Chapter 12: Konoha's First High-Level Meeting
Three months had passed since Kaede's last coma.
During that time, his life had become a cycle of relentless training. From dawn to dusk, he had almost no rest — aside from six hours of sleep each day, every remaining moment was dedicated to improvement.
Ninjutsu training in the morning, physical conditioning in the afternoon, swordsmanship practice at night.
Each day left him completely drained, collapsing into bed the moment his head touched the pillow. Yet despite the exhaustion, his progress was undeniable.
His once slender frame had grown stronger, his stamina greater, and his reflexes sharper.
It was worth mentioning that when he went to the Hatake clan to retrieve his commissioned ninja sword, Hatake Isshin often invited him to visit. After several meetings, their relationship deepened, and Isshin would occasionally offer swordsmanship advice during Kaede's evening practice.
At first, Kaede suspected the older man had ulterior motives. After all, it had already become common knowledge across Konoha that he was now the Hokage's disciple.
But Isshin noticed his doubt immediately and addressed it with calm honesty.
"I do have some selfish motives," he admitted, "but more than that, I simply feel that you and I were destined to cross paths."
His straightforward answer disarmed Kaede completely, and from that day onward, Kaede's guard began to fade.
Time flowed quickly. Three months wasn't long, yet Kaede's growth was astounding.
He had refined his control over time — both acceleration and deceleration — and even unlocked a new ability: to freeze others in place for a few seconds.
His strength had leapt from elite chunin to jōnin-level in barely ninety days.
Only Hashirama and Tobirama knew how powerful he had become.
Of course, Kaede also knew that such rapid growth couldn't last forever. He was still young, and the limits of his body would soon catch up.
Even so, the changes within him were undeniable. The once-blurry clock in his mind had become clearer, now one-sixth visible. His chakra capacity had also expanded."
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That afternoon, Kaede was running his usual laps around Konoha, the weights on his body having been upgraded again to a heavier set.
Sweat glistened on his forehead as he pushed forward through the streets, his breath steady and rhythmic.
Suddenly, he sensed a faint movement behind him. Without hesitation, he spun on his heel and lashed out with a powerful kick.
The moment his eyes caught the figure, his expression froze.
"Tobirama-sama!"
Startled, he tried to withdraw his strength midair but lost balance, tumbling straight to the ground.
Tobirama looked down at him with a hint of intrigue. *That reaction speed... and that power. Remarkable.*
In such a short time, Kaede's physical ability had already exceeded what Tobirama expected from anyone his age. The growth was bordering on unnatural.
Is the Time Kekkei Genkai truly this extraordinary?
He was lost in thought until Kaede's voice pulled him back.
"Tobirama-sama, did you need something from me?"
Tobirama coughed lightly to hide his momentary distraction and returned to his usual serious demeanor.
"I assume you've heard about the unrest lately?"
Kaede blinked, tilting his head in confusion. "Unrest? I've been training nonstop these past three months. I barely have time to eat, let alone listen to rumors."
Tobirama paused, visibly surprised. "...Is that so? Then I suppose you've been more disciplined than most."
His tone softened slightly before he continued, "Come with me. There's a meeting that requires your attendance."
Kaede froze. "A meeting? Why would I need to be there? I don't even hold a ninja rank."
"Don't underestimate yourself," Tobirama replied, glancing at him meaningfully. "Your current status ranks higher than many clan leaders."
Kaede instinctively took a small step back, unease creeping into his voice. "I… don't think that's true."
"Enough talk," Tobirama said curtly. "Follow me. Don't keep us waiting."
He reached into his cloak and, almost as an afterthought, handed Kaede something.
It was a forehead protector.
Kaede looked at it, confusion deepening. "Just like that? You're giving this to me without a test?"
"Heh. I've seen your progress. There's no need for a formality. No one will question my judgment."
The words were casual, but Kaede still felt the weight of the gesture. He quietly tied the protector around his forehead.
Tobirama nodded in approval before placing a hand on Kaede's shoulder. In the blink of an eye, they vanished.
The world blurred — and when it settled, Kaede found himself standing outside a massive wooden door.
"Flying Thunder God really is convenient," Kaede muttered under his breath. "Perfect for travel and... well, ambushes."
The vein pulsing on Tobirama's forehead suggested he'd heard that, but he said nothing and opened the door.
Inside was a long rectangular table surrounded by Konoha's most powerful figures. The atmosphere was heavy and commanding.
As Kaede entered, countless eyes turned toward him. He could feel their scrutiny like blades against his skin.
He swallowed hard but forced himself to keep walking, trailing behind Tobirama.
Seated at the head of the table was Hashirama, wearing the Hokage's robe and hat. At his side sat Uchiha Madara, his crimson eyes half-lidded, sharp and unreadable.
Around them were the heads of every major clan — Senju, Uchiha, Hyuga, Aburame, Nara, and more.
"Kaede, sit here," Hashirama called with a warm smile, gesturing to the seat beside him.
Relieved, Kaede hurried over and sat down.
Whispers broke out across the room almost immediately. Some were curious, others skeptical.
Kaede felt every word like a weight pressing down on him, but Hashirama seemed unfazed.
He tried to focus, but the pressure was suffocating.
This seat... is way too hot.
On one side sat the God of Shinobi himself. On the other, the infamous Uchiha Madara — a man whose name alone struck fear across nations.
And standing right behind him, arms crossed and expression cold as ice, was Senju Tobirama — Konoha's master of forbidden jutsu.
Kaede felt like a child seated among legends.
Even though he was the Hokage's disciple, the others in the room were all veterans of war, most of them jōnin or higher.
Every single one of them carried years of battlefield experience and scars that told their own stories.
In comparison, he was a newcomer — one who suddenly found himself sitting among the founders of history itself.