Naruto: The heir of the Hoshino clan.

Seiji watched the ANBU in front of him with some apprehension. Based on his tone of voice, the ANBU didn't seem much older than him.

'Maybe around 12 years old?'

However, that didn't make him let his guard down. No matter how young he seemed, he was still a member of the elite ANBU corps, which was a clear indicator of the skill and talent the young ANBU must possess.

"I understand... May I ask what the Hokage-sama needs from me?"

He asked a bit fearfully, unable to imagine why his presence was being requested.

After all, Seiji couldn't think of any reason why a figure as important as the Hokage would have business with someone like him.

"Don't worry, the Hokage-sama just wants to discuss some matters regarding your enrollment in the academy."

The young ANBU spoke in a soft tone the entire time, seemingly trying to reassure him, and although Seiji couldn't see his face, he felt like the ANBU was smiling at him.

'I guess that would explain it... after all, I'm the only member of the newly established Hoshino clan. But couldn't someone else handle that?'

"Alright, let's go. We shouldn't keep the Hokage-sama waiting."

Ignoring the confusion of the situation, he decided to simply do as he was told. Seiji didn't want to bother such an important person, especially the most "powerful" person in the village.

"Okay, follow me. I'll guide you to the Hokage-sama."

Seiji nodded, silently following the young ANBU.

The journey seemed like it would take a while, especially considering his short legs, which made the trip feel longer.

Along the way, he couldn't help but stare at the ANBU's back. Aside from his face, which was covered by the mask, what stood out the most was his black hair.

'I guess it's not that hard to figure out who he is...'

One of the habits his father often encouraged him to follow in his letters was to pay attention to important information in the shinobi world. He was constantly reminded to always stay aware of the news in the ninja world. Apparently, this information would serve him well in his life as a ninja after graduating from the academy.

'Once again, my father is right.'

The advice his father left him in his letters, no matter how absurd it seemed, always hit the mark. The biggest proof was that he could guess the identity of the ANBU in front of him.

What does it take to join the ANBU? Considerable strength or promising talent.

And what young boy around 12 years old with black hair fits that description?

What young boy with those characteristics is famous enough to have a bounty on his head in other villages?

There was only one young boy who fit those characteristics and could be recruited by the ANBU.

Shisui of the Body Flicker.

'An Uchiha...'

His father left a large collection of letters, and each one felt like a piece of him. That's why Seiji had read them countless times, to the point of memorizing their contents.

In them, there were everything from casual chats to advice. But there were also numerous warnings.

For example:

- Never mock anyone with red hair.

- Never interrupt an Akimichi's meal.

- Never disturb a Nara's sleep.

- Never ask about the internal politics of the Hyuga.

- Never call a blonde woman with a mark on her forehead "old."

Those were just a few examples. Seiji thought some of the warnings were too specific, to the point where he wondered what kind of life his father had led.

But there was one warning his father always emphasized very clearly:

'Never associate with the Uchiha clan...'

Seiji wondered if his kind father was a bit racist, but something must have happened for him to think that way, right?

That same warning was the reason he coldly rejected the advances of the youngest daughter of the Uchiha clan's patriarch. That event led him to endure the glares of the eldest son.

*Sigh.*

After getting lost in his thoughts, he hadn't noticed that the young ANBU, whose presumed identity was the Uchiha genius, had slowed his pace.

And since there was still a considerable distance to their destination, he could assume the ANBU wanted to strike up a conversation.

"Seiji, you seem quite intelligent for your age, especially your gaze... you remind me of a friend of mine."

'I wonder what the point of starting a conversation is.'

"Really? I hear that often. Also, may I ask which friend you're referring to?"

Although Seiji felt he already knew the answer, he still asked. After all, when would he ever get the chance to have a conversation with one of Konoha's greatest geniuses again?

Besides, he wanted to know if his father's warnings had any basis or not. Or if it was just senseless animosity, like the Second Hokage, Lady Tobirama.

"You really remind me of him. Both of you have a way of speaking that's too sophisticated for your age."

Shisui was reluctant to reveal the name of his friend, though he didn't know that his identity was already known to Seiji.

"Though I don't think you'd get along... you see, he's a bit overprotective of his younger sister, and she seemed interested in you."

'Well, that confirms it. Also, that guy is still upset with me. Great.'

Shisui seemed confident that Seiji wouldn't figure out who he was referring to, given the large number of girls who often bothered him. Though he couldn't be more wrong.

"I see..."

Seiji didn't know how to react to that comment. No matter how smart he was, he was still a child, and talking about such topics made him uncomfortable.

After a long and awkward silence, Shisui broke the ice.

"Seiji... How much do you know about your father?"

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