Two days later the Hokage, elder advisors, and clan heads all sat at a large rectangular table in the village's planning room. The Hokage sat at the head, and the others were seated along both sides.

"Good morning," the Hokage began. "I appreciate you all for coming. As you all have been informed, today we will be discussing the recent disturbance in Konoha, one that caused alarms to be raised."

Everyone besides Inochi and Shikaku came to full attention. There were many concerns and rumors floating around the event. Hiruzen had been able to keep it under wraps until now. His intelligence and strategic heads, along with himself and the ones on scene were currently the only people who knew the details.

"Two days ago a strong chakra presence entered Fire Country," the Kage said, looking at the council members seriously. "The figure bypassed all the patrols at high A-rank speed and managed to travel all the way up to our gates. Many were concerned about an attack, but this never came to reality. The figure collapsed upon reaching the gate. He was blindfolded, injured, and chakra exhausted."

The Hokage paused after this to add greater effect, then continued. "The figure has been identified as Kioshi Hirano."

Even the expressionless village council members showed shock at this. Some moved to speak, but Hiruzen held up a hand for them to wait.

"As you are all aware, Kioshi and his trading team have been missing for almost two years. Their ship and the individuals on it disappeared while traveling to Kiri, and we have received no further information on the matter since. We assumed that if the boy had been captured, he would have likely been killed by now. But this doesn't appear to be the case. We have attended to his wounds, and he is now being kept unconscious until we can decide the best way to proceed.

"I have called you all here today to help aid in the decision. This is a delicate matter. There are many dangers and precautions that must be taken for one who has been under the influence of an enemy for so long. But I also do not wish to inflict further stress on the boy."

The Hokage steepled his fingers. "What are your opinions?"

Hiashi Hyuga spoke grimly. "There are only two reasons why someone would keep someone like Hirano alive for so long. They either sought to brainwash him or steal his bloodline. You said he was wearing a blindfold? I'm I correct to assume that the boy's eyes have been taken? If so, then the boy could be currently turned against us in a form of revenge. It is unlikely for a captive to escape on their own, let alone in his state while dealing with chakra imbalance."

The Hokage nodded. They had failed the boy. Hatred may have formed due to this, especially if prodded by the right influence. "I agree. I find his escape suspicious as well. Though you are wrong about his eyes. Those appear untouched. Each of his limbs, however, has been fractured, which makes me wonder how he managed to make it here. The only two explanations I can find are that this was done over time, or that he was imprisoned close to Fire Country. It is evident that he has somehow risen to S-Rank chakra levels. The border patrols have confirmed that there was only a brief few-hour gap between the boy entering Fire Country and reaching Konoha. To move at such speed with such hindering wounds means he would have to have extreme reserves."

Koharu Utatane frowned. "I find it strange that a "prisoner" would increase in power while in captivity. Isn't it usually the opposite? This would take training."

Homura Mitokadeo nodded. "I agree. The boy has obviously been converted and shaped into a weapon against us."

Tsume Inuzuka also frowned. "If he was released on purpose, then the enemy must be extremely confident of his changed loyalties. Hirano is powerful and both of his eyes are extremely valuable. Even if the captors didn't have the right candidate or ability to do transplants themselves, they could have easily sold the boy's eyes at a high price. No enemy would let such a threat and prize go without purpose or benefit."

The Hokage sighed. "We shouldn't jump to conclusions. It's hard to get a full grasp on motives when we don't know the full situation. It is still possible that Kioshi gathered the will and strength to escape on his own. We won't know until we question him."

Homura Mitokadeo scoffed. "And you think the boy will tell you the truth? I hope you plan on having Inochi perform an in-depth examination because it would be foolish to rely on the information otherwise!"

Hiruzen sighed at the disrespectful tone. Ever since he'd banished Danzo from the council for ordering the Uchiha massacare, the other two village elders had increased in hostility. Whether this was out of anger, or an effort to fill in for Danzo, Hiruzen didn't know, but it was bordering on insubordination.

"It would be unwise to use force," Inochi said, bringing the Hokage back to the conversation. "Those who have been held under torture for long periods of time are often not in a logical state.

Performing an examination without permission will lose trust and is likely to be unsuccessful or damaging."

"Yes we know," Homura dismissed irritably. "Resistance, however, can also be a sign of guilt and treachery. That makes examination even more vital! If the boy is truly loyal, then he will submit. He is dangerous! We should determine his loyalties before any freedom is given!"

"If we treat him as an enemy, then that's what he will see in return!" Inochi argued back. "Trust works both ways. Extensive abuse can twist one's mind and put guards up where there should be none. If unstable, even greater care should be taken. Restraining him will only confirm toxic lies and will be seen as a betrayal. That will make it ten times more difficult to get answers!"

The Hokage turned to one who had remained silent so far. "Shikaku, what are your feelings on the matter? How would you proceed?" The Nara could sympathize with victims but was also a hardened warrior and realist. He usually offered compromising solutions.

The Nara was silent for a moment, then spoke bluntly. "I agree that Hirano is a possible threat to the village, but I also do not think that we should hinder recovery if possible. I suggest we drain Hirano's chakra to civilian levels before waking him. If he's hostile, this will allow us to quickly control the situation. As long as he can be calmed, we should keep him free of restraints in a large windowed room.

"For security purposes, powerful seals should be placed on him that can be activated on command. He has likely been placed under an imprisoning or a draining seal during captivity, so those should be avoided. Separating ourselves from his captors will be to our benefit. Other linked seals will give him the full use of his chakra, but if he does turn against us, then we will have the means to stop him. The seals should be linked to different people for greater security. If Kioshi wants them removed, then he will need to agree to have his mind examined."

The room was quiet afterward. Many were nodding.

"I find this to be reasonable," the Hokage said. "Are there any objections?"

No one spoke, though some still looked unhappy.

"Then we will proceed likewise," the Hokage said. "I will get in contact with those skilled in fuinjutsu to secure the boy. Once there is more information, we will judge the situation further. For now, keep this to yourselves. There are many civilians and ninjas who are fond of the boy, but for now, I think it would be best to give him some space. I have already instructed the ninjas on the scene to stay quiet on the matter. This is classified until further notice."

The people around dipped their heads in acknowledgment.

000000000

One day later, Kioshi woke to the sight of a white ceiling. He'd been a medical ninja long enough to instantly recognize the aspect of Konoha's hospital.

This was one of the private first-class rooms. Turning his head to the side, he saw that natural light flowed in from a large, low-hanging window which showed a clear view of Hokage mountain. The light and colors were jarring to see, but it wasn't painful.

The healers here must have strengthened and acclimated the nerves in his eyes. Kioshi could have done something similar before now, but the act would have taken energy and concentration, something he couldn't afford while escaping.

He sat up. Disorientation and weakness plagued him. His chakra was low, and he felt drugged.

Thankfully, however, nothing else hindered the action.

Was this real? Was he truly free?... The memories of his escape were still bright and clear, but he'd imagined it so many times in the past that he feared it might all be a dream. Any moment he'd wake up to the cold dark reality of the last two years…

The surroundings felt tangible though…His unconscious dreams and imagination were never this immersive. And he'd know if someone was casting a genjutsu.

He laid back down on the bed. It was so comfortable…Even if it was horizontal like the hard table during captivity, the stark difference in material made the position bearable.

The mattress was like a cloud and the warmth and security of cloth on his skin made him want to cry. He had clothes!.. There were sheets! There was even a blanket! Such things would never be taken for granted again!

His arm flopped as he tried to pull the blanket up higher. The nerves and bones in the appendage were still damaged. Something had obviously been given to help with the pain, but his limbs were still in their same injured state.

It would be a complicated task to get things functioning again. Large sections of bones, muscles, and nerves were crushed beyond most people's repair. The healers here would have likely resorted to amputation if it had been anyone else. Kioshi, however, was the best healer in Konoha. His coworkers had likely decided to wait and leave the task up to him.

This was greatly appreciated. He could recreate tissues, and it was much easier when there was something to work with. If the Konoha healers had amputated, then the healing process would take much longer. Supporting rods in his jaw or other materials would also make things more difficult.

Basic hygiene seemed to be the main thing attended to. The gruesome three-day run and faceplant had likely caused a lot of sweat and dirt to stick. A recent bath was confirmed by the sweet scent of soups, different from the harsh sterilizing ones of captivity.

Hopefully, he'd never have to experience or smell such products again. Those weekly baths from Kumo hadn't exactly been pleasant. He'd likely have that phobia of it along with things for some time.

It was one of the reasons he'd hesitated coming back here. His greatest fear in going to Konoha was being put back into the same nightmare, simply switching one prison for another. The thought had been almost unbearable.

But trust had to be placed in something.

Looking at his surroundings, it seemed he had made the right decision. He wasn't restrained or secured in a cell- at least not one that was harsh. There were two small cameras in the room and an unusual amount of ninja auras outside and in the hall. Powerful seals could also be felt on his body. But at least Konoha seemed to be trying to be hospitable.

He couldn't blame the Hokage for the security. Spies or ticking bombs had been known to come out of former prisoners. His mind would probably need to be examined before suspicions would be satisfied.

That might cause problems. What would happen once it was discovered that he could use his dimensional realm as an extended core? He might be able to hide or pass over some things, but the interrogation would likely require him to show or at least tell the details of his escape. How could he do so without revealing his new or hidden talents? Would they see him as an uncontrollable threat?... Something that needed to be harnessed further or killed?

Kioshi still hadn't told anyone that dimensional-linked portals had no effect on his physical body. They could easily absorb seals without injury. Once the council realized how weak their current security was, would they inflict something new?

On top of that, they might panic once it was discovered that he had the potential to hold the chakra amount of a tailed beast, if not more.

He had also obtained the ability to read minds.

These three abilities combined made him a bit frightening. Danzo would try to assassinate or disable him if anything.

He needed to make preparations to defend himself as soon as possible. As long as he stayed aware and stored enough chakra away, he'd be able to escape if necessary.

He'd wait until his core was full to start the siphoning process. This would draw less attention. A ninja stopped creating the energy once their core was full, so skimming off some at the top would go undetected if he was ever scanned. Not many knew his core's exact density and size.

Hopefully, time would be given until then.

000000000

An hour later, someone entered the hospital room. It was his healer sensei. If the hesitant steps were anything to go by the woman seemed to be worried about his reaction. It was smart to send her. The presence held many good memories.

"Kioshi, it's Kana. Do you remember me?" She asked softly.

Kioshi turned his head to look at her. She had moved over along the wall, directly to the side, so he didn't have to lift his head to make eye contact.

He gave a small nod. It was good to see her again. She knew him almost as well as Akio, being his second source of knowledge and guidance. Hopefully, his joy got across because the entire lower portion of his face refused to cooperate.

Kana didn't seem to care about the likely ugly sight. She immediately rushed forward on seeing his eyes water, kneeling down next to the bed. She brushed the hair out of his eyes. It was something that had become unruly and long since they had last seen each other. The front came down his face and the back curled around his neck.

"It's okay," she said, also tearing up. "You're in Konoha. You're safe now."

Kioshi closed his eyes and let her hand move to his shoulder in a show of comfort. The words were either naive or a purposeful lie to comfort him. Safety was an illusion. Unless the woman had recently developed amazing combat abilities, there was likely little she could do to protect him. But it was nice to be in the presence of someone adamant not to cause harm.

"Do you want me to sit the bed up?"

Kioshi nodded.

Kana cranked up the bed to a 45-degree angle, propping up pillows behind him so he could rest up even further.

"I'm not sure how to give you food and water while your jaw is injured," the woman said with concern and a flash of anger. Knowing the kind of mother bear she was, the last emotion was likely directed at the perpetrator of the injury. "We have been feeding fluid and nutrition into your IV until now. We decided to wait until you woke up to do anything else. You have the best chance of repairing yourself. A complete recovery is beyond our abilities. Once you feel up to it, I'll get the necessary supplies. Just cast a genjustu on me to tell me anything you need."

Kioshi didn't respond, looking away to the window. Communication through genjustu was an easy solution to bypass his current disabilities. By projecting the illusion of sounds into another's mind no jaw or finger movement would be required.

Speaking now, however, would only invite questions. This needed to be avoided. Staying mute was his best chance of biding time to gain some semblance of security before being forced to expose certain information.

Besides, he didn't feel like talking. He hadn't spoken for so long, it felt uncomfortable to do so.

Kioshi could sense Kana's worry as he became distant, but he pushed away the guilt. This would help keep him safe…

000000000

One week later Inoichi Yamanaka stood in the Hokages office.

"Inochi, has there been any change?"

The blond-haired man sighed. "I'm afraid not my Lord. Hirano still refuses to speak. Only his healer sensei has been able to get basic yes and no answers, but even then, nothing informative about his experience."

"Has he improved at all in activity?"

"No," The Yamanaka sighed again. "Kana has been asking him to heal himself. She has even laid out items for him, but he stays still except when he allows himself to be helped for basic needs. It's truly strange. I don't get the feeling he fears punishment. Most would want to get rid of their disabilities."

"Is it possible that he has amnesia?" the Hokage asked. "Torture and traumatic events have the potential to block things from one's mind, correct? Could this cause him to not remember his healing skills?"

Inochi shook his head. "He shows no signs of such an affliction. Mental blocks usually happen over stressful memories or everything entirely. Unless that specific part of his memory has been removed by a technique, which would mean removing years upon years of experience- something that goes even beyond my clan, then it is unlikely."

"Is he depressed?"

"Not enough to warrant immobility, " Inochi replied. "He shows emotion. My best guess is that he is simply tired and wishes to rest for a time."

The Hokage nodded sympathetically.

Inochi continued. "The good news is that his actions show he likely has no intention of fighting us physically. Choosing to remain injured shows loyalty, trust, or innocence. Most people in enemy territory would want to build up their strength and defenses as soon as possible.

"His mental guard is still up though, so there is still some fear present. Whatever happened, the boy doesn't want to relive it or is worried about possible repercussions. I have assured him that we only wish to help, and the information is needed for proper action and defenses, but this doesn't seem to be enough to persuade him."

"I see…" The Hokage sighed. "This is troublesome. The elders are becoming impatient. We will need answers soon. I can give him another week, but after that, more drastic measures will need to be taken."

"My Lord?"

"If nothing has changed by then, I will inform others of Kioshi's return," the Hokage explained. "If you and Kana can't get anything out of him, then perhaps someone else can. At the very least the boy should feel obligated to say something to the family members and friends of the teammates that are still missing."

Inochi nodded. Using guilt as a tool was harsh but often effective.

"You are dismissed," the Hokage said. "Keep me updated."

Inochi bowed and departed.

000000000

At the same time, not far away, Kioshi was examining four core amounts of chakra in his dimensional realm with both joy and frustration. Seven days…Seven days and he'd been able to replace a whole year's worth of effort! Four cores amounts were now held in reserve, and one twirled brightly in his stomach. He cursed himself again for not figuring out the technique sooner. It would have saved him so much pain.

The good news, at least, was that now he could now generate and store chakra quickly. That boded well for the future. Most ninjas could replenish their core every 24 hours. Having a large core like his meant his charka generation speed was very fast. Productivity only changed if a core was stressed.

For the past two years, that was exactly what state his core had been in. Kioshi had sent himself into the second stage of chakra exhaustion every day due to his restraints. With the limited chakra allowed, it had been the only way to create a portal and store enough energy. This caused his core to take hours to regenerate back to civilian level.

Now though, however, he was like a tuned machine. A high A-rank's worth of chakra could be stored almost every day. The only downside was in doing so, the energy couldn't be used elsewhere. That meant no healing. People were becoming concerned and confused by this.

Building up reserves, however, was his first priority. It was something unknown to his possible enemies, and Kioshi had promised himself in his long days of darkness, that if he ever escaped, he'd do everything in his power to never be at another person's mercy again. Gaining this security measure was the best way to accomplish this.

Never again did he want to be stuck ineffectively building chakra over long lengths of time. The experience had almost caused madness.

Honestly, he was lucky to be alive. Anything different in his skill set or his captor's choices would have resorted in failure and disaster. Even now, his skill in medical ninjutsu was the only thing saving him from being crippled for life.

Looking over to the table that held chemicals and elements for anatomy creation, he sighed. Now with some security in place, it was probably time put himself back together. Pain aside, he wanted to be able to move again without relying on others or large amounts of chakra.

It would be difficult though. Medical ninjutsu was easier to perform with your hands. He'd learned how to perform techniques with his mind alone for situations such as this, but fingers aided in separating and directing elements. It had also been a while. He had a good memory, but it might take a while to get back into the flow. Oh well… Nothing like the present.

When Kana came in to check on him, he gestured to the table with a nod.

"Do you want me to bring the table over?" Kana asked with surprise and a bit of hope.

Kioshi nodded.

She didn't hesitate. The cart was rolled closer. "I'm glad you're feeling up to it. Is there anything else you need?"

Kioshi didn't answer at first, concentrating. Powerful chakra flared around him, surrounding him in an outline of blue. Sending out chakra tendrils, he pulled the lids off the containers. Examining the contents inside each with spiritual chakra, he determined everything was of good quality. He then shook his head at the question.

Kana nodded, taking a few steps back to give him space.

Kioshi then started to do an in-depth examination of his right arm to form a medical plan of procedure. Since Kumo hadn't allowed him to condense spiritual chakra after being injured, this was the first time that he could actually determine all the detailed aspects of his injuries.

His arm wasn't a pleasant sight. Veins, nerves, and muscles healed in dented and twisted ways, and there was hardened scar tissue in many places. Lower parts of his arm were also dead due to the lack of blood flow.

The initial injury sight had a large section of bone missing. There was also a straight two-inch scar in the area. Kumo healers must have made an incision to remove bone shards. This made sense as it would help prevent infection and smaller shards from entering his bloodstream. Both could be fatal. They hadn't wanted him dead after all.

Once a full map had been created, Kioshi started repairing his arm like a puzzle, starting with the most logical pieces and then working his way around.

It took eight hours to accomplish this. During this time, Kioshi was mostly removed from his surroundings, the task taking deep concentration.

After he finished, he was helped to the bathroom and then went to bed exhausted.

It took another day to refill his chakra, and the following days mirrored the first.

000000000

The rest of the week was then spent repairing all his limbs. Thankfully, Inochi, the head of intelligence, had left him alone during the process.

It was in the following week that he received new visitors. Kioshi opened his eyes. His chakra was almost restored, so his energy was high.

Kioshi's heart beat a bit faster when he realized who it was. Akio, Emi, and Koru walked in.

Koru immediately bounded over, jumping up and putting two giant paws on Kioshi's blanket-covered lap. The grey and white animal was almost fully grown now, being only slightly smaller than an adult ninken.

The weight of the paws was significant. The sharp claws the appendages were hiding within them were probably also very formidable, but Kioshi felt more like hugging the furry creature than anything. He knew Koru wouldn't hurt him, at least not fatally…

"Koru! Give him some space!" Emi admonished, though there was more joy in her voice than worry.

Koru's continued to wag his tail, breathing in excited pants. "I detect no agitation," he projected happily.

Kioshi blinked at the skill of the genjutsu. The ninken had just barely learned the technique the last time they met, but now Koru was able to cast words to all three of them at once. The animal was becoming quite the ninja.

"You have caused my bonded one much pain," Koru projected reproachfully with a growl. "Do not do such a thing again."

Kioshi almost wanted to smirk and get the dog to confess that he'd missed him too, getting back into old habits, but the emotion turned hollow just quickly as it had appeared. This wasn't exactly a joking matter. Emi had lost her old genin teammates, and then Kioshi and Itachi as well. It had probably not been easy.

He nodded somberly. He wanted to say "I'll try," or "I'm sorry," but the break in silence might encourage Inochi to come back. He still didn't want to answer the man's questions. Information was important. But once you started giving it, then your non-answeres would become answers, attention and suspicion being brought to anything avoided. That was something that he wanted to avoid a bit longer.

Emi came up closer, and her and Kioshi's eyes locked. She was a full-grown woman, being in her early twenties, but there was a childlike vulnerability in the gaze. "I'm glad you are okay," she said, her voice shaky and soft.

Kioshi nodded, but then looked down, not knowing what else to do.

There was a slight tension in the room at this, Emi and Akio glancing briefly at each other. Kioshi understood. What else was there to say? It would be insensitive to joke about the situation, and they probably knew Kioshi didn't want to talk about the experience. They also couldn't talk about their own lives without eventually bringing up Itachi. Not addressing the Uchiha's absence was already suspicious as it was, or at least it would be if Kioshi hadn't already been aware of the situation.

Itachi…What was his friend doing right now? Was he okay? Had he secured a stable position in the Akatsuki?

"We've been told that you are in the process of healing yourself," Akio coughed, bringing Kioshi out of his thoughts. "So we won't take too much of your time. Once you get feeling better, perhaps we could get together to listen to some music, eat, or play some games? Would you like that?"

Kioshi nodded.

"I look forward to it," Akio smiled, then hesitated. "Do..Do you want to talk about what happened?"

It looked as if the words were a sour lemon to the man, as if he already knew the answer, but had been put up to it by someone- likely Inochi or the Hokage.

Kioshi shook his head.

Akio nodded briskly, showing no disappointment at the answer as if wiping his hands of the task. "Well, we will leave you to rest and heal then. Get better soon. We're glad your back." The group then turned and left afterward, giving one last wave and parting glance.

Kioshi sighed with relief once they were gone. It seemed like for now, the Hokage wasn't going to use Itachi as a conversation starter. It was something he didn't want to respond to right now. The lack of surprise combined with burning anger might lead the village to correctly conclude his suspicions and knowledge. This might hinder his goals.

One thing was for sure. He was going to kill Danzo. With the power he could now gather along with the evidence of Shisui's eye and the other Uchiha's eyes, there was nothing stopping him. If the Hokage hadn't done anything about the man yet, then he never would. Proper judgment and execution had to be dealt with from another source. And executioner he would be.

It would be best to catch the shady man and the village by surprise.