Chapter 18: Truth and Consequences
Kagenori and Uzumaki Kushina followed Jiraiya and Tsunade to the Hokage Building. Without knocking, Jiraiya pushed the door open and announced, "Old man! Tsunade and I are back!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled around his pipe. "Welcome back, both of you."
Noticing Kagenori and Kushina behind them, he raised his eyebrows. "Kagenori, Kushina? What brings you here?"
Kagenori's eyes flicked to the crystal ball on Sarutobi's desk. It hadn't been there during his last visit. Its presence meant the Hokage had likely been observing Konoha—meaning he already knew what happened.
So this is just performance.
"I've been brought for questioning, Lord Hokage," Kagenori stated plainly.
At the word "questioning," Kushina grew agitated. "Lord Hokage! Kagenori did nothing wrong! He was protecting me!"
Sarutobi raised a calming hand. "Explain what happened first."
Kagenori, Jiraiya, and Tsunade each recounted events. Setting his pipe aside, Sarutobi's kindly expression vanished as he regarded Kagenori seriously.
When Kushina moved to defend him again, Kagenori gently pulled her back, shaking his head. She hesitated, then fell silent.
Just as Kagenori prepared to speak, Tsunade unexpectedly interceded. "The boy knows he went too far, but those brats started it. No real harm done—let this end here."
Sarutobi's gaze remained fixed on Kagenori. "Do you acknowledge your error?"
Stepping forward, Kagenori met his gaze unflinchingly. "With respect, Lord Hokage—I believe I did nothing wrong."
Jiraiya and Tsunade stared in astonishment. He'd been offered an out yet refused it?
Kushina watched anxiously. If he'd just apologized, this might have ended!
Sarutobi's presence intensified, his voice deepening. "You maintain you're blameless?"
Resisting the pressure, Kagenori stood firm. "Yes. I told you initially I wish to protect Konoha—"
"But your actions contradict that goal!" Sarutobi interrupted.
"Protecting Konoha means safeguarding what deserves protection—not those who attack comrades!" Kagenori countered. "Konoha's rules strictly forbid harming fellow villagers, yet that genin violated them! Therefore, I acted correctly!"
His voice gained passion. "Why protect someone who, as a genin, would use real kunai against a new student like Kushina? In my eyes, such people are Konoha's cancers! If they'd target Kushina today, they'll target others tomorrow. Who would trust them at their back?"
He continued relentlessly. "Everyone calls me traitor, yet no matter the abuse I suffered, I never retaliated physically because I considered them comrades! I aimed to earn their trust through actions, not violence. Thus, my conduct aligns with protecting Konoha!"
"Those who betray trust and attack comrades are the true despicable ones!"
Jiraiya and Tsunade regarded him with newfound respect. Such conviction from a nine-year-old...
Sarutobi's imposing aura faded. The explanation proved remarkably compelling.
During his years in Konoha, Kagenori had endured bullying without physical retaliation. More importantly, Sarutobi had witnessed the Sharingan's awakening through his crystal ball.
Not only did the boy possess ninjutsu talent, but he'd awakened the Sharingan—at nine, no less. As far as Sarutobi recalled, no Uchiha had activated it so young.
Mastering A-rank techniques, bearing Uchiha blood, awakening the Sharingan—such extraordinary talent would likely make him a future pillar of Konoha.
Moreover, his character appeared impeccable, his loyalty seemingly absolute.
After contemplation, Sarutobi declared, "Even if they erred, Konoha's police forces handle enforcement. You've no right to administer punishment." He paused. "However, they were indeed at fault, and you sought to defend Kushina. Therefore: three days' reflection at home. This matter is closed."
Kushina's face brightened instantly. "Thank you, Lord Hokage!"
Kagenori bowed. "Thank you, Lord Hokage."
In his view, this was the optimal outcome—using the incident to demonstrate loyalty. Even if Sarutobi suspected ulterior motives, so long as he avoided crossing lines, consequences would remain minimal.
Sarutobi waved dismissal. "You may go."
Hand in hand, Kagenori and Kushina departed.
Jiraiya watched them leave, sighing. "Kids these days... that ninjutsu speed, plus the Sharingan..."
Tsunade nodded. "I heard Uchiha require intense emotional stimulation to awaken. He activated it because Kushina was threatened. She must mean everything to him."
Sarutobi took a troubled drag from his pipe. He'd intended Minato to bond with Kushina, tying her to Konoha. Now, seeing her closeness with Kagenori, he wondered if Minato stood any chance.
Arriving home, Kushina breathed relief. "Just three days at home! Everything's fine!"
Guiding her to the sofa, Kagenori grew serious. "Kushina... I don't want to deceive you."
She tilted her head, confused.
With Jiraiya and Tsunade occupying Sarutobi, the Hokage wouldn't be watching through his crystal ball now.
"Everything I said in the Hokage's office," Kagenori confessed, "was a lie."