Ch-56 Delusion.

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"Good job, Michikatsu. You've done a great service by saving Kushina," Hiruzen praised, his eyes reflecting his appreciation.

Michikatsu nodded, humility in his expression as he responded, "You don't need to thank me, Hokage-Sama. As a Konoha ninja, it's my duty to protect our village, and I won't stand by if someone threatens one of our own."

Hiruzen's wise eyes crinkled in a smile, acknowledging Michikatsu's unwavering dedication. "So, what are your plans for the future?" he inquired.

"As I mentioned before, I intend to train my brother. When the war escalates once more, I'll rejoin the battle. But for now, I yearn for some well-deserved rest," Michikatsu explained.

Hiruzen nodded, recalling their conversation from just a few hours ago. "I understand, but I wanted to ask if you'd consider teaching at the Ninja Academy, perhaps as a guest instructor rather than a full-time teacher."

Michikatsu hesitated for a moment, his gaze locked on Hiruzen's. "Hokage-Sama, you know that I've never aspired to be part of the Ninja Academy. I graduated early, and my reputation among the people of Konoha is well known. If the parents were to discover that I was teaching their children, they would not be pleased. Moreover, the children might be fearful of me due to my appearance. My presence as a teacher would be counterproductive."

Hiruzen sighed, understanding Michikatsu's concerns. "You're right, Michikatsu. I can't deny that parents would likely be hesitant to have you as their children's teacher."

Amidst this conversation, the tension in the room was palpable, and the subtle undercurrents of past battles lingered. Hiruzen knew that Michikatsu's expertise could be invaluable, not just on the battlefield but in nurturing the next generation of Konoha's shinobi.

"Then, if there's nothing else, I'd like to take my leave," Michikatsu declared, his determination clear in his eyes.

Hiruzen nodded in understanding and added, "You've been through quite the ordeal, first on the battlefield, and then with those ninja who kidnapped Kushina. Rest is well-deserved."

Michikatsu offered a respectful nod and a slight bow to Hiruzen before making his way toward the exit. His muscles ached from the battles he'd fought, but his spirit remained unbroken.

As Michikatsu approached the gate of the Hokage's office, he heard a sharp voice. Koharu, who had been silent until now, couldn't contain her frustration any longer. "Wait a moment. Do you not see that we are also present here?"

Homura chimed in, "You've ignored us as if we were invisible."

Koharu's eyes narrowed as she continued, "You didn't even bow when you entered the Hokage's office, and we let it slide, thinking it was due to an urgent matter. But now, as you leave, you still don't show the proper respect to the Konoha council elders."

Homura's stern tone added, "We are the Konoha council elders, and as a Konoha ninja, you should never show such disrespect."

Michikatsu turned to face them, his gaze unwavering. "It seems you're living in some delusion. Do you really believe that I bow before Hokage and address him as Hokage-Sama simply because of his position? If so, you're gravely mistaken. I show my respect to Hokage and address him as Hokage-Sama because he's strong, and he's earned that respect."

With a growing intensity, Michikatsu continued, "And what are you? In your prime, you were nothing more than elite Jonin. It's been so long since you've been in a real fight; your strength has surely waned. Look at the ninja I faced – I doubt even in your prime you could handle them."

Michikatsu's eyes bore into Koharu and Homura as he delivered his final words, "I'll make this clear: the day I surpass Hokage in strength, I'll stop bowing and addressing him as Hokage-Sama. If you want my respect, then become stronger than me, and it'll be yours."

He didn't wait for a response, leaving the Hokage's office with a sense of purpose that left the room charged with tension.

After Michikatsu's departure from the Hokage's office, Homura's disapproval was evident as he remarked, "How presumptuous of him; it's clear he has no respect for us."

Koharu, in agreement, chimed in, "Indeed." She then turned to face Hiruzen, her eyes narrowing. "Hiruzen, why didn't you say anything when he spoke so disrespectfully?"

Hiruzen leaned back in his chair, his expression pensive. "What could I say? I've known Michikatsu for a long time, and his demeanor has always been the same. He only bestows respect upon those who prove themselves to be stronger than he is."

Homura scoffed, clearly unimpressed.

"Just lazing around all day, do you honestly believe the other ninja bow before you and show you respect out of admiration? It's fear that drives them, fear of your petty tricks and manipulations, especially given your role in managing Konoha's supplies." Danzo, who had been silent until now, spoke with disdain as he addressed Koharu and Homura, then promptly exited the Hokage's office.

Hiruzen shook his head, a bemused smile on his lips. "I suppose you both have a penchant for inviting insults. That's why you provoked Michikatsu in the first place." With a dismissive wave of his hand, he returned his focus to the paperwork on his desk.

Koharu and Homura exchanged embarrassed glances, realizing that the situation had not unfolded as they had anticipated. Their attempt to confront Michikatsu had only served to expose their own vulnerabilities and had left them in an uncomfortable position within the Hokage's office.

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