Naruto: One Eye Tenseigan

The Hokage's office was both imposing and welcoming, a perfect reflection of the man who occupied it. The room was bathed in warm sunlight streaming through large windows that framed Konoha's rooftops and the distant Hokage Monument. Scrolls and books filled the shelves lining the walls, each one a testament to the long history and knowledge of the Hidden Leaf. In the center stood a sturdy wooden desk, simple yet commanding, its surface cluttered with papers and official documents.

Behind the desk sat the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. Despite his age, his presence radiated quiet strength and wisdom. His sharp brown eyes, framed by deep wrinkles, seemed to pierce through any pretense, and the slight curve of his lips carried a grandfatherly warmth. The Hokage hat rested on a stand nearby, while Hiruzen himself wore his simple robes, the kanji for "fire" emblazoned proudly on his hat.

Hiruzen's appearance was deceptively unassuming—an old man with kind eyes, his long years etched into the creases of his face. Yet beneath that calm exterior lay a presence that commanded respect. 

Tomaru's sharp gaze flicked over the Hokage as they entered. Though he'd seen Hiruzen many times through the Tenseigan's sight, this was the first time he stood in the same room as him. There's a depth to him, Tomaru mused.

Sayuri Koizumi stepped forward, her movements fluid and purposeful, and bowed deeply. "Hokage-sama," she said, her voice steady and filled with reverence.

Hiruzen looked up, his warm smile easing the tension in the room. "Sayuri. It is good to see you again. How have you been?"

"I've been well," Sayuri replied, the faintest softening in her emerald eyes betraying her guarded demeanor.

The Hokage's gaze shifted to the trio behind her, his expression lightening further. "And these must be the members of Team 2. I trust they've been adjusting well under your guidance?"

Mai Kisaragi practically leapt forward, her vibrant energy filling the room. "Yes, Hokage-sama! Sensei's tough, but we're tougher!"

Mina Harada gave Mai a disapproving glance but stepped forward with measured grace. "What Mai means is that we're learning a lot under her instruction. She's a capable leader."

Tomaru, standing silently between them, bowed his head respectfully. "It's an honor to meet you, Hokage-sama."

Hiruzen chuckled softly, his gaze lingering on Tomaru for a moment longer than the others. "Good. The road of a shinobi is a challenging one, but with a sensei like Sayuri, I have no doubt you'll walk it with purpose. Now, let's discuss your first official mission."

Hiruzen spoke with the calm authority of a seasoned leader, his words steady as he outlined the details of their mission. Yet, for Tomaru, the Hokage's voice faded into the background. His thoughts strayed, drawn irresistibly toward the dark shadow of the future.

He knew what was coming. Orochimaru's return. The Chunin Exams transformed into chaos. And Hiruzen Sarutobi—his life extinguished in the fires of duty, a sacrifice to save Konoha from its past.

The image haunted Tomaru, vivid and unrelenting. Orochimaru's malevolent grin, Hiruzen's weary yet unyielding resolve, the cursed chakra threads of the Reaper Death Seal binding the two in a deadly dance.

Why would Orochimaru take such drastic action? 

Tomaru considered the possibilities, each theory unfurling like a puzzle piece:

Orochimaru's rejection as the Fourth Hokage might have planted the seeds of his rebellion. As one of the Sannin and Hiruzen's most gifted student, Orochimaru had every reason to believe he would inherit the title. But the village elders, influenced by Hiruzen, had chosen Minato Namikaze instead—a rising star with none of Orochimaru's moral ambiguity.

To someone as proud and calculating as Orochimaru, such a decision would have felt like betrayal. His talents, his ambitions, were dismissed in favor of a younger, less controversial candidate. The wound might have festered for years, growing into a simmering resentment that culminated in a desire for vengeance.

Killing Hiruzen wouldn't just be an act of rebellion; it would be Orochimaru's way of erasing the man he believed had stifled his greatness. A symbolic severance of ties, both personal and political.

—

Hiruzen was the embodiment of tradition. Under his leadership, Konoha had maintained stability for decades, but that stability wasn't without cracks. Whispers of corruption in the council, growing dissatisfaction among clans, and a rigid adherence to outdated systems had taken their toll.

Perhaps Orochimaru, in his twisted genius, saw himself as a necessary disruptor. By killing Hiruzen, he would force the village into a reckoning—a period of turmoil that could cleanse its flaws and force a new, stronger Konoha to rise.

It was a gamble only someone like Orochimaru would consider. To him, chaos wasn't the enemy; it was a crucible for growth. Hiruzen's death would be the match that lit the fire.

—

Orochimaru's fascination with immortality wasn't just about avoiding death—it was about transcending the limitations of the human experience. He sought to shed everything that bound him to the mortal world, including sentimentality, morality, and the expectations of his peers.

Hiruzen, as the leader of Konoha, was the last vestige of Orochimaru's old life—a reminder of his youth, his loyalties, and the ideals he had long since abandoned. Killing the Hokage wasn't just an act of rebellion; it was a declaration. Orochimaru wasn't bound by the rules of the village or the mentorship that had once shaped him.

By severing the final tie to his past, Orochimaru could fully embrace his evolution—a creature unmoored from human limitations.

—

During his exploration of Konoha's secrets using the Tenseigan, Tomaru had discovered a coded message exchanged between Orochimaru and Danzo. The message was brief but suggestive, hinting at a collaboration between the two.

Danzo, ever the opportunist, likely saw Hiruzen's death as a chance to reshape Konoha under his own vision. By supporting Orochimaru's assassination plot, Danzo might have hoped to eliminate his old rival and position himself as the village's savior.

Yet Tomaru knew this gambit would ultimately fail. The council's trust in Danzo was tenuous at best, and the villagers' faith in him even weaker. Hiruzen's death would pave the way for Tsunade's rise, not Danzo's, leaving the latter bitter and sidelined.

Perhaps Orochimaru knew this all along, using Danzo's ambitions to further his own ends while remaining untethered to any alliance.

—

As Tomaru sifted through these possibilities, one conclusion stood out. Orochimaru's actions were not born of a single reason, but a confluence of motivations. Revenge against Hiruzen's perceived betrayal. A desire to unshackle himself from Konoha's traditions. And a willingness to play on Danzo's ambitions to achieve his goals.

But at its core, Orochimaru's drive was rooted in his philosophy of evolution. To him, Hiruzen represented the old world—a relic of values that had no place in the future Orochimaru envisioned. His assassination of the Third Hokage wasn't just an act of violence; it was a statement.

Konoha must change, and if it wouldn't do so willingly, he would force it to.

Tomaru's grip tightened as he silently considered this conclusion. Orochimaru's brilliance was undeniable, but so was his cruelty. If this was the price of his vision for the future, it was too steep a cost.

For now, Tomaru could only prepare for the inevitable. Orochimaru's motives, twisted as they were, didn't change the fact that Hiruzen's death would cast a long shadow over Konoha.

—

Mai Kisaragi paced in small circles, her hands clenched into fists. "So let me get this straight," she began, her voice filled with a mix of frustration and determination. "Our first official mission isn't something cool like taking down rogue ninja or protecting a VIP. It's chasing a bird? Seriously?"

Mina Harada adjusted her glasses, her sharp gray eyes fixed on Mai. "It's not just a bird, Mai," she corrected. "It's a trained hawk carrying an important medicinal herb. That herb is crucial for the hospital. Without it, patients might not get the treatment they need."

Tomaru Minakura leaned against a tree, his arms crossed and his expression neutral. "She's right," he said calmly. "This isn't about glory. It's about helping people. Even small missions like this can make a big difference."

Mai groaned, throwing her hands up. "Yeah, yeah, I get it. But still, a bird? How hard could it be to catch one hawk?"

Tomaru's sharp eyes flicked toward her. "You're underestimating the challenge. Trained hawks aren't just ordinary birds. They're fast, intelligent, and highly skilled at evasion. Add a thunderstorm into the mix, and this mission isn't as simple as it sounds."

Mai crossed her arms and pouted. "Fine, but I still say we should've gotten something cooler for our first mission."

Sayuri Koizumi, standing nearby with her usual composed demeanor, spoke up, her tone calm but firm. "Missions aren't about what you want, Mai. They're about what the village needs. If you're not ready to take this seriously, I'll gladly send you back to the Academy."

Mai immediately straightened, a sheepish grin spreading across her face. "No need for that, Sensei. I'm ready. Totally serious."

Sayuri's piercing green eyes swept over the team, her expression unreadable. "Good. Because this mission is more important than it seems. The hawk has been spotted heading into the forests near the village. Your task is to track it, retrieve the herb, and ensure its safe delivery to the hospital. Work as a team. I'll be observing from a distance."

Tomaru nodded, his mind already running through possible scenarios. "Understood."

Mina adjusted her satchel, already noting potential strategies. "The forest is vast, but we can narrow the search by identifying where the hawk might land to rest or seek shelter. Its instincts will guide it to high ground or areas with dense cover."

Mai clenched her fists, her energy returning. "Then let's stop talking and start moving. I'll find that bird first!"

Tomaru raised an eyebrow, his tone dry. "Just try not to scare it off."

Mina smirked faintly. "Or get stuck in a tree."

Mai shot them both a mock glare before turning to face the forest. "I hate you guys sometimes."

Sayuri stepped closer, her voice soft but commanding. "Remember: teamwork. This isn't a competition. Stay focused, communicate, and adapt."

With a final nod from their sensei, the trio set off into the dense forest, their senses alert and their movements purposeful.

The forest was alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and the distant calls of birds. Sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting dappled patterns on the ground as Team 2 moved carefully through the underbrush.

Mina led the way, her sharp eyes scanning the surroundings for signs of the hawk. She paused occasionally to examine claw marks on tree trunks or feathers caught in branches, piecing together a trail.

"It's heading east," she said, her voice calm and confident. "The claw marks suggest it's stopping to rest on high perches. We should look for tall trees with good visibility."

Mai, trailing slightly behind, muttered, "How can you tell all that from a few scratches?"

Mina glanced back at her, adjusting her glasses. "Observation. Maybe you should try it sometime."

Tomaru, walking beside Mai, smirked. "She has a point, Mai. Rushing in without thinking isn't going to help us here."

Mai huffed but didn't argue, instead focusing her energy on scanning the trees ahead.

As they pressed deeper into the forest, the terrain grew more challenging. Rocks jutted from the ground, and tangled roots threatened to trip them at every step. A sudden rustling in the bushes ahead made them freeze.

Tomaru held up a hand, signaling for silence. "Wait," he whispered.

The rustling grew louder, and a moment later, a wild boar burst from the underbrush, its eyes wide with panic. The boar paid them no mind, darting away into the trees.

Mai exhaled in relief. "Just a boar. For a second, I thought we'd found something dangerous."

Tomaru's eyes narrowed, his gaze fixed on the direction the boar had come from. "Or something scared it."

Mina nodded, her expression serious. "Let's keep moving, but stay alert."

After nearly an hour of tracking, the trio finally caught sight of the hawk perched on a high branch. Its feathers glinted in the sunlight, and a small pouch tied to its leg was visible even from a distance.

"There it is," Mina whispered, pointing.

Mai grinned. "Finally! I'll climb up and grab it."

Tomaru placed a hand on her shoulder, stopping her. "Wait. If you move too quickly, you'll spook it. Let's think this through."

Mina nodded. "We need to approach it carefully. Tomaru, can you use your... unique abilities to keep an eye on it?"

Tomaru hesitated. He'd sworn never to use the Tenseigan openly, but the situation called for precision. Closing his eyes briefly, he activated his enhanced perception subtly, ensuring the hawk wasn't disturbed by their movements.

"It's calm for now," he said quietly, his tone measured. "But it's ready to take off if it senses danger. Mina, what's the plan?"

Mina's mind worked quickly. "Mai, create a distraction at ground level. Make some noise, but not too much—just enough to keep its attention down here. Tomaru and I will flank it from either side. Once we're close enough, I'll use a kunai with a tied cloth to gently nudge it down. Tomaru, be ready to catch it if it flies."

Mai nodded, her grin returning. "Distraction duty? I can handle that."

Tomaru and Mina moved into position, each step careful and deliberate. Mai began clapping her hands and calling out softly, drawing the hawk's attention without startling it.

As Mina moved closer, she carefully tied a small cloth to her kunai and aimed for the branch below the hawk. With a precise throw, she struck the branch, causing a soft rustling sound.

The hawk shifted, its attention momentarily diverted.

Tomaru moved swiftly, his reflexes honed from years of training. As the hawk took flight, he leapt into the air, his movements precise. With a deft motion, he caught the bird gently in his hands, careful not to harm it.

"Got it," he said, landing softly on the forest floor.

Mai cheered, pumping her fist in the air. "Yes! Team 2 for the win!"

Mina adjusted her glasses, a satisfied smile on her face. "Good work, everyone."

Tomaru glanced down at the hawk, which looked up at him with intelligent eyes. He gently untied the pouch from its leg and held it up. "Mission complete."

As they made their way back to the village, the team's spirits were high. Even Mai, who had initially complained about the mission, seemed energized by their success.

"You know," she said, her tone light, "chasing a bird wasn't so bad after all. But next time, can we have something a little more action-packed?"

Mina smirked. "You say that now, but you'll be the first to complain when we're up against rogue ninja."

Tomaru chuckled softly, adjusting the strap of his satchel. "You handled yourself well, Mai. Just remember—every mission, no matter how small, is important."

As they reached the gates of Konoha, Sayuri stood waiting for them, her arms crossed and a faint smile on her lips.

"Good work, Team 2," she said. "You've proven you can handle the unexpected. But don't get too comfortable. Tomorrow's training will push you even harder."

Mai groaned, but her grin betrayed her excitement. "Bring it on, Sensei."

Back in the Hokage's office, Team 2 presented the herb, their faces glowing with the satisfaction of a job well done.

Hiruzen smiled warmly. "Excellent work. You've proven that teamwork and clear thinking can overcome any challenge. This is only the beginning for you."

Sayuri watched her students with a rare flicker of pride in her emerald eyes. "They're a capable team, Hokage-sama. I have no doubt they'll continue to grow."

As the trio left the office, Mai turned to Tomaru with a grin. "See? First mission and we nailed it. We're unstoppable!"

Tomaru smirked faintly, though his thoughts remained elsewhere.