The Hokage Tower stood like a sentinel in the heart of the Hidden Leaf Village, a symbol of stability and strength for all shinobi and citizens alike. At its peak, behind grand sliding doors and protective seals, sat one of the most formidable minds of the shinobi world—Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage.
Raizen stood before him in silence.
The air inside the chamber was heavy with quiet authority. Books lined the walls—battle records, jutsu theory, political treaties—yet none of them spoke as loudly as the weathered man sitting behind the desk.
Hiruzen's eyes, old but sharp, locked on Raizen with neither fear nor awe—only comprehension.
"You're adapting well," he said, folding his hands. "Kakashi tells me the others see you as a reclusive, highly skilled shinobi returned from extended duty."
Raizen nodded once. "Better than calling me an alien."
The Hokage chuckled. "Indeed. The shinobi world isn't ready for such truths. Not yet."
Raizen approached slowly, his violet eyes scanning the older man with measured respect. "You knew immediately, when I arrived."
"I've seen many things in my life, Raizen. Tailed Beasts. Bloodline wars. Even the Sage's scrolls. But you—your energy feels… outside the world's order."
Raizen's expression was calm. "In my world, we cultivated life energy. Ki. It allowed us to transcend limits."
"And now," Hiruzen mused, "you've begun learning how that power interacts with chakra."
Raizen turned, looking out through the window toward the village. Children laughed below. Shinobi moved through rooftops. A world brimming with life and fragility.
"I don't want to rule. Or fight your wars. I only want to live—quietly."
Hiruzen's expression grew serious. "But you won't be able to avoid attention for long. Especially not with Danzo already sniffing."
Raizen's eyes narrowed.
"I've read about him. Root. A man obsessed with control."
"He believes Konoha's strength lies in darkness," Hiruzen said with regret. "He'll see you as a weapon—one he must either claim or eliminate."
Raizen didn't reply. He simply raised one hand, and a flicker of gold light hummed across his skin. The paper on the Hokage's desk fluttered gently.
"I won't be controlled," Raizen said calmly.
"I believe you," Hiruzen said. "But the world does not. That's why we must move carefully."
He rose from his seat, walking slowly toward a tall bookshelf behind his desk. He removed a thin scroll wrapped in protective cloth and handed it to Raizen.
"This is a forged mission dossier. It lists you as a survivor of a failed diplomatic mission to a hidden village long since erased in the last shinobi war. You were presumed dead. It explains your silence. And your skill."
Raizen unrolled it and scanned the kanji. It was flawless.
"You're building me a place here," he said quietly.
"I'm giving you the chance you asked for—to live freely. But freedom requires patience in this world. There are rules, appearances. And dangers."
Raizen bowed deeply, sincerely. "Thank you."
Just then, there was a knock at the door. Kakashi slipped inside, mask in place, posture relaxed as ever.
"Hokage-sama. Danzo is requesting an audience."
Hiruzen frowned. "Of course he is."
Kakashi turned to Raizen. "Time to vanish, friend."
Raizen nodded. "I'll wait at the field."
"Good," Hiruzen said. "And Raizen… One more thing."
Raizen turned back.
"You may not want to fight our wars, but fate rarely offers a choice. Should the day come, fight with us—not for us."
Raizen gave a faint smile. "Understood."
He vanished in a blur of golden motion.
As the door shut behind him, Kakashi turned to Hiruzen. "He's keeping the truth hidden well. But Danzo won't stop."
"I know," the Hokage replied grimly. "Which is why we'll have to be three steps ahead."
Naruto was already waiting, arms behind his head and stomach rumbling.
"Man, where were you?! I've been waiting for twenty minutes!"
Raizen raised a brow. "I had an errand."
"You're fast. Like teleporting or something." Naruto grinned. "Teach me that!"
Raizen smirked. "Maybe later."
From the trees, Hinata watched quietly, a small smile on her lips. For some reason, she felt safe near him. Like his presence made the world less frightening.
Sasuke arrived a moment later, silent as usual, but he gave Raizen a brief nod. "You're interesting."
Raizen returned it. "So are you."
Kakashi reappeared atop a tree branch. "Alright, everyone. D-rank mission today. But Raizen will be joining for observation."
Naruto groaned. "Not picking up trash again!"
Raizen looked amused. "You want strength… but complain about the weight of duty?"
Naruto paused. "That… kinda sounded like something Old Man Hokage would say."
Kakashi chuckled. "Then maybe you're learning."