Naruto Tenseigan Reborn: Toneri's Time-Traveling Romance

37

Toneri straightened his robes before entering the Hokage’s office, having been abruptly summoned without explanation. Likely Sarutobi finally decided to directly address the snowballing rumors about his mystifying abilities. Good - he tired of restraint when power still flowed abundantly in his veins. Let this aging relic bear witness to the dormant fury of ancients...

Upon entering, Toneri saw the Sandaime was alone save for the covert presences he sensed hiding outside normal perceptions. So the old monkey hoped to catch him off balance with no loyal retainers to consult or guard his back. A bold gambit yet foolish when dealing with one who commanded forces beyond mortal comprehension.

The elder leader blew smoke rings from his ever present pipe, assessing Toneri over steepled fingers without a word. After an interminable silence only punctured by the squeaking carriage clock, Sarutobi finally spoke.

“Tales persist that a fearsome spirit roams the Land of Fire, wielding might unlike any current shinobi arts. I would know whether raw rumors hold truth.” His hooded gaze bore into Toneri’s. “And just how greatly Konoha should fear this mysterious specter at its gates.”

Toneri’s eyes narrowed slightly. So the decrepit monkey directly laid his cards on the table then. Just as well - he would reply in kind.

“Astute as ever Lord Third. But we shall speak more candidly without present company.” With a subtle pulse of psychic force, he vaulted the concealed Anbu guards from hiding spots to unceremoniously flatten against the reinforced walls. Their stunned confusion brought a smug grin underneath Toneri’s high collar.

“As you can see, discretion proves quite beyond these games of yours.” Toneri’s smile turned razor sharp before bowing slightly. “Perhaps now we talk openly, unless you wish to confirm further the extent of my perceptions?”

The elder Kage blinked hard then barked harsh laughter. “Well played! I desired a read on your capabilities yet seem to have underestimated the range.” He gestured his immobilized guards away while sharing a nod with their captain. After the room emptied, Sarutobi again focused fully on his guest.

“So what manner of shinobi are you to so easily neutralize my best without visible action? I was told your dōjutsu resembles the fabled Tenseigan but surely those myths predate even the Sage.” He leaned forward intently. “How can you now wield such primordial energy in this modern age?”

Toneri offered another thin smile. Either the old man was a masterful actor or his ignorance ran deeper than anticipated. No matter - he would soon understand the enormity of forces stirring beyond his comprehension.

“I am last scion of the ancient Ōtsutsuki - the forebears of all your modern styles and lineages.” Toneri watched realization slowly dawn in the widening eyes. “My unmatched command over innate forces comes directly through that hallowed ancestry tracing back to the beginning of chakra itself.”

He paused for effect. “In short, your village now hosts the living legacy of creation exemplars who shaped primordial elemental nations.” Toneri grinned fully for the first time. “So rather than fear my presence, you should celebrate Konoha’s great fortune at my taking up residence.”

He withdrew a scroll bearing the official edict welcoming the Hyūga’s new supreme leader. “As you can see, I have already been sanctioned authority by the noble clans who spawned this whole society from mythic roots.” His light tone carried strong implications as he gently placed the scroll on Sarutobi's desk.

The Professor sat motionless, dwarfed behind a spreading sea of paperwork. Likely no records even survived recalling beings who shepherded infant civilizations with the omnipotent mastery this stranger exuded. With dawning unease, Sarutobi realized events were cascading beyond his control.

“Your lineage and prowess then are beyond question,” Hirzuen finally allowed slowly. “But what now is your intention here beyond overtaking the once dominant Hyūga?”

Toneri casually examined a flawless nail. “For now, assimilating promising acolytes who shall aid my efforts integrating with this bustling era.” His feline gaze returned to Sarutobi. “I also plan openly lending my unique skills towards the betterment and safety of your people. Is that not what any model Konoha shinobi strives for?”

The barb struck home. Before Sarutobi formulated a response, Toneri smoothly pressed on. “Of course I shall require autonomy fitting my station to move freely beyond the limits binding ...ordinary personnel.” His unspoken meaning was abundantly clear.

Sarutobi smoldered silently at the bold demands and radiating smugness. This interloper waltzed into his village flaunting apocalyptic power coupled with privileges beyond even a Kage! Clearly the oily snake Sanin’s lingering treachery somehow bore fruit in this insufferable upstart...

Schooling his features, Hiruzen adopted a more placating tone laced with forced warmth. “I welcome your interest safeguarding these lands of course. But until fuller trust builds between us, I cannot extend such sweeping privileges that functionally place you above the established hierarchy critical for orderly society.”

He paused to light his pipe then meet Toneri’s briefly narrowed gaze. “I propose a guided assimilation where we can directly evaluate your capabilities and intentions beyond awe-inspiring hearsay.” He puffed smoke while giving the scroll a dismissive glance. “As you suggest, not all claims should be taken at face value until proven.”

Silence hung until Toneri inclined his head. “A prudent course I cannot fault. Very well then.” His pale eyes glinted with sudden predatory focus. “Shall we proceed directly to this ‘evaluation’ as a preliminary exchange of techniques?” Toneri slid into a deceptively relaxed yet undoubtedly combative stance. “Or does more dialogue first suit your preferences Hokage-sama...?”

Caught off guard by the abrupt challenge, Hiruzen barely interposed his staff to block a blistering palm strike that shattered the hardened wood completely. Momentum carried him halfway through the reinforced walls, peppering the opposite room with debris and startled secretaries.

Pulling himself from the rubble, the disheveled but unharmed Kage reassessed his stance towards the patiently waiting challenger. This would be no friendly spar...