Chapter 19: Truth and Cherry Blossoms
Uzumaki Kushina stared blankly as Kagenori confessed that everything he'd said in the Hokage's office was fabricated.
"What do you mean, 'false'?" she asked, confusion clouding her features.
Leaning close, Kagenori whispered, "I've never wanted to protect Konoha. To me, this village is a prison. You've likely learned something of my past these past days, yes?"
Her mind reeling, Kushina nodded. During Kagenori's hospitalization, those who tormented her had simultaneously mocked him—calling him the child of traitors who would inevitably betray Konoha, an Uchiha castoff, a stray dog. She'd heard such venom daily, finally understanding why everyone shunned him.
Kagenori continued whispering, "My situation here was dire. The new home, Sarutobi's leniency today—these came because I traded him a ninjutsu system. An exchange of interests."
He met her gaze earnestly. "I feel nothing for Konoha, but must pretend otherwise before Sarutobi, or my circumstances would worsen." His voice dropped further. "And your situation isn't safe either, Kushina. You must be careful."
"I know!" she declared seriously.
Kagenori smiled wryly. "No, you don't. When I say your situation is dangerous, I don't mean those schoolyard bullies. Konoha brought you here for a purpose. Whatever anyone tells you, think critically. Don't believe easily."
He feared the Will of Fire's indoctrination might sway her—to him, that ideology seemed as dangerous as floodwaters or wild beasts.
"I understand!" she insisted.
Sighing, Kagenori's expression softened. "Don't be too tense. For now, focus on daily life and growing stronger. Tell no one what I've shared—not even Grandma Mito."
"I'll never tell anyone!" she vowed fiercely.
Sitting beside her, he ruffled her hair. She'd grown accustomed to these gestures, quietly accepting them despite her currently puffed cheeks.
"Really now," she grumbled, "we were supposed to see the cherry blossoms together, but those idiots ruined it! Now you're confined for three days. Cherry blossom season is so short—they'll have wilted by the time you're free."
He comforted her, "It's alright. They bloom every year. Next year, and the year after—I'll accompany you every spring."
She extended her pinky. "Promise?"
Linking fingers with hers, he smiled. "Promise."
During his three-day confinement, Kagenori studied his Sharingan while Kushina brought him meals before school.
The twin single-tomoe Sharingan offered no special abilities beyond enhanced perception—sharper dynamic vision, clearer observation of movements and hand seals. Chakra consumption remained manageable.
Similarly, Thunder Breathing's first four forms stayed within acceptable chakra limits. At his current level, he could execute forms one through four at least three times consecutively.
But the fifth form demanded exponentially more chakra. He estimated Thunder Breathing, Fifth Form: Heat Lightning might drain him entirely, let alone the seventh form. His previous chakra pathway injuries resulted from the system forcing the seventh form—Fire Thunder God—beyond his capabilities.
His purchased sword's destruction frustrated him. Lacking funds for replacement, he'd remain weaponless until post-graduation. Wasting that blade on those bullies felt unjustifiable.
Confinement ended. Kagenori headed to Mito's residence to escort Kushina to school.
Upon entering their classroom, all eyes turned to him. News of him hospitalizing a genin had spread—not from Minato, but the genin's younger brother. Terrified of retaliation, the boy had immediately transferred classes. When classmates asked why, he'd recounted events.
No one could believe Kagenori—usually their target—could defeat a genin. After Minato confirmed the story, shock and unease spread. What if their past insults earned them hospital visits? And with Kushina under his protection, targeting her became impossible.
Minato also watched Kagenori, who returned the gaze. He'd once thought Minato decent, but recent events revealed his double standards. While Kagenori acknowledged his own hypocrisy, at least he was honest about it—unlike Minato's denial.
Noticing their exchange, Kushina glared venomously at Minato. She now felt only disgust toward him.
Seeing her hostility, Minato looked away.
Originally planning to graduate early next year before becoming Jiraiya's student, Minato had accelerated his timeline after fighting Kagenori. Feeling inadequate, he'd approached Jiraiya early. Recognizing that a powerful rival would drive Minato's growth, Jiraiya tested then accepted him.
Now Minato attended academy by day, trained with Jiraiya by night—focusing exclusively on speed. He aimed to surpass Kagenori's velocity.