Outside the house, a startled deer dashed across the yard, its hooves knocking against the ground. Inside the dojo, four figures sat in silence, sipping their tea.
The position of headmaster at the Ninja Academy was indeed a fitting role for Uzumaki Raiden at this stage. It ensured that the former Fourth Hokage wouldn't be sidelined completely, yet it was a relatively detached role that would prevent him from interfering too deeply in Konoha's affairs. If the village ever needed his counsel, he would still be within reach.
Although it was a spontaneous suggestion by Mitokadu Homura, it quickly gained the approval of Sarutobi Hiruzen and Koharu Utatane. However, Raiden, after his initial comment, remained silent, quietly sipping his tea without revealing his thoughts.
Hiruzen and the others waited patiently, not rushing him for a response.
After a long pause, Raiden finally spoke.
"Sensei, give me two years."
"I want to take this opportunity to travel the ninja world and see it with my own eyes. When I return, I'll take on the position of the Ninja Academy headmaster."
Raiden placed his teacup gently on the table, his gaze meeting Hiruzen's with a calm smile.
"You've made up your mind?" Hiruzen asked after a brief silence. "If that's the case, I won't try to persuade you otherwise."
"When do you plan to leave?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Mitokadu Homura's expression darkened. He couldn't understand why Hiruzen had agreed so easily.
Raiden was not only the former Fourth Hokage but also the jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails. The best course of action, in his mind, was to keep Raiden in Konoha, ensuring the village's security. The idea of him traveling freely seemed absurd.
"Hiruzen," Homura began, ready to protest, but Hiruzen shook his head slightly, signaling him to let it go.
Raiden reclined back on the floor, abandoning his previously upright posture.
"I'll leave in a little while. I want to explore alone, so please don't send anyone to watch over me," he said with a grin.
"In that case, let either me or Minato know before you leave," Hiruzen replied with a sigh.
"We won't bother you anymore. Not that you enjoy talking to us old folks much anyway."
Seeing Raiden's relaxed posture, Hiruzen understood it was their cue to leave. He stood up slowly, brushing nonexistent dust from his knees.
"Sensei, what are you saying? How could I not enjoy your company?" Raiden replied with a smirk, raising his teacup in farewell.
Hiruzen chuckled, shaking his head as he led the others out of the dojo.
Once outside, Homura finally voiced his frustration, tugging at Hiruzen's sleeve.
"Hiruzen, why did you agree to let him leave Konoha?"
"You realize he's not just the former Hokage—he's the jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails! Letting him wander alone, without protection, is reckless!"
"What if something happens to him?"
Although Homura's concerns seemed to be about Raiden's safety, everyone present knew his true fear—losing the Nine-Tails, Konoha's greatest deterrent.
"Homura, I know him better than you do," Hiruzen said softly. "Once he sets his mind on something, he won't change it."
"He defied orders even on the battlefield; do you think he'll listen now?"
Hiruzen glanced back at Raiden's house and sighed before quickening his pace.
Inside the dojo, Raiden stretched his arms, preparing to clear the table when he suddenly realized something.
"I forgot to ask Sensei where my Sakegari no Tachi went..."
Shrugging, he muttered to himself, "I'll ask Kushina when I see her. It's been too long, anyway."
Raiden quickly tidied his hair and stepped outside.
The snow in the woods had not yet melted, and the sunlight filtering through the trees cast dappled shadows on the ground. The snow reflected a dazzling white light, contrasting with the evergreen trees that remained lush even in winter.
Raiden strolled through the forest, enjoying the rare serenity of the snowy landscape.
"Hey, Kakashi! Fight me!"
"I've learned a new jutsu recently, and I'm not the same as before!"
A familiar voice pierced the air, traveling through the trees and reaching Raiden's ears.
"Obito? What's he doing out here?"
Curious, Raiden altered his path and walked towards the commotion.
In a clearing deep in the forest, Uchiha Obito adjusted his forehead protector and shouted at Kakashi Hatake with determination.
"Hey, you're no match for me. There's no need to fight," Kakashi said flatly, his expression bored beneath his mask.
"Don't be so cocky! You're still far from beating me!"
Kakashi's uninterested gaze further irritated Obito, who quickly pulled out a kunai from his pouch, preparing to challenge him.
Despite being in his late twenties, Obito still carried the enthusiasm of a child.
"Kakashi, Obito... someone's coming!" Rin Nohara suddenly raised her head, her voice laced with caution.
Both Obito and Kakashi tensed, exchanging quick glances. They waited, but no one appeared from the woods.
"Rin, are you sure?" Obito asked, walking to her side with a skeptical look.
However, Rin remained serious, her instincts telling her someone was nearby.
"Who's there? Show yourself!" Kakashi called out toward the forest.
A moment later, the soft crunch of footsteps in the snow echoed.
Raiden stepped out from the woods, hands behind his head, his bright red hair standing out against the winter landscape.
"Yo~ Long time no see, brats," he greeted with a grin.
Obito and Kakashi stood dumbfounded, their eyes widening in disbelief.
"These three students of Minato... they've been trained a little crookedly," Raiden mused to himself.
"You're obviously geniuses, but... you're still so weak," he remarked with a playful grin.
His words, however, hit Obito like a direct insult.
"What did you say?! Who the hell are you?!" Obito bristled, his pride wounded. As a member of the Uchiha clan, even if he wasn't the best, he certainly wasn't weak!
Kakashi, on the other hand, studied Raiden carefully. Something about him seemed familiar, but he couldn't quite place it.
"You... aren't you...?" Rin hesitated, piecing the memory together.
Raiden laughed. "What? Have you all forgotten me?"
"I saved your lives once, remember?"
Kakashi's eyes finally widened in recognition. The bright red hair, the familiar face—there was no mistaking it.
"The Fourth Hokage...!"
"Raiden-sama!" Rin exclaimed.
Kakashi and Rin stared in awe, while Obito still looked skeptical. It was hard to believe that the man who had been missing for four years was standing right before them.
"Yep, it's me," Raiden confirmed with a smirk.
"Four years have passed, and you three haven't made much progress. I'm a little disappointed!"
(End of this chapter)