**An Unexpected Evening**
That evening, before heading to the western forest as usual, Satoru paused in front of Ayane's door.
It was the first time they would meet in private, just the two of them.
Though she said it was to discuss students, in reality... this felt a lot like a first date.
Satoru took a deep breath, then knocked softly.
*Knock knock!*
Light footsteps echoed behind the door. It creaked open to reveal a slightly nervous yet hopeful face.
"Satoru-kun, you're here."
Ayane stood there, her long black hair tied loosely, eyes gentler than usual.
Satoru, who'd faced countless deadly battles, suddenly felt a little awkward.
"Yeah... you said you wanted to talk?"
"That's right. Come in."
Inside Ayane's room, everything was tidy. A small table, a few neatly stacked books, and a small flower pot by the window.
Satoru sat down as Ayane poured tea and gently asked:
"I heard about the upcoming tournament. Do you think your students are strong enough to face the Mist Village?"
Satoru leaned back, smiling faintly.
"Skill-wise, Kotetsu and Izumo might fall short, but Kakashi, Obito, and even Gai... They can stand toe to toe with anyone their age. Anko too—she has great potential."
Ayane nodded, amused.
"Anko is very talented... though maybe a bit too mischievous?"
"True," Satoru chuckled. "But that's part of her charm."
Ayane smiled, then quietly looked him in the eye.
The atmosphere shifted.
"Satoru-kun..."
"Hm?"
She hesitated, then took a deep breath.
"Did you know... I've waited a long time to talk to you like this?"
Satoru froze.
"Ayane, you..."
"I don't need an answer now." Her smile was gentle, sincere. "I just want you to know I'm always rooting for you. Wherever you go, whatever you do... I'll be watching over you."
Satoru fell silent.
He wasn't heartless. He understood Ayane's feelings weren't new. But...
War was coming. Enemies lurked in the shadows.
Could he promise to return her feelings when he wasn't sure he'd survive?
"Ayane..."
He finally spoke.
"I don't know what tomorrow holds. I don't know where fate will take me. But... if a day comes when I can set down this burden... I'll give you my answer."
Ayane smiled—bittersweet, but hopeful.
"Then I'll wait. Just... don't make me wait too long."
Satoru gave a small smile, but inside, his heart grew heavier.
---
**Teacher's Meeting**
The next morning, Satoru entered the teachers' lounge, eyes searching for Renji.
He approached quietly:
"Renji-sensei, I need to hold a meeting. Hokage-sama has assigned me to lead the upcoming tournament with the Mist Village."
Renji smiled, hand on his sword hilt.
"I never expected you to rise this fast, Satoru."
He studied the young teacher, then chuckled:
"If the Hokage trusts you, I do too. I'll notify the staff. The meeting will be under your lead."
Satoru nodded gratefully.
"Thank you, sensei."
Renji crossed his arms, eyes sharp.
"Still... when you're free, let's spar again."
Satoru smirked:
"If I get a break, I'll be sure to arrange a match."
---
**Special Lesson: Walking on Water**
Later that day, Satoru taught the class the chakra technique to walk on water.
"To walk on trees, you channel chakra to stick to surfaces. But to walk on water, you must constantly adjust the chakra flow to counteract the shifting surface."
He gestured toward the lake.
"Obito-kun, you're the most eager. Want to give it a try?"
Obito glanced at Rin, adjusted his goggles, and stepped forward. Rin cheered him on:
"Go for it, Obito! You can do it!"
Obito stepped onto the lake... but barely took two steps before:
*Splash!*
Down he went!
The class burst into laughter. Obito surfaced, sputtering like a fish.
"Anko, your turn!"
Anko confidently stepped up... walked three steps... then *SPLASH!*
Satoru grinned. The kids had a long way to go.
---
**Official Staff Meeting**
Later, Satoru entered the meeting room.
Renji sat calmly. Ikeya lounged in his seat, curious. Sugito nodded kindly.
But the glance that unsettled Satoru most... was Ayane's.
She quickly averted her eyes, cheeks faintly pink.
Ueda, the sly fox, immediately picked up the scent.
She smirked, eyes flicking between Ayane and Satoru.
"Oho~ something smells like scandal~"
Satoru cleared his throat and stepped forward.
"Thank you all for coming. I'll get straight to the point. Hokage-sama has entrusted me with overseeing the upcoming tournament between our academy and the Mist Village."
Murmurs rippled through the room.
Sugito raised a concern:
"Satoru-sensei, is it fair to pit our younger students against Mist's older ones? Their environment is far harsher."
Ayane added softly:
"I'm worried our younger students may be at a disadvantage."
Satoru folded his arms, smiled calmly, and looked at her.
"Then what about Shisui Uchiha from your class?"
Ayane blinked, then slowly nodded:
"If it's Shisui... he might stand a chance."
Satoru turned to the group:
"Age doesn't define strength. If we choose our best, I believe our students can match anyone."
He continued:
"So rather than picking by grade level, I propose each teacher selects the strongest students from their class—regardless of year."
Everyone murmured in agreement.
Renji smiled:
"If Hokage-sama trusts you, then so do we. I support this proposal."
His word held weight, and others soon nodded in turn.
Then, Ikeya perked up:
"Did Hokage-sama mention any rewards for the teachers?"
Satoru raised a brow.
"He said any teacher whose students perform well will be appropriately rewarded."
A glint of ambition shone in Ikeya's eyes.
"In that case, I'll enter Asuma Sarutobi and Kurenai Yuhi from my class."
Everyone chuckled. They knew his motives, but his picks were solid.
Satoru nodded.
"Then it's settled. In two days, we hold the selection matches. Prepare your students."
---
**Aftermath**
As the meeting ended, teachers filed out.
Satoru lingered.
He met Ayane's eyes. She smiled softly.
"Don't forget what I said last night," her look seemed to say.
Ueda watched with teasing eyes.
"Looks like our dear Satoru has more than battles on his hands~"
Satoru just smiled wryly and turned away.
Somewhere deep inside, something stirred.
Not just Ayane.
Not just the upcoming tournament.
But a strange sense...
That something far bigger was waiting for him beyond the horizon.
---
End of Chapter.