Best Friends

Chapter 13: Best Friends

The next day, Sakumo Hatake visited the Hattori clan compound. The guards, recognizing Sakumo as the clan head's close friend, bowed respectfully.

"Master Sakumo," one of the guards said, "please wait here. I'll inform the clan head of your arrival."

Moments later, the guard returned and escorted Sakumo to Kenshin Hattori's study.

Inside the study, Sakumo greeted Kenshin with his usual teasing smile. "Still buried under all that paperwork, Kenshin? You're starting to look like one of those bureaucrats in the administration office!"

Kenshin's brow twitched as a vein popped on his forehead. "Keep talking, Sakumo, and I'll make sure your next mission is a one-man expedition to the Land of Snow," he retorted, though the smirk on his face betrayed his annoyance.

After a few playful jabs, the mood shifted as Sakumo's expression grew serious. "Kenshin, I need to talk to you about Shin's kekkei genkai."

Kenshin's smile disappeared, replaced with a furrowed brow. "Sakumo, you don't need to concern yourself with that. It's a family matter."

Ignoring the dismissal, Sakumo explained everything he had observed during their mission, including Shin's mysterious healing ability. He also mentioned his suspicion that they were being followed by Root operatives, implying that Danzo might have his sights set on Shin.

Kenshin sighed deeply, his mind racing. After a moment of contemplation, he called for an attendant and instructed them to bring Shin to the family's secret dojo.

While waiting, Kenshin turned to Sakumo. "You're my best friend, Sakumo. I'm trusting you with this, but don't make me regret it."

Sakumo smiled. "You know I wouldn't betray you. Besides, I'm more concerned about Shin's safety than anything else."

Kenshin shook his head with a wry smile. "You've always been too loyal to the Hokage. Sometimes, I think you're more of a servant than a friend to him."

Sakumo chuckled. "I'm not his servant, Kenshin. I just know that with my clan being so small, we need strong allies. That's the only way I can ensure my family's safety."

Kenshin nodded, understanding Sakumo's perspective, though he couldn't help but feel grateful that the Hattori clan was in a slightly stronger position.

When Shin arrived at the dojo, he greeted both his father and Sakumo respectfully.

Kenshin wasted no time. "Shin, tell me about this healing technique of yours."

Shin hesitated, glancing between the two men. He knew the Djinn's powers were a family secret. Seeing his son's apprehension, Kenshin assured him, "You can trust Sakumo. Tell us everything."

After a moment of silence, Shin began explaining the mysterious face in the drawing that had granted him this new power.

Sakumo raised an eyebrow, puzzled. "A face? A drawing? Kenshin, what is he talking about?"

Kenshin chuckled. "It's a long story, Sakumo. Our family has a scroll that holds the key to Shin's abilities. Let's just say it's tied to our bloodline in ways I don't fully understand myself."

Still confused but intrigued, Sakumo leaned forward. "Show us, Shin."

Shin nodded and asked, "Do either of you have any injuries or discomfort?"

Kenshin mentioned an old back injury that occasionally flared up, while Sakumo pointed to his left shoulder, which had never fully healed from an old wound.

Taking a deep breath, Shin activated Phenex. He softly chanted the Djinn's name, and a pink glow radiated from the winged earring on his ear—a detail neither man had noticed before.

A fiery, ethereal phoenix emerged behind Shin, its warm, healing aura enveloping both Kenshin and Sakumo. Their injuries faded away in moments, but the sensation left them speechless.

Both men stared at Shin, their mouths slightly agape.

"This... isn't just healing," Kenshin finally said, breaking the silence. "There's something more to this power."

Sakumo nodded in agreement, his eyes still wide with disbelief.

Kenshin regained his composure and addressed Shin. "Can you minimize the visual effects? The phoenix is... a bit much."

Shin explained that he could channel the energy directly through his hands for smaller injuries, though it would be less effective.

Satisfied, Kenshin dismissed Shin, who left the dojo feeling both proud and relieved.

Once they were alone, Kenshin turned to Sakumo. "There's more to this power than what I've told you. I can't share all the details yet, but one day, Shin might need to rely on it in an emergency."

Sakumo nodded. "Understood. At least now I know Shin has another ace up his sleeve. It's reassuring to see how capable he's becoming."

Both men sat in silence for a moment, reflecting on the challenges ahead and the weight of protecting the next generation.