THE UCHIHA ASCENSION

The Third Shift returned to the village and immediately sent the severely injured Sarutobi Shuo to the hospital.

After ensuring Shuo was in the care of the medical team, Uchiha Kiyo and Nawaki proceeded to the Hokage's Office to submit their mission report.

This mission was of high importance, involving critical intelligence gathering, meaning the report had to be reviewed directly by the Hokage.

On the way back, Uchiha Kiyo had already compiled the report, ensuring that everything was documented in detail.

Upon entering the Hokage's Office, they found the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, seated behind his desk, diligently handling the village's affairs.

"Ah, Kiyo and Nawaki, you're back. If I recall, your mission was to investigate the movements in the Land of Rain. What have you found?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen had an exceptional memory, especially when it came to mission details and the shinobi involved.

"Lord Hokage, here is the mission report."

Kiyo handed over the scroll containing their findings.

"During this mission, we managed to map out the distribution of Rain ninja forces around Nagumo Town.

Rain Ninja are concentrated in multiple bases, though we couldn't determine their exact numbers or full strength.

However, in the latter part of the mission, we encountered an enemy team and engaged in combat. From their reinforcements and movement patterns, we estimate that at least twenty ninja are stationed in the surrounding bases. Among them, there are even Tokubetsu Jōnin-level shinobi."

Sarutobi Hiruzen silently reviewed the report while listening to Kiyo's briefing. His expression gradually turned more serious.

"Judging by their formations and reinforcements, this is the prelude to war."

Kiyo remained silent.

It wasn't his place to suggest that Konoha launch a preemptive strike. Even if that was his personal opinion, Konoha—especially under Hiruzen's leadership—would never openly start a war.

The Third Hokage had always been an advocate of peace, sometimes to the point of making painful compromises.

Even though Kiyo had no ambitions for Hokage's position, he understood the importance of maintaining a good standing with the current Hokage.

If he openly voiced aggression, it could negatively affect his reputation, making him an easy target for future political maneuvering.

Even if Hiruzen wouldn't personally act against him, Danzo surely would.

The mere act of not stopping Danzo's schemes could be enough to put Kiyo in a dangerous position.

Despite Kiyo's growing strength, he knew that constantly surviving assassination attempts from Root was far from ideal.

Meanwhile, the Hokage continued reading, deep in thought.

"If Amegakure is mobilizing troops, what is Hanzo planning?"

Over the past few years, Hanzo the Salamander had significantly expanded Amegakure's military presence, stationing more and more ninja along the borders.

Until now, there hadn't been any major conflicts between Konoha and Amegakure. Most interactions had been limited to small skirmishes, or Rain ninja merely testing the waters.

But the way the enemy Jōnin had acted—immediately escalating the fight and calling for reinforcements—indicated a shift in Amegakure's stance.

"It seems Amegakure is running out of patience," the Hokage muttered.

However, one particular detail in the report caught his attention.

Uchiha Kiyo had activated his Sharingan during the battle and single-handedly eliminated nearly twenty Rain ninja.

Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed internally.

"So, he finally awakened the Sharingan."

He had always observed Kiyo's cautious personality. A shinobi who prioritized survival, never reckless or bloodthirsty.

But after awakening the Sharingan, had that changed?

"Did the Sharingan's influence push him toward unnecessary slaughter?"

Hiruzen knew that the Uchiha's dojutsu had an effect on their mental state. The emotional trauma required to awaken it often left lasting scars, and the Sharingan itself could amplify aggression.

According to Tsunade's medical observations, many Uchiha who unlocked their Sharingan suffered from heightened emotional instability.

In the heat of battle, Kiyo had the opportunity to retreat after rescuing Nawaki. He didn't have to kill those additional Rain ninja—yet he did.

Hiruzen sighed, taking a slow drag from his pipe before exhaling a thin stream of smoke.

His eyes lingered on Kiyo, complex emotions stirring within.

Even though he personally believed in the coexistence of Konoha and the Uchiha Clan, he couldn't ignore the underlying risks.

The problem wasn't just their strength—it was their unpredictability.

A shinobi with immense power but an unstable mind was a danger to everyone, including their own village.

This was precisely why, years later, Hiruzen would allow Danzo's plans to unfold unchecked, leading to the Uchiha Clan Massacre.

For now, however, he would only observe.

Kiyo, meanwhile, could sense a shift in the Hokage's attitude.

Something had changed.

Before, there had been an air of expectation around him. Now, there was wariness—perhaps even disappointment.

"Did I do something wrong?"

He had simply completed his mission. The mission goal was intelligence gathering, and survival required eliminating threats.

Yet, something about his actions had altered the way the Hokage viewed him.

Kiyo frowned but didn't dwell on it. He would remain cautious and focus on his own growth.

He knew that sooner or later, he would have to rely on his own power for protection.

Hiruzen finally broke the silence.

"Understood. Your mission difficulty will be reclassified as A-rank. Go to the Mission Department to finalize the report."

Kiyo and Nawaki bowed and exited the office.

As soon as they left, Hiruzen spoke into the air.

"Send the nearest Anbu to verify their report."

A deep voice responded from the shadows.

"Yes, Lord Hokage."

A cat-masked Anbu stepped forward but hesitated slightly.

"Do you doubt their intelligence?"

Hiruzen shook his head.

"No. I trust their observations. But I need confirmation of the battle details."

The Anbu seemed to understand.

Hiruzen wasn't just verifying the mission report—he wanted to analyze Kiyo's actions during the battle.

Was he truly in control of himself, or had his Sharingan influenced him too deeply?

The Anbu nodded. "I'll handle it immediately."

With that, he vanished into the darkness.

---

Outside the Hokage's Office

As Kiyo and Nawaki stepped into the street, Kiyo quietly reflected on the Hokage's demeanor.

"Something about him changed. He wasn't as kind as before."

Even if it was subtle, Kiyo could feel the shift. The expectation was gone—replaced by caution.

"Tch… Whatever. I've survived this long by relying on myself. That won't change now."

As long as he had his Instant Body Flicker Technique, even Root wouldn't be able to take his life easily.

He smirked.

"If they try, they'll regret it."

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