Incomprehensible

The Hokage's office.

Just the thought of entering this room and standing before the Hokage stresses me out.

Closing my eyes I take a moment to compose myself before opening my eyes with newfound resolve.

Alright, just don't think about how the man in that room eclipses me in all aspects of being a shinobi and then some.

Or how he most definitely can sense every little thing I am doing and is aware of just how nervous I am around him.

Entering the office Lord Third wasn't in his chair, Instead he stood off to the side looking out a window.

Ok how should I do this?

Formal?

Or should I try and use that whole sensei of my sensei relationship I've done nothing to foster?

"Lord Third," I say, breaking the silence.

"Akinori we haven't spoken in some time, How have you been?" The Hokage said as he turned to face me.

I got this.

"Fine… I've been going through a bunch of Lord Second's that sensei has in his collection," I say as I take a seat 

"That's good," the Hokage spoke as he returned to his chair, "now what brings you to my office?"

"Ambition," I say before taking a deep breath, "I've come to request access to some of Lord Second's research"

Please say yes.

"That is ambitious," Lord Third said as he set his pipe aside, "what specifically are you asking for?"

Well I wasn't immediately shot down, that's a good sign.

Reaching into my pack I fished out my prized possession, the one piece of Tobirama research that belonged to me, the book I received from Minato.

"Hmm… may I see that book for a moment?"

"Sure," I say, handing him the book.

Holding the book in his hands he opened it to one of the very first pages. On the page was just a little passage written by Tobirama detailing what exactly was in the book.

"I gave this book to Jiraiya, he gave it to Minato, and now the book is in your hands," the Hokage said mostly to himself before handing the book back to me, "take good care of it."

In response I nod.

"In this book are the early stages of a weapon, I wish to know if this weapon ever came to fruition?" I said as I opened the book to the correct page, "as you can see it's a kind of lightning based sword," I said gesturing to the book.

"Yes I know of it," the Hokage responded

"So the sword was fully realized?"

Oh goodie.

"Yes. You wish to weld the Sword of the Thunder God?"

Now that's a name.

"Oh no not at all. I just want all the research that went into creating the thing, you can keep the sword."

"And you believe yourself capable of replicating the sword?"

"I haven't a clue."

"You haven't a clue?"

"Yes dear sensei of my sensei," I say as I stand up to better represent my case, "I would need to see the research first. It would be presumptuous of me to believe that this rough first draft of what was likely still in its concept stage at the time will look anything like the final product."

"Do you understand what kind of task you have set for yourself young Sozo? Many have tried before to replicate Tobirama Fuinjutsu and have failed."

"Yes, Lord Third. I understand the monumental task I have set for myself and just how unlikely it is I'll succeed."

Silence filled the room as I awaited the Hokage response.

"The research is yours," the Hokage spoke, suddenly breaking the silence.

Success!

"Thank you Lord Hokage, you will not be disappointed."

I hope.

"No need to be so formal Akinori, I am the sensei of your sensei after all," the Hokage said as a smile returned to his face.

So you want a closer relationship, old man. Fine, I can't avoid you forever afterall.

"Sure thing… Hiruzen."

Hmm… should I?

"Can I ask something of you?" I ask suddenly.

"You may."

"Can I feel your chakra?

In response the Hokage held out his hand.

Reaching out I place my hand on his. Immediately a connection is established as our two chakra's push against each other.

Surprisingly our chakras seem quite receptive to one another. Not quite compatible, but I've never felt such a strong connection with anyone else.

His chakra it's so warm.

In that moment all prejudice I held for the man melted away. His chakra was like warm embrace.

I felt safe.

Coming back to reality I realized I was holding onto his hand with both of mine as I stared off into space.

"Oh… um. Sorry," I say, letting go of his hand, cutting off the connection.

In response the Hokage just Chuckled.

Appearing in the middle of the room an anbu appeared holding a large scroll.

"The research you requested," she said, holding it out to me.

What's wrong with books

"Thank you," I say, taking the scroll

The moment she was no longer holding the scroll she vanished back to wherever these anbu hide. Which was probably like 5 feet away and yet I still can't locate them.

"Well thank you for your time, Hiruzen. I'll see myself out."

"Have a good night Akinori,"

"You too," and with those final words spoken I closed the door behind myself.

Well that was stressful.

Looking at my prize I notice there's a box tied to the scroll. Removing the box, I opened it. 

Inside was the Sword of the Thunder God.

Well I guess it could be useful for comparison sake.

Putting the sword back in its box I put it into my pack before making my way home.

Entering my study I remove the majority of my gear leaving on the floor by the door.

Unfurling the scroll I look at its contents before immediately frowning.

Fuck.

.........

I'm back, baby.

Sorry for the sudden leave of absence.