Entering the Elite Training Grounds
Satoru stepped into the elite training grounds of ANBU. The harsh afternoon sunlight cast long shadows against the stone walls, stretching his silhouette across the floor.
As an instructor at the Ninja Academy, this was the first time he had set foot in a place that gathered the most prominent figures of Konoha's hidden power—the ones destined to become the pillars of their clans.
His gaze swept across the room, memorizing each individual present.
At the center stood the **Uchiha clan members** from the Konoha Military Police Force: **Uchiha Inabi** and **Uchiha Yashiro**, their cold, unreadable expressions displaying the unmistakable arrogance of their lineage. These were the same men who would one day investigate Itachi after Shisui's death. Surrounding them were more young elites of the Uchiha clan, all radiating an air of superiority, as if their very presence declared: *We are the strongest.*
Nearby, **Shiranui Genma** and **Tatami Iwashi** stood with a more relaxed demeanor, their sharp eyes carrying a mix of indifference and acute observation. Satoru recognized them instantly—future personal guards of the Fourth Hokage and users of the improvised **Flying Thunder God Technique**.
The **Hyuga clan's elite** were also present. **Hyuga Tokuma** and **Hyuga Hizashi** stood side by side, their Byakugan eyes calm yet piercing. Hizashi, in particular, bore the infamous **Caged Bird Seal**, marking him as the father of a future genius, Neji.
Among the tacticians, one figure stood out—**Nara Shikaku**. Hands in his pockets, he silently observed everything, speaking little but clearly processing every move. Satoru could tell that Shikaku was not just here to learn—he was here to **analyze Satoru himself** and assess his potential value to the village. Unlike others, Satoru didn't find this intrusive; he actually had a sense of respect for the man and his brilliant lineage.
Then, there was **Fuu Yamanaka**—an operative from **Danzo's Root**. Cold, calculating, and emotionless, his presence alone sent a warning to Satoru. Fuu was a master of **Mind-Reading Jutsu**, and no doubt, Danzo had sent him here to evaluate the potential of **Haki Observation** and how it could be incorporated into Root's operations.
In the far corner, **Akimichi clan warriors** stood, their towering forms radiating pure strength.
Satoru swallowed lightly.
Every single person in this room was either a **highly influential figure or a future powerhouse**.
This training wasn't just about teaching Haki Observation—it was **his chance to cement his name among the elite of Konoha**.
---
### **The Serpent's Gaze**
Taking a deep breath, Satoru prepared to introduce himself, but before he could step forward, the door to the training hall swung open.
Three figures entered.
The atmosphere changed instantly.
The first figure exuded authority—not oppressive, but undeniable. **Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen** walked in, his kind yet piercing gaze sweeping across the room.
Beside him, a tall man in wooden sandals strode in with a carefree smirk—**Jiraiya**.
But the last figure—
Satoru instinctively clenched his fists.
A pale-skinned man, slender yet imposing, entered. His golden snake-like eyes gleamed with something **unsettling**.
He did not have Jiraiya's natural charisma.
Nor did he carry Hiruzen's commanding presence.
Yet, there was a **predatory aura** about him, something that made Satoru feel as if he had just been **marked as prey**.
**Orochimaru.**
His eyes flickered through the crowd, scanning each individual before settling on **Satoru**.
And then, without warning—
**His gaze locked onto Eren.**
A long, eerie silence filled the hall.
Eren did not flinch.
A void-like emptiness met the serpent's golden stare.
The tension thickened, the temperature seemingly dropping.
On one side stood **a snake**, forever hunting knowledge, searching for the ultimate form of power.
On the other—**a warrior who had lost everything**, with nothing left to fear.
Satoru subtly tightened his fists. He didn't know why Orochimaru was staring at Eren so intently, but his instincts screamed—**this was not a good sign**.
---
### **Jiraiya's Interest in Haki**
The awkward silence was finally broken—
By Jiraiya's loud, hearty laughter.
With a thundering slap to Satoru's back that nearly sent him face-first into the floor, Jiraiya beamed.
"Yo! Satoru, Eren, we were supposed to meet tonight, but I got too curious about this **Haki Observation** thing of yours, so I dragged this creepy guy along to see it firsthand."
Satoru quickly masked his emotions and composed himself.
"What an honor to meet you, Lord Orochimaru, one of the Legendary Sannin."
Orochimaru's lips curled slightly.
"Oh? You have manners." His voice slithered through the air, drawn out and silky. "I've heard much about you, Satoru…"
Satoru felt a cold shiver run down his spine.
"…If you have time, I'd love to discuss **ninjutsu theories** with you." Orochimaru's smile never faded. Then, without shifting his gaze, he added, "And with your companion as well… I find him quite **fascinating**."
Satoru's mind **screamed alarms**.
Orochimaru targeting Eren—
This was **dangerous**.
Forcing himself to remain composed, Satoru bowed slightly.
"It would be an honor to converse with a genius like you, Lord Orochimaru. Many would dream of such an opportunity."
Orochimaru chuckled softly. He knew Satoru was **deflecting**, but he didn't mind.
After all—
Prey was **more interesting when they tried to escape**.
---
### **Hiruzen's Announcement – A Gathering of Elites**
Hiruzen cleared his throat, finally stepping forward.
"All of you have been gathered here for a reason," he began, his steady voice resonating throughout the room. "Today, Konoha is implementing a **new battlefield system**, designed to enhance your perception and awareness in combat."
He turned to Satoru, giving him a look of encouragement.
"And the one responsible for introducing this new technique to you—will be **Satoru**."
A wave of **mixed reactions** rippled through the crowd.
Some curious.
Some skeptical.
And others… dismissive.
Satoru smirked slightly.
If they doubted him—
**He would simply prove himself.**
Hiruzen continued, "Haki Observation. Why does it matter? On the battlefield, heightened perception can mean the difference between life and death. This technique will provide that advantage. I expect all of you to take it seriously."
His gaze subtly drifted toward the **Uchiha members**.
They didn't protest, but their eyes remained unreadable.
Satoru let out a slow breath.
He knew **this wasn't just a training session**.
This was a test.
To see if he could carve his place among **Konoha's elite**.
With a confident step forward, **he began his lesson**.