Chapter 10: The Hokage's Visit
Thirty minutes after Kagenori woke, Sarutobi Hiruzen arrived—far sooner than expected. More surprisingly, Kagenori detected genuine kindness in the Hokage's expression.
His mind raced through possibilities. This was an opportunity. Handling this conversation well could significantly improve his life in Konoha.
Feigning excitement, Kagenori attempted to rise. "Lord Hokage! What brings you here?"
Sarutobi gently pressed him back onto the bed. "Your injuries haven't healed. Rest properly—don't push yourself."
Kagenori's eyes reddened with manufactured emotion. "Thank you, Lord Hokage."
The Hokage settled into the bedside chair with a sigh. "Kagenori, you've suffered greatly these years."
Kagenori bit his lip tightly, tears welling in his eyes as if releasing pent-up委屈.
Sarutobi studied the tears tracing Kagenori's cheeks. "Do you hate Konoha, Kagenori?"
Kagenori immediately shook his head. "How could I hate Konoha? My parents were the ones who defected. That Konoha would shelter the son of traitors—I'm already deeply grateful. Before she died, my mother asked me to atone for their mistakes. I could never hate Konoha!"
Sarutobi's expression remained unreadable as he absorbed this answer. After a long moment, he asked, "Do you hate the Uchiha?"
Kagenori's face darkened, his next words emerging through clenched teeth. "Hate! My parents defected because the Uchiha's tyranny wouldn't permit their union! After I returned, they not only refused to acknowledge me but bullied me, called me a bastard! Because of them, every villager despises me! I never wanted to be an Uchiha—they reject me, and I reject them! Yet they've made my life unbearable, isolated by all of Konoha—all because of the Uchiha!"
This time, Sarutobi's expression shifted noticeably. He sighed heavily. "I've always felt remorse about your situation, Kagenori. Though I'm Hokage, this concerns internal Uchiha clan matters. As Hokage, interference would be inappropriate. I hope you understand."
He leaned forward slightly. "That said, I can offer you this opportunity—to return to the Uchiha clan, to become a true Uchiha. Are you willing?"
Kagenori refused without hesitation. "I'm sorry, Lord Hokage. I don't wish to."
"Why not?" Sarutobi's eyes narrowed.
"I won't humbly beg admission to the Uchiha. Even if I joined through your influence, it wouldn't change my circumstances!"
Sarutobi appeared puzzled. "But joining would at least end the villagers' discrimination. Your living conditions would improve dramatically. Don't you want your situation to change?"
Kagenori responded with passionate conviction. "Lord Hokage, I understand why the villagers scorn me—because I carry Uchiha blood, and because the Uchiha abuse their Military Police authority, making nearly every villager resent them! If I rejoined them, the villagers might cease open discrimination, but they'd still despise me in their hearts—"
"Mind your words!" Sarutobi interrupted sharply. "The Konoha Military Police was established by the Second Hokage! The Uchiha have contributed to Konoha! As a member of this village, you cannot slander a clan that has served Konoha!"
Internally, Kagenori scoffed. This old fox—if I didn't know he currently struggles with the Uchiha, I might believe he genuinely defends them.
He recognized Sarutobi's performance for what it was. Otherwise, why specifically mention the Second Hokage founding the Military Police, or emphasize "as part of Konoha"?
Kagenori met the Hokage's gaze firmly. "Lord Hokage, I don't wish to join the Uchiha. I want to become a shinobi who serves Konoha—first, to atone for my parents' mistakes, and second, to earn the villagers' recognition through my own efforts! I want them to know that I, Kagenori, am not Uchiha, not a traitor—just a shinobi loyal to Konoha, nothing more!"
Sarutobi nodded, satisfaction evident. "Gaining all the villagers' recognition is a difficult path. Are you prepared, Kagenori?"
"Absolutely, Lord Hokage!"
Sarutobi now regarded him like a promising junior. "Good! I believe you can achieve this! Since you decline joining the Uchiha, I won't insist. Your previous residence was too remote. After discharge, I'll arrange new housing nearer the academy for convenience."
"Thank you, Lord Hokage." Kagenori infused his voice with grateful emotion.
Internally, he breathed relief. Conversing with Sarutobi Hiruzen was exhausting. When asked initially about hating Konoha—dare he answer yes? Admitting hatred might have shortened his lifespan considerably.
This wasn't the elderly, softened Sarutobi of future years. This was the Hokage in his prime, whose methods were undoubtedly firm.
As for hating the Uchiha—had he denied it, Sarutobi would have grown suspicious. After enduring isolation and abuse caused primarily by the Uchiha, who wouldn't harbor resentment? By admitting hatred, he could demonstrate loyalty, showing he identified as a Konoha shinobi rather than Uchiha.
This answer couldn't be wrong.
Sarutobi's offer to rejoin the Uchiha was clearly insincere—merely testing his true feelings.
Now, arranging closer housing indicated Sarutobi basically trusted him. Barring unforeseen circumstances, after graduating he'd become a Hokage-loyal shinobi.
While Sarutobi might not care about the discrimination he faced from villagers and Uchiha, at least he wouldn't be marginalized as a shinobi. After all, even ninjas needed connections.