Betaed by Doodledon122

Chapter 8 The Trial

Two days had passed since I awoke in the hospital following the mission where Senshi, Kaen, and I pursued Sasuke. Now, the three of us sat in the Hokage's office, facing Lady Tsunade. The atmosphere was heavy with tension, the room silent except for the faint rustle of papers. To our sides were two additional desks, each occupied by a Village elder.

Breaking the silence, Tsunade's voice rang out, firm and authoritative. "Thank you all for gathering here today. We are convened to address the actions of Senshi, Kaen, and Katate. These three are on trial for breaching standard Shinobi protocol. Rather than informing the appropriate authorities about Sasuke's attempted desertion, they acted independently to bring him back. While their actions ultimately resulted in success, similar behavior in the past has led to significant complications for the Leaf. This is why these protocols exist."

She paused, letting her words settle, before continuing. "Of greater concern are the actions of Senshi and Katate. Katate pursued Orochimaru in defiance of orders, resulting in the loss of his arm. Despite being barred from continuing as a Shinobi, Senshi trained Katate and sent him on unauthorized missions. These actions violate not only Hokage orders but also the laws of the Leaf. Senshi, how do you plead?"

Senshi, sitting straight and composed, stood to address the accusations. "Regarding our decision to retrieve Sasuke without following protocol, I plead guilty," he began in a cold, resolute tone. "I know Sasuke better than anyone in this Village, including his capabilities. Had we adhered to protocol, Sasuke would be lost to the Leaf. The evidence is clear—if Katate hadn't stayed behind to delay the pursuing Shinobi, Kaen and I would never have caught Sasuke before he crossed the border."

Senshi's voice grew sharper as he addressed the second accusation. "However, I plead not guilty to the charges of training Katate and sending him on missions. After losing his arm, Katate's sole income came from smithing. Struggling to sell his wares in the Leaf, he took contracts in surrounding villages, where bandits and rogue Shinobi are common threats. I simply ensured that my friend could defend himself on the road. These so-called 'missions' were business transactions, and Katate has receipts to prove it. My actions were within the bounds of the law."

One of the elders, seated to our right, interjected. "What of your nephew Sasuke? He attempted to abandon the Leaf and ally himself with Orochimaru. By protocol, such an act marks him as a rogue Shinobi to be eliminated. You claim to act out of loyalty and care for your friends. But how do you justify your leniency toward Sasuke, whose actions endangered the Village?"

The elder's words drew whispers from the others, their murmurs filling the air. I noticed Senshi's glare harden, his anger simmering beneath the surface. Before it could boil over, Kaen stood and placed a calming hand on Senshi's shoulder. "Sit down, Senshi," he said firmly. "I'll handle this."

Kaen stepped forward and addressed the council. "Hokage and esteemed council members, we cannot ignore Sasuke's actions. If successful, his defection would have caused significant unrest for the Leaf. However, we must also consider the circumstances that led him to this decision."

Kaen's voice was calm yet impassioned. "Sasuke witnessed the slaughter of his entire clan at a young age, perpetrated by his own brother. The grief and anger he has carried since that day are unimaginable. Instead of receiving the support he needed, Sasuke was met with fear and suspicion by the Village. His pain and desire for revenge were ignored, leaving him vulnerable to Orochimaru's manipulations. Orochimaru preyed on Sasuke's turmoil, promising power and the means to avenge his clan."

Kaen paused, his gaze sweeping the room. "I do not excuse Sasuke's actions. However, the true villain in this story is Orochimaru, and to some extent, our Village for neglecting Sasuke when he needed us most."

Kaen's words settled over the room like a heavy mist. The murmurs returned but were quickly silenced by Tsunade's stern voice. "Council members, if you have something to say, speak openly. I will not tolerate whispering."

One councilman hesitantly stood. "Lady Hokage, there is something we must consider. Senshi Uchiha was absent during both the Nine-Tails' attack and the Uchiha massacre, only returning shortly after each event. Coupled with the known Uchiha conspiracy against the Village before the massacre, one might question Senshi's involvement in these tragedies."

The accusation was met with a palpable wave of tension. Senshi's glare bore into the councilman with an intensity that sent chills down my spine. Rising slowly, Senshi reached into his cloak. Kaen and I moved instinctively to stop him, fearing the worst. But Senshi's movements were too swift. With a flick of his wrist, he tossed something onto the desk—a bandana bearing the symbol of the Twelve Guardian Shinobi.

"I plead not guilty," Senshi declared, his tone sharp and unyielding. "At the time of both events, I was serving the Land of Fire's Feudal Lord as a Guardian Shinobi. My absence was not out of guilt but out of duty. When I returned, it was to check on my family and Village. I take full responsibility for Sasuke's actions and vow to oversee his rehabilitation."

Tsunade nodded solemnly. "You have my apologies, Senshi. Your absence during those events is now understood. I will grant you oversight of Sasuke's rehabilitation, but he will remain confined to the Uchiha compound under constant ANBU surveillance. Should he act out again, we will take appropriate action."

The tension in the room eased slightly, and Senshi returned to his seat. Tsunade turned her attention to me. "Now then, let's return to our initial discussion," Tsunade said, her sharp gaze cutting through the room. "Katate, regardless of the nature of these so-called business transactions, you violated my direct orders by chasing after Sasuke with Senshi and Kaen. You were stripped of your position as a Shinobi, and interfering in Shinobi affairs under those circumstances is a much more significant crime. What do you have to say in your defense?"

Her words sent a chill down my spine, and I took a deep breath to calm myself. Each word carried the weight of impending judgment. I knew there was no room for excuses, no point in trying to justify my actions. I needed to face this head-on.

"I have nothing to offer in my defense, Lady Hokage," I began, my voice steady despite the turmoil within. "You are correct. By joining Senshi and Kaen, I not only broke the law but also disregarded your explicit orders. Together, these are indeed significant crimes. For that, I throw myself entirely at your mercy."

I lowered myself to the ground, pressing my forehead against the polished wooden floorboards in a gesture of respect and submission.

"The only explanation I can offer is this: I cared too much. Despite our differences over the years, Kaen and Senshi have been my closest friends, my family in all but blood. In turn, I see Sasuke as I see Senshi—like a brother. I couldn't allow them to go after Sasuke alone, not when the stakes were so high.

"I am loyal to my friends and to the Village, perhaps to a fault. I allowed my grief over Sarutobi—who I saw as an adopted father—to cloud my judgment, driving me to this foolish decision. All I ever wanted was to serve the Leaf and to live up to the legacy of those I admired. But instead, I failed you, my friends, and the Village."

I spoke calmly, though my heart pounded in my chest. With my head still pressed to the floor, I braced myself for what I assumed would be a heavy punishment, likely imprisonment.

"Raise your head, Katate," Tsunade commanded, her voice firm yet steady.

Expecting the worst, I slowly lifted my head to meet her gaze.

"While your actions were reckless, they stemmed from a deep desire to protect and serve the Village. Your loyalty is unquestionable, as is your willingness to risk everything for your comrades. I believe you have been punished enough. As of this moment, your restrictions are lifted, and you are reinstated as a Shinobi of the Leaf. However, you will return to the rank of Genin—if you accept."

Her words stunned me. My calm demeanor faltered as disbelief swept over me. Reinstated? As a Genin? It was hard to tell if this was a punishment or a second chance. An eternal Genin—it certainly wouldn't help my reputation.