CHAPTER 55

(A/N: Being a hectic week, couldn't focus on ff at all, last three chapters were most of an fast approach, while they were focused on hiruzen not confronting rias directly just occasionally helping her, you all know sometime you just want to just look at someone and you just can't resist it, you might have also experienced it in your daily life, secretly seeing your crush and all, this type of chapters were the last three chapters.

One more thing, Due to my projects, end semester practical and exams are drawing close, I might not be able to update chapters more frequently, because their is too much pressure on me at the moment. But I will upload them don't worry.

I have also reached a conclusion of this ff, so i will mold the plot according to it after the second or third ninja war, making it different from every other fanfic of naruto you have read till now, hope you like that.)

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The familiar sights and sounds of Konoha filled the air as Hiruzen's clone, accompanied by Tsunade, Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Sakumo, returned through the village gates.

The sun was setting, casting long, golden rays over the village, giving a nostalgic warmth to the busy streets as villagers went about their routines.

Yet, there was a fresh, unspoken thrill among the group—especially Hiruzen's students—who were still processing the monumental display of skill and decisiveness they'd witnessed during Hiruzen's confrontation with Danzo and the Root faction.

The normally composed and grounded Hiruzen had shown them a new side: calculated, unyielding, and formidable.

The journey back to Konoha had been punctuated with questions, each disciple brimming with curiosity and enthusiasm.

They wanted to understand every aspect of the techniques he'd used, the intricate seals he'd woven, and how they could begin their journey to mastery themselves.

As they entered the secluded training grounds, Jiraiya broke the silence, his voice filled with excitement.

"Sensei, I want to learn how to use all those seals you unleashed against Danzo! And that staff you used—it's like nothing I've ever seen."

Hiruzen smirked at Jiraiya's eagerness, his eyes twinkling with a quiet pride. Beside Jiraiya, Orochimaru's gaze was analytical, his curiosity piqued.

"Indeed, Sensei. The techniques you showed were more than strength; there was a layered understanding and adaptability that I hadn't anticipated. It was... remarkable."

Tsunade, arms crossed, regarded Hiruzen with a determined expression.

"If I'm ever going to reach the strength of my mother and grandmother, I need to learn more than just raw power, Sensei. I want to learn the finer control, too."

Their words warmed Hiruzen's heart, and he took in their enthusiasm.

His students, each with unique strengths and ambitions, were motivated in a way that reflected his own passion when he had first taken the path of a shinobi.

With a serious expression, he responded, "Very well. If you're all truly dedicated, then brace yourselves. You'll be learning elemental chakra transformations alongside other advanced techniques."

The four nodded, their commitment evident in their eyes. Hiruzen's gaze softened slightly as he looked at each of them in turn, already planning the rigorous training that awaited them. 

"Each of you has specific affinities," he continued, "and those will form the foundation of your training. Push yourselves beyond your limits. Understand your strengths, but also your weaknesses."

He turned to Tsunade first, reaching into his robes to produce a small piece of chakra-testing paper. "Tsunade, let's begin with you. Channel your chakra into this paper, and we'll determine your natural affinities."

Tsunade took the paper from his hand, her expression focused. As she channeled her chakra, the others watched eagerly.

The paper responded, first dampening, then slowly crumbling.

"You have a strong affinity for both Water and Earth elements," Hiruzen noted with approval.

"These elements will become the bedrock of your training. Earth is a steady, resilient force, while Water is adaptable and fluid. Mastering both will increase your versatility."

Tsunade nodded, a gleam of excitement in her eyes. "Thank you, Sensei. I'll work hard."

Hiruzen turned next to Jiraiya, handing him a similar paper. As Jiraiya's chakra flowed through it, the paper burned at the edges and tore in two, displaying his affinity for Fire and Wind.

Jiraiya's expression lit up with satisfaction. "Looks like I've got the flashiest elements!" he laughed.

Hiruzen chuckled. "Yes, Fire and Wind are volatile elements, but they require control. You'll need to learn to tame them, and that begins with discipline."

Turning to Sakumo, Hiruzen offered him the paper as well. Sakumo channeled his chakra, and the paper crackled with a surge of electricity. Hiruzen nodded approvingly.

"You possess Lightning as your natural affinity. It's a powerful element that requires both precision and speed. I'll have a clone guide you, especially in fusing lightning with your kenjutsu skills."

Lastly, he approached Orochimaru. The paper burned and dampened in turns, revealing his Fire and Water affinities. Hiruzen's gaze grew more intense as he regarded Orochimaru.

"Your potential extends beyond Fire and Water. I suspect that, with time and effort, you may master all five elements. This will take time, Orochimaru, and I expect you to be both diligent and patient."

Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with an insatiable curiosity. "Mastery of all elements… Yes, Sensei. I'm ready for the challenge."

With each of them now aware of their elemental paths, Hiruzen took out four scrolls, each imprinted with complex seals and kanji markings.

"These are training seals," he explained, handing one to each student.

"They're tailored to your chakra affinities. These seals will increase the weight on your body and your chakra network, gradually expanding your chakra reserves and improving control, while also training your physical strength. But be careful; if you push too hard, the seals can cause serious strain."

Sakumo examined his scroll, noting the delicate sealwork. "Sensei, what exactly do these seals do?"

"They apply pressure to your chakra pathways, effectively training your chakra to circulate more efficiently," Hiruzen replied. "They'll improve not only your control but also your stamina in prolonged battles."

Jiraiya, as usual, was already eager to try it out. "I'm ready! Let's slap this on and get started!"

Tsunade gave him a sharp look. "Don't be reckless, Jiraiya. Sensei just warned us to be careful."

Hiruzen smiled, amused by their interactions. He knew his students would push each other and grow, each in their unique way.

While they prepared to apply the seals, Hiruzen created clones to assist them in specialized areas, dividing tasks to focus on the Konoha Six Styles of Taijutsu.

One clone moved to Jiraiya, emphasizing agility and speed in his movements.

Another began working with Tsunade on strengthening her strikes, while the remaining clones guided Sakumo and Orochimaru, focusing on precision and technique.

As his students began their individual practices, the training grounds filled with the sounds of exertion and determination.

Sakumo's lightning-laced blade cut through the air with a sharp crackle, while Tsunade immersed herself in feeling the earth's chakra, her palms pressed into the soil as she practiced moving it to her will.

Meanwhile, Orochimaru refined his fire and water techniques, combining them in unique ways to push the limits of his control.

Jiraiya, ever the free spirit, joyously blasted through wind and fire exercises, creating powerful bursts of energy around him.

Each of them grew a little stronger, a little more skilled, with each passing day.

Meanwhile,

Far across the village, two figures met in the dim, confined quarters of an abandoned building.

Elder Homura Mitokado's brow was furrowed, his face etched with unease as he spoke. "Koharu, I just received word. Hiruzen has returned, and Danzo is nowhere to be found."

Koharu Utatane, seated across from him, looked equally tense, though her voice held an edge of defiance. "Why are you panicking? This was all Danzo's doing. We had no part in his schemes. Hiruzen wouldn't punish us for Danzo's actions."

Homura's expression darkened. "Perhaps you're forgetting that some of our clans' ninja were part of Danzo's Root faction. If they're implicated, Hiruzen will hold us accountable too."

Koharu leaned forward, lowering her voice. "Even if he does, he won't risk alienating us. Hiruzen may have become more ruthless in his approach, but he is still our comrade. And our clans have influence. Any drastic action he takes against us would draw the ire of other clans as well."

Homura, clearly unsettled, sighed. "Let's hope you're right. But I fear Danzo may have gone too far this time."

The two shared a silent moment, each realizing the precarious position they were in.

If Hiruzen's loyalty was to Konoha above all else, then even they, his former comrades, might not be immune to the consequences.

Time passed, days turned to weeks,

In a village training ground, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Hiruzen gathered his students, who were exhausted but filled with a renewed sense of purpose.

They stood before him, each bearing signs of the day's intense training, sweat-streaked and breathing heavily.

"You all have impressed me," he said, his voice carrying pride. "Remember, training isn't just about strength. It's about patience and understanding your limitations, while pushing beyond them."

Tsunade looked up, smiling tiredly but with conviction. "Thank you, Sensei. I feel closer to my potential now than ever."

The others nodded, their respect for Hiruzen evident. For this moment, Hiruzen felt a deep sense of accomplishment, pride swelling within him.

His students were the future of Konoha, the torchbearers of the Will of Fire. They were growing stronger, and he was proud to be guiding them.

"Rest well," he advised, patting each of them on the back. "Tomorrow will be even more challenging."

As they dispersed, Hiruzen lingered, his gaze turning to the village lights dotting the distance.

He was aware of the unease simmering among the elders and the factions shifting within the village.

While as days passed, two people anxiety began to increase more and more, they became restless, tension evident on their face.

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