Everything was going surprisingly smoothly.
No tricky combat exams, no deliberately difficult jutsu tests.
After Nawaki Senju demonstrated a solid theoretical foundation and skilled application of the Three-Body Technique, the examiners exchanged knowing glances. Amid whispered comments of "truly the grandson of the First Hokage," they unanimously approved his graduation request.
The entire process was so calm that Nawaki felt almost dazed.
The scenario he had expected that he might need to showcase some extraordinary "moves" to leave a lasting impression on the examiners never happened.
Perhaps the Senju name, combined with his reputation as a "genius," was the best pass he could have hoped for.
"Congratulations, Nawaki Senju. You are graduating early."
Ebisu, Chunin
Ebisu, the senior teacher with glasses not the junior Ebisu, but a venerable instructor of the same name smiled warmly as he handed Nawaki a sealed document.
"You must personally visit the Hokage's office to meet the Third Hokage and collect your ninja registration papers and forehead protector."
"This is an exceptional case, meant to show the school's recognition of outstanding students graduating early."
"I understand. Thank you, Teacher Ebisu." Nawaki accepted the document with both hands, his expression calm.
Deep down, he knew this was both an honor and a test.
Due to his heritage, Hiruzen Sarutobi needed to personally confirm that the grandson of the First Hokage, heir of the Senju clan, was truly prepared to step onto the battlefield.
Without delay, Nawaki left the familiar but mundane ninja academy and headed straight for the village's grandest building: the Hokage residence.
Along the way, the villagers of Konoha occasionally glanced at him, curious or admiring. He walked with composed confidence, especially as he approached the Hokage's office.
No announcements were needed; the ANBU guards at the office had clearly been informed. After checking his graduation certificate, they silently pulled open the heavy doors.
Sunlight poured through the large windows, filling the office with brightness.
Behind a spacious desk, wearing the Hokage robes, a straw hat perched on his head, and a pipe between his lips, Hiruzen Sarutobi bent over some documents.
Hearing the door open, he looked up. His sharp, mature features softened with a gentle smile, yet his eyes were keen and perceptive, as if he could see straight into a person's soul.
However, Nawaki's attention was immediately drawn to another figure in the room.
The man wore a simple kimono, his long black hair falling loosely, pale skin, and snake-like golden eyes that glimmered coldly. He stood quietly by the window, gazing at the Hokage Rock.
It was Orochimaru.
"Uncle Sarutobi."
Nawaki stepped forward, greeting him in a familiar tone.
Thanks to his sister Tsunade and grandmother Mito, he was already familiar with Hiruzen Sarutobi. Moreover, having shared classes with Shinosuke, he had met him multiple times privately, making his greeting even more casual.
"Oh, Nawaki."
Hiruzen put down his pen and removed the pipe from his mouth, his smile widening.
"I just received the academy's report. You graduated early, and your performance was outstanding."
"You've not disappointed Lady Mito or Tsunade, and you have upheld the great reputation of the First Hokage."
His praise was genuine, his voice firm and encouraging.
Hiruzen Sarutobi Lv. Shadow (I)
[Pokémon?: Hiruzen Sarutobi]
[Domain: Stage One, Second Fusion (i)]
[Energy / Chakra: 333,148]
At this time, Hiruzen was at the peak of his personal strength and prestige, truly deserving the title "God of Shinobi."
He was not just the leader of Konoha, but the embodiment of its spirit. His immense power, decisive actions, and deep care for the village combined to make him uniquely charismatic, attracting countless Konoha ninja, including the legendary Sannin.
Nawaki could sense that the Hokage before him was a leader who had fully embraced the Will of Fire and lived by it.
"You flatter me, Uncle Sarutobi. I still need more experience," Nawaki replied, neither flattering nor arrogant.
Humility is a virtue, but excessive humility is insincere.
Hiruzen laughed heartily, then pulled out a brand-new Konoha forehead protector and a ninja identification tag from a drawer, handing them to Nawaki with solemnity.
"From today, you are officially a ninja of Konohagakure. Remember the ninja code, inherit the Will of Fire, and become a pillar of strength for the village."
"Yes! I will strive to live up to it!"
Nawaki took the forehead protector with both hands. Despite its cold touch, a warmth stirred in his chest.
It was more than a symbol. It was responsibility, the starting point for greater power.
Hiruzen nodded, glancing at the silent Orochimaru beside him. "Nawaki, since you graduated early, there are currently no openings in the teams. After consideration, I have decided that you will temporarily serve directly under Orochimaru and receive his guidance."
"When the right formation becomes available, we will make adjustments. Do you agree?"
A thrill ran through Nawaki. This arrangement was perfect.
He lifted his head and nodded. "I have no objections."
Learning under Orochimaru, who at the time still played the role of a "good teacher," was undoubtedly the best choice for now.
Orochimaru's vast knowledge, profound understanding of the essence of ninjutsu, and exceptional teaching ability were indisputable.
"Very well." Hiruzen nodded in approval. "Orochimaru, Nawaki is now in your hands."
"I understand." Orochimaru turned, his golden snake eyes resting on Nawaki, a faint curve forming at the corner of his mouth.
Once everything was ready, Nawaki tied the forehead protector around his head, feeling its weight. After bidding farewell to Hiruzen, he left the office with Orochimaru.
Just as they stepped out, a figure approached.
A shadowy presence exuded an aura of mystery and darkness. It was Danzo Shimura.
Danzo Shimura Lv. Shadow (I)
[Pokémon?: Danzo Shimura]
[Domain: Stage One, Shadow Level]
[Energy / Chakra: 283,447]
"Lord Danzo."
Nawaki stopped and greeted him politely, keeping a respectful distance. Unlike with Hiruzen, he instinctively maintained distance from the Root leader.
Danzo's eyes swept over Nawaki's forehead protector, then fell on Orochimaru. "Graduated early? Quite eager, aren't we?"
Before Nawaki could reply, Orochimaru stepped forward, blocking Danzo's gaze. "Minister Danzo, there is no need to concern yourself."
Danzo emitted a soft, almost inaudible snort. "You must be mindful of your words and actions."
In his previous life, online speculation about Danzo's involvement in Nawaki's death ran rampant. Whether true or not, it left Nawaki cautious around him.
He could sense scheming and ambition beneath Danzo's calm exterior.
However, at that time, Danzo's influence had yet to reach the level of the "dark power of the ninja world." The Root organization was still in its infancy, actively recruiting talent from all over.
Orochimaru, standing nearby, was likely one of Danzo's targets.
Nawaki did not fear Danzo only mistrusted him. Until he became stronger, he intended to limit contact with this unscrupulous man.
Danzo said nothing further and walked straight into the Hokage office.
Nawaki watched him leave, his eyes cold. A poisonous presence that would need to be dealt with in the future.
"Shall we go, Nawaki?" Orochimaru's voice broke through his thoughts.
"Yes, Teacher Orochimaru."
After leaving the Hokage residence, Orochimaru did not take Nawaki to the training grounds. Instead, they went to a famous dango shop in the village's commercial district.
Sitting on a bench outside, eating the sweet, soft three-color dango, the atmosphere was unusually relaxed.
"Nawaki," Orochimaru said slowly, taking a bite. His golden eyes fixed on him.
"What is your dream?" He paused, then added, "Though I might already have some idea."
Nawaki set down the skewer and straightened.
He knew this was not idle chatter. Orochimaru was testing his heart.
He gazed at the massive Hokage Rock in the distance, the faces of past Hokage carved into it. Most prominent was his grandfather, Hashirama Senju.
He wondered what he should do now that he had arrived in the world of Naruto, and what kind of person he wanted to become.
He could have chosen a different life, abandoning the ninja path entirely. It might have allowed him to avoid the life-or-death crises of the original story.
He could have sat back, watched events unfold, and passed the next forty-plus years idly, waiting for Naruto and Sasuke to save the world.
"I want to become Hokage, and change the world."
Nawaki's voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable force.
"Not just a Hokage revered like Uncle Sarutobi, but one who surpasses all previous Hokage. The strongest in Konoha's history, even the history of the ninja world. Someone who can truly change the world: a Hokage!"
His tone was firm, as if stating an undeniable fact. His confidence and determination were so strong that even the usually unflappable Orochimaru paused slightly.
Some might think that becoming Hokage means shouldering responsibility, so they pursue freedom or transcendence.
Nawaki never thought that way.
If he had power, why not pursue the status and authority it deserved?
Why not use it to change the world's injustices and corruption?
If he had immense strength but only protected himself, ignoring the rules, how was he different from a rogue villain?
To him, if he could not become Hokage, if he could not shape and change this world according to his will, what was the point of even being here?
Ideals cannot be shouted, nor boldly acted upon, simply because power and timing are insufficient.
Like knowing the limited days of Naruto's era, he understood he could not yet alter the outcome.
A fire burned in his eyes a fury at the old order and a desire for change, fueled by a modern soul who had witnessed another possibility.
He foresaw many destinies, countless tragedies to come.
Unable to act now, he would not remain silent forever.
A soul raised under the belief that humans can conquer nature could never be a passive observer.
"The stage is not yet mine. I can hide, I can endure, I can train relentlessly."
His voice grew low, yet resolute. "But when my time comes, when the sun rises and sets, the whole world will hear me."
He turned to Orochimaru. "So, Teacher Orochimaru, the future Hokage will be me!"
Time seemed to freeze.
Orochimaru's golden eyes narrowed slightly. He sensed the boy's ambition bordering on arrogance.
He only wanted to see how far such spirit could carry him.
After a moment of silence, Orochimaru chuckled softly, a note of approval and expectation in it.
At first, he admired Nawaki's talent and intelligence. Now, he saw something deeper: fearless, reckless, yet passionate.
"You want to become Hokage and change the world?" Orochimaru licked his lips. "Interesting. Ambitious, Nawaki."
He looked at Nawaki with a serious glint. "But slogans alone won't do. To change the world, you must first possess power that surpasses the world itself."
He stood, looking down at Nawaki, his tone cold but encouraging.
"Surpass me first, Nawaki."
Nawaki lifted his head, wearing the most confident, unrestrained smile since crossing over.
"Of course, Teacher Orochimaru. Watch closely. I won't keep you waiting."
Sunlight bathed the two one brimming with ambition, the other inscrutable. From this moment, their path forward seemed clear.
And magnificent.