Chapter 22 – The Toad Sage's Choice
The chamber was tense, every word Akira had spoken still hanging heavy in the air. The Hyūga elders seethed, the Uchiha whispered among themselves, and the Hokage sat in silence, weighing every glance and every breath.
Then the great doors opened.
A tall man stepped inside with measured steps, his presence commanding the room instantly. Long white hair flowed down his back, red markings framed his stern face, and the massive scroll on his back marked him unmistakably.
Jiraiya of the Sannin.
Even the proud Uchiha elders straightened in their seats. The Hyūga fell quiet. For all their pride and stubbornness, none could deny the strength of the man who had fought wars, who had walked the world, and who stood second only to the Hokage in renown.
"Jiraiya…" Hiruzen's eyes softened with both surprise and recognition.
The Sannin walked to the center, his gaze sweeping across the room before settling on Akira. His sharp eyes studied the boy, not with greed like the clans, but with something deeper — curiosity, and perhaps even recognition of potential.
"This is the child," Jiraiya said at last. His voice was calm, deep, steady. "The one both Uchiha and Hyūga would tear apart to claim."
Akira lifted his chin, refusing to look away. Jiraiya's lips curved faintly — not amusement, but approval.
Turning toward Hiruzen, Jiraiya spoke again, louder this time, his words cutting through the chamber.
"This boy's power isn't something that should be shackled by clan pride or politics. He needs to be guided, trained, taught how to stand as himself — not as someone else's tool."
The Hyūga elders bristled.
"You presume too much, Jiraiya-sama," one said sharply. "The Byakugan belongs to the Hyūga—"
"Enough." The single word silenced them. Jiraiya's eyes, usually easy and relaxed, had hardened. "The boy said it himself — these eyes, this blood, they are his. Not yours. Not even the clan's. And if you force him to bend to your will, you'll only destroy him. I won't allow it."
The weight of his words pressed down on the chamber. Even Danzo said nothing, though his single visible eye narrowed dangerously.
Finally, Jiraiya turned back to Hiruzen.
"I'll take him. As my student."
The hall erupted.
"He cannot simply—"
"This is outrageous!"
"To hand him over outside the clan—!"
But through the outcry, Jiraiya stood immovable, his gaze steady as stone. His voice carried over them all, deep and unwavering.
"You can't control this boy. But I can teach him. And in time, he'll be strong enough to decide for himself where he belongs."
Hiruzen studied his old student carefully. Then, slowly, the Hokage's gaze shifted to Akira.
"The choice is yours."
Akira's heart pounded. He could feel the eyes of every elder in the room, the pull of pride, greed, and politics. But then he looked at Jiraiya — and saw something different. A path not bound by clan chains. A hand extended, not demanding, but waiting.
Before he could speak, Fugaku stepped forward.
The Uchiha leader's dark eyes softened, and when his hand rested on Akira's shoulder, the boy felt warmth instead of weight.
"You are Uchiha," Fugaku said quietly, but every word carried power. "That will never change. But if Jiraiya can guide you without binding you, then go. Grow. Become strong. And remember — you will always have a home with us."
The chamber gasped. A clan head yielding to an outsider? Impossible. Unthinkable. Yet Fugaku's hand remained firm, fatherly in its strength.
Akira's throat tightened, his chest aching. He met Fugaku's gaze, and for the first time in this world, he felt the bond of family — not duty, not expectation, but care.
Jiraiya smiled faintly, respect flashing in his eyes. "Then it's settled."
Akira nodded. "…I'll go."
The decision sent ripples through the chamber. The Hyūga seethed in silent outrage, the Uchiha whispered in shock, and even Danzo's jaw tightened. But the choice had been made.
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At the far end of the chamber, Kakashi stood watching. His silver hair gleamed in the firelight, and his hands curled into fists. He'd always known Akira was different, but now…
Chosen by a Sannin. Blessed with both Byakugan and Uchiha blood. Approved by Fugaku himself.
The gap between them stretched wider than ever, and Kakashi's heart twisted with emotions he couldn't name — pride, envy, fear.
"…Akira," he whispered under his breath, the name heavy with conflict.
And as the torches flickered, the chapter closed on the boy who had just stepped onto a path that would shape the shinobi world.
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✨ End of Chapter 22
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