Naruto: Maelstrom Of The Uzumaki

"According to Hokage-sama's order, from today onward, you will be my subordinate!"

Yuhi Makoto's words hung in the air as Raiden Uzumaki furrowed his brow. His expression turned thoughtful as he considered the implications.

"Is the old man keeping an eye on me?" Raiden mused. "The timing is too perfect. Right after leaving the Hatake household, my reassignment comes through."

He pondered further, considering the possibilities. "Did the old man anticipate Hatake Sakumo's rejection? Or was this his plan all along?"

Raiden's mind raced with suspicion, but he couldn't sense any surveillance. His sensory skills were finely tuned, and any use of the Third Hokage's Telescope Technique would have been detectable. If there was any other method in play, it eluded even his abilities.

In reality, Raiden was overthinking. The swift reassignment was simply because Sakumo Hatake, after rejecting Raiden as Kakashi's mentor, had promptly informed Sarutobi Hiruzen using a secret communication method. The Third Hokage, seeing an opportunity, immediately reassigned Raiden to his personal guard, dispatching Yuhi Makoto to handle the matter.

"Congratulations, Uzumaki Raiden!"

Makoto's cheerful voice broke Raiden's train of thought. "Joining Hokage-sama's direct guard at your age is impressive! Your future looks bright!"

Raiden blinked, staring at Makoto with an incredulous expression. "You said I'd be your subordinate?"

Makoto nodded, slightly confused by the question. "Yes. Is there a problem?"

Raiden tilted his head. "Didn't you say I'm joining the Hokage's direct guard? Why am I your subordinate, then?"

Makoto laughed nervously, glancing around as if embarrassed. "Well... let's discuss that later. If you're free, we'll have a proper chat once we're somewhere more private."

Sensing there was more to the situation than Makoto was letting on, Raiden decided not to press further. After quickly finishing their ramen, the two left Ichiraku Ramen and headed to a nearby park.

Clarifications in the Park

The pair found a secluded stone bench, where Makoto set up a privacy barrier before reclining lazily. "Alright, ask your questions," he said, grinning. "I'll answer what I can."

Raiden crossed his arms. "I don't want to be the old man's guard. What happens if I refuse?"

Makoto was stunned, staring blankly at Raiden for a moment. "...You're serious?"

Raiden nodded.

Makoto sighed, rubbing his temples. "That's Hokage-sama's order. You don't just say 'no.'"

"I know it's an order," Raiden replied casually, staring up at the stars. "But I don't want to follow it. I have my own plans. I'd rather jump off the Hokage Rock than be the Third Hokage's lackey."

Makoto gaped at him, trying to process the audacity of Raiden's words. "Are you kidding me? Do you know how prestigious this role is? You're skipping straight to special Jonin rank, becoming one of Hokage-sama's personal guards! Most ninjas work their whole lives and never achieve that."

Raiden smirked. "Sounds boring. I value my freedom too much to be tied down."

Makoto groaned, trying another tactic. "You don't even know how free this role is! The Hokage's guard team rotates duties. Most of the time, you're not even actively guarding Hokage-sama. You'll only be on duty about five times a week, and the pay is excellent—100 million ryo per month. That's as much as completing an S-rank mission!"

Raiden's expression shifted. "Wait... really?"

Makoto nodded enthusiastically.

"Well, why didn't the old man explain that?" Raiden muttered, sitting up straight. His attitude flipped instantly. "When do I start? Let's get to work!"

Makoto blinked, dumbfounded by Raiden's sudden change in demeanor. "Is this guy serious?" he muttered under his breath.

The Next Morning

Raiden arrived early at the Hokage Building after a hearty breakfast. Pushing open the door to the Third Hokage's office, he found several familiar faces.

Standing near the desk was Namikaze Minato, alongside Kakashi, and two unfamiliar children who looked around eleven or twelve years old.

"Raiden!" Minato greeted warmly. "What a coincidence!"

Raiden smiled and waved. "Minato, long time no see." His gaze shifted to Kakashi, who quickly averted his eyes. "Hey, kid, no greeting for your old teacher?" Raiden teased, ruffling Kakashi's hair.

"Sorry, Teacher Raiden," Kakashi mumbled, looking sheepish.

"What happened here?" Minato asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Nothing serious," Raiden replied with a grin, stepping toward the Third Hokage's desk. "I'm here to report, Hokage-sama."

Sarutobi Hiruzen, seated behind the desk, smiled warmly. "Good timing. Wait for a moment, Raiden. I'll finish assigning Minato's team their task first."

Raiden nodded and leaned against the large window, observing quietly as the Hokage assigned a simple mission—catching a stray cat—to Minato's newly formed Genin team.

A New Assignment

Once Minato and his team departed, Sarutobi Hiruzen rose from his chair and approached Raiden. Placing a hand on his shoulder, he studied Raiden intently before saying, "Come with me."

Raiden followed the Hokage without hesitation, curious about what lay ahead.

(End of Chapter)

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