"Psychic Shadows of the Hidden Leaf

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The Fourth Hokage has unfortunately perished during the Nine Tails demon fox attack. I will temporarily assume the position of Hokage until a Fifth Hokage is chosen," declared Sarutobi Hiruzen, his voice steady despite the grief etched on his face.

Standing on the Hokage stage, the wind lifted the edges of his Hokage robe. Beneath him, the crowd of villagers and shinobi gathered in somber silence. The weight of loss hung heavy in the air.

Less than a year into his term, the Fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato, was gone, leaving a void that seemed insurmountable. The people of Konoha mourned not only the man but the symbol of strength and hope he represented.

Among those present was Kaitan, standing with Dunko and others. His gaze was fixed on the elderly Third Hokage, his thoughts turbulent.

Why wasn't it the Third Hokage who sacrificed himself? Kaitan wondered bitterly. The forbidden techniques of the Second Hokage and the ninjutsu developed by others should have been enough to manage this crisis. The Nine Tails has existed for centuries—why is it only now that we falter?

Perhaps it was because the Third Hokage lacked proficiency in sealing techniques. Or perhaps fate had simply chosen a different path.

"Such a tragedy," Shenu sighed beside him.

"Indeed. The future looks uncertain," Kaitan agreed.

The death of the Fourth Hokage reverberated far beyond Konoha. Just as the demise of the Third Kazekage had destabilized the Hidden Sand and spurred the Third Shinobi War, Minato's passing threatened to shake the foundations of the ninja world.

Countries allied with Konoha, including the Land of Fire, would likely question the village's strength and reduce their support. Fewer missions would mean fewer resources and less training for young ninjas, creating a dangerous domino effect.

To stabilize the situation, Konoha's leadership opted for a cautious approach, reinstalling the Third Hokage as an interim leader rather than selecting an inexperienced replacement. Sarutobi Hiruzen's experience would, they hoped, guide the village through its darkest hours.

---

In the days following the attack, Konoha's residents gathered before the memorial stone to mourn. The names of those lost, including the Fourth Hokage, were etched into its surface.

For Kaitan, the ritual of honoring the fallen was all too familiar. He had stood at this very spot countless times after battles, offering prayers for comrades who would never return. Thankfully, his family had survived the Nine Tails' rampage unscathed. His focus now was on paying respects to the Fourth Hokage, a man he deeply admired.

Minato's courage and skill were legendary, and his sacrifice, along with that of his wife Kushina, left an indelible mark on Konoha.

---

Life moved forward, as it always did.

One morning, a year and a half after the Nine Tails incident, Kaitan was engrossed in a book titled Theoretical Research on Barrier Ninjutsu. He was studying diligently, as he had since the Third Hokage resumed leadership.

An Anbu operative appeared suddenly, breaking his concentration.

"Kaitan, Lord Hokage has summoned you to his office," the masked ninja said.

"Do I need to prepare anything?" Kaitan asked, setting the book aside.

"No need. Follow me."

As they stepped outside, sunlight streamed through the clouds, warming the village below. Kaitan's mind raced. Why had the Hokage summoned him?

Now a Special Jōnin, Kaitan had excelled in the analysis team, where his mind-reading abilities surpassed even those of Yamanako. Although he rarely participated in combat, his skills in extracting information and solving complex problems were invaluable.

When they reached the Hokage's office, Kaitan knocked on the door.

"Enter," came Sarutobi Hiruzen's voice.

Opening the door, Kaitan stepped inside. The Third Hokage sat behind his desk, a mountain of documents before him. Two assistants flanked him, scribbling notes.

"Lord Hokage," Kaitan greeted, bowing respectfully.

"Ah, Kaitan," Sarutobi said with a smile. "You've grown stronger over the years. I'm pleased to see your progress."

"Thank you, Lord Hokage, but I still have much to learn."

"Haha, modest as always," Sarutobi chuckled.

"I've called you here for an important matter," he continued, his tone turning serious. "As you know, the Nine Tails incident and the war before it left Konoha with heavy losses. Many of our finest Jōnin were lost, and it has been difficult to rebuild."

"Yes, I understand," Kaitan replied.

"Given your abilities and experience, we believe you're ready to take on a new responsibility. I want you to lead a team of Genin."

Kaitan was surprised. He hadn't expected such an assignment. Though he enjoyed his work in the analysis team, the opportunity to mentor the next generation intrigued him.

"It would be an honor," he said firmly. "I'll do my best to guide them and uphold Konoha's future."

Sarutobi smiled, clearly pleased. "Excellent. Here is the list of your team members."

Kaitan took the document and scanned it.

Umino Iruka: Excellent theoretical scores, average practical skills, proficient in the Three Basic Jutsu, and average physical abilities.

Mibu Shinobu: Good theoretical scores, average practical skills, proficient in the Three Basic Jutsu, and average physical abilities.

Thorny Iron Wire: Outstanding in all areas, including theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and physical abilities. Particularly skilled in space-time ninjutsu and weapon manipulation.

Kaitan raised an eyebrow. The first name was familiar—Iruka was well-known for his cheerful demeanor and dedication. As for Thorny Iron Wire, his mastery of advanced techniques suggested a promising future.

"An interesting group," Kaitan mused aloud. "Iruka seems suited for teaching, judging by his profile. As for Thorny Iron Wire... well, his potential is clear. But why do they all cover their heads? Are they trying to imitate me?"

Sarutobi chuckled. "I'll leave their training in your capable hands. Remember, guiding the next generation is one of the most important duties a ninja can undertake."

"Understood," Kaitan said, bowing deeply.

---

As Kaitan left the office, he felt a sense of excitement. The prospect of working with young ninjas and shaping their paths was a challenge he was ready to embrace.

The sun shone brightly above Konoha, a reminder that even after the darkest nights, the light would always return.

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