Resolve

[Hideaki Yasahiro]

Hideaki made his way up the corridor, which lead to the open halls of the Hokage tower. The winding walls curved along the hard wooden floorboards that clanked on, as his sandals hit each stride. The main lobby came into focus up ahead; the young Genin began to retract into his mind the decisions that lead him here, now, in the most esteemed building in all of the Leaf village, the Hokage’s Tower. With its forever curving hallways, and slight windowless cracks that breathed life into the shadow-less beams of light, the tower stood at the helm of the village.Letting out a subtle sigh Hideaki stood before the door, his head hung low in quiet reflection, fingertips gently resting on the doorknob.

Though it was a great honor to be summoned by the Hokage’s offices, the Genin quickly learned the nature of his visit. The scroll went on in detail; illustrating a great opportunity was within the child’s grasp. However the fact of the matter was Hideaki at age 12 had recently just graduated from the Shinobi Academy. He was not the fastest nor was he the strongest of his class, yet his skills lie elsewhere; in leadership, and strategic advantages. Ultimately the summons arrived shortly after the child was officially entered into the village’s data sheet, containing all active Shinobi.

The large wooden door slowly creaked open, once inside Hideaki stood by the doorway his hand still resting on the knob. Directly in front of him was a wide arching window, which brought into view the entire center of the village below. The sight was truly splendid, the way the suns rays effortlessly crept in, with spots of dust in the air. Lost in the view the young Genin was startled to hear a women’s voice, calling out to him from the left corner of the room. Turning to face the direction of the voice he was pleased to see that the Hokage had not seen him space out like that.

“Senju, Hideaki correct? We’ve been expecting you, please have a seat”. The women was dressed in a traditional blue kimono garb and large spectacles, she also had her hair done up in a bun. She signaled with an outstretched arm and a smile for the boy to sit. Slowly resting down in the oval shaped leathery chair, Hideaki sat upright and proper. Being sure to make direct eye contact with his hostess.

“Yes, I am Senju, Hideaki”. The boy said with a confident voice. The women smiled back, as if pleased. Lifting a stack of papers to her face and clearing her throat, she blocked off Hideaki’s ability to read her face. “I assume you received the parchment delivered to your family estate, correct? The offices here at the Hokage Tower have selected you; based off of your academic prospects, exemplary marks on strategic warfare, and overall potential, to study under the Hokage.” Hideaki’s rested his hands in his lap and began to fiddle with his fingers. A million and one thoughts began rushing in his head. “What does this even mean? Do I really deserve this? I can name at least 4 other kids in my class, off the top of my head that are faster and stronger than me. There has to be a catch.”

Allowing for the information to processes the women shuffled the papers before her once more, resting the stack gently on the table; she began to make eye contact with Hideaki across the table. She spoke direct, “this great opportunity comes with its risks. You will be faced with a set of challenges to determine if you are qualified to even breath the same air as our esteemed leader, the Hokage. You have been selected this much is true however the rest is in your hands now; you have the blessing from the Hokage office. Now please, wait by that door until told to come in, goodluck… you will need it.”

Hideaki rose confidently making his way to the large arching wooden doorway closed before him, looking onward waiting for the signal….. with a clear mind.