Chapter eight: Stories of the Past
It was another warm, breezy morning in Konoha. Naruto woke up early, brimming with energy and excitement. His training sessions with Riku had become one of the highlights of his day. Despite the mystery surrounding his mentor, Naruto couldn't deny that Riku's teachings were having a huge impact on his skills. The man had an uncanny knack for understanding Naruto's strengths and weaknesses, guiding him in ways that few others ever had.
Today, however, Naruto was especially curious. He'd overheard Kakashi mention something to the Third Hokage recently—something about Riku's skills being familiar. The words had stuck in Naruto's mind, stirring up a curiosity he couldn't shake.
Maybe Riku and the Old Man know each other? he thought as he walked through the village.
The thought of his teacher and the Hokage being old friends intrigued him. Naruto's respect for both men had only grown recently, especially after seeing Hiruzen Sarutobi's wisdom and Riku's strength firsthand.
When he arrived at the usual training spot, Riku was already there, standing in his familiar relaxed stance with an amused look on his face.
"You're early, Naruto," Riku greeted with a nod, his calm eyes gleaming with a hint of curiosity.
"Yeah, I've got a question for you today!" Naruto said, grinning. "How do you know the Old Man, anyway? Kakashi-sensei mentioned something, and now I can't stop thinking about it."
Riku's expression shifted slightly, his usual calm demeanor showing a flicker of surprise. He crossed his arms, letting out a low chuckle. "Ah, Hiruzen… I suppose it was only a matter of time before you found out. The Third and I go back a long way."
Naruto's eyes widened with excitement. "Really? How far back? Were you guys, like, best friends or something?"
Riku tilted his head, considering the question. "Not exactly 'best friends,' but we've known each other since we were young, probably even younger than you are now. We trained together, went on missions, and had each other's backs during some tough times."
Naruto's curiosity was piqued further. "You trained with him? Wait… does that mean you were as strong as the Hokage back then?"
A wry smile crossed Riku's face. "We were both strong in different ways. Hiruzen always had a natural talent for leadership and diplomacy, while I… well, I preferred to solve problems more directly, you could say."
Naruto leaned forward, fascinated. "Wow… so, you were both like, ninja prodigies?"
"Not exactly," Riku replied, chuckling. "Back then, we were just two ambitious kids trying to prove ourselves. The village was still young, and there were always threats lurking around. We went through plenty of ups and downs together. Hiruzen was often the voice of reason, the one who kept me grounded."
Naruto's eyes sparkled with excitement. "What kind of missions did you guys do? Did you fight anyone strong?"
Riku nodded, his gaze drifting as if recalling distant memories. "There were plenty of battles and plenty of foes. Hiruzen was always the strategic thinker, the one who planned everything down to the smallest detail. I, on the other hand, was known for being... a bit unpredictable. Some might even say reckless."
Naruto laughed. "Kinda sounds like me!"
"Maybe that's why I like you so much, Naruto," Riku replied with a small smile. "You remind me of those days when I thought anything was possible."
Naruto tilted his head. "So, if you guys were so close, why didn't you become Hokage too?"
Riku's smile faded slightly. "It was never my path. I was always more suited to working behind the scenes, supporting the village in my own way. Hiruzen was meant to be Hokage—he had the heart, the patience, and the wisdom needed to lead Konoha. I was more… how should I put it… suited to action rather than leadership."
"So you just… stepped back?" Naruto asked, a bit of surprise in his voice.
"In a way, yes. I knew Hiruzen would lead well, and that allowed me to pursue other things. There's a certain freedom in not being the one to carry the weight of a whole village on your shoulders." Riku's eyes softened as he looked at Naruto. "But it also takes courage to lead others. Hiruzen has shown that strength many times over the years."
Naruto frowned slightly, feeling a bit conflicted. "But… didn't you ever want that kind of responsibility? I mean, wouldn't being Hokage mean everyone respected you even more?"
Riku shook his head. "Respect isn't about titles, Naruto. True respect is earned through actions, not by wearing a hat or sitting in an office. Hiruzen taught me that. And besides… some of the strongest bonds are formed by those who work behind the scenes, quietly protecting what they love."
Naruto fell silent, letting Riku's words sink in. He'd always thought of being Hokage as the ultimate form of respect and strength. But hearing Riku talk about his choices gave him a new perspective.
"So… you and the Old Man really trust each other, huh?" Naruto asked finally.
Riku nodded. "I'd trust Hiruzen with my life, just as he'd trust me with his. It's the kind of bond you can only form after going through countless battles together, knowing that the other person will always have your back."
Naruto's face lit up with a smile. "That's so cool! Maybe one day, I'll have friends like that too."
Riku chuckled. "If you keep training and pushing yourself, you just might. Bonds like that aren't formed overnight; they're forged through shared challenges, through hardships… and through trust."
Naruto's gaze turned serious as he absorbed Riku's words. "I think I get it. Kinda like how I'm trying to get stronger with Team 7. They're… they're annoying sometimes, but I think we're getting closer."
"Good," Riku replied with a nod. "Treasure those connections, Naruto. They're as important as any jutsu or skill you learn."
There was a brief silence between them, comfortable and companionable, until Naruto broke it with another question.
"So… you think I can become Hokage one day?" he asked, his voice filled with hopeful uncertainty.
Riku regarded him with a warm, knowing look. "You've got the heart for it, Naruto. But remember, being Hokage isn't about being the strongest or the loudest. It's about having the courage to protect everyone, even at great personal cost. Hiruzen knows that well."
Naruto grinned, determination shining in his eyes. "I'll remember that! Thanks, Riku-sensei."
Riku smiled, reaching out to ruffle Naruto's hair. "Good. Now, enough talk. Let's get back to training—you've still got a lot to learn before you're ready for the responsibilities you want to take on."
With that, they continued their session, Naruto pushing himself harder than ever, inspired by the stories of Riku and the Hokage's past. The bond between him and his mentor grew stronger with every lesson, every bit of advice, and every shared memory. And for Naruto, this friendship with Riku was becoming one of the most meaningful parts of his