My Techniques are a bit off

"Itachi..."

The Third Hokage mentioned the name with a complicated expression. "He infiltrated the Akatsuki as a spy."

"That child..."

"Even as a boy, he had a strong sense of urgency and always thought deeply about everything. He single-handedly eliminated the Uchiha clan to stop their rebellion and protect Konoha."

Link remained silent, refraining from making righteous accusations or criticizing anyone. From the Hokage's perspective, Itachi was a necessary evil—someone who had severed his bonds and emotions to protect the village's interests.

It was akin to how the First Hokage had chosen to kill his closest friend to protect the village. The darkness that surrounded Konoha had been planted from the very beginning, when protecting the village at all costs became an unquestioned principle.

Ironically, the Will of Fire passed down from the First Hokage—advocating absolute dedication to the village—had found its true heir in Danzo, who embodied the ninja world's shadows. It was also Danzo's ideology that influenced Itachi after he joined the Anbu.

The Third Hokage's approach, however, leaned closer to the Second Hokage's philosophy of appeasement. Promoting individuals like Kagami Uchiha and later Itachi mirrored this softer policy.

But Link wasn't particularly interested in the Will of Fire or the tired stories of old. To him, the Uchiha were merely stepping stones for Sasuke's growth—a clan destined to perish.

The Third Hokage sighed deeply and said, "The tragedy of the Uchiha was a result of my naivety, an irreparable loss."

"Link, I'm an unfit Hokage." His tone carried a quiet resignation as he calmly acknowledged his flaws.

"I'm glad you've grown into who you are now, but I don't think you should have been exposed to such darkness so early—"

"Lord Hokage," Link interrupted, meeting the old Kage's gaze calmly. "I'm not a child anymore. Neither is Sasuke. In times of war, people our age would already be on the battlefield."

"A child..."

The Third Hokage lowered his eyes, recalling the countless wars he had lived through, watching the village's children sent off to fight. The pain of seeing the very lives he sought to protect being lost, one by one, weighed heavily on him.

"I understand," he said, adjusting his hat. "I'll have a talk with Sasuke."

"As for the Akatsuki, you don't need to worry about them—"

He left the reasoning unsaid.

"Then, if you'll excuse me." Link bowed slightly. "Lord Hokage."

Given his current status, rank, and strength, there wasn't much more Link could say. As for Danzo?

If the Third Hokage could have dealt with Danzo, he would have done so long ago. Danzo wasn't just an individual; he was the leader of Konoha's militaristic faction and had widespread support within the village.

Even the Uchiha had trusted Danzo's logic to some extent.

Rather than relying on the village to handle Danzo, it was better for Link to find an opportunity to take him down alongside Sasuke.

…

After Link left, a frog hiding in the corner let out a "pop" and transformed into Jiraiya, arms crossed.

"That boy seems a little too mature for his age," Jiraiya remarked.

"Reminds me of Orochimaru..."

He thought back to the past.

Whether it was the loss of both parents, the way Orochimaru had become silent and mature afterward, or his relentless pursuit of power—it was all eerily similar.

Jiraiya had always believed that Sasuke was the one who most resembled Orochimaru, given how both had lost their parents to Konoha's machinations and were prodigies in their own right.

But during his brief time in the village, Jiraiya had discovered another child who was even more reminiscent of Orochimaru—Link.

"No," the Third Hokage said, exhaling deeply. "Jiraiya, you need to learn to trust the next generation..."

He had once believed he could change Orochimaru, pouring everything into his student despite seeing the ambition and malice in Orochimaru's eyes. Though the outcome had left him heartbroken, he still believed in the importance of trust.

"If we can't trust our own people, then who can we trust?"

"Old man, I'm not staying in the village," Jiraiya said seriously. "And I'm definitely not taking on the role of Hokage."

"You look like you've got another 20 years left in you!"

"I'm old," the Hokage said with a smile. "At most, two more years. If there's no suitable candidate by then, you must return to take my place."

"No way!" Jiraiya waved his hand in refusal. "Besides, I'll be leaving the village in a few days. Like I said yesterday, I'm taking Naruto with me."

At the mention of Naruto, the Hokage's expression softened. That little boy who dreamed of becoming Hokage was walking the same path as his father.

"By the way, old man," Jiraiya said with a mischievous grin, "Naruto told me he beat you with that jutsu..."

The Hokage's face lit up, and he laughed. "Yes, that jutsu... Hehehe."

…

Konoha Hospital, Sasuke Uchiha's Room

"Link—"

Haruno Sakura, heartbroken after being rejected by Sasuke, looked up—or rather, forward—and saw the newly minted Special Jonin standing in front of her. "You're here to see Sasuke too?"

"He just told me he's going to sleep—"

"Link."

Sasuke, wearing his hospital gown, stood in the doorway, completely ignoring Sakura.

"Sorry," he said.

He had thought he could control his emotions, but seeing his deceased father and coming face-to-face with Itachi had shattered that resolve.

Not only had he failed to protect his comrades, but he had also become a burden. Waking up in the hospital only confirmed that he'd needed to be rescued again.

This realization burned inside him, fueling his desire to grow stronger.

"It's fine," Link said casually as he stepped into the room.

Sakura tried to follow, but Sasuke shut the door behind him without hesitation.

"I didn't expect to encounter him so soon," Sasuke admitted. "We're still far from his level."

"It doesn't matter," Link replied. "You're improving quickly. In another year or two, the time for revenge will come—whether it's him or Danzo."

To be honest, Link was impressed. Sasuke had taken a Tsukuyomi head-on and only been unconscious for a few hours.

Was it because of his three-tomoe Sharingan? Or perhaps the events of the Uchiha massacre, being replayed for someone who already knew the truth, had less impact?

Sasuke's tense expression softened as he sat on the edge of the bed.

"There won't be a next time," he said firmly. He wouldn't allow himself to become a burden again.

~~~

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