Half an hour after Chi Yu woke up, the arrival of Sarutobi Hiruzen was utterly unexpected.
Even more surprising was the Hokage's expression—it bore a rare warmth, a kind of benevolent gentleness Chi Yu hadn't anticipated.
Chi Yu's mind spun rapidly, deducing several possibilities behind this sudden visit.
Still, what mattered most now was the performance.
This was an opportunity—a high-stakes one. If he could win Sarutobi Hiruzen's favor, life in Konoha might finally shift in his favor.
Suppressing his excitement, Chi Yu made a move to rise from the bed. "Lord Hokage, why have you come?"
Hiruzen quickly stepped forward and gently pressed a hand on Chi Yu's shoulder. "Your injuries haven't healed yet. Don't strain yourself—rest."
Chi Yu's eyes reddened slightly with performative gratitude, voice catching as he said, "Thank you, Lord Hokage."
Hiruzen pulled a chair beside the bed and let out a soft sigh. "Chi Yu… you've endured a great deal over the years."
At those words, Chi Yu bit his lip. Tears slipped silently from the corners of his eyes, painting the picture of a boy overwhelmed by grievance.
Hiruzen regarded him quietly for a moment before asking, "Chi Yu, do you hate Konoha?"
Chi Yu shook his head firmly. "I could never hate Konoha. It was my father and mother who defected. Konoha taking in someone like me—the child of traitors—is already more than I deserve. Before my mother died, she told me to make amends in Konoha, to correct their mistakes. I will never hate this village."
Hiruzen's expression remained unreadable.
After another pause, he asked, "Then what of the Uchiha? Do you hate them?"
Chi Yu's gaze darkened, the words spilling out through clenched teeth. "I do. My parents' betrayal was caused by the Uchiha's oppressive ways. They opposed my parents' union, drove them to desperation.
And after I returned, they didn't just ignore me—they tormented me. Labeled me a mixed-blood. Even the villagers joined in, looking at me with disdain… all because of the Uchiha blood I never asked for. I never claimed to be one of them—but they made sure I could never forget."
At last, Hiruzen's expression shifted.
"I've always felt a measure of guilt over your circumstances," he said gravely. "But the internal affairs of the Uchiha clan are delicate. As Hokage, it would be inappropriate for me to interfere too directly. I hope you understand."
He paused, then added, "That said, I want to offer you an opportunity: to return to the Uchiha clan, to be recognized as one of their own. Would you accept?"
His gaze sharpened, waiting for an answer.
Chi Yu didn't hesitate. "I'm sorry, Lord Hokage, but no. I can't."
Hiruzen narrowed his eyes slightly. "Why not?"
"I won't join them out of pity or politics. If I enter the clan now, propped up by your authority, I'll still be nothing more than a symbol—used and discarded at their convenience. Nothing would truly change."
"But," Hiruzen pressed, "if you were accepted into the clan, the villagers' attitude would likely shift. Life would be easier. Don't you want that?"
"I understand why they discriminate against me," Chi Yu replied bitterly. "It's because of the Uchiha. Their reputation in the village—militaristic, secretive, proud—has earned them resentment. If I rejoin the clan, the villagers may stop insulting me to my face, but in their hearts? I'd still be the same unwanted half-blood."
Hiruzen's tone suddenly sharpened. "Mind your words. The Konoha Military Police Force was founded by the Second Hokage himself. The Uchiha have made valuable contributions to this village. As a shinobi of Konoha, you must not slander those who serve it."
Chi Yu held his tongue, though inwardly he scoffed.
This old fox… If he weren't entangled with the Uchiha now, he might actually believe what he was saying.
Chi Yu knew full well this was all part of the Hokage's test—gauging his loyalty, his temperament, his usefulness.
"I still refuse," Chi Yu said firmly. "I don't want to be a pawn. I'll become a ninja on my own. I'll make up for my parents' mistakes with my own hands. And I want to be acknowledged—not because I wear a name, but because I earned it. I want the people of this village to see me as nothing more, and nothing less, than a shinobi of Konoha."
Hiruzen leaned back slightly, a flicker of satisfaction in his eyes.
"To be recognized by all… That's no easy path. Are you truly prepared for the hardship ahead, Chi Yu?"
Chi Yu's eyes gleamed with resolve. "I am, Lord Hokage."
Hiruzen finally smiled—genuinely, it seemed. "Good. I believe in your determination.
Since you choose not to join the Uchiha, I won't press the matter. The home you've been staying in is too remote. Once you're discharged from the hospital, I'll have you moved closer to the Ninja Academy. It'll be more convenient for your studies."
Chi Yu bowed his head. "Thank you, Lord Hokage."
As the Hokage departed, Chi Yu released a long-held breath.
Exhausting.
Talking to Sarutobi Hiruzen—this smiling serpent—was utterly exhausting.
That initial question about hating Konoha? A trap. If he'd shown even a flicker of resentment, Chi Yu might not have made it to his next birthday.
This wasn't the weary, doting old man who would later die defending the village. This was Sarutobi Hiruzen in his prime—sharp, cold, calculating.
The question about the Uchiha was another test. A lie wouldn't have passed.
How could he not hate them? How could anyone in his situation not?
But his answer served a purpose: it carved a line in the sand. I am Konoha's shinobi. Not theirs.
As for the whole "join the Uchiha clan" offer? Please. Hiruzen wasn't extending an olive branch. He was probing, analyzing—looking for signs of hidden ambition or bitterness.
The fact that Chi Yu would soon be moved closer to the Academy? That was confirmation. Hiruzen believed him.
Assuming no disasters happened, when Chi Yu graduated, he would likely be absorbed into the Hokage's inner circle of shinobi.
Hiruzen wouldn't protect him from discrimination, not truly. But at least Chi Yu wouldn't be thrown to the wolves anymore.
And in a world like this, sometimes connections meant everything—even more than talent.