Chapter 57: The Weary Third Hokage
"Lord Hokage."
After stepping into the Hokage's office, Uchiha Kei bowed respectfully to the middle-aged man seated behind the desk.
Though called "middle-aged," the Third Hokage was clearly approaching the end of that phase—on the brink of entering old age. Perhaps in a few more years, he would be officially considered elderly.
Even so, his strength remained formidable. Despite sitting calmly at his desk, Uchiha Kei could feel the pressure radiating from him—a quiet, yet undeniable sense of authority.
"Ah, it's you, Kei." The Third Hokage, who had been reviewing some documents, looked up with a gentle smile. "Apologies—I've been busy lately and haven't had the chance to meet with you. I've been meaning to for quite some time now."
His tone was warm, nothing like the decisive war commander he once was. He gave off the same refreshing presence as Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage.
Had Kei not read the original history, he might have believed this act. Or rather, had he not known the relationship between the Third and Danzo—and Danzo's true nature—he might have been fooled.
Regardless, the Third Hokage was still the Hokage, while Kei was just an ordinary chunin. Their statuses were worlds apart.
"Thank you for your concern, Hokage-sama," Kei replied sincerely. "Serving the Leaf Village is the duty of every Konoha shinobi."
"Serving the Leaf Village, hmm?" The Third Hokage raised an eyebrow briefly before chuckling.
Perhaps he was overthinking. After all, what could a young kid possibly be plotting? And what Kei said wasn't wrong—he had indeed done what any Konoha ninja should.
Maybe it was age. The Hokage had been feeling more and more exhausted lately. Every little issue felt amplified, as if the weight of the village was getting heavier with each passing day.
He was no longer the energetic young man he once was. His waning stamina reminded him constantly: he was growing old.
"So, what did you call me here for, Hokage-sama?" Kei asked, unaware of the old man's internal musings—not that it mattered. Kei had chosen his words with purpose.
"Ah, right. Based on your performance on the battlefield, we've made a decision," the Third said, his tone calm and steady.
Looking at this young shinobi in front of him, the Hokage couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion. This boy had accomplished things most would consider impossible.
Not only had he completed his mission, he had also rescued many fellow shinobi. While only Yamanaka Masato ultimately returned alive, their retaliatory actions deep behind enemy lines had been an overwhelming success.
In fact, it might have exceeded even the Hokage's own expectations. Even if only Masato returned, his survival alone was proof of the mission's effectiveness.
And then there was Kei—only thirteen, yet calm and decisive in battle, able to take down jonin-level enemies alone, and possessing a fully awakened, three-tomoe Sharingan. The Hokage had decided it was time to elevate his rank.
"From today onward, you are officially a jonin of the Hidden Leaf," the Third Hokage said kindly. "Congratulations, Kei. Just fill out this form."
"I see... No need for an exam?" Kei asked curiously as he took the form, reading over the responsibilities, obligations, and benefits associated with the jonin rank.
Becoming a jonin meant entering the village's true inner circle. It was no easy feat. While the Uchiha clan had several jonin, only one had ever come close to the village's inner core—and he was long dead: Uchiha Kagami.
As for how Kagami had died, no one knew. Kei had his suspicions, but nothing concrete. There were secrets buried deep, beyond anyone's reach.
"You're qualified," the Hokage said, rising to his feet and meeting Kei's gaze. "Thank you for all you've done. You're a hero of the Leaf."
"I don't deserve such praise, Hokage-sama," Kei replied with a calm smile, though inwardly he felt nauseated. "I am a Konoha ninja. Without the village, there would be no Uchiha Kei."
He was a master at saying exactly what people wanted to hear.
"Oh?" The Third's eyes gleamed, though his face quickly softened again. "I understand. You have things to take care of, right? You've been back nearly a month but haven't left the Uchiha compound much."
"Yes, I've been recovering from injuries. Now that I'm better, I plan to visit my teammates—especially Kakashi." Kei smiled gently, as if recalling fond memories.
Seeing this, the Hokage waved his hand, motioning for him to go. Kei didn't linger. After quickly completing the paperwork, he left the office.
He glanced once at the towering Hokage building and the monument behind it. A cold smile flickered across his face.
As expected… They're treating me like the next 'Uchiha Shisui'.
Back in the office, the Third Hokage's gentle smile gradually faded as he watched Kei's departing figure. His mind was restless.
Kei's words had been too perfect. His performance—too flawless.
He looked exactly like the kind of Uchiha who had suffered injustice but remained loyal to the Leaf and devoted to his comrades. The Hokage knew what the Uchiha's love was like—passionate and all-consuming, often directed at family and friends.
Clearly, Kei valued his teammates. And yes, he had reason to feel wronged—his mission was practically a death sentence.
Still, Kei had remained composed throughout. Maybe he had accepted it. But what puzzled the Hokage was... why did Kei seem so attached to his current team?
He had lost so many teammates before and survived alone. So why was this time different?
Maybe because his current teammates survived while the others didn't? The Third considered. Further observation is needed. Hopefully, he can become useful…
He shook his head.
In the past, he would never have trusted an Uchiha so easily. But now…
Orochimaru's betrayal weighed heavily on him. The ANBU reports had left him exhausted and overwhelmed.
The Uchiha situation, the post-war negotiations, and Orochimaru's mess… all of it crushed down on his shoulders, a constant reminder of his age.
It was time, he thought, to find a young and capable successor.