Konoha Village, Hokage Building
"Sarutobi, I heard that Uchiha Kaede went on a mission and still hasn't returned!" Danzo leaned on his cane, scrutinizing Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Sarutobi, what's going on?" Homura Mitokado, one of the Konoha F4, also asked.
The Uchiha are currently their biggest concern, especially when a genius from the Uchiha goes out and doesn't return.
"Kakashi has already reported the details to me. Kaede temporarily thought of something he needed to handle, which is why his return to the Village was delayed," Hiruzen Sarutobi said calmly, holding his pipe.
"This is a violation! How can you guarantee that he will return!" Danzo retorted fiercely.
The other two Advisors also showed dissatisfaction, even blaming Kakashi somewhat.
"What was Kakashi thinking? How could he allow that Uchiha brat to act on his own!"
"I think we should let Root go and bring him back."
"Danzo! I'll say it again, the Uchiha are also members of the Village. We can punish him when he returns; Root is not allowed to act without authorization!" Hiruzen Sarutobi stated definitively.
While the debate raged on in the Hokage Building, the atmosphere within the Uchiha Clan Compound was equally tense.
Uchiha Kaede's parents were filled with worry. His mother paced incessantly, while Uchiha Gō stood by the window, gazing in the direction of the Village entrance.
"What exactly happened to Kaede? Why did he leave the squad by himself?" his mother asked anxiously.
His father, standing nearby, also frowned deeply. "That child has always been steady; there must be a reason for him acting this way now."
"Could he have run into danger?"
His father, Uchiha Gō, shook his head. "We can't help him now. We can only pray that the child is safe."
In the solemn and majestic Great Elder's courtyard, a profound silence permeated the air.
Sunlight filtered through the dense gaps between the leaves, casting dappled shadows onto the ground.
However, at this very moment, the Great Elder's already dignified face appeared especially heavy.
He stood quietly in the center of the courtyard, his gaze fixed on the distance, as if he could pierce through layers of clouds and fog to see the figure who had yet to return—Uchiha Kaede.
The Great Elder's heart was filled with worry and unease regarding Uchiha Kaede's current mission outside the Village.
What concerned him most was that Uchiha Kaede was called away for a mission immediately after showing his talent. He was the only one who harbored suspicion regarding Hiruzen Sarutobi's motives.
A gentle breeze brushed against the Great Elder's robes, bringing a slight chill, but he seemed completely unaware.
He clenched his fists, his brow furrowed, as various possible scenarios flashed through his mind.
The Clan finally produced another genius, only for him to be tricked by the Hokage again?
Konoha Village. Sunlight filtered through the lush leaves, scattering dappled shadows onto the ground.
Uchiha Kaede had just returned from Takigakure. He carried a unique aura, a calmness born from profound change.
As Uchiha Kaede stepped through the gates of Konoha Village, his pace was steady and strong, and his eyes revealed an indescribable depth.
The power of the water of heroism flowed through his body, making him feel completely reborn, his strength having undergone a qualitative leap.
He walked straight toward the Hokage Building, preparing to report the details of the mission to the Third Hokage.
Along the way, the villagers were busy as usual, and children played happily in the streets. However, Uchiha Kaede paid them no mind; his focus was entirely on how to explain the events of his journey to the Sandaime.
Before long, Uchiha Kaede arrived in front of the Hokage Office Building and gently knocked on the door.
"Come in." The Third Hokage's voice, slightly weathered but still steady and strong, came from inside.
Uchiha Kaede pushed the door open and entered. The interior layout was still familiar; the Third Hokage was sitting behind his desk, looking at a document.
Seeing Uchiha Kaede enter, he showed no surprise; Ninja had detected him the moment he stepped into Konoha Village. He put down what he was holding and looked up, sizing him up.
Just that single glance was enough to startle the Third Hokage.
He could clearly sense that the Uchiha Kaede standing before him was completely different from the person who had left for Takigakure.
The presence emanating from him was far more potent, seemingly concealing a power that could erupt at any moment.
The Third Hokage had held the position of Hokage for many years and had witnessed the growth and change of countless Ninja, but Uchiha Kaede's transformation still caused a trace of apprehension to rise in his heart.
"Lord Sandaime, I have returned." Uchiha Kaede bowed slightly and reported.
The Third Hokage nodded gently, his expression remaining calm, though the trace of doubt in his eyes had not vanished. He merely instructed him to first recount his experience with the Sunagakure Ninja.
However, after Uchiha Kaede finished recounting the Hidden Sand Village mission, Hiruzen Sarutobi did not stop there. He looked directly into Uchiha Kaede's eyes and slowly asked, "And after that? Where did you go after completing the Hidden Sand Village mission?"
Uchiha Kaede's heart tightened. He knew that his unauthorized trip to Takigakure could not be hidden from Hiruzen Sarutobi forever. He answered truthfully: "After completing the Hidden Sand Village mission, I heard the legend of the water of heroism in Takigakure, so I went there without permission, wanting to see the water of heroism."
"Oh, and did you see it?" Hiruzen Sarutobi stared intently at him.
"I saw it. I only saw a small bottle."
"And then? Did you bring it back?"
"No. I drank it midway."
Upon hearing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi's face immediately darkened.
He slammed his hand down on the desk, stood up abruptly, and scolded him: "Uchiha Kaede, do you realize how reckless and irregular your behavior is! Ninja missions have strict rules and procedures. Your unauthorized change of itinerary to visit another Village could not only bring unnecessary trouble to Konoha Village but also disrupt the Village's planned arrangements!"
"Lord Sandaime, I know I violated the rules. Please administer the punishment," Uchiha Kaede said, lowering his head, though his heart remained cold. He had long anticipated this outcome.
The Third Hokage looked at him deeply, his mind filled with countless thoughts.
The Uchiha Clan was already viewed with caution by the Village due to the power of the Sharingan. Now, Uchiha Kaede had also acquired the power of the water of heroism. If he wasn't restrained, he would likely become uncontrollable in the future.
Hiruzen Sarutobi sat back down behind his desk, pondered for a moment, and then said, "You will be confined for six months. During these six months, aside from necessary daily training within the Uchiha Clan Compound, you are not permitted to step half a pace outside the compound."
After thinking for a moment, he continued, "Furthermore, you must compile all the intelligence you gathered on this trip to the Hidden Sand Village and Takigakure, including detailed information about the water of heroism, into a thorough report and submit it."
"Yes, Lord Sandaime." With that, Uchiha Kaede bowed, turned, and walked out of the Hokage Office Building.
"Go fetch Danzo for me." Only after Uchiha Kaede left did Hiruzen Sarutobi instruct the shadows.
Uchiha Kaede walked back toward the Uchiha Clan Compound. He had considered never returning, fabricating news of his death outside.
But that wouldn't work at all. For one, he didn't know the exact time of the Night of the Clan Massacre, and his existence might even change the timing.
Secondly, Takigakure wouldn't remain silent. Even if their strength was inferior to Konoha's, having their treasure stolen would certainly prompt them to seek an explanation from Konoha..
Given Hiruzen Sarutobi's nature, if he were gone, he might very well make his family take the fall and face the punishment.
Furthermore, there are still many powerful Ninjutsu within the Uchiha. Unless he could constantly hunt down and kill experts outside, it was better to stay within the clan and obediently copy Ninjutsu.
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