Naruto : The Return of Senju

Hokage's Office – Early Morning

The soft hues of dawn crept over the village, but the Hokage's office remained steeped in quiet tension. The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, sat behind his desk, eyes weary yet sharp. The faint aroma of his pipe lingered in the air, though it had long since burned out. His thoughts were soon interrupted by the arrival of an ANBU operative, appearing with the silent precision his role demanded.

The masked shinobi knelt before him, his tone measured but carrying the weight of fresh revelations.

"Lord Hokage, we've identified the boy."

Hiruzen's gaze lifted, his attention fully captured. "Go on."

"His name is Arashi. His father, Akashi Uzumaki, was a member of the Uzumaki Clan. His grandparents(father's parents) vanished after traveling to aid their kin when Uzushiogakure fell. They never returned and were presumed dead."

The mention of the Uzumaki stirred something in Hiruzen—both sorrow and respect for their resilience. He gave a subtle nod for the ANBU to proceed.

"His mother, Ayaka Senju, was from the Senju Clan. Her parents, Senju Hiroto and Senju Suzume, still reside in the village. Hiroto once served as an elder within the clan and held a position in the village's administration. Senju was a skilled medical ninja—formerly with the Konoha Hospital—now teaching medical students."

"Both his parents were killed during an A-rank mission. Reports indicate they took the enemy down with them in their final moments."

Hiruzen's fingers tightened slightly around the arm of his chair. The Senju Clan… a name once synonymous with power and prestige, now a shadow of what it had been. He had not heard Hiroto's name in some time.

"The boy was presumed dead a few months ago. His clothes and belongings were found along the riverbank. No body was recovered, but it was concluded he had drowned, his remains lost to the current."

Silence settled over the room, heavy and somber.

Hiruzen's voice was quiet but firm. "And his condition?"

"Still critical. The medics are doing what they can, but his body is frail. He is being closely monitored."

The Hokage exhaled slowly, the lines on his face deepening.

'This boy… an Uzumaki and a Senju. And yet, he was in Orochimaru's hands.' His eyes darkened. "Summon Senju Hiroto to my office and no one should know about the boy, keep this matter sealed"

The ANBU inclined his head. "Yes and At once, Lord Hokage."

With a brief blur of motion, the operative was gone.

Left alone in the stillness of his office, Hiruzen gazed out over the village. Two great clans intertwined within this child—dragged into the shadows of Orochimaru's twisted ambitions. Fate had returned him, but the path ahead was uncertain. This matter should be kept secret for now.

Senju Compound – Afternoon

The Senju compound was a testament to age-old traditions and revered history, nestled within the heart of Konoha. It was built in the style of classical Japanese architecture, with sweeping roofs that curved gracefully towards the sky and sliding shoji doors that opened to tranquil courtyards. Stone pathways wound through meticulously maintained gardens, where the soft trickle of water from koi ponds harmonized with the rustling bamboo groves and the gentle flutter of paper lanterns swaying in the breeze.

Inside the compound, Hiroto Senju sat cross-legged on the woven tatami mats of his private study. The room was a 

reflection of simplicity and order: a low, polished wooden table piled with scrolls and neatly stacked papers. Sunlight filtered through the paper screens, casting delicate patterns of light and shadow across the room and highlighting his silvering hair and the deep lines etched by experience on his face.

Having retired from active duty, Hiroto now wore the mantle of a clan elder, a role he had accepted at the behest of the current clan leader. The echoes of the Third Ninja War were still felt keenly within their diminished ranks, and the leader believed that Hiroto's wisdom and expertise could help steer their revival, strengthen their influence, and preserve their legacy.

As he perused the documents before him, his focus was interrupted by the nearly soundless arrival of an ANBU operative. The masked shinobi knelt respectfully, causing Hiroto to lift his gaze with a subtle arch of his brow—a silent question in his calm, observant eyes.

"What is the matter?" Hiroto inquired, his voice steady and authoritative, yet tinged with curiosity about the nature of this unexpected visit.

The ANBU operative's voice was formal and composed. "The Hokage has summoned you to his office, Lord Hiroto."

Hiroto's mind raced with possibilities as he gave a slow, contemplative nod, neatly arranging his papers before pushing himself to his feet. It wasn't the first time the village leader had sought his counsel. With his background on the negotiation team, assisting both the Third and Fourth Hokage in delicate and intricate matters, the request stirred speculation. Was the Hokage asking him to step back into a role he had comfortably relinquished upon retiring?

Hokage's Office – Early Evening

The path to the Hokage's office was one Hiroto knew well. As he entered, memories of past collaborations drifted through his mind, times when his diplomatic skills had been pivotal in safeguarding the village's interests.

Upon arrival, he paused momentarily in the doorway, absorbing the room's familiar ambiance. The soft glow of light lit the Hokage's desk, scattered with reports and scrolls, and Hiruzen Sarutobi sat at its center, his presence as commanding as it was weary.

"Hiroto," Hiruzen greeted with a nod, acknowledging both the history they shared and the gravity of the present meeting.

"I received your summons," Hiroto responded, his tone courteous and filled with curiosity.

The Hokage gestured for him to sit, his expression grave yet sincere. "There is a matter concerning your family that requires your immediate attention…"

As Hiroto settled into contemplation, he braced himself for news that could reshape everything he had believed about the past.