Chapter 9: Awakening and Realizations
Uzumaki Kushina's visit to the hospital room had stirred something deep within Kagenori. Though his body remained unresponsive, his mind absorbed every word she spoke with perfect clarity.
She was willing to be his friend despite the consequences—ready to face the scorn of others for his sake.
A strange, fluttering sensation filled Kagenori's chest. Oh no, he thought, this feeling—it's making my heart race.
Aside from the four happy years with his parents, this was the first genuine kindness anyone had shown him since coming to Konoha. If Kushina had made her choice so clearly, what reason did he have to refuse?
His thoughts turned to future planning. According to his understanding, witness points came from observing important people and events in the shinobi world. Uzumaki Kushina was undoubtedly significant—the future mother of the boy who would shape the world's destiny. Following her in these early years could yield substantial points.
But if his suspicions proved correct, Kushina had walked into an elaborate trap the moment she entered Konoha. If he became her friend, he'd need to change her fate. While this might save her life, it could prevent Naruto's birth, eliminating countless opportunities for witness points.
Yet those points were crucial for his future survival and strength.
His original plan had been to remain in Konoha until after the Nine-Tails incident, then leave and return when Naruto became a genin to collect points through the boy's adventures. That strategy no longer seemed viable.
He'd need to leave Konoha earlier, seeking witness points elsewhere.
Another consideration surfaced—the Nine-Tails itself. If Kushina willingly became Jinchūriki, he wouldn't interfere. But if she opposed it, he'd need to prepare accordingly.
When you finally found a friend willing to face universal scorn for you, you had to prove worthy of that loyalty.
Suddenly, the system's voice echoed in his mind. [Note: Witness points are not limited to observing predetermined events.]
Kagenori mentally frowned. "What do you mean?"
[Any event significantly impacting the shinobi world can yield witness points, not just those from host's memories. For example, if host unilaterally declares war on Konoha now, no points would be awarded because host lacks power to pose meaningful threat. However, if host becomes powerful enough for Konoha to consider host a major threat, this would qualify as an event, and host would gain points both during and after its resolution.]
"So I can create events myself to earn points?!" Kagenori's excitement surged.
[Essentially correct. However, note that certain major events are destined to occur regardless of host's actions.]
The excitement faded as gravity returned. "You mean... Naruto will definitely be born?"
[Correct. Though this individual may not be the Uzumaki Naruto from host's memories.]
Kagenori processed this information. "So Naruto will exist, but he might not be Kushina's child? Someone else's child could fulfill Naruto's role?"
[Host's understanding is accurate.]
This revelation actually relieved Kagenori. Certain major events would proceed regardless, providing witness points. His path became clearer—build strength gradually while helping Kushina escape her original fate.
The future, once stagnant, now held new promise.
Throughout his reflections, Kushina continued chatting beside his bed, sharing stories from recent days. Somehow, everything she said tugged at his heartstrings. When she described boys ganging up on her, anger simmered within him. But hearing how she'd beaten them until they begged for mercy brought him quiet satisfaction.
"Okay, Kagenori," Kushina's voice softened, "it's getting late. I should head back before Grandma Mito worries. I hope we meet at the academy tomorrow instead of this hospital. See you then."
After she departed, Kagenori silently bid farewell. See you tomorrow, Kushina.
He desperately wanted to wake up, to meet her at the academy as she hoped. Perhaps his powerful yearning reached his body, for his fingers twitched.
Elation surged through him. He focused entirely on regaining bodily control.
Fingers, then toes, arms, legs, neck—gradually, sensation returned until his eyes fluttered open.
The bright ceiling lights made him instinctively squeeze them shut again. As he assessed his body,sore and pain confirmed he hadn't fully recovered.
When he reopened his eyes, he noticed faint movement outside his window—tree branches swaying without wind.
"ANBU..." he murmured, his expression darkening.
He'd expected surveillance after the devastation caused by his Thunder Breathing forms. Sarutobi Hiruzen would undoubtedly want answers.
What surprised him was the Hokage's personal appearance in his ward just thirty minutes later. Seeing the Third Hokage himself standing there startled Kagenori. While the damage he'd caused was impressive for an academy student, was it truly worthy of a personal visit from the man who usually pretended he didn't exist?