Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto nor am I an expert on the Naruto Universe.
Chapter 5: A Shinobi's Oath
Hiruzen Sarutobi stared at his desk, lost in thought. In front of him lay several dossiers on the potential graduating students of the Academy. At the end of the week, he would have anywhere between fifteen and twenty new Genin. He looked up to see Naruto scratching his head as he read through a long scroll before tossing it into the refuse pile. Looking back down at the small mountain of folders, he smiled. The boy's overall outlook on life seemed to have turned around. For a while, he and a few others were troubled. Through his crystal ball, he'd watched Naruto spiral into a depression uncharacteristic for a child so young. He couldn't even fault anyone but himself for the boy's predicament. Focusing back on his task, he picked up the first folder.
Top of his class, Neji from the branch house of Clan Hyuga far outperformed his classmates across the board. In every report from his instructors, the Hyuga prodigy had the potential to one day become a powerhouse shinobi. Iruka noted the boy might be ready for the Chunin Exams within six months of graduating, depending on his Genin team's ability and whoever would instruct them. That notation made him look down at the next file on the stack and his current dilemma he'd been avoiding.
Lee, Rock was the worst in the class. In every report, the boy had unsurpassed skill in taijutsu but had zero talent for genjutsu and ninjutsu. The average scores his instructors gave him in those areas were in decimals. Anything under a score of one point would fail the student. He'd read through the attached notes from the Medical Team about the boy. Young Lee had some sort of genetic or birth defect. He could channel chakra, but it didn't amount to very much.
If he allowed Rock to graduate, then Neji's quick rise through the ranks could be stalled or stopped for years. Mighty Guy, a Jonin of remarkable skill and intelligence, already approached him about sponsoring Lee. The boy's will and drive to become a shinobi couldn't be overlooked. However, could he, knowing the dangers out in the world, allow a stunted child out into that danger? Could he assign the best and the worst students to be on the same team, as tradition required? Something was coming, something terrible, and he wasn't sure the village was ready.
"Naruto," Hirzuen called in a low voice. He knew the boy had keen senses and had been collecting information of just how sharp those senses were while he had the boy close at hand.
"Yes, Hokage-sama?" Naruto asked as he looked around from his desk. Today, the boy looked agonizing similar to how his father looked as a child.
"What did you think of the last seminar?"
Naruto pursed his lips and scratched his head. He rearranged the small worktable as he worked over his answer. "There is so much that I still don't understand," he admitted with a grimace. "Expert Onikuma-sama stopped coming. I understood what he explained better than his apprentice. It's obvious I'm still far behind what everyone else knows."
"Onikuma-san sent word about your presence."
A dark look flashed across Naruto's features before he regained control. "I haven't asked any questions and have only taken notes," he seethed. "I'm the first one there and the first to leave."
Hiruzen raised an eyebrow and gestured for the young boy to calm down. "He inquired as to why you were there. I explained that you had every right to attend, as you'd expressed interest in becoming a medical-nin one day," he stated after Naruto settled. "He is, as you might guess, skeptical. Not many Academy Students, in general, take an active interest in learning the complex subject. I brought up the seminars because they will be stopping for a time. Expert Onikuma-san and his apprentices will leave the village for a short time to aid a small village near the border. Have you learned enough to continue your studies alone, or should I look into finding you a more permanent instructor?"
Naruto blinked and sat back in his chair as his eyes flicked left and right. "I... should be able to continue alone for a while. Instructor Kabuto-sama listed a bunch of books he read through before becoming a medical-nin," he said in a quiet voice.
Hiruzen tried not to smile. If the boy was showing more interest in learning again, then he could help cultivate that. "Get me a list of the books. I may even have a few in my personal library," he stated with a slight nod. As he looked down, his eyes rested on the folders again. He sighed and fished around in his robes for his pipe.
"You're smoking a lot again," Naruto complained as he turned back to his workstation.
"It helps calm my mind."
"It'll ruin your lungs. You aren't young anymore, Hokage-sama."
"Brat," he muttered but put away the pipe. His eyes fell on the photo of young Lee and the burning fire of determination in his eyes. "I wish you the best," he whispered and reached into his top drawer on the right side of the desk. He pulled out a red stamp with the words 'Pass' engraved on the top. His hand paused over the folder before he took a deep breath and pressed the ink into the tan cover of the folder. He would speak to Jonin Guy to gauge his thoughts on how to proceed.
After Naruto left for the day, Iruka Umino dropped in for his scheduled appointment. "Hokage-sama," the Academy Instructor greeted with a bow. "You requested to see me?"
"Thank you for coming," Hiruzen said and waved a hand toward the chair in front of him. "Please." Iruka sat and pulled a small notebook from his green flack jacket. He fished out a pin from another pocket and nodded when he was ready. "How are his grades?" Hiruzen asked as he sat back in his chair.
"Someone has caught on that we know about the sabotage," the instructor reported with a sigh. "His written exams are on par with the Haruno girl and Hyuga Neji. He still isn't taking combat practice seriously. I don't know why and he won't open up to me about it. It's like he treats it as a game. He'll allow points against him whenever he feels like it."
"I have another looking into that situation. She has some experience with what I believe might be going on in Naruto's head. What of his other activities?"
"Overall, he's a lonely child. Whatever had him down a few months ago is still a shadow in his heart. He hides it well, but I've known him too long. That being said, his personal training is... something to see, sir. It took me a while to figure it out. You gave him one of Sannin Tsunade's training regimens, didn't you?"
Hiruzen grunted and closed his eyes. "It seemed like a good idea at the time. As long as he doesn't overdo himself, there shouldn't be any lasting damage. His inborn ability to heal is remarkable and dangerous. I have someone watching him while he trains," he admitted. He rolled his hand for Iruka to continue.
"On the subject of making friends," the instructor stated before pausing to gather his thoughts. "He's gone back to goofing off in class and playing pranks on some of the villagers. It seems to be less about causing mayhem and trouble as he did a few years ago and more about testing his skills against trained shinobi. He's roped Shikamaru Nara, Kiba Inuzuka, and Choji Akimichi into several pranks in the last few weeks. All four served detention for three of the outings. I have unconfirmed reports of at least five more incidents that they may have perpetrated."
"He is attempting to make friends at least?"
"For some of the students, no matter what he does, it will never be enough. However, yes, he's put forth an honest effort to make friends. On a side note, Chunin Fumi will leave the Academy at the end of the semester."
Hiruzen tried to hide his smile as he looked down at his notes on his desk. "I have a replacement ready," he answered as he looked back up again.
"That's what this is really about," Iruka guessed as he drummed his finger on the cover of his book. "I'm not going to like this, will I?"
"You've always been smarter than you give yourself credit for. Arise, Lead Instructor."
Iruka Umino's face paled as he stood slowly. He saluted fist-to-chest and bowed. Hiruzen could see the young man's white knuckles clutched to his book. "Thank you, Hokage-sama," Iruka got out in a hoarse whisper.
"You deserve it," Hiruzen countered and waved toward the chair. After Iruka sat, he continued, "I've been keeping an eye on your progress as a whole. More of your fourth-year students graduate than any other instructor. Each student wants to excel and has gone on to perform well as Genin. You know what I expect and have worked hard. What I give you is not going to be easy. There are troubling times ahead. From where and what, I do not know yet. We need able-bodied and sharp recruits to weather this oncoming storm. Can you provide that for me? For the village?"
The intelligent Chunin was silent for a time as he mulled over what he'd learned. "Thank you for your confidence in me," he answered with a strained smile. "I can provide our next generation of shinobi. There are... things I need to make that happen. Our techniques and ways we teach the youngest students are lacking. The graduating students aren't what even I was expected to know at their age. We need to bring back the old ways if you're expecting trouble for the village."
"Well said. A hard truth that is, in part, my fault. The average Genin that passes still has too much to learn after graduating. It is supposed to be a time for learning more about teamwork and finding their identity within their teams and the village as a whole. For the last several years, the average Genin takes a full year before I am satisfied enough for them to do missions outside the village."
Iruka grunted as if punched in the stomach. He did nod after a moment with a sour look on his face. "You're right, sir," he allowed.
"I've sent them out anyway, as much as it hurts to see some of them never return. The village needs the income too much to simply wait for them to be ready. It is a sad, hard truth. I've spoken to the village leadership and the Council as well. It all comes down to funding. I'll give you what I can, but I can't promise you much. Get me an itemized list of what you think might best serve the upcoming academic year. I'll see what I can do for you. Your promotion goes into effect in three weeks. Do you have any questions?" Iruka did.
Two Anbu, Horse and Tiger, flickered away with a gust of wind as the mid-day bell rang deep within the Hokage Residence. Hiruzen drummed his fingers on his desk and picked up the single folder in front of him. He rose, his joints protesting after sitting in the same place since dawn. A flicker of movement was the only warning he had before Dog appeared by the door. She went to one knee, her fist across her heart.
"Hokage-sama, we found the connection," she stated without delay.
He paused as his brain tried to focus on what his Anbu was telling him. It took him a moment to remember what she was referring to. "Excellent, who have you told?" he questioned.
"Only Rabbit and I know."
"Keep it that way for a time. Write a report and get it to me tonight, before the last call. Unless... is it mission-critical?"
"Hokage-sama, he is back," she said with more than a little heat in her voice.
"Within the village?" he asked as his heart thumped in his chest. The last thing he needed was for his old student to set his sights back on the village again.
"The defector met with another this morning on the outskirts of the village. The brothers, missing-nin Kenzan Senri and Hiroji, are frequently employed by Orochimaru. She met with Senri in a washing house, disguised as a midwife. Asato Fumi is dead. Senri killed her at some point during their conversation. We recovered the body after he left."
"Do you think he realized she was followed?"
"Rabbit and I believe she failed in an assignment of one kind or another. We believe she may have known she was going to her death. After sealing her body, we returned to her residence. She left little, but Chunin Mizuki arrived shortly after we did, looking for her."
"You did well. Add Mizuki to the possible list and pass your findings to the Anbu Commander. I must be down at the Academy in twenty minutes to give the graduating students their headbands, as well as take their oaths," he said and adjusted his robe. Dog nodded her head and disappeared without a sound.
Ten minutes later, he stepped into the Academy's Formal Hall. One long table with a chair for every active instructor sat along the back of the room. Iruka, Mizuki, Omura, and Suko were already seated, but the remaining seats were empty. He strode to the central seat, directly across from the double doors, and sat with a nod to Iruka. The Chunin Instructor gave him a pain expression and stood as he sat down.
"Graduates, enter," he called in a ringing voice.
Moments later, recently hired, Chunin Kanagi led a group of wide-eyed students into the hall. The pupils tried to look serious. Most dressed up in formal shinobi gear, but a few outliers wore outfits that matched their personalities. In the center of the group, Lee, dressed in green spandex, looked nervous.
"Stand in ranks," Iruka ordered as Kanagi-san took her chair at the end of the table.
Once the students had, Hiruzen rose and looked across the room at the young students. "Everyone here has passed the initial requirements to become a Genin. When your name is called, step forward and receive your headband, your mark of adulthood, and pledge yourself to me and Konohagakure. Hyuga Neji," he called as he stretched out a long scroll on the table in front of him. With an effort of will and a burst of chakra, he infused the scroll. A puff of white smoke released from the scroll as twenty-one headbands, with the leaf symbol etched in the metal center, appeared on top of the scroll.
Neji strode to the table, his head held high, as he took his place in front of Hiruzen. "Hokage-sama," he greeted with a hand-in-fist bow.
"Neji-san, you are a credit to your peers. Your hard work and dedication to your studies have set you apart and ahead of your graduating class. Take your headband," Hiruzen ordered with a wave. Neji took his forehead protector and bowed once more without expression. "Engrave these words into your heart and repeat after me," he instructed.
Neji nodded and stood straight, looking him in the eyes. "Yes, Hokage-sama," he promised.
"By my life and Clan, I so swear to uphold the laws of Konohagakure. To protect my fellow citizens, no matter who they may be, and work toward a greater future for all. To listen and obey my superiors. By my life and Clan, I swear this," Hiruzen intoned and watched the young man repeat the words. "This is but your first step toward becoming a Genin. Congratulations, Hyuga Neji, and good luck."
The ritual repeated itself for every student. He knew they could still fail the last test, but the oath to Konohagakure wouldn't need to be repeated. In the eyes of the village, they were now adults, young they may be.
After Neji, the rest of the students came up to the table in alphabetical order. Lee looked stunned for only a moment before screaming his oath in a deadly serious tone. No matter what might happen, the boy wouldn't go back on his word. Elated and talking amongst themselves, the students left the hall after being dismissed by Iruka.
"You let Lee graduate?" Mizuki challenged in a soft voice so the other instructors wouldn't hear him.
"I did."
"He'll get his team killed without any protection from genjutsu or supplemental ninjutsu to augment his impressive taijutsu."
"Every team needs a front-liner. If properly instructed, Lee could be a huge asset to any team. It will require more teamwork to pull it off, but I have faith." Mizuki sat back and rubbed his chin. He didn't comment, but Hirzuen could see the disagreement in the man's eyes. "I believe the boy... the young man will do what is necessary to succeed."
Iruka caught up with him as he exited the Academy. "Thank you for considering Lee," he said with a bow. "I know Guy wants him on his team, but by tradition, he shouldn't have been given the opportunity."
"There is more to being a shinobi than your skill at the three jutsus. You know that. They are merely a measuring tool," he replied. He didn't want to admit to Iruka that he'd had his doubts as well. Only time would tell if he'd made the correct decision.
"True," the Chunin instructor allowed after a moment. "Sir, I sent what we'll need for the next semester. I know it's only a month or so away, but the quicker we can get them, the faster I can implement the training within our programs."
"I will do everything I can. Please be aware, I may or may not be able to get what you need. Bureaucracy is a necessary evil, even when it's inconvenient."
"I'm all too aware," Iruka muttered with a grumble. "Oh, Instructor Fumi is missing. Mizuki said something was wrong and reported it to the Jonin Standby Station. If you haven't heard about it yet, you will soon."
"Thank you for letting me know. Did he say why he thought she'd gone missing?"
"No, just that they were supposed to meet this morning. Also, the Academy Director submitted his resignation this morning. That's why he wasn't at the Graduation Ceremony."
"Thank you. I wasn't going to draw attention to the issue. Where did Michio leave his resignation letter?"
"On his office door sometime last night. I found it about twenty minutes before the ceremony."
"I presume no one knows where he went?"
"Hokage-sama, I haven't left the building since finding the note. As far as I know, no one knew why he decided to resign or where he's gotten off to."
"Sorry, Iruka. It's been a long day already. I shouldn't be taking it out on you. Discretely try to find out what you can. Do not draw attention to yourself if possible. I'll hold off your appointment for another week or so until I can get to the bottom of this."
To his credit, Iruka didn't look upset. He nodded and place his fist over his heart as he said, "yes, Hokage-sama," before departing.
Hiruzen stared at the sky, the white rolling clouds, and wondered how long he had before the beautiful view turned into a thunderstorm that could shake the village. He needed to contact several people, and it seemed like he might not have enough time.
