Naruto: King of Hell

Kakashi left the Hokage's office and made his way straight to Santoryu's home. When he arrived, the door was answered by Santoryu's mother.

"Auntie," Kakashi greeted politely. "Is Santoryu home? The Hokage has summoned him. He wants to meet in person."

Santoryu's mother blinked, surprised. "The Hokage?" she repeated. "He wants to meet my son?"

Kakashi nodded. "Yes."

Without wasting a moment, she turned and hurried to Santoryu's room. She knocked once, then entered. "Santoryu," she said gently but firmly, "wake up. The Hokage has called for you. Young Lord Kakashi's waiting outside."

Still groggy from his brief rest after training, Santoryu opened his eyes, rubbing them as he sat up. "The Hokage?" he mumbled. But as the words registered, the sleep vanished from his face. He was fully alert now.

Moments later, he stepped outside, still strapping on his gear. "Do I need to bring my swords?" he asked, glancing at Kakashi.

Kakashi, calm and unreadable as ever, nodded. "Yes. Bring them. There's a chance the Hokage might want to test your skills himself. Better to be prepared."

Santoryu nodded in understanding. He quickly washed up, dressed properly, and ensured each of his three swords was secured on his right side. Once ready, he walked alongside Kakashi through the village streets, drawing the occasional glance.

Before long, they arrived at the Hokage Building. The atmosphere inside was quieter, more solemn. Kakashi led him straight to the top floor and opened the door to the Hokage's office.

Santoryu stepped inside and immediately saw the man seated behind the large desk—Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage.

He took in the sight silently: a middle-aged man with sharp black eyes and dark hair, posture composed yet commanding. So this is Sarutobi Hiruzen… and this is how he looked in his prime, Santoryu thought.

Though it was his first time seeing the man in person, his Observation Haki told him all he needed to know—this man was not someone to be taken lightly. His aura was calm, but beneath it lay immense, overwhelming power. Hiruzen wasn't just strong—he was in a league far beyond the reach of most.

And Santoryu could feel it.

Santoryu offered a respectful bow toward Hiruzen. "Lord Hokage," he said, his tone calm but firm.

Hiruzen returned the gesture with a subtle nod, eyes measuring. "Kakashi has spoken to me about you—about your combat skills and how you held your own. What's your take on it?"

Santoryu met his gaze without hesitation. "If Kakashi shared his thoughts, I trust he described my capabilities accurately. He's not the type to exaggerate, especially when it comes to evaluating another shinobi. He calls things as they are."

The Third Hokage leaned back slightly, thoughtful. "You're right about that—Kakashi is a blunt instrument when it comes to assessments. Still, I can't elevate you to Genin based solely on one fight and his endorsement. Formal ranks require formal tests."

"I understand completely," Santoryu replied, giving a single nod. "I'm prepared to take any combat-based test. My only request is that it doesn't centre around any ninjutsu—I've never been proficient with standard ninjutsu."

Hiruzen stroked his beard for a moment, then nodded. "Fair enough. Let's start with a simple evaluation. You'll spar with a Chunin. Their job will be to judge whether you meet the standards to be recognized as a Genin. And don't be nervous—winning the match isn't the goal. This is about showing who you are as a fighter."

"I'm not nervous," Santoryu said, voice steady. "But I do have a request—one I hope Lord Hokage will consider."

Hiruzen gave a small nod, signaling him to continue.

"I would like to fight the Chunin instructor from the class I studied in," Santoryu said plainly.

Hiruzen's expression shifted subtly. His brows drew together as he regarded Santoryu more critically. "That's a specific choice. May I ask why?"

Santoryu remained composed, but Hiruzen's tone had already turned firmer.

"You should know," the Hokage continued, "your dismissal from the academy wasn't the decision of one man acting on a grudge. That instructor didn't expel you out of personal bias. The decision came after consultation—with me, and with several other senior instructors. As Hokage, I also serve as the principal of the Ninja Academy. Your struggles with basic ninjutsu weren't overlooked or taken lightly."

He paused, letting the words settle.

"If you're requesting this match as some form of revenge or protest, I suggest you reconsider. This test is about proving your readiness, not settling old scores."

Santoryu shook his head slowly. "This isn't about personal revenge for getting expelled from the Academy two years ago. That ship sailed a long time ago."

He paused, the memory clearly weighing on him.

"That day… the day I was expelled, I got into a fight with another student—older, stronger. He beat me nearly to death. I ended up in the Konoha Hospital, barely clinging to life. If it weren't for the medical-nin there, I wouldn't be standing here right now."

He looked Hiruzen in the eyes, voice low but steady. "After that, my father took the medical report straight to my class instructor—the same one I'm asking to fight now. He demanded action, justice. His son had been brutalized on Academy grounds. But nothing happened. No punishment, no inquiry. The matter was swept aside like it meant nothing."

Santoryu clenched his jaw. "I understood even then why. Why would a teacher risk anything to discipline a boy with Jonin-level potential over someone like me—someone who couldn't even grasp basic ninjutsu? I was disposable. At best, a failed shinobi. More likely, just another villager meant for hard labor and forgettable work."

He exhaled through his nose. "But what stayed with me wasn't the pain of the beating. It was the look in my father's eyes—humiliated, powerless. He couldn't do anything. Not for me. Not even with proof in his hands."

His gaze hardened. "So yes, I want this fight. Call it revenge if you like. Call it narrow-minded. I don't care. I want him to see that the 'trash' he once dismissed didn't disappear. I want to face him on equal ground."

Sarutobi studied Santoryu for a long moment before speaking. "So... this desire for revenge—for your father—it's something you've been carrying for a while."

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