End of An Era
The scrolls trickled serenely as they recorded his chakra pulses and heartbeats. From a respectable distance, the family morosely watched as their most beloved was now on his deathbed.
The man who had defined an epoch of their history laid the foundation of the first shinobi state – hailed as the Kami No Shinobi due to his sheer might – was now a frail old man who couldn't even drink water by himself. Once, the mere mention of his name was enough to keep the peace between warring clans and nations. Now, even a mere gust of wind ached him.
Truly father time had remained undefeated, even when it came to gods amongst men.
Tsunade choked a sob as she tried to reign in her tears. Her great uncle, Tobirama, was here. If he saw her weeping, there would be hell to pay.
"Scalpel." The lead healer ordered, and he made an incision in the Fire Lord's side.
"Tongs." He ordered again and Tsunade gasped. Blood liberally flowed from Hashirama as they got to work on him. Another scalpel was provided at the healer's gesture.
Didn't they use that earlier? Tsunade thought to herself in a horrified realization.
"Wait!" Tsunade yelled, but a withering glare from Tobirama halted her in her path.
"It's not clean!" Tsunade weakly protested. "They will kill him if they continue using the same instruments!"
Tobirama said nothing but continued glaring at her. It was a while before he spoke again.
"So now a brat who hasn't even cleared the academy will advise our clan's veteran healers on medical procedures?" Tobirama demanded.
"I know that they are doing it wrong!" Tsunade protested. "Healers outside the villagers have researched this stuff!"
"You expect me to take the word of civilians? Especially foreigners?" Tobirama sneered. "Have you completely taken a leave of your senses, girl? Do they teach you nothing in your academy?"
Abandoning her fear, Tsunade glared right back at him which further raised her ire.
"They teach me to think critically." Tsunade shot back.
"Apparently not clear enough. Especially if you rely on foreigner's teachings." Tobirama said. "Clearly your grandfather's coddling has weakened your mind."
"Grandfather is a great man!" Tsunade shouted. "He is twice the man you will ever be!"
"Ah yes, such greatness. It was his meekness and softness that led us to this moment. If he had followed my advice, the Uchihas would've been neutralized long ago." Tobirama said. "Rest assured, I will painstakingly remove this softness from the village. No matter what it takes."
"If you become Hokage, Konoha won't even survive 10 years," Tsunade muttered. This seemed to snap something inside Tobirama and he darkly approached the girl.
"Enough." A voice ordered from behind and Tobirama froze in his tracks.
"Have you taken a leave of your senses, Tobirama?" A woman with dull red and greying highlights entered the room. Tsunade gasped at that and knelt on one knee. She stood directly in front of him, daring him to do anything.
"Are you so desperate for combat that you will now fight little girls who aren't even shinobi for your ego?" She said. "Well?"
The man said nothing but breathed deeply before replying. "Forgive me, Mito-sama. It's been a tough month. The tensions with Iwa and Uchiha have me troubled."
"Then perhaps you should take a break, Tobirama. Instead of harassing grieving girls?" Mito said and pressed a letter in his hand. "Here, an order for your extended break, signed by Hashirama-kun himself."
Tobirama gingerly took the letter and bowed lightly. "Thank you, Mito-sama. And I apologize for any hurt caused."
Mito hummed as he left the building. For a moment, the tension remained in the air before Mito realized Tsunade was still kneeling. She snorted at that.
"Oh, you." Mito said as she grabbed her shoulders and helped her up. "None of that stuff when we are private, poppet."
Tsunade said nothing but stared at the ground, occasionally sniffling. Mito sighed and held her chin up, forcing Tsunade to make eye contact with her.
"Hush now, poppet," Mito said. "All will be well. Have faith."
Tsunade looked towards her left where Hashirama was undergoing butchery dubbed "surgery".
"H-h-he isn't going to be okay, is he?" Tsunade sobbed and Mito sighed.
"You are about to graduate from the academy. Almost an adult." Mito said. "Holding the truth from you will do no good."
"O-oh," Tsunade said.
"No, poppet. It isn't looking good." Mito said. "During the battle, Madara made use of demonic chakra."
Tsunade gasped at hearing that, and Mito darkly nodded.
"The aftermath of that was the chakra poisoning against which even your grandfather's healing cells are struggling against," Mito said. "There are currently no medical solutions for this. After all, poisoning by demonic chakra isn't exactly a common affair."
Tsunade's hands unknowingly clenched into fists as she reigned in her frustration at the hopelessness of the situation.
"This isn't fair!" She hissed through tears. "He deserves better! After everything he has done for us, he deserves better!"
She gestured towards him.
"And we can't even help him when he needs us the most!" Tsunade exclaimed.
Mito nodded somberly at that and pulled her granddaughter into an embrace.
"I know poppet. It hurts. It hurts a lot." Mito admitted. "But the best thing we can do right now is embrace the will of fire. Embrace it tighter than ever before. The village is distraught. The best thing to do for Hashirama would be to spread peace amongst the clans."
"No," Tsunade said. "I am not giving up. I will cure him. I will learn everything there is to know about medicine. At least then we won't have these donkeys working on him."
Mito sighed at that. "It is a noble goal to have. I won't disparage your goals."
Tsunade didn't bother replying to that. She had already stormed out of the room.
Mito turned to where Hashirama was undergoing medical treatment.
"Whatever will these young ones do, my love," Mito muttered. "They are a lot like you than you would admit."
Two Weeks Later
Shinobi Academy
Even though you might tell them that they are the shinobi of tomorrow, train them until they blackout, or just yell at them – children are still children at heart. Thus, when left to their own devices in the sandbox, inevitable pandemonium gripped the state of affairs.
A dozen impromptu taijutsu matches started between students all over. Trash was spewed all over as prohibited snacks were sneaked in. Weapons' discipline was practically non-existent as sharp shuriken, and kunai dangerously flew by children playing tag.
"Amateurs" Tsunade muttered staring at the commotion. "Fools and amateurs."
She caught another pale skinny boy in the corner with similar distaste on his face and nodded in respect.
Orochimaru Tsunade thought. Letting the name roll over her tongue. She respected him. The boy was a shinobi prodigy similar to her. He didn't suffer fools and was always hitting the books or training. Tsunade begrudgingly respected him even if she didn't like him. The boy was most likely her top contender for the Rookie of the Year award.
"A bit harsh, no?" A boy with dull grey hair said from beside her. Tsunade didn't bother looking at him.
"Barking up the wrong tree, buster," Tsunade said.
"I'm sorry?" the boy asked in bewilderment.
"If you are here to offer condolences, shove it. If you are here for stories about the Shodai, shove it, I am not in the mood." Tsunade said. "Also, I am not looking to date anybody, so piss off and leave me alone."
"uhmmm…." The boy mumbled. "You looked sad. I just wanted to ask if you wanted to join in on our game of tag?"
Tsunade turned to him with incredulity.
"Are you serious?" Tsunade asked and the boy blinked.
"Uhmm… yeah? We would love to have you!" The boy said.
"The First Hokage is dead." Tsunade dangerously muttered. "The entire village is in mourning."
The boy now looked peeved but to his credit, he stood his ground.
"Mito-sama herself addressed the village," he said softly. "She said not to mourn Hashirama-sama, but to live on in peace and cheer. She said it would've pleased Lord First more than any week-long sorrows."
Tsunade scowled at that, crossing her arms. "The shinobi should still show decorum."
The boy chuckled softly. "I admire your self-control," he said. "But people should let loose in life sometimes. My mother always says that people need to have fun every now and then. It makes life easier."
Tsunade raised her head high, her chin jutting out in defiance. "I am of the Senju clan," she replied. "We are held to higher standards than that."
The boy smiled politely, inclining his head slightly. "Sakumo Hatake," he introduced himself, holding out his hand. "While not a clan, I hope someday we too can contribute to Hashirama-sama's dream one day."
Tsunade glanced at him for a moment before reaching out to shake his hand briefly. "Charmed," she said curtly. Straightening, she added, "I don't have time for childish games like tag."
With that, she turned on her heel and walked away. Sakumo stood there for a moment, watching her retreat with a small, amused smile before shrugging and turning back to join his classmates.
Graduation Day
Once again, the training grounds were a hub of activity. This time around, there were no children but shinobi with freshly minted handbands that had not seen a single day of combat.
The murmurs slowed as a tall man in dark armor stepped onto the stage. A few present scowled at the dark Uchiha crest emblazoned on the back of his robes. His aide, a scowling man in a green flak jacket trailed behind him.
The aide's scowl deepened as he glared at the chattering genin.
"Attention!" He roared and the assembly instantly sprang to their feet as their muscle memory kicked in after hours of drills and practices. "The Jounin commander will now address the assembly!"
His piercing gaze swept across the students before he began to speak.
Silence fell over the ground as the genin held their breath and stood straight as an arrow.
"Congratulations, graduates," he said, his deep voice cutting through the silence. "I am Uchiha Ryu, Jounin Commander of Konoha. Today marks not just the end of your academy life but the beginning of your journey as shinobi of the Hidden Leaf. However, we find ourselves in challenging times."
"Due to rising tensions with Amegakure and Iwagakure, the newly appointed Hokage, Tobirama Senju"—here, his voice momentarily faltered, and his lips tightened in what appeared to be a fleeting look of annoyance—"will not be able to attend this ceremony."
"Instead," he continued smoothly, "I bring you his directives. In light of these growing threats, your training as a newly inducted genin will focus sharply on preparing you for the possibilities that lie ahead. Effective immediately, a new system will be introduced. Each graduating batch will be split into teams and assigned to the personal tutelage of an active-duty shinobi holding the rank of Jounin. This is believed to be the most effective method to prepare you for any future engagements and, if needed, war."
"Additionally, to encourage exceptional performance, top achievers of the academy will be acknowledged for their dedication and skill," he said.
Tsunade straightened subtly, her eyes narrowing with focus. Orochimaru's pale features betrayed no emotion, but a faint spark of interest flickered in his gaze. Both had stellar records during the academy.
"And this year's rookie is Hatake Sakumo." He said without any suspense. Tsunade owlishly blinked and Orochimaru snorted in frustration at the decision.
Beside her, Orochimaru muttered under his breath, "He must be joking."
Tsunade glared at the stage, her pride stinging. "Figures they'd hand the honor to someone who runs around playing tag," she hissed lowly, drawing a sidelong glance from Orochimaru, whose lips twitched in faint amusement.
Ryu dismissed the gathering with a sharp wave. "Welcome to the shinobi forces of the Leaf," he said curtly. "Prepare yourselves; the road ahead is not for the faint of heart."
Who Are You?
Sakumo couldn't help but hum as he worked on the blade.
This was an issue with him. His mother often hummed when she was working on one of her art pieces. An apple didn't fall from a tree and in Sakumo's case, this was most certainly true. The blacksmith beside him scowled at the "music" but kept it to himself. As long as it made the boy able to handle his work…..
"Keep your hammer flat on the downstroke," the blacksmith ordered, gesturing toward Sakumo's grip. "You're hitting at an angle. You want an even spread. Tilt it just a hair back—no more."
"Yes, Akimichi-san," Sakumo responded quickly.
"Good. Now strike where the steel has started to lose its glow, near the center," the blacksmith continued. "That's your weakest point right now. Even it out before it cools completely."
The boy nodded and brought the hammer down in a measured strike, the ringing sound sharp as sparks scattered around the blade.
"Better," the blacksmith said gruffly, leaning in slightly. "But don't linger between strikes. Steel cools faster than you think. Reheat it after this round."
Huh. Tsunade wondered as she spied on the boy from a rooftop. I never knew he also worked as an apprentice.
The Akimichi ruthlessly instructed the boy but Sakumo kept his cool under pressure. Tsunade's respect for his self-control grew, she was sure she would've decked the fat man 15 minutes ago.
"It's even," Sakumo exclaimed as he pulled the blade from the hissing waters. "It came out perfectly balanced!"
The blacksmith snorted. "Keep your knickers on, kid. You have barely begun to forge without my direct supervision."
With that, he left the room. Tsunade took this as her opportunity to jump down from her vantage point and approach the kid.
"Hi, Senju-san." Sakumo greeted her as she approached. Tsunade didn't respond instead sniffed as she admired the blade.
"How long?" She asked.
"Uhh….. Your genjutsu is good and it would've fooled many but I have been blessed as a sensor shinboi-" Sakumo started but she cut him off.
"How long?" She asked again.
"The moment you jumped from your vantage point," Sakumo admitted, sheepishly rubbing his head. "I knew someone was watching but I didn't know who it was."
"Hmmm…" Tsunade said as she still looked at the cooling sabre. "I didn't know you worked as an apprentice."
Hehe. Sakumo giggled. "I noticed that there aren't many high-quality chara conductive blades around that aren't family heirlooms."
"And?" Tsunade asked, bidding him to continue.
"And… I just thought if I could do something to fix that." Sakumo said. "If people are going to risk their lives for the village, the least they deserve is a decent blade."
"And you thought to fix this…. Shortage…. By studying blacksmithing and fixing things all by yourself?" Tsunade asked as she prowled about the shop.
"Of course!" Sakumo said. "Why not? My mom always said to be the change one wishes to see in the world."
"Such a mama's boy," Tsunade said and Sakumo laughed at that.
"Well, I have heard people say that before," Sakumo said. "But I suppose the small part of it was a need for money. Being a shinobi in training doesn't pay the bills."
"I wouldn't know," Tsunade said. "Last I heard I was a spoilt princess."
"That's not true!" Sakumo said. "You are far more than that. You are the best kunoichi in our year. In fact, I took up blacksmithing partly because you inspired me."
"Oh?" Tsunade whirled towards him.
"Yes! I read your graduation thesis on how newly researched sterilization techniques and medical procedures can help save shinobi lives." Sakumo said. "I saw you daily in the library researching complex medical stuff to raise awareness. If you could do such a difficult thing, why can't I help the village in my own way? Hashirama-sama would expect no less!"
"The Shodaime is dead," Tsunade said. "I doubt he can see I doubt he knows or cares about what happens now."
"That's not true!" Sakumo said. "As long as people believe in the Will of Fire, the Shodaime is immortal. His legacy lives on in every one of us who fights to protect the village."
Tsunade stared at him, her sharp amber gaze uncharacteristically softened by something resembling surprise. For a long moment, she didn't speak, simply appraising the boy in silence. Finally, she exhaled through her nose, the ghost of a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips.
"You really are a remarkable man, Sakumo Hatake," Tsunade said. Her tone was begrudging, but it carried the weight of sincerity. "First, you upset the Rookie of the Year competition, and now you've gone and surprised me again."
Sakumo rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, his cheeks tinged with color as he chuckled nervously. "I'm sorry if my emotions got the better of me," he said.
Tsunade shook her head, her expression neutral but lacking its usual bite. "No apology needed," she said briskly, shifting her stance. "But I have to go. I'm due a team meeting shortly, and we're preparing to leave the village."
"Oh," Sakumo said, his brow furrowing. He hesitated for a moment before stepping forward and pulling something from his belt pouch. "Wait. Before you go…" He held out a small dagger, its blade gleaming in the sunlight as if freshly polished, its hilt wrapped in sturdy leather.
"What's this?" Tsunade asked, eyeing the weapon with a mixture of skepticism and curiosity.
"It's for you," Sakumo said, his voice tinged with nervous energy. "I finished it just yesterday. It's the first weapon I made on my own. You inspired me to pursue smithing—to create something with my own hands that could help others. Please, take it."
Tsunade hesitated.
Tsunade hesitated, her brow furrowing slightly as she regarded the dagger. Finally, she took it from his outstretched hands, inspecting it closely. It was well-crafted, far better than what she would have expected from an amateur.
"Well," she said after a moment, sliding the blade into her sash. "I suppose I'll keep it. But I regret to inform you I have nothing to offer in exchange."
Sakumo grinned. "No worries," he said quickly. "And… maybe we could train together sometime? I'm sure I'd learn a lot from you. And I could share a few things I know, too."
Tsunade tilted her head. "I doubt you know anything I'd need," she replied coolly. "Besides, we leave for North tomorrow to train in the deep jungles.."
"Right," Sakumo said, nodding quickly. "Well… be safe out there, Tsunade."
With a short nod in return, Tsunade turned on her heel, the dagger's hilt gleaming as she walked away. Sakumo watched her go with a soft smile. If nothing else, he had given her something to remember him by.
Fin
Author's Notes: I have been listening to "I love the way you kiss me" and reading the Girl From Whirlpool.
So now you must suffer a romance novel with wars and stuff written by me. Thank you for making it this far. Looking forward to your feedback. Don't forget to like/comment/kudos/review!