Chapter 8: After

Whelp, nearly dying and getting stuck in the hospital after waking up from a coma sucks. There's literally nothing for me to do. Sure, I got a first class suite room to myself and can meditate while continue working on concentration breathing, though the constant supervision from mom totally restricts my freedom. And she's still here peeling apple in the shape of bunny ear slices.

"Kaa-chan, what about your clothes store? You're here everyday for two whole weeks already."

"My assistants can handle without me. Besides, it's not like business will be ruined after a few months of my absence."

She gave me the 'mom look', silently saying that there will be no negotiations. Can't say I blame her. The moment I woke up from my coma, she bawled her eyes out and kept thanking god nonstop that I pulled through.

Heck, even I'm surprised that I pulled through. Multiple fractures and lacerations, huge wound in my gut, and not to mention extreme chakra exhaustion. The last one was already enough to put even jonins on death's door. I didn't even knew I could do all those stuff, it's like I was in the zone or something. Got to admit, the fight was sort of fun, but no way am I doing another deathmatch ever again.

Wonder if Koro and his brother are safe? I can't accept what they've done yet I can't blame them why they did it either. According to his memories I got via ninshū, he really only did this because his son was killed by Minato.

I sighed, this is all so complicated. Actually settling it by knocking the sense into them would be too good to be true.

"What's wrong Ken? Are you hungry!? Are you hurt!? Is your stomach okay-"

"Kaa-chan, I'm fine. Just bored out of my mind." I reassured her while eating a slice of apple.

"O-oh." The mother hen stepped away from the emergency phone, almost calling the staff to come check on me... again.

"This is the third time already kaa-chan, nothing will happen this time."

"I-it's just..." Mom trembled before taking a seat, saddened, "I don't want to lose you too."

Her concern is getting old though not unwarranted I suppose, "It's okay, Yondaime-sama put Konoha and the hospital we're in especially secure. There are four ANBU shinobi just outside the window making sure we're safe."

Said four ANBU were startled when I pointed at their locations. My overall sensory skills have gotten much better after that fight. I know this will give away a hint of my true skills but I highly doubt that they wouldn't suspect something at this point. The Yamanakas have already read Naruko's and the other's memories long ago before I've even woken up from my coma. No point in trying to lay low after all that.

"Really?" Scanning, kaa-chan tried to find the four only to be disappointed, "I can't find them."

"How about we play a game to pass the time? I'll give you a hint and you try to find them."

"Is that kid treating us as a joke?"

"Quiet you idiot."

Due to her lack of sensory skills, kaa-chan did not pick up on that. However, she did take their feelings into consideration, "I don't think they will appreciate us doing that Ken, that is rude."

Her facial expression then went from stern to angry, and it was making me sweat. Kaa-chan was not playing around anymore, "Ken, I cannot believe you snuck into your tou-san's study and studied his shinobi notes. What were you thinking?"

The ANBU snickered at my predicament, guess instant karma is real.

"I was thinking that... it would be smart to know how to protect myself?"

"Ken!" I flinched from her yell. "Harnessing chakra without help is very dangerous, it is not something you should be doing in secret or by yourself. You could've seriously damaged your chakra coils at a young age."

Now the ANBU were silent, baffled that a seven-year-old kid who could detect them was self-taught.

By the way, it is true that I went into my dad's study and read what he did during his shinobi work. The fact that mom knows this means that she found the copied notes in my hidden drawer. Hope she didn't find the extra hidden drawer where I kept the papers regarding the future, "It never said it would be dangerous."

"His notes and study were for chunin and above who already have good chakra control, not for an academy student. You said you did not want to become a shinobi, so why learn all of this?"

"I didn't lie, I really don't want to become a shinobi. I just thought that learning a little bit would be fine until I found out I had talent. Before I knew it, I've already learned a lot more than I originally planned to."

"Shinobi jutsus and chakra are not meant for children and not supposed to be fun either." Kaa-chan held her head with her hand, "When did you start?"

"When I was five." Answering carefully, my thumbs fiddled together nervously, "I only did physical and chakra control exercises."

"Such as?"

"Push ups, sit ups, squats, laps, tree climbing and water walking."

"No ninjutsu?"

"No, not even the Academy Three until I asked Shikamaru and the others for the hand signs when we were kidnapped."

Kaa-chan stared at me dead in my eyes long and hard, she always somehow knows when I'm lying. Once the few stressful seconds passed, she sighed, "Ken, if you only wanted to unlock your chakra, I could enroll you in the Shinobi Division and you can still not graduate as a shinobi."

Yeah, found that out a couple years too late. In hindsight, I should've known that this was possible. Not every student who graduated from the Academy could pass the team genin exams so they had to pursue another career if they chose not to repeat, I was so blinded by future events that I didn't stop to think about the present.

"Guess that fact flew over my head..."

"What you did was incredibly foolish and irresponsible... And it was also what helped you return home safely."

Her disappointment melted away, gently enveloping me in a hug. Feeling the warmth of her motherly love, my anxiety and pain disappeared as I hugged back, "Sorry for worrying you kaa-chan."

Parting, I picked up a familiar presence running towards us. Checking the clock, they're coming to visit a little later than usual. Footsteps thumped louder and louder before the door slammed open, "Ken-kun! How're you feeling dattebayo!?"

"Same as usual, bored."

"Naruko, how many times do I need to tell you, don't be so loud in the hospital." Kushina reprimanded her daughter, "Good afternoon Chika-chan."

"Good afternoon Kushi-chan."

Another thing that's different is that mom has mended her relation with Naruko's parents somewhat, some stuff must have happened when we were kidnapped. Naruko came running over next to me with a big wide smile on her happy whiskered face, hands flopping on my hospital bed, the little ball of sunshine is back to her energetic self. Peeking over the door, I saw that Minato is also here, and it's not just him.

All the clan heirs as well as the clan heads are here. Despite the crowd, the suite room is still large enough to accommodate everyone. They stood there proudly while watching me with... respect I think? Not exactly sure, they're pretty good at veiling their emotions. However, Fugaku appeared awkwardly tense for some reason, as if he was trying to be careful not to break me.

Kaa-chan already told me that they'll be coming and wanted to talk to me. The Fourth walked up in front as Kushina tried to pry their child away from my bed, "Ken-kun, as the Yondaime Hokage, I would like to express my utmost gratitude for saving our children. We are in your debt."

"I only did what I felt what had to be done Hokage-sama. The last part of the fight was more for myself than anything though."

"Regardless, what you did was kind hearted and had much resolve. Not just anyone can accomplish what you did, the loyalty for your friends and unwavering faith in your belief just shows that you are an amazing person."

"No kidding, you really know how to pack a wallop."

Tsume's comment made Kiba grin yet the other clan heads grimace. Inochi cleared his throat, "It is no exaggeration to say that you have saved our daughters and sons, we cannot thank you enough."

'Paying for the hospital bills and those expensive gifts are good enough' is what I want to say, but something tells me that it would only complicate my situation more.

"Ken-kun, I am well aware that you have barely recovered but may we see your meiton chakra? Of course, if you do not feel like it, you are under no obligations to do so, this is more for our curiosity."

Although they are genuinely grateful to me for helping, guess they also have another reason for so many clan heads to visit. Mom and Kushina were staring pointedly at the blonde hokage, causing him to sweat nervously from the two wives' judgement. And surprisingly, Fugaku was also giving a disapproving stare to his village leader.

Shikaku sighed, rubbing the back of his neck, "Kid, I know it seems like a lot of pressure to accept a request from most of the important major clan heads, though this really is just a request. You don't have to force yourself if you don't feel like it, it's not like we're not going to hold a grudge for something so trivial."

"Nara-san, could you not have stated it in a more formal manner? You should act more appropriately according to your status in front of others."

"Oh come on, what's the harm Hiashi-san? I think it's because of the formality that's making him uncomfortable. Besides, our visit isn't official nor formal either, we should relax so Ken-kun can do the same."

The Hyuga clan head's stoic features nearly broke from Shikaku's and Choza's carefree attitude.

"... I agree with them. Today we are here as parents, not shinobi. " Shibi Aburame answered concisely.

If that back and forth banter was a whole plot concocted by the genius Nara to calm me down, then it's working. I turned to mom, wordlessly asking if it's okay to agree.

Her smile seemed tired yet proud at the same time, "Before I knew it, you have grown into phenomenal young man who can take actions into his own hands. You can do what do what you think is best."

Wow. That... kinda made me happy. I turned back to everyone else who patiently waited for my answer or in Naruko's case, impatiently bouncing on her feet as Kushina tries to hold her down. Since our lives aren't in danger anymore, the other kids are also pretty excited to see my new ability again.

Ah what the heck, I'm pretty curious to know what this is too. They have decades of knowledge regarding jutsu, maybe they know what it is, "Alright, give me a minute. I haven't used it since that fight."

'Let's see, recall the emotion. That same triggered emotion when Koro attacked his brother.' Memories of what happened resurfaced as chakra surged, my lips inadvertently whispering the words from before, "I. Want... To. Win."

Wisp-like shroud of black energy with violet tints emerged on my right hand, it came out easier than last time.

Shikaku narrowed his gaze, "No hand signs."

Byakugan and Sharingan wasted to time to appear, analyzing what my meiton chakra really is. Going by how serious their expressions on their faces are, I'm not sure what to think.

"How is it?"

"It is just as what Inoichi showed to us, I cannot see anything beyond that shroud. No color and no chakra flow."

"The same goes for the byakugan, what appears as black chakra to everyone appears as a mass of darkness blocking our vision. Our ocular abilities are useless."

After answering the hokage, they deactivated their dojutsus while clan heads and heirs exchanged gazes. Even the byakugan can't see through my meiton? The earliest way I know that can block the byakugan are the special barrier seals in The Last movie, and that's post-shippuden timeline.

Minato thanked for their assistance before he turned to me, "Ken-kun, what do you think? Is there anything you can think of to help us unravel this chakra nature?"

Due to my still recovering state, I dispeled my meiton chakra to not overstrain myself, "I've been thinking actually, mostly because I have a lot of free time staying stuck in the hospital. If I'm right, this darkness element is a direct opposite of how light works. Slow yet highly destructive, and it might also possess the ability to absorb chakra. However, the chakra consumption rate is much higher than any other jutsus I've used. The way it feels in my body implies that it's a kekkei genkai."

"No, I have a different theory." Minato stated, grinning in excitement, "True, most kekkei genkai exhibit how easily they manifest compared to normal jutsus, though it is still potent enough to obstruct two of the most famed dojutsus without the intentions of the user. I suspect it is a kekkei tota."

Now the clan heads were really shocked about this development and I'm even more so. Nonetheless, mom and the children confused. A confused Naruko lightly tugged Kushina's dress, "Kaa-chan, what is a ieke kora dattebayo?"

"Kekkei tota Naruko. To know about kekkei tota, do you first understand what a kekkei genkai is?"

"Uh..." She averted her pupils away from her mom.

"Kekkei genkai." Satsuki, as the top student of her class, answered, "A unique power genetically passed down from parent to child within clans. They could be dojutsus, chakra natures, or special abilities belonging to certain families."

Her father nodded approvingly, "Correct Satsuki. Like kekkei genkai, kekkei tota is a combination of different chakra natures. However, kekkei tota is more advanced and much rarer than kekkei genkai, it combines three different natures to produce an even more powerful chakra nature."

"Three!? Not two!?" Mom exclaimed, "But Hiraku and I never exhibited any signs of kekkei genkai, much less a kekkei tota. How does my son have one?"

"A genetic mutation as babies develop before they were born. Normally children need to mature and train more before their genetic ability manifests, but Ken must have brought it out by force in a desperate need during his fight. Most kekkei genkais emerge because of the anomalies in their DNA, but I did not expect for a kekkei tota user to be in Konoha."

Shikamaru furrowed his eyebrows at his dad, "Are there any other kekkei tota users?"

"Only two, the current and previous Tsuchikage from Iwagakure."

"No way, Ken-kun has the same power as a Kage dattebayo!?"

"Is there a way to prove it?" I asked before Minato gave me a sheet, "Is this chakra paper?"

"Very smart of you Ken-kun. Funnel your chakra into that paper and if you have three affinities, we can confirm that your meiton is a kekkei tota."

Rubbing the paper with my index finger and thumb, I feel that it's slightly thicker than normal paper. Whelp, time for the moment of truth. Chakra from my gut flowed to my arm, then to my fingers, and to the paper. And something interesting happened.

Upper part was set in a hot ablaze, the lower left melted into cool liquid, and rough solid dirt crumbled down at the lower right.

"Fire, water and earth. Three natural affinities and very potent at that. Congratulations Ken-kun, you have a kekkei tota."

Seriously...? A kekkei genkai would've been broken enough but a kekkei tota? A new uncharted chakra nature, this could be a broken cheat if I train hard enough. Then again, without this, Koro would've sent me to the afterlife. If it's anything like Yami's dark magic from Black Clover, then this has the potential to be the ultimate middle finger to all chakra-based techniques.

"By the way, since this is the emergence of a new power. Are you sure you would like to name it metion (dark release)?"

A certain element in a movie popped into my mind, I guess I did name it in the heat of the moment, "Maybe I could name it differently."

"If you don't mind, I have a good name for it."

Minato exclaimed confidently and I listened closely, my kekkei tota will be named by the Yellow Flash himself!

"Near-death-forced-summoned-black-shroud-enraged-resolved-stregth-devouring-all release."

My smile froze as the adults sweatdropped from Minato's naming sense. Judging by how his wife sighed, I'd say this is a normal routine for him. The Yondaime nodded sagely with a satisfied smile, "What do you think? It has a good ring to it."

This guy can give those long japanese manga titles a run for their money, "On second thought, I think I'll just stick to 'meiton'."

"Is that so? At any rate, you are free to choose how to call your power." His carefree tone shifted just a little bit more serious, "Ken-kun, what you've done to save our children is already enough to consider you a hero, you also stopped a probable invasion from other villages. Had those rouge shinobi succeed, Konoha could've taken much damage. The way you acted and thought of the enemies plans while calculating your own showed great leadership. You were the unspoken squad leader as you woke up Satsuki-chan, Shikamaru-kun and Shino-kun as your initial team."

"You already qualify to be a chunin, and I'm sure you will climb up to jounin very quickly. Do you wish to become a shinobi after you are discharged?"

"A chunin at the age of seven?"

"Believe it or not, this is not the first case that has happened. On average, prodigies such as yourself only come once every few generations. Shinobis also have many privileges that civilians don't, such as discount hospital fees and unrestricted access to many areas. How about it?"

"..." I peeked at my mother while giving some thought, "Thank you Hokage-sama, but I have to decline."

"Awww."

Ignoring Naruko's adorable pouty face, "I've already discussed this with kaa-chan before entering the Academy, I know becoming a shinobi has many benefits yet it also places one's life in danger, and my fight with that rouge Iwa nin proved it. I would like to continue my life as a civilian and not get involved in any strife."

Hiashi wanted to convince me otherwise until Minato held up a hand, stopping him. My answer was already expected by the still smiling Hokage, "I see, if that is what you've decided then I respect your decision."

"However, I do like a place to train. I am not asking for a lot, just a place for me to practice alone. There is still much about meiton chakra to discover and I don't want to lose control and accidentally hurt innocent people."

"A wise choice, I will grant you permission to be in the training grounds, consider your request granted."

"We cannot thank you enough. Truly, if there is anything we can ever do to help you, please do not hesitate to let us know. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you."

The Hokage as well as the clan heads spoke with such sincerity as they lowered their heads to bow. My friends saw their parents before doing the same in gratitude. That came so suddenly that I was flustered about such respect given to me, "Oh- uh... You're welcome."

As the visit concluded, Naruko and the others waved at me goodbye before leaving with their parents, except for Minato. The blonde wanted to have a private talk with me and mom, "Chika-san, Ken-kun, I know I have said this already though I would like to apologize once more. You and the others were in danger because of me."

"It's fine Yondaime-sama. Those Iwa shinobis were at fault, not you."

"Be that as it may, it still happened because of my actions." Minato lowered his gaze, reminiscing his time during war, "Whether old or young, I've killed many enemies in order to protect Konoha. After watching the memories from that night, I can't help but realize how narrow sighted I was in the past. Back then, Naruko wasn't born yet. But now, after experiencing what it truly means to be a father to a loving daughter, I understand why Koro-san went to such lengths."

"Having one's child taken away must have caused such unimaginable pain. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that even though the Great Wars have ended, they actually haven't. Perhaps countless other people are still suffering because of me." A regretful yet wishful visage was cast on his face, "I have a dream. A dream my sensei shared with me. It is to bring genuine peace where no more war and hatred can consume everyone's hearts. Ken-kun, do you think that is possible?"

"Who knows. People tend to be overwhelmed by hatred more often than not." I answered thinking not just about canon, but also about Earth, "However, Shodaime-sama founded Konoha by uniting different clans which opposed each other before right? There's no reason why we should stop there and not extend our hands to other villages. If our predecessors can achieve it, maybe we can too."

"... That's right, history has proven that it's not impossible. That is the Will of Fire Shodaime-sama has bequeathed to us." His eyes have more clarity to them, "Thank you Ken-kun."

This thought has crossed my mind several times now. Considering that I didn't see Koro's memories more than necessary, it should be safe to let others learn it without exposing myself, "Yondaime-sama, could you bump fists with me?"

"Of course."

He wasn't confused, connecting his fist to my own with expectations. He must've suspected something when he saw the fight within everyone else's memories. I waited for the surge of chakra and watched the influx of memories... not.

'The hell? Are there some sort of conditions to make Ninshū work?'

Both me and Minato were perplexed about the lack of results. We waited for a while only for more nothing to happen. Don't tell me that we have to hit each other full force for it to work...

Regardless, the atmosphere between us turned awkward. Minato smiled pleasantly, waving off the fist bump to save me from embarrassing myself, "Thank you Ken-kun, it was a new experience."

"Oh- uh, you're welcome."

Minato smoothly switched to a different topic, "Ken-kun, I have my suspicions yet I would like to be sure just in case, do you already know about Naruko's secret."

"Naruko wanting to sneak in ramen to class was her idea, I have no part in it."

He sweatdropped, chuckling wryly, "Not that, I meant the one from seven years ago."

"Oh, that one. It wasn't that hard to figure out anyway, the date of the Kyuubi incident and people's whispers were fairly easy signs to spot."

"Nevertheless, you still treated Naruko as a normal person and friend." A hint of shame and guilt etched on his features, "I wanted to apologize to you both but made excuses to postpone it. Hiraku was a precious friend and member of Konoha, I am very sorry for not being able to save him."

Mom witnessed the Hokage lowering his head again for a different reason with mixed emotions, "I never knew what happened besides what I saw, though I did know that Hiraku would've done it without hesitation to help you. Placing my anger and hatred onto everything shinobi-related clouded my judgement, and that very act would definitely earn myself an earful from my husband. Perhaps it is time for me to let go my anger for the sake of myself and Ken-kun."

"To be honest, I was really sad about tou-san passing away before even meeting him, though it's not Naruko's fault. I understand that she has her own problems with holding the Kyuubi. I don't blame her or you, neither of you were at fault." A thought popped into my mind, "I do have a question though. How did those Iwa shinobis infiltrated Konoha?"

"They were able to mask their chakra signatures with ones familiar in the village via a jutsu and items. You don't have to worry, we are already on the case. There will be no repeated incidents."

"I heard them talking about an inside job, do you have an idea of who could be the traitor?"

"That is a problem we will handle, leave it to us."

... Is he telling me to not get involved? As much as I want to know, it's not like I can be of much help in my current condition, I can't move without worrying about my wounds reopening. One thing's for sure, something big is going on.

"Alright."

"Thank you Chika-san, Ken-kun. Oh, I'm sure you already know this but Naruko's secret-"

"Must stay a secret. I understand, Minato-san."

Smiling at my cheekiness, he made his way to the exit, "I should leave, don't want to keep your other visitor waiting too long."

Other visitor? Focusing my senses through the door, I could tell that there are two people. As Minato left, Fugaku and Satsuki reentered, the former appearing as if he's awkwardly presenting himself in a job interview. The latter was definitely not used to seeing her father like this.

Mom giggled, "Come now Fugaku-kun, Ken isn't going to run away from you."

He gave a pointed stare before coughing to gain attention, "Good morning Ken-kun, you may already know me though I would like to introduce myself to you not as the Uchiha clan head nor as Satsuki's father, but as your father's and mother's old teammate."

My eyes popped out wide as saucers. I've heard mom mentioning quick words about how my parents were together during their genin days, yet she never said anything about the third member. I don't think canon ever revealed Fugaku's teammates either.

Gazing at mom, she nodded her head in confirmation. Gazing at Satsuki, she was indifferent to the news, which only meant one thing, "You knew about this?"

"Only that tou-san was your parents' teammate, I never heard anything specific about their genin days."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"Was there a real need for that? You never brought it up so I assumed that your kaa-san is keeping quiet for a reason."

As much as I want to voice out my thoughts, I'm in no position considering that I know about them way more than I should. However, I just didn't expect Fugaku Uchiha of all people to be the third member.

"Ah, Mikoto-chan must've been the one to tell you. Fugaku-kun isn't the expressive type after all."

"Yes, yes, I get it. You are right. There's no need to bring that up." Mom had a mischievous smile as Fugaku glared at her in irritation before calming down, "Ken-kun, I wanted to reach out to help you and Chika much earlier, though she was still grieving about Hiraku's death and wouldn't allow me anywhere near you two. I offered to provide financial aid and any necessities yet as a shinobi myself, I wasn't wanted."

"To be honest, I was worried about how you will fare since you two lost Hiraku. With how Chika reacted to me, the most I could do was watch from afar. Fortunately, she was able to raise you well by herself, albeit while picking up her bad habit of spouting profanities."

"I have never said any of those in front of my son... but considering how good his senses are, he might have heard from the distance."

This time the Uchiha was acting smug while mom glared at her old teammate. Satsuki watched her father, very not used to seeing him acting this way. Can't blame her, neither am I.

The Fugaku I saw in canon was stoic and strict, never making any faces unbefitting of a clan head. Yet here he is having a small banter with my mom while talking about the old days.

Maybe the reason he's like that in canon was because both mom and dad died, leaving him as the last member alive. If that's true, then it makes a lot of sense. For whatever reason, my presence here almost certainly saved mom from death. Either that, or it's just part of multiverse theory, Naruto and Sasuke in this world are girls after all.

Satsuki and I exchanged glances. I smiled wryly while she 'hm' as usual.

"Chika, Ken-kun, I am glad that you are living well." A hesitant air was around him, "Seven years ago, during the Kyuubi Incident, Hiraku died back then but neither of you have heard the whole story correct?"

We both nodded, mom was too traumatized to hear about it and I didn't find out much either. We both lean in anticipation.

"Around that time, the Uchiha Clan was given orders to stay away for certain reasons. However, when civilians needed help evacuating, Hiraku came to us and pleaded. He was desperate yet remained firm. As the clan head, I was torn between agreeing and listening to orders. We didn't have enough information at that time to make a clear choice."

"Eventually, Hiraku's determination got through to us and we joined." Fugaku wore a wistful and nostalgic smile, "Even in the midst of a disaster, he had a clear goal. Together, we managed to save many of the injured and I personally went to subdue the Kyuubi. Nonetheless, Hiraku was struck in battle and I was too late to save him."

"He reminded us of our pride as the Uchiha Police Force yet I failed him as the clan head and as his friend. After that, I've always felt responsible for making you lose the love only a father and husband could give. I am truly sorry."

Saddened, mom's hand trembled, I firmly grabbed to give support. Satsuki was wide-eyed with her mouth slightly opened, surprised that there was someone who influenced the clan so much.

"And now his spirit lives on within you, Ken-kun." A clear calming smirk appeared, as if a lot of weight was lifted off him, "When I saw you fought, you were the spitting image of your father so much that I almost mistook you for Hiraku. Your drive and pride when you fought while screaming your desire made me remember our genin days together. The days when I formed a bond with my best friend."

Mangekyou confirmed.

"Just before he died, Hiraku wanted me to tell you his last words: "Chika, I'm sorry for dying and breaking my promise to you. No matter what happened, I wanted to protect Konoha where you and our son live. Ken, grow up strong and don't let anyone tell you that you can't achieve your dreams, look after your kaa-san for me. To my family, I love you all.""

Melancholy washed over the Takamiya family, mom couldn't hold back her tears anymore while I'm trying to not be the same. Fugaku and Satsuki were flustered about our condition, the Uchihas aren't good with these emotional stuff.

Wiping my face, "Fugaku-san, thank you."

"No, I do not deserve your gratitude, it should be me thanking you. Both Hiraku and Ken-kun protected Konoha and the Uchiha so much that I can never fully repay this debt." The clan head noticed the time, "I wish I could stay a bit longer more but urgent business requires my attention."

"Fugaku-san, could you tell me more about tou-san sometime?"

"... I will try."

Did... did his mood change for the worse? It was only for a moment, though something about him was off. I got a bad feeling about this, it can't be that right?

"Well, I wish for your smooth recovery Ken-kun."

"Hm, see you back at the Academy."

Mom and I waved our goodbyes. Regardless, the bad feeling I had, as I have feared, turned out to be true. Two weeks later, not a single person was not shocked about another major incident in Konoha, unable to stop talking about it. They clamored about the unthinkable as people grieved for their loss of friends. Konoha was never the same again after losing a part of itself.

The Uchiha Massacred has occurred.

AN: I have officially started working so expect the updates to be very slow. Anyway, we're getting closer to the start of canon and that will be a nostalgic ride. Hope you all like it.

Ja Ne