Chapter 51 52 Hatake Tatsuya in Naruto (Patreon)

"Uchiha Shishui."

In the Hokage's office within the administrative building, Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn't help but feel a throbbing headache as he examined the extraordinary graduate profile before him. He had already settled on the composition of the Genin teams, when suddenly, Uchiha Shisui materialized, entirely derailing his meticulously crafted placement scheme. His initial intention had been to let the examiners subject the kid to a stern test, potentially even causing him to stumble and fail.

However, Uchiha Shisui's prowess in illusion was nothing short of astounding, completely exceeding his expectations. Seizing an opportune moment when the examiner's vigilance momentarily wavered, Shisui effortlessly ensnared them in a single, potent Genjutsu. Should Shisui not pass this test, it would be blatantly evident that some sort of manipulation was at play behind the scenes.

"You appear to be troubled, Hiruzen," Danzo's voice interjected, as he walked into the room – an old partner with nearly half a century of shared history, wearing an expression that suggested he believed the world owed him money.

"And what if I assert my claim over him?" Danzo mused.

"Taking something away at your whims isn't on the table," Sarutobi Hiruzen responded indifferently.

"Do you truly believe the Uchiha clan would hand over their prodigious genius to you?"

Ever since the era of Uchiha Kagami, the Uchiha clan had been devoid of a standout powerhouse. In fact, even Uchiha Kagami hadn't etched his name into Konoha's annals due to his untimely demise. Finally, a prodigy had emerged, and Danzo want to snatch it. How could Fugaku and Uchiha clan possibly allow Danzo to appropriate him into root?

"Heh, you remain quite naive, Hiruzen," Danzo chuckled.

"Though my strength might not match your own, my forte lies in manipulation."

"Sarutobi Hiruzen, you undervalue yourself and me more than you should."

...

...

Within the ninja academy, in a specific classroom, the students who had successfully navigated the early graduation assessment and received their forehead protectors were congregated. They awaited their head classroom teacher, Senju Nawaki, to divulge the placement outcomes.

Among this group of graduates, averaging around 10 years of age, the 5-year-old Uchiha Shisui seemed distinctly out of place.

"First group: Might Guy, Shiranui Genma, and Ebisu," Nawaki announced, holding a list adorned with the Hokage's seal.

"Next group: Kato Shizune, Rin..."

When Nawaki called out Rin's name, Obito swiftly jabbed himself, nearly leaping from his seat as his internal voice clamored, "Me! Me! Me!"

"Kurenai Yuhi."

The final name Nawaki uttered crushed Obito's last vestige of hope.

Fortunately, his misfortune hadn't yet pushed him into the depths of despair.

After all, Rin's group was devoid of any male members, particularly the bothersome Kakashi.

"Now, for the last team: Hatake Kakashi, Sarutobi Asuma, and... Uchiha Obito."

Nawaki's subsequent words cast Obito into a pit of desolation.

Puffing up from his seat, Obito pointed at Kakashi, cursing, "Nawaki-sensei! Why must I be grouped with that imbecilic Kakashi?"

"As if I have any desire to work with you? The dead last."

Kakashi retorted unsparingly.

"To balance the prowess within each group, the first and last ranked members can balance each other," Nawaki calmly clarified, attempting to mollify Obito's frustrations.

"Get moving, Obito," Rin, situated behind Obito, consoled him.

The encouragement from the goddess of his heart bestowed upon single Dog a sensation akin to a gentle spring breeze. He promptly settled back down, his countenance a picture of intoxication.

"Um... Mr. Nawaki, what about me?" Shisui queried, pointing at himself. How had he been left behind?

"You..."

Gazing at Uchiha Shisui's classification details, Senju Nawaki couldn't help but furrow his brows before explaining, "You possess unique attributes; your placement will be arranged in a higher category. Just wait a moment."

"Understood," Shisui nodded obediently.

Honestly, he harbored a desire for Tatsuya to be his instructor. That sword technique was the embodiment of a dream come true. Yet, after careful contemplation, Shisui found such an outcome unlikely. After all, Master Tatsuya himself seemed to be a Genin.

"Jonin, the instructor for each class, will return shortly to collect you. Everyone, get ready," Nawaki concluded, leaving a few encouraging words before exiting the classroom.

Nevertheless, a sense of unease lingered within me regarding this grouping. It stood to reason that Sarutobi Hiruzen should be highly vigilant now that the Hatake brothers were known. How then could he place his own son in the same class as the White Fang's son?

...

...

Just as Nawaki had foretold, the Jonin instructors for the three Genin teams arrived in quick succession.

Overseeing the Mighty Guy team was a Konoha Jonin with a relatively moderate overall prowess.

Two minutes later, Namikaze Minato, having removed his mask, entered the classroom. Sporting a smile, he gave a thumbs-up and gestured, "Uchiha Obito, Hatake Kakashi, and Sarutobi Asuma, follow me."

The trio, destined to be teammates, silently rose from their seats and followed Namikaze Minato out.

Before departing, Obito waved fervently to Rin repeatedly.

Internally, Namikaze Minato sighed ruefully, sensing that this class might be quite the challenge.

"Whom am I entrusted with? Show yourselves!"

An unabashed voice evoked a sense of familiarity in Rin and Kurenai as Tsunade entered the classroom, her expression tinged with annoyance.

The trio of girls, including Shizune, were thrilled beyond measure. This was their idol!

"Master Tsunade, Which team will you lead as the Jonin?" one of them asked excitedly.

"I'm ecstatic! Could I potentially learn from you, Tsunade-sama?" another inquired eagerly.

"Enough with the enthusiasm; my nerves are shot," Tsunade retorted while ruffling her blonde hair, a hint of resentment in her tone.

"That reckless Tatsuya makes decisions on a whim. I'm entirely too free to say anything about it. He can't escape so easily next time."

"Hehe, don't let it weigh on you; it's an intriguing experience."

A chilling voice emerged, catching Tsunade's attention.

Tsunade turned her gaze, raising her eyebrows slightly. "Orochimaru? It's been quite a while. Why are you here?"

"Hehe, I'm here to recruit disciples as well."

Orochimaru circled Tsunade before entering the classroom, declaring, "Uchiha Shisui, the prodigy of the Uchiha clan, come forward."

"Orochimaru-sama?!" Shisui's young face displayed sheer astonishment.

While it might not be odd for one of the legendary Sannin, Tsunade-sama, to mentor a team as Jonin, it was quite unexpected for another Sannin to assume the role of a teacher.

After all, since the Second Ninja World War, Orochimaru had seemingly vanished into thin air, leaving behind a cloud of mystery about his activities.

Now, as a Jonin he had materialized before Shisui, seemingly with the intention of becoming his mentor. Even though Shisui was just a child, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off about the situation.

"What? Not thrilled about having me as your instructor?" Orochimaru's grin took on an eerie quality.

The three girls glanced at him, shivering at the spine-chilling atmosphere that Orochimaru exuded.

"Hey, what are you up to this time?" Tsunade's gaze turned slightly askew, her beautiful eyes revealing a faint suspicion as she addressed Orochimaru.

Even young Shisui, at only five years old, could detect that something was awry.

She'd known Orochimaru for more than two decades, let alone Tsunade.

"Hehe, I'm simply aiming to achieve something that the Second Hokage couldn't," Orochimaru replied with a cryptic smile.

Even Tsunade wouldn't have been able to predict this. After the conclusion of the Second Ninja War three years ago, Orochimaru rarely responded to the calls of Sarutobi Hiruzen and Danzo.

As a member of the Root organization, he joined the research and experimentation program involving the cells of the First Hokage.

Orochimaru's decision to participate was not born out of loyalty to Sarutobi Hiruzen or Shimura Danzo; rather, it was driven by his innate inclination as a curious scientist.

Additionally, he had enthusiastically embraced a proposal put forth by Danzo just two days prior. What would result from the merging of the Senju and Uchiha, the two most formidable bloodlines in the ninja world?

Contemplating this proposal had Orochimaru brimming with excitement.

With no solid reasons to refute the proposition, Tsunade could only watch as Orochimaru departed with Uchiha Shisui.

"Let's go," Tsunade sighed, massaging her temples, eager to put these thoughts behind her. She shifted her attention to the trio of girls beside her.

"Yes!" The three girls chimed in unison.

...

...

Within the Uchiha clan's enclave.

Uchiha Fugaku, recently elevated to the role of patriarch, was presiding over a high-level meeting within the family. Elite members of Jonin rank and above were assembled, and informed of Uchiha Shisui's transfer to Orochimaru for training.

"Orochimaru is a disciple of the Third Hokage... Patriarch, are you considering ingratiating yourself with the Hokage faction?" A tinge of skepticism laced Uchiha's query.

The Uchiha clan had finally produced a prodigy, and the prevailing sentiment was to nurture him within the clan, rather than relinquish him to the Hokage's influence.

Hence, among the numerous Uchiha Jonin in attendance, many harbored dissatisfaction with Uchiha Fugaku's decision.

"Everyone, please remain composed and consider this carefully. As the Third Hokage ages, the selection of a Fourth Hokage will eventually become imminent. So, who stands as the most plausible candidate?" Uchiha Fugaku's statement led to a palpable hush among the dissenters.

Approximately two minutes later, a chorus of voices echoed in unison, naming the same individual:

"Orochimaru."

Despite the growing acclaim surrounding the name Namikaze Minato, also known as the "Yellow Flash," it still paled in comparison to Orochimaru's numerous achievements during the Second Ninja War.

As for Tsunade, he contemplated the fate of Uchiha's rival clan, the Senju. Could a similar destiny be in store for her?

"Yes, should Orochimaru ascend to the position of Fourth Hokage, Shisui would indeed become the Hokage's disciple," Uchiha Fugaku stated emphatically.

"In this manner, whether my decision is deemed right or wrong is a matter for public perception."

One couldn't deny that Uchiha Fugaku possessed a shrewd mind.

Considering the advancing age of Sarutobi Hiruzen, it was only a matter of time before discussions about a Fourth Hokage candidate gained momentum.

Undoubtedly, Orochimaru stood as the most qualified contender for the role.

From Uchiha Fugaku's perspective, he harbored the belief that Shisui would inevitably match the accomplishments of his predecessor, Uchiha Kagami.

If the added prestige of being an Orochimaru disciple cast its halo once again, it was practically a foregone conclusion that the Uchiha clan's standing would be solidified. The path to the Fifth Hokage's position would likely be paved.

Upon hearing Uchiha Fugaku's rationale, the fervor among many radical members began to wane.

Although the Uchiha clan often wrestled with feelings of envy, they were not devoid of rationality.

While it was true that the clan boasted a higher average of Jonin members compared to other major clans, there hadn't been a Kage-level figure akin to Senju's Tsunade emerging for many years.

As such, the Fourth Hokage's seat was a rather distant aspiration. Aspirations had to be adjusted toward the following generation.

With the confirmation of Uchiha Fugaku's proposition at the meeting, a sense of finality settled in, leading to the adjournment of the gathering.

Uchiha Fugaku's perspective exhibited meticulous consideration from every angle.

However, as a normal inhabitant of this realm, he was blind to the unforeseeable future, unable to predict that his own candidacy for Fourth Hokage might arise.

Some turns of events would spell an untimely end for Namikaze Minato and disrupt Orochimaru's schemes.

Moreover, Tatsuya had also conceived a plan to preemptively curtail Tsunade's ascent to the Hokage position.

Thus, his stratagem to establish a connection between Uchiha Shisui and Orochimaru seemed to have reached its denouement.