The Hokage Tower stood like a sentinel at the heart of Konoha; its high, curved walls gleamed faintly in the morning light that spilt through the cloudless sky. At this hour, the village below was already alive; merchants opening stalls, shinobi on patrol, and children chasing each other across the sun-warmed streets. Yet, within the tower's uppermost floor, behind the carved oak doors of the council chamber, the atmosphere was markedly different—quiet, taut, and saturated with purpose.
The Jōnin Council Chamber was circular in design; its walls lined with shelves stacked neatly with scrolls and mission records, each labelled in crisp calligraphy. Clan banners hung proudly between glowing paper lanterns.
At the centre stood a large round table carved from polished cedar. Around it sat the assembled jōnin; men and women hardened by experience yet softened by familiarity. Conversations were low, measured; the quiet murmur of authority.
At the head of the table sat Namikaze Minato. The Fourth Hokage exuded the kind of calm that stilled turbulence merely by existing within it. Beside him stood Nara Shikata, the Jōnin Commander, her dark hair tied neatly into a bun.
"We'll begin the genin squad assignments for the graduating class," she announced.
"Each placement is determined by aptitude, balance, and psychological compatibility. I trust everyone has reviewed the preliminary reports."
The gathered jōnin nodded; a few murmured quiet affirmations.
Minato set his teacup down with a gentle clink. "And remember," he added, "no team should be built on clan loyalty. Our goal is harmony and growth, not insularity. These children will carry the next generation of Konoha's strength."
The room hummed with acknowledgement; the soft rustle of paper followed as Shikata began her methodical review.
"Team 1," she began, "specialises in reconnaissance. Hyūga Ren, Aburame Kenta, and civilian-born prodigy Yura Ichise. Their chakra control is exceptional; coordination drills show high synchronisation rates. Recommended for covert operations and long-range intel support."
A tall man in dark gear nodded approvingly. "Hyūga and Aburame synergy always pays off," he murmured.
"Team 2," Shikata continued. "Front-line combat. Nara Kyo, Akimichi Haruto, Inuzuka Reina. Strategy, stamina, and tracking; classic balance."
There were a few chuckles of recognition; even Minato's lips quirked slightly. "Another Ino–Shika–Chō variation," he said quietly, amusement threading through his voice.
Shikata smirked faintly but pressed on. "Team 3: Support and medical specialisation. Genin with strong chakra control and auxiliary skillsets—medical trainee Fuji Aya, paired with a civilian chakra surgeon-in-training and a precision kunai specialist."
The conversation remained brisk, professional; papers shuffled, notes were made, and the air vibrated softly with chakra signatures adjusting as jōnin leaned forward or shifted in their seats.
Then, as Shikata turned the page, the rhythm changed.
"Satoru," she read aloud.
The name hung in the air like a shuriken frozen mid-flight.
There was a subtle pause; a ripple passed through the chamber. Several jōnin exchanged looks—measured, curious, faintly wary. The name carried weight now, and not just because of talent; it carried the murmur of politics.
Shikata adjusted her glasses, "Satoru," she began crisply, "top three in his graduating class. Excellent theoretical grasp. Superior chakra control and high intelligence metrics."
She flipped a page. "Primary affinity: fire. Capable of mid-level elemental manipulation. Notably, possesses a two-tomoe Sharingan."
That earned several raised brows.
She continued, "Psychological evaluation: reserved, strategic, and self-reliant. Minimal social integration outside a small peer group."
"I'll say it outright," said a man seated two chairs from Minato. "He bears the Yamanaka name. It's only proper that his sensory potential be honed by our clan."
That was Yamanaka Daichi—steady, composed, and quietly proud.
Before Shikata could respond, another voice cut in; firmer, sharper.
"And yet his Sharingan cannot be ignored," said Uchiha Rina, her tone cool and precise. "Without Uchiha guidance, he risks destroying himself before mastering it."
Her dark eyes narrowed slightly as she leaned forward. "You of all people should understand the dangers of unsupervised dōjutsu awakening, Daichi."
Daichi's lips curved faintly, though not pleasantly. "And you, Rina-san, should remember that the boy is not Uchiha by name or registration. His chakra resonance leans towards our Yamanaka clan. Your clan has no claim here."
"His eyes say otherwise."
A low murmur rippled around the table; a few jōnin exchanged uneasy glances.
Shikata cleared her throat sharply. "This isn't a territory dispute," she said, tone clipped. "We're here to assign genin, not—"
Rina cut her off, voice rising by a fraction. "With respect, Commander, the boy's situation directly impacts his training viability. If he mishandles the Sharingan, we'll all be dealing with another instability case. We can't risk that."
"And without proper sensory discipline, his mind could tear itself apart mid-combat," Daichi countered smoothly. "Your clan's methods are… invasive."
That word landed heavily. Several of the older jōnin stiffened.
Shikata's eyes flicked to Minato briefly, as though weighing whether to intervene.
Rina's voice grew colder. "Perhaps if the Yamanaka focused less on gossip and more on discipline, your clan's prodigies wouldn't collapse under their own jutsu."
"And perhaps if the Uchiha remembered humility, we wouldn't have needed two wars to remind them of it," Daichi replied.
That did it. Several jōnin began murmuring under their breath. Someone coughed pointedly.
Shikata stepped forward. "Enough," she said firmly. "We'll proceed in order—"
But before she could finish, Minato raised his hand. The motion was small, almost delicate, but the effect was immediate.
Silence.
Even the faint hum of lanternlight seemed to still.
Minato's voice, when it came, was quiet; yet it carried to every corner of the chamber. "Enough," he said again, this time softer, but laced with unmistakable steel.
The tension broke like glass underfoot.
He looked first to Rina, then to Daichi, his gaze calm but piercing. "I believe you've both forgotten the agreement we made," he said evenly. "The Yamanaka and Uchiha clans were permitted to approach Satoru only after his genin assignment. That was the arrangement."
Neither spoke.
Minato's hand lowered, "If this blatant disregard continues," he continued, his tone never rising, "I can very easily renegade that deal. And if I do, neither of your clans will have any claim to him—not now, not later."
Rina inhaled slowly, her jaw tightening. Daichi's expression faltered, then settled into reluctant understanding.
A long moment passed before Daichi bowed his head slightly. "Understood, Hokage-sama," he murmured.
Rina hesitated a heartbeat longer, then followed. "Apologies. I overstepped."
Shikata, pen poised above her clipboard, exhaled quietly. The subtle weight in the air eased; the hum of chakra settled back to its resting rhythm.
Minato's eyes softened slightly, though his composure never wavered. "Good," he said simply.
Shikata glanced at him sidelong, something like respect flickering in her gaze. She tapped her pen twice, refocusing the meeting. "Now," she said briskly, "to finalise his assignment."
The papers rustled as she flipped through another report. "Given his sensory aptitude and disciplined Sharingan control, Satoru will be placed under Kurama Sayuri, leading Team 5."
A few murmurs of approval followed. Heads turned toward the woman seated quietly near the far end of the table.
Kurama Sayuri inclined her head gracefully.
"Understood," Sayuri said, voice low and measured. "I'll take responsibility for his guidance."
Shikata nodded. "Team 5 will consist of Satoru, a weapons specialist, and a field medic. Balanced aptitude for tactical and sensory operations."
Minato reviewed the final note briefly, then gave a small nod. "That balance should serve them well. Sayuri-san, your reputation for precision precedes you. I trust your judgment."
Sayuri inclined her head again, "Then I'll do my best to justify your faith, Hokage-sama."
Minato turned back to the table, voice steady once more. "Then it's settled,"
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