Disclaimer: I own nothing.

I still do not grasp the art of writing longer chapters, with multiple elements, even though I really want to.
But I guess, this particular chapter is heavy enough to be a standalone. There's a lot Konoha slice of life, character interactions coming up. Hope you enjoy it!

A lesson in Patience

"He who is prudent and lies in wait for an enemy who is not, will be victorious."
-Sun Tzu

Tom had taken the scenic route, meandering lethargically toward his apartment. His offer of knowledge and camaraderie had been carefully calculated, and he knew without a doubt that at least Sakumo was aware of it. He was just beginning to formulate plans to make tentative overtures for further education when, unexpectedly, the opportunity was brought to him instead.

A dark shadow dropped a few paces in front of him, causing him to raise a delicate eyebrow.

"Yes?" he asked. By the obvious presentation and speed of the arrival, it was clear the party posed no threat. Still, Tom fingered the wand hidden in the hem of his sleeve.

"Voldemo-san, Elder Utatane Koharu requests your presence for a tea ceremony tomorrow at 1300 hours."

Tom raised both eyebrows and relaxed his hold on his weapon, for once openly displaying surprise. Despite his limited knowledge, he knew this was a great honor—especially coming from an elder. Before he could ask for more details, two scrolls were pressed into his arms, and the ninja vanished posthaste.

Eager to learn more, Tom quickened his pace. Once inside the safety of his home, he carefully checked the scrolls for traps or surprises but found none. Mildly amused, he opened them with care.

"Ah!" he murmured, noticing the delicate calligraphy. The first scroll confirmed the messenger's words, detailing the location and time. Disbelief warred with ally?he wondered as he unrolled the second scroll.

His jaw tightened. This one explained the importance and nuances of a tea ceremony.

Tom was intrigued.

He walked up the stone path through a tranquil garden at the appointed time, taking in the quiet that sharply contrasted with the busy marketplace he had passed earlier. The refinement of this part of the village struck him; the gentry seemed more dignified here, more reserved. As he approached the rustic beauty of the wooden Japanese home, he couldn't help but admire its serenity. A delicate bridge arched over a koi pond, and he felt his breathing slow, instinctively matching the tranquillity of the surroundings.

His host greeted him at the shoji door. "Thank you for coming," Koharu said demurely. Tom responded in kind, bowing the appropriate amount before removing his footwear. In silence, he followed her into the tea room, his steps deliberate and measured.

He had done his research on Elder Koharu Utatane, and now, seeing her in person, he found her reputation well-deserved. She was an elderly woman, or rather, a kunoichi, who carried herself with the dignity and grace that only age and experience could bring. As a benefactor and potential ally, Tom approved. Any ninja who had lived to her age was certainly worth her salt.

He recalled that dialogue was meant to be limited during the tea ceremony. It was an intricate dance of tradition and philosophy, a world far more sophisticated than most would realize. If he had been younger, he might have fidgeted in his seat from nervousness, but now, older and more disciplined, he followed Koharu's lead with calm precision. Together, they performed the purification ritual, washing their hands and rinsing their mouths at the stone basin—a symbolic act to cleanse both body and mind. The challenge of not embarrassing himself loomed, and he was determined to rise to it. He knew the key to success in this ceremony lay in mindfulness, in being fully present.

Now would be a good time to heed my own words,He shook himself reproachfully.

The tea room itself was minimalist, designed to inspire peace and focus. A hanging scroll adorned with elegant calligraphy caught his eye, and he murmured a quiet word of appreciation. The space was small, intimate, and uncluttered, with tatami mats on the floor and soft natural light filtering through the windows. Tom settled into the seiza position and let the gentle sound of the stream outside wash over him, steadying his thoughts.

His attention shifted to his host as she began the purification of the tea utensils. Despite her age, Koharu's movements were graceful, her fingers nimble, honed by years of practice. Tom watched in silent awe, absorbing the subtle sounds of water being poured, the brush of the whisk, and the soft rustle of her robes.

"That was beautiful," he blurted out, immediately regretting the abruptness of his words. He chastised himself internally for breaking the silence with such impulsiveness. Thankfully, the elder seemed more amused than offended, her lips curling into a slight smile at his excitement.

As the water simmered and the ceremony began, the sounds of the outside world faded. Koharu spoke softly as she prepared the tea, her movements deliberate and ceremonial. "In this village," she began, "we value strength, wisdom, and loyalty. But above all, we value balance. Tea, like all things, requires balance. It is easy to brew it too strong or too weak. But to achieve perfection, one must be patient, thoughtful." Her eyes flickered toward him briefly, as if assessing his reaction.

Tom had listened in silence, his fingers resting lightly on his knees. He understood the subtlety of this conversation. Koharu was testing him, probing for signs of weakness or ambition that might one day turn on the village. He did not mind the scrutiny.

"I understand, elder," Tom replied, his voice calm. "Balance is something that must be cultivated, just as strength or wisdom. It is not a quality one is born with, but one that must be earned through discipline."

Koharu nodded approvingly, pouring the tea into two cups. "Discipline, indeed," she agreed. "You have shown considerable progress since you arrived. But it is the future we must look to, not just the present."

The sliding door creaked open with an unsettling calm, interrupting the quiet flow of the tea ceremony. Koharu Utatane's hand, poised elegantly above a tea cup, stilled for only a fraction of a second before continuing its measured movements. The steam curled upward, delicate yet unbroken, as her fingers moved with practiced grace. She gave no outward sign of her displeasure, but Tom, seated opposite her, could sense the subtle shift in the air.

"Ah, it seems we have guests," Koharu murmured, her tone betraying neither irritation nor surprise. Her eyes remained on the tea, but her focus had shifted to the new arrivals.

thought course.

Hiruzen Sarutobi entered first, his weathered face bearing a small, unreadable smile. Behind him, Danzo Shimura and Homura Mitokado followed, both figures exuding a quiet authority. It was clear they had come uninvited, their presence casting a long shadow over the room. Tom sat in silence, carefully observing the interaction, aware that his own test had now taken on a new dimension.

"Forgive our intrusion, Koharu, my dear…" Hiruzen said lightly, as he took a seat across from her. "We were... curious." Not bothering to give any real explanation. Tom almost snorted at the impudence, but then again, Hiruzen WAS the Hokage. He could do what he 's gaze drifted to the other two 'guests' who were looking at his like he was the stain under their shoe.

Koharu's lips pressed together in the faintest of smiles. "Curiosity, like tea, can be bitter if taken too quickly, Hiruzen." Her voice held a practiced calm, but her gaze flicked to the two councilmen following the Hokage. "Still, I suppose it is a rare occasion to entertain all of you at once. Please, sit."

Danzo settled himself across from Tom, his eyes dark and piercing, studying the young man who had been the subject of much quiet debate. Homura, always the quieter of the two, seated himself with a small grunt, his expression skeptical. Both men exchanged glances that spoke volumes, though no words were needed to convey their thoughts.

"A strange time to host a guest," Homura commented idly, his voice carrying a weight that implied far more than the simple observation. "One wonders if the tea is meant to soothe or to test the taste buds." His eyes slid to Tom, the insinuation clear beneath the surface.

Danzo's lips curled slightly, though whether it was in amusement or disdain was difficult to tell. "Indeed, some teas are more... refined than others," he added, his voice low and measured. "But not all who drink can appreciate such subtlety. It requires a certain... depth of understanding."

Tom remained silent, feeling the eyes of the room on him. He could sense the tension in their words, the way each phrase was a layered riddle meant to probe, to push him toward a misstep. He was no stranger to this kind of game. Danzo's words were a test, subtle jabs cloaked in politeness, challenging whether he had the intellect—or the patience—to play at their level.

Koharu, sensing the undercurrent, continued the ceremony as if unbothered. "Tea, much like one's intentions, reveals itself in time. Rushing the brew leaves one with bitterness, don't you think?"

Tom watched as she poured the tea into a small, delicate cup. He noticed how her movements, calm and deliberate, contrasted with the quiet hostility in the room. This was not just a ceremony—it was a stage. And now, he had been thrust into the center of it.

"Some," Danzo remarked, his eyes never leaving Tom, "are eager to prove themselves without truly understanding the weight of their choices. A single misstep, a wrong word, and what could have been an ally becomes a threat."

Homura nodded in agreement. "Especially when those choices are... ambitious." His gaze was sharp, probing, as if daring Tom to reveal something beneath his calm exterior. "Ambition can burn too hot. It consumes the unprepared."

The cruciatus would do these old farts wonders-

A clink of a cup in sharp contrast to the fluidness of Koharu's ceremony caught his attention as it was presented to him. Her gaze pinned him.

Quietly taking his share, he bowed his head minutely and muttered his thanks.

He had seen these games before—had played them expertly back in his own world. These men were testing him, just as Koharu had been, but where Koharu had tested his mind, these two were testing his control. He would not give them the satisfaction of seeing him falter.

"The weight of choices is not lost on me," Tom said finally, his voice steady and measured. "But ambition without control is wasted. Only through careful cultivation can strength be harnessed. Just as tea must be brewed with care, so too must one's path be walked with precision."

Hiruzen raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Tom's words, while Koharu's expression softened slightly, as though she had been waiting for him to speak. Danzo, however, did not look pleased. His eyes narrowed slightly, the weight of his gaze intensifying.

"And yet," Danzo continued, "even those who claim to walk a careful path sometimes find themselves at a crossroads. Strength without purpose is a fleeting thing. Tell me, Riddle, what purpose do you serve?"

Tom could feel the trap being laid before him. Danzo's question was not one of genuine curiosity but a challenge, a way to force him into a corner where his answer would reveal either loyalty or defiance. But Tom had no intention of being trapped.

"I serve the same purpose any ninja of this village does," Tom said carefully. "To grow stronger. To face challenges that test my resolve. And to become someone worthy of the trust this village has placed in me."

Homura chuckled softly, the sound dry and laced with skepticism. "Trust is earned, not given freely. Especially in a village like Konoha. You speak as if you understand this already, but I wonder... how long before your ambitions pull you elsewhere?"

Tom met Homura's gaze, his eyes cool. "Ambition is a powerful thing, but so is discipline. I understand what is expected of me. I do not take it lightly."

The conversation dulled as Koharu's interference caused them to drink deeply, if robotically, once more.

Koharu's eyes flickered with amusement, the tension between the old guard and this young, unknown factor building in the room.

Hiruzen chuckled lightly, sipping his tea. "Balance. Yes, a delicate thing to maintain. It requires wisdom, discipline... and sometimes, difficult decisions."

Danzo leaned forward slightly, his sharp gaze fixing on Tom. "But not all who seek balance understand the cost of maintaining it. There are paths that must be walked by those willing to bear the weight of that responsibility. Konoha has always needed individuals who can see beyond the surface, who understand the true nature of power."

Tom held his tea cup delicately, turning it in his hands, seemingly lost in thought as the tension thickened around him. He knew where this was headed, felt the noose tightening. Danzo was drawing him toward his offer, one cloaked in riddles but unmistakable in its intent. But Tom had no intention of walking into this trap so easily.

"Power is a curious thing," Tom began, his voice languid, almost if only, his Knights could see him now, they would be falling off their seats, laughing."It is not unlike this tea. For those who drink too hastily, it burns the tongue, scalds the throat. But those who wait, those who let the flavor unfurl slowly, can savor its full potential. Some would think the tea has only one purpose—to be consumed. But others know that the beauty lies in the act of drinking, not in the drink itself."

Danzo's eyes narrowed slightly, his expression unreadable, but Tom could sense the calculation behind those dark eyes. Homura shifted uncomfortably beside him, clearly unsettled by the flowery deflection.

"Some might say," Danzo continued, undeterred, "that the strongest among us are those who understand when to act, when to bend the knee for the greater good. A tree that refuses to bow to the wind is eventually broken."

Tom smiled faintly, lifting the tea cup to his lips but not drinking just yet. "And yet, the tallest trees are those that endure the greatest storms without breaking. They sway, yes, but they remain rooted in the earth, unyielding. There are many paths, Danzo-sama, but the path I walk is one that requires neither bending nor breaking. I find that the winds only guide those who listen, not those who seek to control them."

There was a brief silence as Danzo considered Tom's words, his expression unreadable. Homura's eyes darted between the two, suspicion lacing his gaze. He opened his mouth as if to speak but thought better of it, letting the unspoken tension settle.

Koharu, sensing the shift, poured another cup of tea, her movements deliberate and serene. "Interesting," she murmured, a slight smile playing on her lips. "It seems our guest has a taste for subtlety. Not all storms are meant to be feared, after all."

Hiruzen chuckled, clearly entertained by the exchange. "It's refreshing to hear someone speak with such conviction," he said, setting his cup down gently. "But conviction alone can be dangerous if not tempered by wisdom."

Danzo's expression tightened ever so slightly, his fingers drumming lightly on the table. "Conviction, like power, must be directed. Some might think they can walk their own path, but in truth, every step they take is guided by the forces around them. Whether they realize it or not, they are shaped by the hands of those stronger than themselves."

Anger coloured his thoughts and Tom inclined his head slightly, acknowledging Danzo's point without conceding. "Perhaps," he said. "But even a river, though guided by the banks on either side, carves its own path through the land. It shapes the world as much as the world shapes it."

Koharu's smile widened, her amusement clear now as she regarded both men. Tom's almost tempted to smirk right back at her.

Danzo's lips thinned, his eyes dark with barely concealed frustration. He had extended his hand, offered Tom a place within Root—though veiled in riddles and implications—and the young man had gracefully sidestepped it with words that flowed like water, impossible to pin down.

Tom, setting his cup down gently, finally took a sip of the tea. "The flavor," he said, meeting Danzo's gaze with a calm smile, "is rich and full. But it is the patience in the brewing that makes it truly exquisite. Rushing would have spoiled the taste."

Danzo's face remained impassive, though Tom could sense the seething beneath the surface. Homura looked thoroughly displeased, while Hiruzen's eyes glimmered with amusement.

"Yes," Koharu said, raising her own cup. "Patience is key. And it seems Tom has learned the lesson well."

The ceremony wrapped up at a leisurely pace after that. Elder Koharu took her time to clean the utensils with the same deliberate care that she had shown initially, completely ignoring the uncomfortable silence. Elder Himura had almost made an excuse and gotten up to leave, but a single glance from Elder Koharu had him sitting back Elder Koharu's plans and try to leave after throwing a wrench in it?Tom chuckled softly, ignoring the man's dirty look.

Soon it really was time to leave, they thanked the elder with gratitude. And truly, Tom was enthused by these subtle intricacies in politics.

"It was my pleasure. Thank you for honouring me with your presence." She said, smiling. Subtly sliding another scroll into his hands. "May we meet again." He certainly hoped they did. He bowed.

Tom exited the area slowly, in the same manner they entered, passing back through the garden. Once he crossed the threshold, his vacantly pleasant expression dropped. He picked up his pace.