Who exactly is he?
That question lingered in the minds of the clan elders as their eyes fell upon the boy seated beside Hashirama Senju. Just a few months of training—no more than three—and yet, Hoshino Kaede had developed a strength that stood shoulder to shoulder with seasoned Jōnin.
That alone would have been enough to raise eyebrows.
But coupled with his identity? As the personal disciple of the First Hokage himself? That was no ordinary title—it was a thunderclap in the politics of Konoha.
Even without the title, Kaede's strength and natural aptitude placed him far ahead of many of the village's up-and-coming elites. His progress was not only rapid—it was nearly terrifying.
Kaede, aware of these stares, relaxed slightly. Perhaps he had been too cautious. After all, they were the ones murmuring nervously while he was seated beside a legend.
From the far side of the table, whispers bubbled among the smaller clan representatives. Kaede's expression, however, remained completely composed—calm and unreadable.
Hashirama hadn't spoken a word since the meeting began. He sat in thoughtful silence, sipping tea as if waiting for something.
Behind him, Tobirama stood stiffly, a subtle trace of hostility in his eyes—not concealed, but deliberate. It was like the calm before a storm.
Kaede noticed immediately. Why is Lord Tobirama so openly hostile?
His gaze drifted toward the far end of the table, where a silver-haired elder sat with sharp eyes and a smile that didn't quite reach his face. The man looked ancient, yet his presence brimmed with energy.
Kaede blinked. Could he be from the Senju clan?
But the realization struck fast and cold: Yes. He is. That's the problem.
Kaede quickly glanced at Hashirama, trying to mask his confusion. The Hokage caught the look and gave a subtle cough. He raised his cup, blocking his mouth with the rim, and shot Kaede a helpless glance over the edge.
Kaede's mouth twitched in frustration.
So it's true. There's disagreement within the Senju clan itself.
He leaned back slightly, jaw clenched. So I was right. Tobirama isn't hostile without cause. This entire meeting might've been orchestrated for one purpose: to make a public spectacle out of me.
No wonder Tobirama was simmering. If this was an ambush meant to challenge the Hokage's authority through his disciple, it would mean the political storm had finally reached their doorstep.
The elder—now identified as Elder Naoki of the Senju—finally spoke.
"Ahem. Lord Hokage, I believe this is the disciple you recently accepted?"
He said it casually, but every word rang out like a challenge. The tone was light, but the intent sharp.
Hashirama nodded without hesitation, his voice steady. "Yes, Elder Naoki. This is Kaede. I took him under my wing a few months ago."
Naoki smiled. "Ah, truly a bright child. Lord Hokage always had an eye for talent."
On the surface, his words were complimentary. But Kaede could hear the condescension beneath it.
This old man talks in riddles, Kaede thought bitterly. You're saying I'm talented—but what you mean is, why me and not someone from your precious bloodline?
Hashirama, ever composed, sipped his tea calmly.
Naoki continued with a rehearsed politeness. "A genius indeed. However, becoming a Hokage's disciple is no small matter. It may be in Konoha's best interest to… evaluate his capabilities in full."
The moment those words left Naoki's mouth, the atmosphere turned ice-cold.
Hashirama's eyes darkened. His hands clenched slightly around the tea cup.
Tobirama's expression hardened into steel.
The intent was clear: Elder Naoki was publicly questioning Kaede's qualifications to be the disciple of the First Hokage.
Even worse, he was doing it in front of the entire council.
Uchiha Madara, who had been silent thus far, let out a cold laugh that echoed through the chamber.
"Old man, do you even hear yourself?"
The entire room turned. The Uchiha and Senju were supposed to be eternal rivals. Why would Madara of all people leap to Kaede's defense?
Madara didn't let them wonder long. A suffocating pressure exploded from his seated form, thick enough to make some of the minor clan heads grip their chairs. Killing intent rolled off him like waves, and the air felt sharp with tension.
"Questioning a child after three months? What next—are you going to challenge the Hokage himself?"
Hashirama lifted a hand and gently dispersed the pressure. "Madara, ease up. This is still a council chamber."
Madara scoffed but didn't argue. The pressure vanished, though the heat lingered.
Tobirama raised an eyebrow and glanced sideways at Madara. For the first time, the two adversaries shared a moment of mutual approval.
Hashirama turned back toward Elder Naoki.
"Let me guess," he said quietly. "You want Kaede to prove himself?"
Naoki smiled, feigning humility.
"Oh no, not against me, of course. That would be far too much. But… my grandson just turned ten last week. A friendly match, perhaps?"
The entire room stilled.
Kaede, five years old, was being challenged to a duel against a ten-year-old grandson from one of the Senju elder bloodlines—likely already trained and experienced.
The shamelessness was staggering.
Even a few neutral clan leaders looked away, embarrassed on Naoki's behalf.
Hashirama set his tea cup down.
"Kaede, what do you think?"
All eyes turned to him.
This was no longer about pride. It was politics, power, and proof. Losing would discredit not only Kaede—but Hashirama's judgment. Winning, however, would be nothing more than expected.
Kaede stood slowly.
He met Naoki's eyes and gave a small shrug.
"I don't mind. Since your grandson wants to embarrass himself, I'll help him out."
A quiet gasp rippled across the room. The boy's tone was not disrespectful—but razor-sharp with confidence.
Naoki's smile stiffened. "Bold words, child."
Kaede gave him a flat stare. "I'm just matching your energy, Elder."
Hashirama exhaled in amusement. Sharp tongue. Strong spirit. Just like I thought.
Naoki, clearly irritated now, waved a hand.
"No need to delay then. Let's make it quick. A brief exhibition before the real meeting resumes."
He turned to the other elders. "Let's reconvene at the training ground next to the Hokage Building. Two hours."
The room emptied in a hum of murmurs and excitement. Clan heads left with purpose, many intending to bring their younger generation to witness the duel.
As the room cleared, Hashirama and Tobirama exchanged a knowing glance.
"Looks like Kaede's about to gain a reputation," Tobirama muttered.
Hashirama chuckled. "He already has one. This will simply make it public."
Kaede stayed behind as the rest of the leaders departed, his mind calm but focused.
This fight wasn't just about beating an older boy.
This was about silencing doubt—permanently.
And if Elder Naoki thought he could use him to make a political point, he was about to learn a hard lesson.
Kaede stepped out of the chamber and toward the battlefield.
His time had come.
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