Chapter:10

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Sarutobi Hiruzen kept speaking, recounting the small acts and steadfast loyalty that had cemented his trust in Uchiha Kagami over the years. To Hiruzen, it was unthinkable that Kagami, whom he regarded as both a friend and a brother, would betray them by leaking the news of Tobirama Senju's death.

Behind him, Uchiha Kagami stood quietly, his heart brimming with gratitude and admiration. Money may be easy to come by, but true friendship was a rare treasure. Kagami felt a profound appreciation for Hiruzen's trust and loyalty.

Hiruzen, next time you need anything, just say the word, Kagami vowed internally. For a friend like you, I'd risk anything.

Hiruzen's words echoed in the silent room, and all eyes turned to Uzumaki Mito, waiting for her response. She remained quiet, her gaze piercing, before a sneer crept onto her lips.

"Very touching words," she finally said. "Are you sure you want to go this far for Uchiha Kagami?"

She leaned in, her voice laced with cold calculation. "You realize, Hiruzen, that even if Kagami did leak the information, I wouldn't kill him. At most, he'd suffer some… inconvenience."

She straightened, her gaze never wavering from Hiruzen's. "You know how things work. The news is out, and Kagami, as an Uchiha, is already complicit, regardless of whether he did it or not. I've been deceived, my trust broken, and I am furious. So, think carefully, because the choice you make now will affect my opinion of you and your future in Konoha."

With that, Mito pulled her aura back, and the overwhelming chakra that had weighed down the room vanished. The release left everyone feeling lighter, yet Hiruzen's heart grew heavier. He understood the depth of her words; Mito's support was vital to his path forward. The dream of becoming Hokage wasn't one he could achieve with Tobirama's recommendation alone. Even if Tobirama had still been alive, Hiruzen would have faced opposition from various clans. In Konoha, respect was earned and power cemented through alliances, not merely appointments.

The answer Mito demanded now forced him to decide: would he put his loyalty to Kagami above his ambitions?

Hiruzen froze, wrestling with the dilemma as his hesitation grew palpable. Watching his friend falter, Danzo Shimura felt a rush of frustration. He wished he could shout the answer for Hiruzen. The Hokage's seat was paramount. Kagami would live regardless; he'd just suffer a few bruises. Hadn't Hiruzen done enough already by defending him so staunchly?

Kagami, too, noticed Hiruzen's struggle. Seeing his friend torn, he wished he could release Hiruzen from his duty to him. Hiruzen's defense had meant more to him than he could express, and if enduring Mito's wrath could protect his friend's future, then so be it.

"Lady Mito, Uchiha Kagami is innocent," Hiruzen said, raising his head and locking eyes with Mito. "Please, I beg you, don't punish him."

Mito's face hardened as she assessed him, her eyes narrowing. "Very well," she replied at length, her tone dripping with disdain. "Fine words, Monkey, but remember, heroes pay a price."

Mito struck the table, the impact echoing through the room. "Take these others out," she ordered the Senju guards, dismissing all but Hiruzen. "They're useless to me now anyway."

The guards moved at once, pushing Danzo, Kagami, and the others toward the door. They barely had time to register their freedom before finding themselves outside the Senju compound, released to the moonlit night as if the past hours had been some bizarre fever dream.

Utane Koharu, finally out of the oppressive Senju residence, gave a long sigh. "We're… really out?" she murmured, almost dazed by the change of scenery.

"Would you rather go back?" Mito Kado joked, his voice carrying a hint of nervous laughter. Koharu quickly shook her head, horrified at the idea. She was ready to leave behind the heavy talk of the Hokage's mantle and the village's future. A good night's rest was what she craved most.

But Danzo's mood was different, his anger flaring as he snapped at them, "Hiruzen isn't out yet!"

Danzo's heart twisted with frustration. Hiruzen, his ever-heroic friend, always had to be the one to shoulder responsibility, even to the point of risking his own safety. First, volunteering to stay behind with Tobirama during their escape, and now this… Danzo was infuriated at Hiruzen's relentless need to act the hero.

"Relax," Kagami said gently, his gaze still lingering on the compound. "Hiruzen will be alright."

But Danzo shot him a furious glare, his patience snapped. "It's your fault he's even in there!" he hissed, eyes blazing. "You Uchiha are nothing but trouble."

Kagami remained silent, meeting Danzo's anger without resistance. He understood why Danzo felt as he did; if he were in Danzo's position, he too would have had his suspicions.

The tight knot in his chest only grew as Danzo continued to vent his frustrations, his words laced with accusations. But Kagami held his tongue, sensing that any protest would only provoke further anger.

When Danzo finally exhausted himself, he turned away with a huff, muttering under his breath as he walked off into the night. One by one, Koharu, Mitokado, and Akimichi also took their leave, each eyeing Kagami with a wariness that stung more than Danzo's scorn. Though they didn't openly accuse him, their parting glances made it clear that the seed of distrust had been planted.

Watching his former teammates disappear, Kagami felt his resolve harden. He would find the person responsible for the leak and prove his innocence, not only for Hiruzen but also to clear his own name within the village.

(End of the Chapter).

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