Chapter 17: Legends and Lies

As the first year of the academy wrapped up, Hikaru noticed a growing tension in the air as he left for home. Memories surfaced from just a few months earlier when the destruction of the Uzumaki Clan had shaken the village to its core. Since the beginning of the war, news from the front lines had been scarce, almost nonexistent, but after that devastating report, updates started pouring in at a surprising rate.

Now, it seemed like every other day brought some kind of war news to Konoha. The villagers buzzed about it, filling the air with mixed emotions: hope, fear, and an intense desire for peace. Victory reports were a source of both relief and pride; Konoha had claimed victory in many battles, and even whispers of accomplished secret missions circulated everywhere. People began mentioning Sakumo Hatake with admiration, recounting his bravery and skill in the war—his reputation growing to near-legend status.

Even stories of the Hokage's students facing off against Hanzo the Salamander spread like wildfire. even so they hadn't manage to win, but their survival alone some how seemed to be a feat worthy of respect. Everyone started calling them "Sannin," celebrating their courage against a seemingly invincible foe.

To Hikaru, the flood of "victories" being celebrated in Konoha felt increasingly hollow. It was obvious to him, as it must have been to anyone looking closely, that the endless reports of success on the battlefield were more than just news—they were a carefully constructed attempt by the village's leaders to keep the villagers calm, to make them think Konoha was untouchable.

But Hikaru saw past it. The sheer volume of triumphant stories only highlighted how dire things likely were beyond the village walls. Anyone who cared to look beyond the hopeful smiles could sense the anxiety lingering in the air. Even so, the news had the desired effect: the villagers embraced the victories, finding comfort in the tales of Konoha's strength.

As for him, he was more worry about Kushina.

Hikaru and the group tried everything they could think of to lift Kushina's spirits, but nothing seemed to reach her. She was quieter than they'd ever seen, her eyes distant, her usual fiery energy dimmed. They would gather around her during lunch, sharing funny stories and pulling harmless pranks on each other, hoping that one of their jokes might bring out her usual smile. Hikaru, with his knack for mischief, even attempted his best pranks yet, but each one fell short, and Kushina only managed polite nods or forced smiles in response.

As they watched her struggle, it became painfully clear how deep her sorrow ran. Losing her entire clan, her family, her home—these were wounds they couldn't hope to bandage with jokes or lighthearted antics. Hikaru found himself wrestling with the thought: how could they ever truly cheer up someone who had lost everything?

In a quiet moment, Hikaru sat next to her, not saying anything at first. He knew words could easily feel hollow right now. "Kushina," he started softly, "you don't have to be okay. Not for us, not for anyone." His friends grew quiet around them, their usually chatty energy stilled by his words.

Kushina looked at him, her eyes red but grateful. "Thanks," she whispered, and for a moment, it seemed like she felt understood.

She still came to the academy every now and then, but her presence felt distant, like she was elsewhere. When they asked her, she only mentioned training with her grandmother, Mito Uzumaki.

Mito Uzumaki is one of the most esteemed members of the Uzumaki clan and a woman of remarkable strength, wisdom, and poise. Known for her mastery of sealing techniques and deep chakra reserves. As the wife of the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, Mito forged a bond between the Uzumaki and Senju clans that solidified the alliance between the Konoha and the Land of Whirlpools.

It's weird to think of that, since it seems now that both clans almost extinct.

She is regarded as a figure of calm resilience, guiding Kushina after she arrived in Konoha and offering her training and love. Now, as her last living family member, Mito's presence had a gravitas that few could match.

As the group left the class, their conversation shifted to the upcoming tests. Most students saw it as just another competition, but for Hikaru and his friends, it felt much more significant. This would be their first real chance to have a real fight, as using ninjutsu will be allowed, and the weight of that realization hung in the air.

"I can't wait to use ninjutsu in fighting!" Raiden exclaimed, his excitement bubbling over. "I've been practicing non-stop!"

Hikaru nodded "but don't be so excited, even so ninjutsu is allowed I don't think that any would be able to use it now", though he felt a mix of anticipation and anxiety, they only taught the signs and theories' about ninjutsu for now, as in their age most of them doesn't have the chakra control to do any. He didn't share the same enthusiasm as his friends; he was aware that he couldn't rely on ninjutsu like they could. His mind raced with thoughts about how he would navigate the test without revealing his limitations.

Hanako chimed in, "I just hope I don't mess up! I want to impress everyone." She and Minato are the newest to deal with chakra and ninjutsu, but their determination was evident.

"Don't worry, you'll do great," Hikaru reassured her, putting on a brave face despite his own worries. "Just remember to stay focused and trust in your training."

As the group moved outside of the academy, Hikaru's senses kicked in. He felt a strange shadow hanging around them, something that flickered at the edge of his awareness. His heart raced as he tried to figure out what it was. At first, he thought someone might be watching him, but as he concentrated more, he realized the truth.

The shadow wasn't actually following him, but it seemed to be watching Raiden. Hikaru's brow furrowed, and concern crept into his mind. What was going on? He kept his expression neutral, not wanting to alarm his friends, but unease bubbled beneath the surface.

The shadow's owner was skilled at remaining unseen, blending seamlessly into the background as if he were a part of the very darkness itself. Almost no one seemed to notice him, which made Hikaru more curious. As he continued to observe, he began to pick up on some familiar traits. The shape of the shadow mirrored Raiden's own, from the distinct hair shape to the outline of a katana slung over his shoulder.

Hikaru's tension eased as the realization dawned on him. "It can't be…" he thought, a smile creeping onto his face. The shadow belonged to none other than Sakumo Hatake, Raiden's uncle. Known for his remarkable skills and sharp instincts, Sakumo often preferred to operate in the shadows.

With this newfound understanding, Hikaru felt a wave of relief wash over him. Sakumo wasn't a threat; he was likely keeping an eye on his nephew, as he probably didn't see him since the start of the war. "Looks like Raiden's got some family watching over him," he thought, amused by the whole situation.

but his mischievous side came to life as he thought about testing Sakumo Hatake, the so called "legendary shinobi". The idea excited him. He could sense Sakumo's presence moving through the busy streets, and even though he was blind, he may be the only one that could ambush him, the shadows around Sakumo seemed to whisper his secrets. This wasn't just any target, it was someone famous, and the challenge made his heart race.

At first, he thought about sneaking up on Sakumo to surprise him. But as soon as the idea popped into his head, he shook it off. Sakumo wasn't just any shinobi; he was a one of the strongest shinobi in the village and maybe the world. Trying to get close without being noticed felt impossible. Hikaru could track Sakumo through the shadows without him knowing, feeling every movements he made, but getting near enough to actually attack him was a different story.

Hikaru moved his head toward Raiden, and a plan began to form in his mind. A plan was taking shape, one that was both exciting and a little risky. He secretly whispers something to Hanako before he turned to his friends and announced that he needed to head out, secretly apologizing to Raiden in his mind for what he was about to do.

With careful movements, he made his way through the loud village, ensuring that no one, especially Sakumo, was watching him. He didn't want to draw any attention to himself. As he moved slowly, he listened to the sounds around him, feeling the subtle shifts in the shadows.

Once he was sure he was out of sight, he picked up speed, taking a longer route to the Hatake clan's place. The thrill of the impending prank made his heart race as he imagined how it would unfold.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Author Notes] if you like the novel, please consider writing a review