Naruto: The Fifth Hokage [14]

Chapter 14: Hero

Makoto brewed tea slowly and steadily.

Since his first kill on the battlefield at the age of nine, Uchiha Makoto had spent six years teetering on the edge of life and death. The loss of teammates and partners had only added to the torment. Yet, amidst this suffering, he awakened the ultimate power of his clan—the Mangekyō Sharingan.

However, he could feel it. The prolonged exposure to war and bloodshed had taken a toll on his mind, pushing him toward the brink of madness.

Then again, it was the Mangekyō Sharingan. If he didn't go mad, it would almost be unfair to awaken these eyes.

To stabilize his mind, Makoto had taken up the tea ceremony after the war—not for cultural appreciation, but as a way to keep his mind at ease.

The small residence fell into complete silence, save for the occasional clink of porcelain as he handled the tea set. Kakashi, however, was not one for cultivating inner peace. Seeing that Makoto hadn't addressed the real topic yet, he cut straight to the point.

"What did the report you showed me today mean?"

Steam curled from the freshly brewed tea, filling the room with a rich aroma. Makoto looked up at Kakashi, handed him a cup of tea, and asked instead, "Have you visited Grandma Miori?"

Kakashi met Makoto's gaze with his lone, visible eye, then gave a slight nod. "I have."

"Make sure to visit her often. The old woman may receive a pension from the clan, but she's still lonely."

Kakashi frowned, clearly growing impatient. "Can you just tell me what was written in that record?"

"As for those clan members who spoke poorly of you, I'll handle them. As clan leader, I still have some influence."

"Uchiha Makoto!" Kakashi's voice tightened, his irritation evident.

Makoto chuckled. "Look at you, getting all worked up. Drink your tea first."

He turned to set the kettle back on the stove, and Kakashi seized the opportunity. In one swift motion, he pulled down his mask, drained the hot tea, and replaced the mask before Makoto turned around.

Makoto saw Kakashi's face twitch slightly from the heat and sighed. "You..."

He shook his head before continuing, "The report states exactly what you read. We haven't yet begun a full investigation."

Kakashi fell silent as Makoto leaned back slightly, mulling over his words.

"I wasn't born when that incident happened, but over the years, I've heard the clan elders talk about it. If their words hold any truth, then White Fang was a great ninja. He should not have met such an end."

Kakashi stiffened slightly. For years, his father's name had been all but erased from Konoha's history. And when people did speak of him, it was never in a good light. Hearing someone—especially an Uchiha—offer such high praise felt... unexpected.

"Really?" he asked cautiously.

"I can't speak for others, but within the Uchiha, White Fang is respected." Makoto said calmly. "You know, no one values their comrades more than we do."

Kakashi was silent for a moment before murmuring, "...Thank you."

Makoto continued, "But from the information I obtained today, the circumstances surrounding White Fang's death weren't simple. At the very least, Danzo had a hand in something disgraceful."

Kakashi's grip tightened. "What do you mean?"

"There's a lot of debate within the clan about investigating this matter. You see, back then, there was strong support for White Fang to become the Fourth Hokage."

Kakashi frowned slightly. He wasn't following Makoto's train of thought.

Makoto sighed inwardly. This was the problem with shinobi—trained from childhood to be efficient killers, they lacked the ability to navigate political intrigue.

But he had no choice.

For years, Sarutobi Hiruzen had kept Kakashi in the Anbu. Kakashi probably didn't even realize how valuable his position was as the only surviving disciple of the Fourth Hokage. Many in Konoha still mourned Namikaze Minato's passing. And though Minato's direct subordinates had been marginalized after his death, they remained an undeniable force within the village.

That was precisely why Makoto had orchestrated this entire encounter—to pull Kakashi into his plans.

Realizing that Kakashi wasn't going to grasp the full scope of the situation just yet, Makoto sighed. "Forget it. I'll continue investigating."

Kakashi studied him for a moment before nodding. "Thank you."

Makoto gave him a faint smile. "No need to thank me. I simply believe that a hero should not meet such an end."

A flicker of something passed through Kakashi's eye, but he only responded with a firm nod. "I understand."

As dawn approached, Kakashi stood and moved toward the window, preparing to leave.

Just as he reached it, Makoto suddenly called out, "One more thing."

Kakashi turned back, waiting.

"Come to the Police Force headquarter in a few days to pick up the Wood Release user. We've almost completed his interrogation. He's the only known Wood Release user besides the First Hokage himself, and keeping him with us any longer will only cause problems."

Kakashi nodded. Without another word, he disappeared into the fading night.

Makoto stood by the window, watching the horizon begin to lighten. His eyes gleamed with anticipation.

If he could clear Hatake Sakumo's name, Kakashi would gain the dual status of being the son of a hero and the student of a Hokage.

That would thrust him into the political spotlight.

And no matter what others thought, the Uchiha—the ones who helped him restore his father's honor—would be his most steadfast allies.

That moment would mark the true rise of the Uchiha clan.