Konoha was a village full of whispers, and today, they revolved around a single boy.
Aki.
Red hair, piercing cross-shaped pupils, and a presence that demanded attention.
After his earlier run-in with the bullies, rumors spread like wildfire. Some said he was a new Uchiha, others thought he was a Hoshigaki, and a few whispered that he was an illegitimate Senju with a unique bloodline.
Of course, none of them were true.
But it was enough for the higher-ups to notice.
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Deep in the Hokage's office, an ANBU kneeled before Hiruzen, relaying his report.
"He easily handled the bullies harassing Hinata Hyuga and Naruto Uzumaki. His strength appears beyond a typical Academy student, but there is no indication of hostility."
Hiruzen hummed as he exhaled a cloud of smoke. "Interesting… But not alarming. Many children inherit unique traits from their clans. Keep watch, but do not interfere."
From the shadows, Danzo's hidden agents listened.
The old war hawk, however, was less dismissive.
"A stray anomaly. I need more information."
Danzo ordered Root to gather intelligence but refrained from action. For now.
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Aki exhaled as he leaned back on a floating platform, his body resting within his mindscape domain.
Aelthrys sat above him, her throne of crystallized void energy radiating authority, yet her expression was full of amusement.
"I wasn't expecting you back so soon." She flipped a nonexistent book as if reading for leisure. "Miss me already?"
Aki smirked. "I needed a break from playing 'mysterious new kid.'"
Ael rolled her eyes and snapped her fingers. A steaming cup of ethereal tea appeared in his hand. "Then rest. Drink. You're still growing, after all."
He took a sip, feeling the energy-infused warmth spread through his veins. "You really enjoy babying me, huh?"
Ael smiled. "You may be strong, but you're still my little brother. Let me have my fun."
Aki chuckled. Fine. I guess being spoiled isn't so bad.
They spent time talking, strategizing his next moves.
Ael advised him to keep his abilities under wraps for now.
Aki confirmed his training plan — perfecting his newly unsealed Energy Core abilities.He
casually leaned into Ael's lap, enjoying the quiet.
Eventually, he left the mindscape, refreshed and mentally sharper than before.
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Back in the real world, Aki strolled through the market, taking in the atmosphere.
That's when he bumped into a trio of familiar faces.
Ino Yamanaka, Shikamaru Nara, and Choji Akimichi.
The moment Ino's sharp eyes landed on him, she grinned.
"Whoa~ You're new." She tilted her head, flashing a charming smile. "And kinda cute. Got a name, handsome?"
Aki smirked. "Aki. And you must be the famed Yamanaka princess."
For a second, Ino blinked in surprise, but she quickly recovered, flipping her blonde hair.
"Smart and handsome? I might keep you around."
Shikamaru sighed. "Great. Another troublesome guy to deal with."
Choji, meanwhile, simply nodded in approval while munching on a bag of chips.
After a bit of banter, Aki found himself relaxing around them.
-Ino's flirty yet competitive personality was amusing.
-Shikamaru's lazy but insightful attitude reminded him of a retired war general.
-Choji? Chill as hell. And anyone who respected food was an ally in Aki's book.
By the time they parted ways, Aki had made new allies
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As he walked away, Aki's gaze flickered toward the Hyuga Compound.
Hinata had vanished into her clan's walls, too shy to approach him again.
He smirked. Guess I'll have to be the one to find her.
Aki casually bit into a dango skewer, standing under the soft glow of Konoha's lanterns, already planning his next move.
Tomorrow?
It was time to meet Hinata again.