"Can you tell me why?"After a long silence, the Third Hokage finally asked.
Fujimoto Tōma explained his reasoning plainly. His fundamentals were already solid. What he lacked now was real combat experience. Missions where hesitation got people killed. Encounters where the enemy didn't hold back.
"…Good."The Third Hokage nodded, genuinely relieved. He hadn't originally planned to place Tōma in ANBU, but the boy's goals were clear, his reasoning sound. There was no reason to refuse.
"I'll arrange an ANBU identity for you."
"Thank you, Grandpa."Tōma meant it. That status alone would cut away countless future obstacles. Trouble would still come, of course, but for now he was young enough to remain below most people's radar. That mattered.
The Hokage suddenly smiled, a teasing glint in his eyes."It's almost time for school to let out. Shouldn't you be picking up the Yamanaka girl?"
"…Mm."For once, color crept into Tōma's face.
The Third Hokage burst into laughter. That's more like it, he thought. A child should look like a child sometimes.
"One more thing," the Hokage added. "Tomorrow, don't send a shadow clone to the Academy. Go yourself. Say goodbye properly."
"I will."
"Good. Now go. Don't keep your little girlfriend waiting."
Tōma left a bit faster than usual. The old man watched him go, laughing quietly. He really had started enjoying moments like this. Far too much. He was already at an age where family warmth mattered more than power… yet time never waited.
After Tōma left, the Hokage tapped his desk.An ANBU wearing a familiar mask appeared instantly.
"You heard everything," the Hokage said.
"Yes. I'll prepare a suitable ANBU unit for him."The ANBU captain felt bitter inside. This was a terrifying assignment. If anything happened to the Hokage's grand-disciple, his own future would end right there.
The Hokage hesitated, then asked softly,"Do you think… I can hold on long enough to see him grow?"
The ANBU captain fell silent. What answer could he give? He could only say the Hokage was still strong, still healthy.
The Hokage waved it off with a tired shake of his head."Go. Make the arrangements."
The ANBU vanished, leaving the old man alone with his thoughts.
"Tōma!"
At the familiar meeting spot, Yamanaka Ino's eyes lit up. She jogged over and clung to his arm, glancing around with clear territorial intent. The girls nearby ground their teeth in frustration.
They had already given up on Tōma long ago. Years of failed attempts made that clear. Ino, meanwhile, had advanced without resistance, growing closer to him day by day.
It didn't help that Tōma had grown fast. Taller, broader, calm in a way that felt reassuring. Sasuke was popular, sure, but Tōma's presence felt… solid. Safe. And unfortunately for everyone else, his eyes seemed to hold only Ino.
Halfway home, once no one else was nearby, Tōma spoke.
"Ino, there's something I need to tell you."
"What is it?"Her heart skipped. A bad feeling stirred. He wouldn't… he wouldn't do something like that…
"I've graduated early."
"…Oh. Okay."She relaxed for half a second, then froze. "…Wait. Graduated?"
"I'm sorry. I probably won't be able to walk you home anymore."ANBU missions required full readiness. No clones left behind. No shortcuts.
Ino's shoulders drooped slightly. She forced a smile anyway."That's… that's a good thing. With your strength, it makes sense. Don't worry. I'll catch up to you."
She didn't want to hold him back. This wasn't the time for selfishness.
"I'll be waiting," Tōma said, gently pinching her cheek.
Her face turned bright red, but she didn't stop him this time. Maybe because she knew it would be one of the last moments like this for a while.
After wandering together for a bit longer, they reached the Yamanaka household.
Ino hesitated, then looked up at him seriously.
"Tōma."
"Yeah?"
"Don't like other girls. And… don't forget me."
Before he could reply, she stepped forward, kissed his cheek, shoved him lightly, and ran inside with a red face.
Tōma touched the spot she kissed. He could have dodged. He chose not to.
"I won't," he said softly.
A light breeze carried his words. Ino heard them inside, her smile bright and unguarded.