Naruto: King of Hell

Santoryu nodded without hesitation. "Yes. I've held onto it for years."

His tone was honest, unflinching.

"If Kakashi hadn't stepped in to vouch for me—had he not brought my name to you—I would've taken matters into my own hands. I was prepared to go to the Academy, challenge that instructor directly. I'm confident I could've beaten him. And that kind of confrontation? It would've reached your ears one way or another. That was the plan—to earn your attention, and through that, a shot at becoming a Genin."

Sarutobi's brow rose slightly. "You had this all thought out in advance?"

Santoryu gave a short nod. "It was the only way I could think of to put myself in front of you—without staining my reputation beyond repair. I didn't want to come off as reckless or out for blood. Just... serious."

Sarutobi allowed himself a small, approving smile. "Well then—credit where it's due. That level of foresight isn't common in someone your age."

He gave Santoryu a nod of respect, the tension between them softening slightly.

"Alright," Sarutobi said, standing. "In half an hour, the Academy day ends. We'll hold your test then. That instructor is still on duty, and I won't allow a scene in front of his students. He deserves that much dignity."

Santoryu nodded in understanding, keeping his expression composed. But inwardly, he felt a flicker of satisfaction. That single line from the Hokage confirmed it—his request had been granted. The match would happen.

With the matter settled, Santoryu and Kakashi gave a brief bow to the Hokage and exited his office without another word. The Ninja Academy was located within the same compound as the Hokage's building, so the walk was short. Within minutes, they arrived at the academy gates.

The two stopped beneath the shade of a small cluster of trees just beside a playground area, where a pair of old swings swayed lightly in the breeze. It was a quiet, unspoken waiting spot, half-hidden from the flow of students and teachers.

Neither Santoryu nor Kakashi was one for idle conversation. They stood in silence, Kakashi leaning with his hands in his pockets, Santoryu resting against a tree trunk with his arms crossed and eyes closed. The quiet between them wasn't awkward—it was simply understood.

Nearly half an hour passed.

The sound of the academy bell echoed faintly, followed by the shuffle and chatter of children flooding out of the building. One by one, students trickled through the front gate, laughing, calling out to each other, some darting toward waiting parents, others wandering off in small groups.

Then, breaking the calm, a sudden voice rang out with unmistakable energy.

"Hey, Kakashi! It's been a long time!"

Santoryu opened his right eye, disturbed from his calm state by the outburst. He turned his head slightly toward the source of the voice.

Kakashi didn't flinch. He simply tilted his head upward, his eyes falling on the boy jogging toward them—wearing orange goggles and a blue outfit with an orange-collared jacket.

"Obito," Kakashi said flatly.

His tone was neutral, almost disinterested—completely at odds with the enthusiastic grin spreading across Obito's face. The contrast between the two was sharp, even jarring.

Santoryu glanced toward the boy who had called out. So that's Obito Uchiha, he thought, quietly observing the energy and ease with which the boy moved. But outwardly, he remained composed—calm face, arms loosely at his sides, betraying nothing.

Rin, standing beside Obito, turned her attention to Kakashi. "Did you come here to meet us?" she asked, her tone hopeful but casual.

Kakashi answered without a blink. "No. I came with my cousin. We're waiting for the Hokage."

The group's attention shifted to Santoryu, who straightened slightly under the weight of their curious stares. Though introverted by nature, he kept his face composed, offering a brief, polite nod.

"I'm Santoryu Hatake," he said, voice steady. "Nice to meet you all."

Even in this short interaction, it was clear Santoryu had a quiet presence. His features were sharp, his posture confident—enough to catch the subtle interest of a few in the group. Still, it was their first meeting, and no one was about to make that obvious.

Obito, never one to hold back, asked, "So why are you waiting here for the Hokage?"

Before Santoryu could respond, Kakashi cut in coldly. "No need to tell someone like you."

Obito's expression twisted with instant irritation. "What's that supposed to mean?!"

Rin gently placed a hand on Obito's arm, trying to calm him down. "Obito, let it go."

Noticing Kakashi wasn't about to offer any more explanation, Kurenai stepped in, turning to Santoryu directly. "Since Kakashi won't say it, maybe you can. Why are you here?"

Santoryu answered without hesitation. "I'm here for my Genin test."

That caught their attention—but before any of them could ask more, movement near the gate interrupted the moment.

The Hokage was approaching.

Without another word, both Santoryu gave the group a brief, respectful nod and turned, walking calmly with Kakashi toward the academy gate to meet Hiruzen.

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