Seeing that everyone had gotten acquainted, Naoto spoke up. "We were entrusted by sensei to guide your training."
Jiraiya immediately jumped up, skeptical. "Why is it you guys? You don't seem that strong."
Tsunade and Orochimaru turned their eyes toward the older students, also curious.
Shinku stepped forward with a calm smile. "Our sensei, the Third Hokage, has been too busy with village affairs to personally train you. Since three of you are still laying down your foundation, he entrusted us to guide you for now. He believes that a solid foundation is the most important part of a shinobi's growth. So, on our way back from Sunagakure, he instructed us to train you. As for whether or not we're strong enough to do so... well, you're welcome to test us."
At that moment, the quiet Sakumo finally spoke up. "Enough talk. Let's see what you've got." He stepped forward, his sharp gaze sweeping over the three younger students. "All of you, come at me together. I'll assess your abilities and then tailor a training plan for you." Without waiting for a response, he jumped into the center of the training field and gestured for them to attack.
Jiraiya, never one to back down, immediately rushed forward. "You're underestimating us! I'll show you what I've got!" As he charged, he pulled a handful of shuriken from his pouch and threw them at Sakumo.
But Sakumo didn't even flinch. The shuriken missed entirely, sailing past him. He rolled his eyes slightly, unimpressed.
Tsunade, chasing after Jiraiya, smacked him on the head. "Idiot! You can't even throw shuriken properly. Brother Sakumo is way stronger than you think!"
Jiraiya rubbed his head, slightly annoyed. "That hurts violent girl! That was a strategy! I threw them to restrict his movements, see? And he didn't move at all!" Though he said this confidently, even he found it strange—why hadn't Sakumo reacted at all?
Orochimaru joined them, standing beside Jiraiya and Tsunade. The three of them huddled together for a brief strategy discussion.
Moments later, they attacked from three directions—Orochimaru hanging back while Jiraiya and Tsunade charged forward, combining taijutsu and shuriken assaults. At first glance, it seemed like an even match, but in reality, Sakumo was only toying with them, carefully observing their skills.
Orochimaru, who had been staying behind, suddenly completed his hand seals. His eyes gleamed as he called out, "Now!"
Slamming his hands on the ground, he activated Earth Style: Earth Splitting Palm. A jagged crack shot forward, breaking the ground beneath Sakumo's feet. At the same time, Jiraiya and Tsunade leaped back, anticipating the attack. The ground beneath Sakumo shifted violently, tilting left and right.
Tsunade saw her chance. With a burst of speed, she rushed in, her right arm enveloped in a shimmering water-like aura. "Water Style: Flowing Water Arm! (Suiton: Ryūsui no Ude)" she shouted, swinging at Sakumo with enhanced strength.
Sakumo took the hit, sliding back from the force of the impact.
At that moment, Jiraiya completed his own hand seals. "Fire Style: Flame Bullet! (Katon: Endan)" He inhaled deeply before spewing out a massive fireball. The explosion sent up smoke and dust, completely obscuring Sakumo from view.
Jiraiya grinned smugly. "Hah! That wasn't so tough! We beat him easily!"
But as the smoke cleared, Jiraiya's expression froze. A round of wooden log lay in Sakumo's place.
"Substitution Jutsu?! When did he—?!" Jiraiya's grin instantly vanished.
Orochimaru's eyes sharpened. "Jiraiya! The fight isn't over yet—stay alert!"
The three of them tensed, scanning the area.
Silence.
Then—"Earth Style: Headhunter Jutsu! (Doton: Shinjū Zanshu no Jutsu)"
The ground beneath them stirred. Without hesitation, Tsunade and Orochimaru jumped away.
Jiraiya, however, was a step too slow. A strong hand shot out from the earth, yanking him down until only his head remained above the surface.
Orochimaru reacted instantly, forming seals. "Earth Splitting Palm! (Doton: Retsujishō)" Once again, cracks spread across the ground, loosening the soil around Jiraiya. Taking the opportunity, Jiraiya wriggled free and leaped back. As he did, he caught a brief glimpse of Sakumo crouched beneath the earth and a flicker of surprise on his usually composed face.
Sakumo sighed, realizing his cover was blown, and climbed out of the ground.
Tsunade rushed at him again, activating Flowing Water Arm, but this time, Sakumo easily dodged. The battle dragged on, and Tsunade's chakra reserves began to deplete. In the end, she couldn't keep up and was knocked back by a well-placed kick.
Orochimaru and Jiraiya, both exhausted, could probably manage one more jutsu each—but there was little point in continuing.
Understanding this, they ended the match and hurried over to check on Tsunade.
Sakumo walked up to them, a rare smile on his face. "Not bad. I recognize you three as my junior siblings now."
Shinku and Naoto approached as well, their expressions were warm with approval. "That was impressive," Shinku said. "Most Genin teams wouldn't stand a chance against you."
Sakumo nodded, "You have a great teamwork. Against a regular Genin squad, you would be already unmatchable. The only issue is your stamina and basic skills. But you're still young—there's plenty of time to improve."
Hearing such praise, Orochimaru and Tsunade couldn't help but smile. Even Jiraiya, who was usually loud and brash, rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, clearly pleased.
"Alright, let's head to the First Training Ground," Shinku said.
"The First Training Ground? Why?" Jiraiya asked.
"Sensei is waiting for us there," Sakumo answered before effortlessly hoisting Tsunade onto his back. With a flicker of movement, he vanished.
Shinku grabbed Jiraiya, and Naoto took Orochimaru, both following after Sakumo in a blur of speed.
First Training Ground —
Atop a tree branch, Hiruzen reclined against the trunk, scanning a scroll.
Even without looking, he could sense his students approaching. As he watched the older ones carrying the younger, a rare look of satisfaction crossed his face.
In this world, betrayals between disciples and masters were common. Even among family, bonds could shatter. Sarutobi had no intention of raising the students who would one day turn against him—he would not become like the original Third Hokages, killed by their own disciples which is the original soul of this body.
His thoughts briefly flickered to Orochimaru. In another future of the original anime, the boy would grow to despise his mentor because he was unable to bear seeing the once-great hero of the ninja world wither into old age.
Hiruzen exhaled, pushing the thought away. He still had time to change things.
Glancing at his own body, he saw the progress of his training. His Electromagnetic Body Enhancement Technique was showing promising results. In time, perhaps he could even develop a technique for eternal youth and longevity.
Of course, unlike Orochimaru, he had no intention of experimenting on humans. Instead, he would pursue the strength through training. After all, in this world, the existence of immortals was already proven—Otsutsuki Kaguya and the Otsutsuki clan that would appear in the future.
But research alone wouldn't be enough. He needed disciples—brilliant minds to help him explore the limits of ninjutsu.
Hiruzen let out a small chuckle. Yes, that will do nicely.
He closed the scroll, adjusted his expression, and gracefully leaped down.
As his students arrived and lined up before him, he smiled gently. "You're all here. Do you need me to introduce you?"
Tsunade beamed. "Sensei, we already met our seniors!"
"Good," Hiruzen nodded. "Then let's get started. Line up by age."
° Hatake Sakumo was the eldest.
° Yuhi Shinku was second.
° Mitarashi Naoto was third.
° Orochimaru was fourth.
° Jiraiya was fifth.
° Tsunade was the youngest.
After confirming their order, Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at them seriously and spoke:
"The Sage of the Six Paths once said, 'A teacher is like a father for life'. From this day forth, you shall carry my will, walk the path of the shinobi, and inherit the knowledge and strength I have to offer. When my time has passed, it is you who will bear the burden of my legacy. In return, I shall stand as your shield against the tempests of fate, your guiding light upon the ninja's road, your mentor in the ways of battle, and the hand that nurtures you until my final breath."
His gaze swept over them. "Are you willing to share this bond with me?"
Jiraiya immediately stepped forward. "Yes! Of course!"
Orochimaru nodded, his expression serious. "I am willing."
Tsunade smiled. "Me too."
Sakumo, Shinku, and Naoto exchanged glances before bowing their heads in unison. "Sensei, we are willing too."
Hiruzen's face softened, but his tone remained firm. "Then from now on, you will call me Master. You are not just my students—you are my disciples."
He paused before continuing,
"A teacher imparts knowledge, but a master shapes destiny. A shinobi may learn from many teachers, but they will only ever have one true master. As your master, I will not only teach you the ways of ninjutsu but also the wisdom to walk the path of a shinobi. I will share my experiences in order to prepare you for the trials ahead, and stand behind you as your shield and guide. Our bond is not one of mere instruction—it is a lineage of will and purpose. Your duty is to learn, to embody my teachings, and one day, to pass them on, ensuring that the path we walk endures beyond our time."
Taking a deep breath, he asked, "Do you all accept this? If you have any questions, now is the time."
Orochimaru remained silent for a long moment before finally speaking. "...Then, does this mean that you will be like a father to us?"
Hiruzen's expression softened. "Yes. I will treat you as my own children. Although I am not married yet and have no children of my own... I will do my best to be a good father to you all."
He crouched down slightly, looking directly at Orochimaru. In his heart, he was determined—I must lead this child down the right path.
Jiraiya, unable to contain himself, grinned. "Then, uh... Dad, can you treat me to ramen every week?"
Hiruzen chuckled. "Well sure. . and if any of you ever find yourselves without a place to stay, my home is open to you."
For the first time in two lifetimes, Hiruzen was called a father. His heart swelled with emotion.
Looking at his six disciples—five of whom were orphans—he suddenly made a decision. I should buy a proper home where we can all live together.
"Yes," he murmured to himself. "I'll buy a house big enough for all of us. Seven rooms—one for each of us. We'll be a family."
And so, the foundations of a new kind of shinobi family were laid.