement has been… exceptional. In just ten days, his strength and endurance have increased at a rate that frankly surprised me."
Aiko paused briefly, gathering her thoughts for the more delicate part of the report.
"More significantly, Hokage-sama, is his internal energy — his chakra. As a sensor-type, I've been monitoring him discreetly. There's no doubt. His chakra reserves are broad and developing rapidly. The amount he possesses, and the steady pace at which it increases, is already comparable… to the initial levels we observed in members of the Senju and Uzumaki clans."
Hiruzen finally turned from the window, setting his pipe in the ashtray on the desk.
His eyes met Aiko's — the weight of that information wasn't something he could take lightly. A comparison to two legendary clans, known for their vast chakra reserves and vitality, wasn't something said casually.
"Comparable to Uzumaki and Senju…" Hiruzen murmured, the smoke around his head forming a thin veil.
"That is impressive indeed. Not something we can ignore — especially coming from a boy with no known ties to any clan."
Aiko nodded.
"Exactly, Hokage-sama. It's anomalous. Just from reading basic concepts in books, he's already showing signs of sensing and even guiding his energy, though he clearly doesn't yet know how to mold it into jutsu. His frustration with that limitation is noticeable."
She adjusted her posture, the resolve in her voice becoming more pronounced.
"Hokage-sama, with the Academy approaching, and considering Yosuki's potential and uniqueness, I would like to make a formal request." She lowered her head even more.
"Oh? And what would that be?" Hiruzen asked, curious.
Aiko took a deep breath before responding:
"I wish to take personal responsibility for his foundational training — or at least to supervise it closely. His dedication has impressed me, and I believe that with the right guidance, he could become a valuable asset for Konoha. Without it, if others notice his potential first, he may be led down a dangerous path."
Hiruzen leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled in front of his face. He knew who she was referring to — and based on the recent movements of an old 'friend,' it was entirely possible.
Aiko's request was bold: an elite former ANBU taking it upon herself to train a clanless orphan. But Hiruzen knew Aiko didn't make requests lightly. Her loyalty was unquestionable, and her abilities as a sensor and observer were top-tier. Not to mention, she was raised in the ANBU system itself.
The idea of someone with Aiko's experience overseeing the development of this boy — who appeared to carry such immense potential — was both reassuring and strategic. A potential on par with Uzumaki and Senju appearing randomly in an orphan… the thought was at the very least intriguing.
The Hokage exhaled another cloud of smoke, his sharp eyes focused on Aiko.
"Aiko, your proposal is wise. Vigilance and proper guidance for this child are crucial right now."
He considered it for a moment longer, the silence broken only by the gentle bubbling of his pipe.
"Very well, Aiko," Hiruzen finally said, his voice firm with resolution.
"You have my permission. Take responsibility for Yosuki Sōten's early training. Enroll him in the Academy when the time comes, but supervise his progress personally. Keep me informed of any developments — both ordinary and… otherwise." He emphasized the last word, a silent warning about the sensitivity of the situation.
"This boy could become a great strength for Konoha — or a threat. We must ensure it's the former."
"Yes, Hokage-sama," Aiko replied, a spark of joy flashing in her eyes. She bowed even lower, gratitude mixed with the weight of the responsibility now placed in her hands.
"I will see to it personally."
With graceful movement, Aiko rose, thanked him once more, and then vanished.
Hiruzen watched her go, the smoke from his pipe mingling with the golden light of the setting sun.
"Yosuki Sōten… such a promising seed growing in Konoha. This time, I will protect it — at least until I see the full extent of his potential."