Chapter 2: Meeting the Hokage

Within an hour, Kai found himself standing in the Hokage's office. The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, sat behind his desk, his wise eyes scrutinizing Kai with the same intensity as Kakashi had. Hiruzen had a calm but commanding presence. The old man's power wasn't in his physicality, but in the sheer experience he carried. Kakashi stood beside him, hands in his pockets, watching the exchange quietly.

Kai could feel the weight of the situation. He was in front of one of the most powerful men in the village, a legendary shinobi. He had to tread carefully.

"So," Hiruzen began, his voice soft yet firm, "Kakashi tells me you were found near the village with no memory of your past, only your name and a surprising level of chakra control."

Kai nodded. "That's right, Hokage-sama," he replied, bowing slightly to show respect. "I don't know how I got here. I remember... fragments of something, but it's all too faint. It feels like there's a fog over my mind."

("I can't give them everything. I need them to trust me, but not enough to question why someone like me appeared out of nowhere. For now, it's best to play the role of the lost boy. Let them believe what they want, until I figure out how to handle this situation properly.")

Hiruzen leaned back in his chair, considering Kai's words. He took a long puff from his pipe, his eyes never leaving the boy. "You're not a typical child. Even with no memory, your chakra control is unusual for someone your age. But I believe in second chances, and if you truly don't remember your past, perhaps it's best we treat you as any other promising student in our academy."

Kai kept his face neutral, but inside, a thrill coursed through him. This was his chance.

("The academy... I can start here, blend in. Slowly grow stronger. If they think I'm just a talented kid with memory loss, I'll have time to figure out my powers, my limits. More importantly, I'll be able to observe how this world works up close. Naruto... Sasuke... all of them. I can learn, adapt, and then—when the time is right—I'll make my move.")

"Thank you, Hokage-sama," Kai said, his voice steady. "I'll do my best to fit in."

Hiruzen nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I'm assigning you to the academy, to the same class that will be graduating soon. You'll be evaluated like any other student. If you do well, you'll join the graduating class."

Kai's heart skipped. ("Naruto's class... perfect. The timeline is exactly where I thought it would be. I'll get to watch the main events unfold, and position myself accordingly.")

"One more thing," Hiruzen continued. "You'll need a place to stay. I'll arrange for you to have a small apartment near the academy. Until you regain your memories or find your purpose, the village will help you settle in."

Kai bowed again. "Thank you, Hokage-sama. I'll work hard to prove myself."

As Kakashi escorted him out of the office, Kai's mind buzzed with excitement, though his expression remained calm and collected. The plan was falling into place. He had been reincarnated here, not just as some random child, but with power and opportunity at his fingertips.

("I need to take this slowly. First, blend in. Keep to myself, learn the layout of the village and how things work. If I play my cards right, I'll have access to the most powerful people in this world. And when the time is right... I'll surpass them.")

Despite the thrill of his new life, a lazy sort of calm settled over him. ("No need to rush. I've got time. Time to grow stronger, smarter. Time to enjoy this world, see everything I used to watch from behind a screen. And most importantly—time to become the strongest. Not because I have to... but because I want to. This world will be my playground.")

As he stepped out into the village with Kakashi, he took a deep breath, feeling the cool evening air wash over him. It was the start of his new adventure, one filled with power, danger, and the thrill of the unknown. Kai couldn't help but smile to himself.

("Let the games begin.")