Naruto: Maelstrom Of The Uzumaki

"A strange Anbu suddenly showed up in the classroom. The only ones who would send such a ninja are the Third Hokage or Danzo," Uzumaki Raiden thought to himself as he sat in class, pondering the day's events.

"If it were the Third Hokage, he wouldn't need to resort to such clumsy methods. His office is nearby, and his presence alone would be enough to inspire these kids. But if it's Danzo... why would he do this?"

Raiden's thoughts were interrupted when Kimura Kudai, his teacher, re-entered the classroom. His face was serious as he addressed the class.

"The ninja who used genjutsu on you earlier has been identified as a spy from Iwagakure. Hokage-sama has dealt with the matter personally," Kudai announced.

"You have nothing to worry about. Just continue with your studies and classes as usual. However, do not spread what happened today to anyone, even within your families. Any leaks could alert other spies still hiding in the village."

"Uzumaki Raiden, Hokage-sama has ordered you to report to his office after school."

The announcement caused a stir among the students. While they were precocious for their age, most of them accepted the Hokage's explanation without question, trusting his word as absolute truth.

"A spy from Iwagakure? What a convenient lie to fool children," Raiden muttered to himself, unconvinced. Still, when Kudai mentioned the Third Hokage summoning him, Raiden set aside his earlier thoughts about the mysterious Anbu.

For students, class time always felt slow, but for Raiden, who focused on training even during lectures, the hours flew by.

Finally, the school day ended.

"Don't forget to review today's lessons," Kudai reminded the class. "And go home straight after school—no wandering around."

The moment Kudai dismissed them, the classroom exploded into chaos. Some students bolted for the door, while others clambered out the windows despite their teacher's protests.

"Raiden, want to hang out after school? Let's meet up at the training grounds once you've seen the Third Hokage," Shikadai Nara suggested.

But when Shikadai turned to look at Raiden, he found his seat already empty.

"When did he leave? That was fast!" Shikadai exclaimed, shaking his head in disbelief.

Inside the Hokage's Office

Hiruzen Sarutobi stood by the window, smoking his pipe as he gazed out at the village. This brief moment of tranquility allowed him to reflect on the peace within Konoha, even as war loomed on the horizon.

The soft creak of the door broke his reverie.

Raiden entered the office, his crimson hair catching the light. Though only six or seven years old, he was tall for his age, standing at around 130 cm.

"Mr. Sarutobi, you called for me?" Raiden asked casually, his gaze wandering around the room.

The Hokage's office was far from extravagant. Aside from a large desk near the window, it had only a few chairs for guests. Two piles of paperwork sat on the desk, along with a lone crystal ball—a functional but plain setup.

"So, this is your first time in my office. What do you think? Does it meet your expectations?" Hiruzen asked with a smile.

"It's much simpler than I imagined," Raiden replied honestly. "I thought it'd be more... grand."

"Disappointed?"

"Not really. It's unexpected, but it makes sense."

Hiruzen chuckled. "Unexpected yet reasonable—an apt description of you as well."

The Hokage sat down and got to the point. "I summoned you here to discuss your future. Your teacher has reported your progress in the academy. While your performance in academic classes is mediocre, your ninjutsu and taijutsu scores are exceptional, even perfect.

"You've also demonstrated your talent in the ninjutsu I taught you. Your abilities make it clear—you don't belong in the academy anymore."

Raiden listened silently as the Hokage continued.

"I've already approved your early graduation. As of today, you're no longer a student. You're officially a genin of Konohagakure."

Hiruzen opened a drawer and pulled out a forehead protector, sliding it across the desk to Raiden.

"What about my family? Shouldn't they be informed of my graduation?" Raiden asked, recalling stories of other early graduates who needed family consent.

"I've already spoken with Mito-sama. She agrees that the academy no longer suits you. She supports this decision," Hiruzen explained.

Hearing this, Raiden stepped forward, picked up the forehead protector, and ran his fingers over its metal plate. For a moment, he was lost in thought. Just this morning, he had been sitting in class. Now, he was a ninja.

"Congratulations, Raiden. You've officially graduated and become a ninja," Hiruzen said warmly, patting him on the head.

"Thank you, Sarutobi-sensei," Raiden replied, his voice steady despite his racing thoughts.

"So, what happens next?" Raiden asked, slipping the forehead protector into his pocket instead of wearing it.

Hiruzen's expression grew serious. "As a ninja, you'll work in teams to carry out missions assigned by the village.

"Normally, new genin would have a jonin mentor to guide them through a transition period. But with the current war, that's not possible. You'll be placed directly into a three-person team."

Raiden nodded, understanding the wartime necessity.

At that moment, a knock sounded at the door.

"Ah, your teammates are here," Hiruzen said, inviting them in.

Two boys entered the office.

The first, about 14 years old, had short black hair and a Konoha-standard vest with a short sword strapped to his back. His sharp, capable demeanor seemed familiar to Raiden.

The second boy, also around 14, had long, neatly combed black hair and distinctive pale eyes—clearly a member of the Hyuga clan. Unlike the first boy, he wore a white robe instead of a combat vest.

"Introduce yourselves," Hiruzen instructed.

The first boy stepped forward. "My name is Uchiha Fugaku, from the Uchiha clan. I'm a chunin. I look forward to working with you."

Raiden shook his outstretched hand, hiding his surprise. So, this is the future Uchiha patriarch.

The second boy introduced himself curtly. "Hyuga Hiashi, also a chunin. Let's get along."

Hiruzen smiled. "From now on, the three of you will form a team. I expect you to build trust and work together effectively."

Raiden's mind raced. The future Uchiha and Hyuga clan heads as my teammates? I must really be under the Third Hokage's protection. With teammates like these, I'll be safe, even on the battlefield.

Hiruzen continued, "I'll give you three days to get to know each other. Afterward, you'll begin your first mission: delivering supplies to the Land of Rain. Once completed, you'll report to my disciple, Orochimaru, and follow his orders."

Raiden froze. Delivering supplies? To the Land of Rain? Isn't that a war zone?

His heart sank. This isn't protection—it's a test. The Third Hokage isn't shielding me. He's throwing me straight into the fire.

Despite his internal turmoil, Raiden maintained his composure. "Understood, Sarutobi-sensei," he said, leaving the office.

Outside, Fugaku and Hiashi caught up to him.

"Raiden, let's train together," Fugaku suggested with a grin. "We need to familiarize ourselves with each other's strengths before the mission."

Hiashi added coldly, "If your skills aren't up to par, I'll request your reassignment. I don't want you dragging us down."

Raiden smirked. "Let's head to Training Ground Seven, then. I'll show you what I'm capable of."

He walked ahead confidently, eager to prove himself.

If the ninja world demands strength, I'll rise to the challenge. Let's see if I can keep up with the so-called geniuses.

(End of Chapter)

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