Chapter XI

The stroll through the Uchiha compound was an awkward affair. I did my best to lift my head and smile at the passing Uchiha clansmen, not wanting to be perceived as rude. I imagined that non-ninja visitors without clear business were an anomaly in this secluded area of the village, particularly given the Uchiha's rising notoriety.

However, I was glad to see some of them wave back at me with a smile, trying to make me feel welcome. It seemed that my prejudices, fueled by hearsay and what I had seen in the show, were unfounded. The Uchihas were not bad people; they were just going through a tough period in the village.

But it was a shame that I knew what would become of them. I had always wondered why it is always the good people that must disappears in this world, or the other.

The more I understand, the more I see, the more I felt that there's a bleeding gap in this heart of mine.

Apathy is what kills humanity, but the other choice is an unending agony.

We soon arrived at a crossroads, and turning right, we reached the Patriarch's house. Naruto had been a bit rowdy as Mikoto baa-sama led us to the house.

"It's a bit stuffy in the guestroom, isn't it?" she said, leading us to the backyard where the air was clearer.

I let Naruto out of his sling, and he happily crawled around and played with Sasuke. The Uchiha Matriarch then went back inside, probably to bring us refreshments.

Unsure of what to do, I looked at Itachi. We simply sighed in understanding. Both of us were more mature, and I doubted Itachi would enjoy playing children's games. "Nobuyuki-san, do you want to spar?" he asked.

I perked up at his invitation. There was nothing better to do, and I had been itching to test a technique I developed after my last fight against Shisui.

My eyes drifted to where Naruto was, and he was pulling Sasuke's hair to get his attention. They'll be fine, I thought, looking back at Itachi and nodding my head.

The backyard was spacious enough to serve as a training ground. I reasoned that this secluded corner of the village was probably intended for this purpose. After all, it had plenty of room for expansion.

We formed the seals we had been taught in the academy, and without beating around the bush analyzing each other's movements, I made the first charge.

.

Hokage Tower.

Hiruzen grabbed his pipe and found it empty, grumbling to himself as he opened the compartment in his desk to take some leaves. Just then, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in!" he called out.

It was Kato, one of the academy teachers, that entered the room. "Please excuse me, Hokage-sama. I have the usual weekly report on the academy students." He placed a stack of papers on the desk.

Hiruzen picked up a few and noticed one of the names written on it. "Nobuyuki huh. What do you know about him, Kato?"

"Nobuyuki-kun? He's a perfect example of textbook student - hard-working, great initiative, and if might add, talented too, although, I'd heard often he skipped history and biology classes," the teacher replied. "Is there a problem with him, Hokage-sama?"

"No. This morning the boy came to me and complained about the treatment Naruto-kun suffered in the orphanage," the Hokage explained.

"I have the Konoha Police investigating the matter more closely, and it looks like the new Matron has been abusing her position for some time. She was especially biased against Naruto, which isn't surprising considering her background."

Hiruzen procured a parchment, which Kato read. "Family died during the Kyuubi attack," he murmured.

The Hokage frowned. "What's surprising is the fact I've no idea the old Matron had been replaced, and the new matron knew the child for what he is. Someone had purposely leaked the intelligence, orchestrated all of this, and she held that position for quite a while, so the rumor should have spread throughout the village."

Kato was aware of the reason why Naruto's true identity had to remain a secret - it was an S-class classified information. While most ninjas knew that the Kyuubi was sealed at the cost of the Fourth Hokage's life, the identity of the seal bearer was strictly confidential.

If the truth were to be revealed, it could lead to dire consequences, including the execution of the matron who is a civilian. That would only worsen the situation and raise some question. While it may not pose a great challenge for the intelligence department to fabricate some records, a more discerning eye would eventually detect the deception.

Part of the reason why Naruto's identity had to remain hidden was that Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, wanted him to live a normal life until he was ready to shoulder the responsibility of being the son of the Fourth Hokage.

Hiruzen was afraid of how people would treat the boy if they knew the truth, regardless being the son of a hero or not, given the irrational fear of the Nine-Tailed Fox.

Mito, who had also been a Jinchuriki, was revered and her pedigree unquestioned. Kushina, on the other hand, would have faced resistance if Minato had not been there to support her.

The harsh truth was that Hiruzen simply didn't have the time to take care of Naruto, nor was there anyone else willing to do so. If only his wife was still alive, he would have been more than willing to take the boy in.

A year had passed, but Hiruzen's workload increases. His power and influence were waning, and Danzo and his council were actively undermining his authority. Many clans were also questioning his ability to lead the village.

The village was suffering from the worst drawback not seen in its entire history, with powerful ninjas dying, defecting, or retiring one after another. Additionally, there was no worthy successor in sight. He can't afford to rock the boat any more than this.

It was a wonder that Hiruzen's aging mind was still as sane as ever, considering the challenges he faced.

Kato inquired, "So, how does Nobuyuki-kun fit into all of this?"

The Hokage replied, "I entrusted the boy to his care for a while to test his trustworthiness, and so far, he has not disappointed me."

Kato's gaze shifted to a crystal ball on one of the drawers behind the Hokage's desk. "I'm sure you know more about him than I do, Hokage-sama," he said.

"It's more of a confirmation than anything," the Hokage admitted, taking a puff from his pipe. "A leaf may fall, but in its place, thousands more will grow. I can see Minato in his eyes," He huffed with a hint of mirth, "It fills this old bone with hope."

Kato expressed his confidence in Nobuyuki, "I believe he is trustworthy."

The Hokage teased, "Is that why you sent your daughter to him, Kato?"

The teacher denied any ulterior motives, "I was merely helping him as a teacher would. Besides, I heard that some opportunistic individuals were looking to poach our brightest."

The Hokage's expression turned somber, "I will take care of that."

The village needs its geniuses more than ever.