Inside the Hokage's office—
Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned slightly as he tapped his pipe, muttering, "Sakumo, huh? He actually got there first and took him as a disciple… quite an oversight on my part. But it's not beyond saving yet. Let's see whose methods are superior."
He had already begun to grow wary of Sakumo Hatake.
Hokage advisor duties combined with control over the ANBU—such influence gave rise to a strong sense of crisis in Hiruzen's heart.
Recently, Danzo Shimura's persistent whispers had been echoing in his mind.
"…Let's observe a bit longer. Sigh…"
His indecisiveness held him back from making a drastic move.
The ninja world had been unstable in recent years—especially now.
The hasty end of the Second Great Ninja War had left all the major villages, except Konoha, dissatisfied.
Now that they had mostly recovered, signs of a Third Great Ninja War were beginning to emerge.
All that was needed was a spark.
At such a time, it wasn't wise for Hiruzen to move against Sakumo.
His gaze then shifted to a file on his desk—it contained information about Shiro Akira and his lineage.
"A descendant of the Senju clan… no wonder."
After noticing Shiro Akira's talent and potential, Hiruzen had secretly ordered an investigation. Within days, he had obtained detailed information.
"Hm… perhaps I should have Tsunade make contact with him. If possible, it would be best if she takes him as a disciple. That way, I can draw him to my side."
He considered this carefully.
Even if Sakumo had already taken Shiro Akira as a disciple, it wouldn't matter—he could still be brought over.
…
Later that day, inside the Hokage's office—
Tsunade was summoned by Hiruzen and informed of his idea.
"Huh? You want me to take in a brat as my disciple?"
Tsunade looked annoyed. "Give it up. You know my situation. If it weren't for the number of patients in the village recently, I'd have already left Konoha to travel."
She was fed up with the village's internal scheming.
And with her hemophobia, she had long planned to leave.
"This child is different. Take a look."
Hiruzen sighed and handed her a file.
"Oh?"
Tsunade raised a brow as she read through it. "A Senju descendant? And he independently developed a lightning-based body activation technique? Even fought Kakashi Hatake to a draw?"
That was indeed impressive.
Her interest was piqued—but not enough to make her take him as a disciple.
"That's right."
Hiruzen nodded as he smoked. "He's undoubtedly a genius. I'd feel most at ease if you guided him. He's an orphan—without support or proper guidance, it will be difficult for him to grow."
But Tsunade wasn't so easily persuaded.
The file clearly stated that Shiro Akira had already taken Sakumo as his teacher.
"So it's the same old balancing act again… I have no interest in getting involved."
With a cold laugh, Tsunade tossed the file back onto the desk and turned to leave.
A trace of disappointment appeared on Hiruzen's face.
Just as she reached the door, Tsunade spoke without turning around, "Taking him as a disciple is out of the question. But I'll go meet the kid. If he passes my test, I don't mind giving him some benefits."
"Also—"
She suddenly turned back, her gaze sharp. "That kid is still a descendant of the Senju clan. It's rare to find someone with talent like his. Don't drag him into your political games. That's not something a six-year-old should have to deal with."
"If I find out you're crossing the line, don't blame me for turning against you."
With that, Tsunade pushed the door open forcefully and stormed out.
"Good grief…"
Hiruzen looked at the slightly cracked door and shook his head helplessly.
But since Tsunade hadn't outright refused, his goal was essentially achieved.
He believed that with continued interaction, there was still a good chance she would take Shiro Akira as her disciple.
And even if she didn't—
Their bloodline connection ensured Shiro Akira wouldn't stray far.
He was destined to belong to the Hokage's faction.
…
That afternoon, after school—
"Kakashi, let's go!"
After saying goodbye to Kurenai, Shiro Akira called out to Kakashi Hatake as they headed out of the academy together.
"Coming!"
Kakashi quickly followed.
Watching their backs, Kurenai Yuhi tilted her head in confusion. "Since when did Shiro Akira get so close to Kakashi?"
Beside her, Rin Nohara shook her head. "No idea. Let's just ask tomorrow!"
She was just as curious.
Kakashi was usually quite withdrawn, with few friends. It was surprising to see him suddenly getting along with Shiro Akira.
"Mm."
Kurenai nodded.
She had noticed that Shiro Akira had changed significantly.
He was training harder, paying more attention in class.
Even during afternoon lessons, he was often refining chakra.
Yet somehow, he had already mastered the course material.
She had witnessed his rapid improvement over just a week.
"These two… how did they end up together?"
Asuma Sarutobi and Obito Uchiha also noticed, but didn't think too much of it.
…
Meanwhile—
Shiro Akira and Kakashi soon arrived at the Hatake residence.
"Good afternoon, Master."
Shiro Akira greeted Sakumo with a slight bow.
"Back already? Then let's begin."
Sakumo smiled, leading the two of them to the training ground in the backyard. With a casual motion, he tossed a bamboo sword to each of them.
After they caught them, he spoke, "Swordsmanship is vast and profound, but the foundation is the most important. Today, we'll systematically go over the basics."
"Kakashi, you've already learned these before, but you'll go through them again—consider it review."
"Yes."
Kakashi nodded without objection.
And so, under Sakumo's guidance, the two of them began their swordsmanship training.