The Hokage's office was dimly lit, candles flickering gently across the paper-stacked desk. Hiruzen Sarutobi leaned back in his chair, pipe in hand, eyes closed — enjoying a rare moment of peace.
A knock broke the quiet.
"Come in," he called.
The door opened, revealing Arata.
"Ah, Arata. This is late," Hiruzen said, setting down his pipe. "Is something wrong with your team?"
Arata stepped inside, closing the door behind him. "Not wrong, but something you need to hear. It's about Ren Uzumaki."
The Hokage raised an eyebrow, then motioned to the chair. "Go on."
Arata sat, calm and collected. "He told me this morning. Ren has an affinity for all five chakra natures."
Hiruzen froze. For a long moment, he said nothing.
"All five?"
"Yes, and he's already shown exceptional control over wind and fire. He asked me to guide him. I started earlier today."
Hiruzen leaned forward slowly, resting his elbows on the desk. "He's already training in them... and he came to you first."
Arata nodded. "He said he planned to meet you tomorrow to explain it himself."
The Hokage smiled faintly. "He's careful. That's good."
Then Arata added, almost casually, "He'll probably ask you for something else too."
Hiruzen tilted his head. "Oh?"
Arata chuckled. "A raise in allowance. For him and Naruto."
The old man laughed aloud. A rare, full-hearted sound. "So there's still some Naruto in him after all."
He leaned back, pipe in hand once more, eyes thoughtful. "Ren... what are you becoming, child?"