After another day of healing, more visitors arrived. It was a man and a woman. The man wore a ninja headband, and the woman was dressed as a civilian.
"Ninja Hirano, my name is Hiroto Miura. I am a friend and former teammate of Lixin Sone. This is his wife, Mrs. Sone. Is it alright if we come in and ask you a few questions?"
Kioshi sighed. Had these people been put up to this as well? It was a good move for the Hokage if that was the case. It would be selfish to ignore their questions. In their shoes, he'd want information as soon as possible.
Both appeared to be uncomfortable. This was likely caused by having to confront him directly or simply not wanting to confirm certain details.
Kioshi turned and gripped a pen and notepad on the side table. Writing seemed the easiest way to proceed. Genjutsu communication might startle the civilian woman, and he couldn't talk yet due to his jaw injury.
Both the man and the woman took this action as permission to approach. They showed more worry and anxiety now that it appeared that he would answer.
"Lixin is alive." Kioshi wrote, seeing no need to wait to be asked. Their questions were obvious. "He is fatally poisoned and is currently frozen in my Dojutsu's dimensional realm. Once I get enough strength, I'll release and heal him." They had caught him after a healing session, so he was currently low on energy, but after that, he'd do as written. He'd delayed attending to his mission leader long enough.
The note was then ripped from the pad and handed forward. Lixin's teammate grabbed it, reading it first, likely to scan the contents to soften the blow. He seemed very protective of the woman.
The man's eyes widened upon reading the message. He didn't say anything and just handed the note over. The woman started to cry right away on seeing the words. "Truly?" she asked. "My husband is alive?"
Kioshi nodded.
The ninja to the side had to stop her from collapsing to the floor. She sobbed in relief and joy in the strong arms. The man was under intense emotion as well from the news, eyes watering up.
There was no guilt or apprehension in either expression, which was a great relief. With how close the two visitors seemed, the relationship could have been romantic. That would have been difficult for Lixin to deal with.
"What about Botan and Sile?" The ninja asked, once he and the woman got back a measure of control.
Kioshi grimaced and started writing on another sheet of paper. If the man was a friend of Lixin, then it was logical that he might know the man's cousin and other teammate as well.
"Botan is dead. I do not know where Sile is." Kioshi replied simply, handing the note over. He could have said Botan was killed by Sile, or that Sile was a traitor, but that would just make things complicated. It wasn't important to inform people immediately of the situation. The village appeared to have zero clue of what happened. The archive worker had obviously not returned to the village, so no one was in immediate danger.
The man nodded as he read the note, sadness reigniting. "Botan was a good man. I will inform his family…As for Sile, I didn't know him well, but I'll let the Hokage know."
Kioshi nodded, turning back to the window.
The pair left after this.
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A day later Kioshi released Lixin from his dimensional realm. A group of healers had been informed about the man's condition and were standing ready in the agreed-upon room.
Poison extraction was a difficult process, requiring a great deal of chakra and control to perform. Two skilled healers in Konoha were present to perform the bulk part of the task. The most difficult part would be removing the infection entirely and counteracting the lingering damage. For serious infections, this was almost impossible to do without an antidote. Because the poison was unknown, this task was left to Kioshi. Others did what they could to save him energy.
Poison extraction was also extremely painful for the patient, so combat ninjas were present in the room as well to restrain Lixin and hold him still. When the man was dumped out of the portal, he was disoriented, but quickly recognized where he was and stopped struggling.
Once the procedure was finished, the exhausted man's eye's focused on Kioshi, widening. "Wha-Kioshi?!" He asked, the tone peaked with incredulity and concern.
Kioshi gave a small smile. His mouth was healed enough to do that much, even though it was still caved in on one side. The injury, however, was probably only one of the features that caused the outburst. His face was sharper and more weathered, aged much more than even two years would dictate. Gone was the bright 12-year-old boy.
"What happened?" Lixin then asked softly, as if afraid of the answer.
Kioshi simply smiled sadly again and walked out of the room. The others could fill in the man to some extent. His bed was calling.
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Two days later Kioshi's jaw was finally fully healed. It had taken the longest out of all his injuries to fix due to all the intricate bones and muscles in need of repair.
Now his attention moved to one of his thighs, hands moving along a thick puckered scar located there. Convex lines covered his entire body from his flogging in Kumo, this one being the largest and most irritating. It would take a while to make all the skin smooth again.
Just as he was about to start the process, a familiar presence came into range of the hospital, causing him to stop. As it entered the building and crept closer to his room, Kioshi quickly pulled down his hospital gown to cover himself.
Kioshi then sat up, staring intently at the room door when it creaked open, and a pair of young dark eyes peered through. Kioshi smiled with a tinge of sadness at the visitor. It was Sasuke.
"K-Kioshi?" the boy asked softly, as if he still didn't quite believe it. The young Uchiha looked frazzled, like he had just received the news.
"Hey, sport." Kioshi cast mentally, this being the first time he'd spoken actual words to someone, through a technique as it was. He still didn't think he had the strength or coordination to speak vocally, but the boy deserved to be acknowledged.
Sasuke burst into tears at the familiar address and rushed at him, leaping up on the bed and crashing into him, wrapping his small arms around his neck. The boy shook and sobbed against his chest, tears and snot getting on the back of his shoulder.
Kioshi just held the boy tightly in return, rocking back and forth slightly.
After about a minute the nine-year-old finally calmed down, releasing his grasp and sitting back with reddened eyes. "I thought you were gone forever," the boy sniffed, wiping his eyes. "They said you were likely dead, but I always hoped you were alive."
"Well I'm here now," Kioshi said, both as an assurance and an apology.
"Did Itachi save you?" Sasuke suddenly asked.
The earnest question caused Kioshi to blink in surprise. Itachi?.. Why would Sasuke think Itachi had anything to do with it? Didn't the boy hate his brother at this point? The lack of malice was a bit off-putting from what was expected. "Why would you think that?" Kioshi asked slowly.
The young Uchiah's eyes ignited with passion. "Because he must have a reason for not coming back and clearing his name! He must have been looking for you! It's the only explanation! He didn't do what people are saying! Don't believe it! He was framed! I know he was! I just need to find evidence!"
Kioshi continued to blink in bewilderment. Did Itachi not torture Sasuke with his Tsukuyomi in this reality? In the TV show, Itachi showed his little brother in great detail every single murder that had been committed. The experience had left no doubt.
Had Itachi refused to make himself a monster? Becoming one had made Sasuke accept reality without becoming a threat to the village. And knowing Itachi, his friend probably also wanted to be hated. But maybe guilt and Sasuke's safety weren't enough to justify the action this time… Maybe Kioshi's views on igniting hatred had actually made an impact…
"What happened?" Kioshi finally asked. He needed to get a proper grasp of the situation. Were there other changes to the story?
Sasuke's eyes widened. "No one told you?"
"I don't know the details," Kioshi replied. He'd been told of the massacre by Kumo, so there was no reason to act completely ignorant.
"Oh," Sasuke said swallowing. The young Uchiha was silent for a moment then proceeded to tell him everything he knew. The nine-year-old struggled while discussing waking up to screams and finding his parents dead, but he made it through the explanation with time.
Sasuke hadn't seen the assailant. Everyone had been killed except for Itachi, who, according to Sasuke, had been in the wrong place at the wrong time and was framed for the murders. It was said that there had been blood on Itachi's sword and that only Uchiha blood and bodies were found. Still, the young Uchiha boy believed that the Anbu were either lying, or that other clan members were responsible.
"If Itachi really killed people in our clan, then it was only in defense!" Sasuke said resolutely. "I saw some members arguing with my father not long before it happened! Itachi must have been trying to protect himself and the family! A group must have become jealous and wanted to take control! They must have tried to kill Itachi and other Uchihas loyal to my father!"
Kioshi sighed internally. If that was the case, then how did every single Uchiha manage to get slaughtered? Sasuke's theory would only be possible if Itachi had only killed the traitors after they had finished their task. Seeing as Itachi was an S-Rank ninja, this was unlikely. At the very least Itachi would have been able to capture some of the traitors alive to help clear up any misunderstandings.
Still…Sasuke was right about one thing. Someone else was jealous and responsible for the deaths of the Uchihas. And that person would pay.
But how would Sasuke respond when he learned that Itachi had truly been the executioner? The boy was clinging to false hope. Would the boy understand that Itachi had no other choice? Perhaps Itachi could have spared the children and passive clan members, but Kioshi wouldn't be surprised if Danzo threatened to kill Sasuke along with the group if the task was refused. Loose ends couldn't be allowed. Sasuke was only allowed to live to secure cooperation.
And Itachi couldn't lead his clan in rebellion. A civil war would kill thousands and open Konoha up for invasion- something like that would likely also lead to Sasuke's death.
Itachi loved his brother more than anything. Would this reason be enough for the young boy to forgive the action?
Probably. Sasuke loved his brother the same amount in return. All anger would likely turn towards Danzo and the village once learning the truth, just like in the TV show. But that was what Itachi wanted to avoid…Until Danzo was dead, the knowledge would only put the boy in the man's crosshairs.
"Kioshi, please help me find evidence to clear Itachi's name!" Sasuke proclaimed earnestly. "With your help, I know we can find something! You believe me... don't you?" The boy became self-conscious at this, looking as if he was about to cry again.
Kioshi pulled him into a hug. "Yes. I believe you," he stated firmly. "Itachi can't be a traitor. I promise I will help you discover the truth."
Sasuke relaxed at the words and returned the embrace. "Thank you," he whispered.
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For the next two days, Sasuke refused to leave Kioshi's side. The boy seemed touch starved. He spent most of his time nuzzled close to Kioshi's chest. Kioshi allowed the action, Sasuke sleeping with him through the nights and watching him heal scars on his chest and back during the day.
The boy became enraged at seeing the injuries, promising fervently that he would help Kioshi punish the people responsible. Kioshi, in turn, asked how Sasuke was progressing in his training, since the boy seemed so set on protecting him.
Sasuke became a bit self-conscious and embarrassed at this. He admitted that Itachi had stopped their training schedule after Kioshi had disappeared. At first, it was because his brother was busy with missions on trying to find him. But after that, it was just because Itachi was busy. Sasuke hadn't progressed much after that.
This wasn't much of a surprise. Sasuke had a strong bloodline and a lot of hidden potential, but he was still a child. He lacked the maturity and incite of a true prodigy. A lack of instruction would hinder progress.
"Itachi changed after you left," Sasuke said with some hurt in his tone. "I got even worse when Shisui died. He wouldn't even talk to me." Tears welled up at this and Sasuke looked up at him in pain. "Maybe it is true!" he burst out with a cry. "Maybe Itachi did stop caring and killed everyone! I wasn't enough! He needed you to be here!"
There was pain, jealousy, and accusation in the words, the boy expressing his true fears that had been kept bottled up. "Maybe he never loved me! Not really! If he did, he wouldn't have changed! He would have never done such things! He would have come back to the village and explained things by now! He wouldn't have left me here!"
Sasuke continued to cry in retched sobs, and Kioshi listened with concern. What a mess…If only he had been here. Neither Sasuke nor Itachi deserved this. There was so much guilt, hurt, and confusion involved in this situation that it was threatening to overwhelm him. It made it worse that he'd known of this future from the very beginning. He should have done more to stop it.
When the boy had finally calmed enough to breathe normally again, Kioshi spoke, a bit emotional as well. "Life as a missing ninja is very dangerous," he said softly. "Itachi might simply not want to put you in danger. Staying away could be a sign of love, not the opposite."
Sasuke scowled, looking away, not seeming to take this as a comfort. "He's always seen me as weak."
"Then become strong," Kioshi countered. "When you are strong you can truly protect and help those you love."
Sasuke blinked and looked back at him.
Kioshi stared back, unwavering. Sasuke needed a goal. And what he said was true. Strength was what guided the world.
"Okay," Sasuke stated softly.
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After that talk, Kioshi insisted the boy go home and get cleaned up. Sasuke was beginning to stink from staying in the same clothes for three days.
He also told Sasuke to start attending his classes at the academy again. The ninja school was a good learning and social base for the boy. It shouldn't be neglected. And Kioshi wanted a bit of space and privacy.
Once his orders were obeyed, Kioshi proceeded to heal the scars on his upper thighs and backside. He'd saved these ones until he was alone to save Sasuke from the indignity.
A day later Kioshi then decided to finally call in Inochi. He'd healed every scar on his body possible. The only ones left were the ones covered with seals.
Tag ones had been placed on some marred areas, as apparently, the areas of smooth skin weren't enough to draw proper security. The seals couldn't be removed without a portal or with great effort, being stuck on with chakra. Medical ninjutsu wasn't possible until then, as it would interfere with the seal energy.
There was nothing left to do. More chakra could be stored in his dimensional realm, but he was fairly confident in the current amount. The hospital was also getting stuffy, and he had the feeling that he was testing the Hokages and the council's patience. It was time to give answers.
When Kana came in with his morning meal, he cleared his throat. He'd recently strengthened his vocal cords with medical ninjutsu in preparation for this, but the task was still difficult. Not speaking for two years had some major effects. "Tell Inochi…I'm ready…to… talk… if he wants." He finally managed, concentrating hard on getting the words out properly.
Kana froze and simply stared at him for a moment. These were the first words he'd spoken out loud, and to anyone besides Sasuke, so the shock was warranted. She then smiled and nodded. "I'll tell him," she said with a hint of sadness and sympathy.
Kioshi sighed and laid back against his pillows, mentally preparing himself. The Yamanaka had a bloodline ability to dig up and experience a person's memories against their will. It exceeded his own natural mind-reading abilities with the small exception of lacking stealth and secrecy.
This wasn't a concern, however. With the way the village and Inochi had been treating him so far, Konoha would likely allow him to show things at his own pace.
This was good. Being in control would keep certain thoughts from being examined. Cartoon memories of Danzo's crimes, the Akatsuki, Tobi, or the threat Sasuke could become were some of the top things to avoid.
He'd prefer to keep his newly obtained abilities hidden as well, but that didn't seem to be possible. Yamanakas could tell the difference between memories and genjutsu, so parts of the story couldn't be altered. And even if it could, what beneficial lie would be believable? Changing the story would create plot holes, and if he was caught, the action would lose trust. He hadn't committed any crime against Konoha, so it was best to be honest.
Exposing his hidden abilities might also work in his favor. His mental abilities could help explain his future knowledge if needed, and it would actively allow him to root out spies from the village. Also, having the Hokage fear his chakra strength a bit couldn't be all bad. It would make the old man listen to him more.
It wasn't long until the door to his room opened and the head of intelligence came through. "I was told you were ready to speak to me," Inochi Yamanaka said.
"Yes." Kioshi croaked.
The blond-haired man nodded and came closer, pulling up one of the visitor chairs and sitting down to the side of the bed. The Yamanaka had visited two times in the first week of Kioshi's recovery. He'd left him alone since then, having given up for a time. If the man's slight skeptic gaze was anything to go by, he still didn't quite believe this would be the end of his troubles.
"For the village to be satisfied, I will need to see your memories," the man explained cautiously as if worried the fact would cause Kioshi to clam up again. "We need to get an undeniable picture of events to affirm you aren't a threat. It's okay if you wish to simply talk for now, but understand that it is often easier for people to be examined mentally from the start. It limits the need to repeat events."
Kioshi nodded with a slight swallow. "How many… must know of the details?" he asked softly.
"Only the council will need to be told of the intricacy of things," Inochi assured.
Kioshi sighed. That wouldn't due. Danzo couldn't learn of his power. Even if the man was kicked off the council at this point, like in the canon timeline, the other two village elders were likely still in the man's pocket. He'd receive any information conveyed. Knowledge of Kioshi's abilities would make eliminating the man ten times harder.
"I want two things to stay secret," Kioshi said with genjustu. He then glanced up at the cameras in an obvious gesture, to ensure Inochi understood the seriousness of the situation. Genjutsu communication was often used for delicate matters while being watched or when privacy seals weren't available.
"It's for my own safety." He continued to explain. "I know you are not allowed to hide threats to the village, but I ask that you keep this information between only you and the Hokage if possible."
Inochi's eyes narrowed slightly. "I can't promise anything," he said slowly, also communicating with spiritual chakra to respect Kioshi's desire. "But I will relay your wishes."
Kioshi nodded in resignation. That's the best he could hope for. "Get on… with it then. I'm assuming that… all that is required is… is for me to think of the main points of events?"
"Yes," the man affirmed. "That is usually enough. If there is something you need to expand on or have trouble remembering I will inform or help you during the process."
"Very well," Kioshi sighed. He sat up and moved forward to the edge of the bed so the Inochi could have comfortable access to his brain. Direct contact seemed to be required for this specific technique, that or it made things easier, because it was a common warning and joke among Konoha ninjas to keep away from a Yamanaka's fingers.
Inochi leaned closer as well and touched his fingertips to Kioshi's temples. Reality then fell away as chakra flared, both of them being sucked into Kioshi's mindscape.
A mindscape was a visual representation of a person's thoughts and feelings. An expansive galaxy formed around them, filled with pastel space clouds and stars. Kioshi didn't know if this was because of his love of universal mysteries, or if it was simply how he imagined the workings of his brain, but he had to admit, it was beautiful. There was also an ominous black and red cloud off to the side that he didn't like to look at.
"Interesting…" Inochi intoned, looking around at the imagery as he floated in the dark beside him. "Can you feel where your memories are stored?"
Kioshi nodded and extended his hand. A red prick of light within the dark cloud was sucked towards them at the motion. Lighting flashed in protest, but the glowing sphere was soon in his hand. It wasn't a true star, but a crystal of information.
The ball activated and sent out light like an opaque hologram, placing them in a new environment.
A scene then started to play.
Kioshi showed Inochi all the important events from the last two years. Everything was played from Kioshi's point of view, as he experienced it.
The Yamanaka technique aided in showing imagery as well as sounds, sensations, and emotions present during the event. It took little effort to make things clear. In fact, Kioshi had to consciously tone things down so he didn't have to actually relive things fully again. It was like they were both in an immersive video game, except neither had control over themselves as the character.
He showed Sile's betrayal, Botan's dead body, swallowing both Lixin and the sailors with portals, and his fight against the ten ninjas with Kiri masks.
The world went dark after that, and sounds and sensations continued the story.
He then reluctantly projected the feeling of waking up clamped to a table, the first sexual assault, thoughts of his escape plan, the new technique discovered, the torture, overcoming it, and then the escape.
Inochi stayed silent through the entire process. When sensations and sounds stopped, chakra was released, and suddenly they were back in the hospital room.
"Was that detailed enough for you?" Kioshi asked, shaking slightly. He had wanted skim over the memories as much as possible, but things also needed to be clear and detailed enough for the man to follow. Hopefully, he had found a happy medium.
"Yes. I think that will be enough." Inochi swallowed. "You were actually quite skilled in the portrayal. My life would be much easier if all were like you."
Inochi's sympathetic smile and praise afterward did little to lighten the mood. The emotions and sensations of the memories weren't exactly pleasant. And now the man knew all the aspects of the situation, there were probably a lot of things to things about.
Kioshi had shown the man the images of the two pregnant women stolen from the Kumo's healer's mind. That alone had some major ramifications.
"You're welcome to tell the council most of what you saw," Kioshi said. "My only wish is that you limit discussing my mental and chakra-saving abilities. This is my right as a ninja. I do not want the information to reach my enemies."
Inochi nodded. The request was reasonable. In Konoha, a ninja had the right to keep hidden aces up their sleeve, even from allies. It was a personal guard against others within the village and out. Clans leaders in particular would revolt if they were forced to expose all of their secrets. This "chakra-saving technique" was a thing of Kioshi's clan and bloodline, so it would be hypocritical to force him to expose it.
Inochi also understood why the boy would want his mental abilities hidden. Harnessing mental chakra to the extent the boy had was almost legendary. The result was something useful but also threatening. Allies and enemies alike would shy away or become more hostile and defensive if the ability became known. Inochi knew this reaction firsthand.
Seeing as pure mental chakra could go undetected, this made the threat even greater. Some might try to kill or avoid the boy altogether. That wouldn't be good for the boy's health.
"Thank you for cooperating, Ninja Hirano," Inochi said, standing up and giving a slight bow "I shall now go inform the Hokage to figure the best way to proceed."
Kioshi nodded, and the intelligence worker left.
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A day later, the Hokage, village elders, and clan heads once again gathered in the council's planning room.
"This meeting will again focus on issues regarding Kioshi Hirano," the Hokage explained, once everyone was seated. "Inochi has completed a full examination, and certain actions must be taken."
"Is the boy a threat?" Elder Homura Mitokado immediately asked, tense.
"No," the Hokage replied. "The boy escaped on his own merits and has been deemed loyal."
"What are the issues then?" Hiashi Hyuga asked.
The Hokage was silent for a moment, then sighed. "The enemy responsible for the boy's disappearance was Kumo."
There was tension at this. Kumo was a strong and dangerous force. Starting a war with them would have major consequences.
"Are you sure?" Tsume Inuzuka asked.
"The landscape, distance, and direction in travel conveyed in the boy's escape indicate this," the Hokage affirmed. "The Raikage also visited the boy personally in captivity. The title and country were declared."
Hiashi's eyes narrowed, anger building. "That man has no honor!" He snapped. "He has stepped over the line once again! Don't tell me you are once again going to acquiesce as you did with the crimes against my brother and daughter!"
The Hokage sighed. "I deeply regret what transpired in the past my friend, but we cannot afford to start another war at this time."
"We are the strongest force in the elemental nations!" Hiashi snapped. "We won the last war, didn't we?! It's time to remind people of that fact! If we continue to ignore and cower under attacks it will only give people permission to continue to walk over us!"
"You are forgetting the attack of the nine-tailed fox, Hiashi," Tsume Inuzuka admonished. "The Yellow Flash is gone, along with much of our force. Not the mention the Uchiha Massacre. We are not as strong as we used to be."
"The last war was also carried out mostly in our own lands," Shikaku Nara added in agreement. "We held the position of defense. Attacking Kumo in their territory will put us at a disadvantage."
"So we do nothing!" Hiashi glared, but then his anger sifted to defeat. "Have we really been brought so low?"
"What were Kumo's reasons for capturing Ninja Hirano?" Tsume asked, changing the subject to see if retribution was truly warranted. "Did they get anything out of him?"
The Hokage sighed. "Unfortunately, yes."
Most of the council members stiffened at this. The Hokage looked at Inochi to explain, as he felt he would better convey the delicate matter.
The blond-haired man sighed and turned to his peers. "We believe that Kumo's main reason for capturing Hirano was for breeding," he said bluntly "It appears their efforts were successful, at least on two fronts. The children are likely born by now. Whether they will manifest Hirano's bloodline is currently unknown."
"This is unacceptable!" Homura exclaimed, slamming a fist down. "Kumo could have the beginnings of a large powerful clan by now!"
The Hokage swallowed. If only the man knew the true abilities of Hirano's bloodline…The Dojustu was already known to be powerful, but storing chakra…having an entire dimensional realm as a core… It was terrifying. The boy was right in keeping the technique a secret. Kumo had to remain unaware.
"We need to demand that the children be given to us!" Koharu Utatane declared. "If the request is denied, then teams should be sent in to capture or kill the things! They can't be allowed to grow to be our enemy!"
"What does Hirano think of this?" Tsume asked with much more calm. "Has he expressed an opinion on the matter?"
"No," Inochi replied. "And I have not pressed him on it."
Tsume nodded.
"Kumo must at least be declared an enemy of trade for this," Homura Mitokado said. "This theft can't be ignored until amends are made, and Kumo will likely suspect this. They will likely put up guards and band us from their country without prodding. It is best to beat them to it as a show of strength."
The Hokage nodded with some weariness. He looked around the table. No one protested the motion. "You are right. Conflict with Kumo is unavoidable at this point. I will send missives to all the Kages declaring our hostility and closed borders against them. I will also send an increase of espionage agents into the nation. It will be dangerous, but I believe it is necessary."
Shikaku Nara nodded. "More information would be beneficial. The children won't mature for some time, so there is no need for immediate action. But this situation shouldn't be ignored."
Many nodded, others glowered, but there was no open protest.
The Hokage sighed. "Then it is settled. We shall discuss more on this matter in due time."