Kenji was discharged from the hospital on a beautiful, sunny day. He returned to his small apartment, a place that had been unoccupied for a long time. Everything was still tidy, but there was an unfamiliar silence. After weeks of living in extreme peril, this peace made him feel uneasy. He checked the doors, the seals—a habit ingrained in his blood, even though he knew no one in the village would break into a Jounin's home.
His first task upon his return was to go to the Hokage's office. The Third Hokage looked as if he had aged several years. The war and the betrayal had left deep marks on the village's leader.
"Kenji," the Hokage began after inviting him to sit. "How is your condition?"
"I have fully recovered, my lord."
"Good," the Third Hokage nodded. "I have a new mission for you. For the time being, you will no longer participate in missions outside the village. You will take on the role of an advisor and proctor for the practical exams of the graduating students at the Academy. Pass on your experience to the next generation."
Kenji understood immediately. This wasn't a vacation. This was a way to keep him in the village, under the Hokage's observation and protection. He, too, was a living secret, and letting him go outside now was too dangerous.
"I understand, my lord."
In the following days, Kenji accustomed himself to his new role. He stood on the training grounds, observing twelve and thirteen-year-old children training with passion. He saw their enthusiasm, their innocence, and the dreams in their eyes. He saw a loud, blond-haired boy who constantly talked about becoming Hokage. He saw another boy, a member of the Uchiha clan, whose talent was exceptional but who always kept his distance from everyone, a hint of arrogance and loneliness in his eyes. The image of that boy made Kenji involuntarily think of Naoki.
He wondered, where does this cycle of hatred begin?
One afternoon, as he was on his way home, someone blocked his path. The person wore the distinctive uniform of the Konoha Military Police Force, with the Uchiha clan's fan symbol on their shoulder.
"Kageyama Kenji-dono," the person said, their tone polite but devoid of friendliness. "Lord Fugaku, Captain of the Military Police Force, would like to see you to discuss some information related to your recent mission."
Kenji's heart skipped a beat. Uchiha Fugaku. Father of the prodigy Uchiha Itachi. One of the most powerful men in the Uchiha clan. Kenji knew this was not an invitation. It was a summons.
The Military Police Force headquarters was located in the heart of the Uchiha district. The place was clean, orderly, but the air was cold and filled with a stern authority. The eyes of every Uchiha member turned to Kenji, an outsider, as he entered.
He was led to the captain's office. Uchiha Fugaku sat behind his desk, his back straight, his posture exuding power. His black eyes were as sharp as knives.
"Please, have a seat, Kageyama-dono," Fugaku said.
"Thank you, Fugaku-sama," Kenji replied, keeping his voice perfectly calm.
"I hear your mission in the Land of Earth was a brilliant success," Fugaku began. "You brought back invaluable information. The Military Police Force acknowledges your contribution."
"It was my duty."
Fugaku nodded. "I just have a few procedural questions to complete the file. During your mission, did you notice any unusual activity from other shinobi in the area?"
"Nothing special aside from the usual Stone Village patrols, my lord."
"Is that so..." Fugaku paused for a moment, his eyes boring into Kenji. "According to the records, Anbu member Uchiha Naoki was also assigned to operate in that sector. He has not returned. Did you see or hear any news of him?"
This was it. The question Kenji had been preparing for.
He looked directly into Fugaku's eyes, his gaze unwavering. "No, my lord. My operational area and those of other Anbu members are kept completely separate from one another to ensure security. I never met Uchiha Naoki."
He was lying. A bold-faced lie to the head of the Uchiha clan, a master of the Sharingan. Kenji felt an invisible pressure weighing on his shoulders. He knew that a single blink, a single uneven breath, and Fugaku would see through his deceit.
Fugaku was silent for several seconds, seemingly evaluating Kenji's every word, every gesture. His dark eyes seemed to grow deeper, darker.
"I see," he finally said. "Thank you for your cooperation, Kageyama-dono. You may go."
Kenji stood up, bowed, and turned to leave the room. He didn't look back, but he could clearly feel Fugaku's eyes fixed on his back. A cold, suspicious gaze.
He had passed the confrontation, but he knew one thing for sure.
Uchiha Fugaku didn't believe a word he said.
The silent war had officially begun.