C151

As Sakumo walked away from Haruto, he found his thoughts lingering on the conversation they'd just had. His footsteps were steady, but his mind was a whirl of questions. Haruto's explanation had been quick—too quick—and there was something in his eyes that suggested he was holding back more than he let on.

Sensor abilities at this age? Sakumo had no doubt that Haruto had the potential, but the ease with which he'd claimed the talent raised more questions than it answered. Learning to sense chakra from D-rank books? It's plausible, sure. But it doesn't sit right.

Sakumo sighed quietly to himself, feeling the evening air cool his skin. Haruto's instincts were good—excellent, even—and his desire to keep things under wraps made sense. After all, a child shinobi showing too many talents too early could easily draw unwanted attention. Sakumo had seen it happen before—prodigies who burned too bright, too fast, catching the eye of people who would use them for their own purposes.

Danzo would be interested in a kid like him.

Sakumo's jaw tightened at the thought of Root and what they did to children. He'd never let that happen to Haruto, but still, something didn't add up. Haruto's talent was clear, but his confidence in giving such a precise number—seventeen bandits—without hesitating? That wasn't something he had picked up from a basic sensor technique.

The way he deflected the question with humor… smart kid. But there's something deeper.

The streets were quiet as Sakumo continued his walk through the village, the dim light from the lanterns casting long shadows. He'd seen shinobi like Haruto before—full of potential, yet holding back more than they revealed. It wasn't about mistrust; it was more about caution. Haruto was careful with what he shared, and that alone made Sakumo wonder just how much the boy knew.

What exactly are you hiding, Haruto?

He glanced up at the Hokage Monument in the distance, the faces of the great leaders of the village looming over the streets. The village has seen many like him, but few walk away unscathed. The shinobi world wasn't kind to those with gifts like Haruto's—gifts that could easily be seen as tools for the village's greater good, or worse, for someone's personal ambition.

Sakumo's thoughts turned inward. Haruto's skills in medical ninjutsu, fūinjutsu, and now this sensing ability—all of them developing rapidly at his age—wouldn't stay hidden for long. People would notice, people would talk. And then, the village would make decisions for Haruto if he wasn't careful.

It's only a matter of time before someone starts asking questions. He needs guidance. If I don't step in, someone else will. Sakumo exhaled slowly, knowing the weight of the responsibility he had taken on with this team. Haruto's talents needed to be nurtured, but they also needed to be protected.

As he reached the end of the street, Sakumo made a quiet vow to himself: I'll help you, Haruto. But I'll need to earn your trust first.

With that thought, he turned toward the training grounds, his mind already planning tomorrow's mission, but a part of him was still lingering on the mystery that was Haruto.