Bonus Chapters at 100 power stones. Mass release to get this fanfic going!
"Yami, calm yourself!" Hiruzen's tone sharpened as the oppressive chakra thickened in the room. "I share your grief. I mourn the Uchiha as well. But anger alone won't fix anything."
Yami stood trembling, the remnants of rage simmering beneath his skin. Slowly, he forced his breathing under control. The pressure receded. He closed his eyes and organized his thoughts.
Ever since returning, every conversation, every explanation, every look had felt slightly off. 'Something about this story doesn't add up.'
He wasn't a naïve child. Even if he was just fifteen, he had grown up in two worlds. One where logic mattered, and one where power ruled. Blind acceptance had never been his way.
When he opened his eyes again, the Sharingan was gone. His expression was calm, but a cold determination lingered beneath the surface. The elders visibly relaxed.
"…I want to visit the Uchiha cemetery," Yami said quietly.
Hiruzen nodded, and personally led him there.
. . . . . . . . . .
The cemetery stood close to the old Uchiha district. From where they walked, Yami could still see the collapsed roofs and broken walls of the once-proud clan compound. The sight alone tightened something in his chest.
The graves were simple and unmarked. Plain stone slabs standing in uneven rows. No names. No dates. No dignity.
Yami stared for a long moment. "Why aren't there names on the graves?"
Koharu stepped in quickly. "Most of the Uchiha were killed. The ANBU who buried them didn't know their identities, so… the graves were left unnamed."
Yami didn't respond. It wasn't worth arguing. The excuse was shallow, and everyone here knew it.
But one word stood out.
"Most," Yami repeated. His eyes shifted to Hiruzen. "So there were survivors?"
The Hokage shot Koharu another warning look before sighing. "There is one more. Uchiha Sasuke. He graduated this year and became a Genin."
"Sasuke?" Yami laughed stoically, though there was no humour in it. "Itachi's younger brother?"
The irony was bitter. The elder brother murders the clan, and the younger becomes the tragic orphan. But there was more: Yami knew Itachi's ability. Even with help, the idea of him single-handedly defeating every elite Uchiha felt wrong.
He needed more information. And to get that, he needed status.
"Hokage-sama," Yami said, turning to face him, "I want to request promotion to Jōnin. And I want to take the mission to hunt Uchiha Itachi."
Danzo didn't wait for Hiruzen. "Absolutely not."
Yami ignored him. "Only Sasuke and I remain. I graduated at nine, became Chūnin at ten, and completed an S-Rank mission. My ability isn't the issue."
He continued, his tone firm but respectful. "And with an S-Class missing-nin like Itachi at large, Konoha having no Uchiha Jōnin looks… questionable. Even the daimyo might start forming doubts."
Danzo bristled. "Watch your words. The daimyo does not concern himself with-"
Yami turned his gaze on him. Cold. Measuring. Danzo, for the first time, felt a faint sense of unease.
'This boy is not simple.'
"Enough," Hiruzen cut in. He thought carefully before speaking. "Yami, you lack the mission count for full Jōnin. But given your unique circumstances, I'll appoint you as Special Jōnin. Lead missions, gain experience, and we will revisit the promotion."
Danzo slammed his cane against the ground. "Hiruzen! You're making a reckless decision!"
"This discussion is over," Hiruzen said firmly.
Danzo glared, teeth clenched. "You'll regret this."
Hiruzen didn't look at him. "Danzo, do not forget that I am the Hokage."
The old warhawk froze, then stormed away wordlessly. Koharu and Homura soon followed, leaving Yami and Hiruzen alone.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Yami's gaze drifted back to the graves… and an old memory surfaced, unbidden.
He remembered the day he first arrived in this world. Everything had felt strange. Chakra, ninjas, a clan of warriors with eyes of power.
Then the blow that shattered his childhood: his mother dying when he was but a young child.
For a time, he had lived in quiet grief. But he hadn't been alone.
Shisui had stepped into both roles, brother and guardian, teaching him jutsu, guiding him through the world, reminding him that being Uchiha wasn't just about power, but pride.
His grandfather had also taught him the fundamentals of ninjutsu, firm-handed but patient. The clan members, strict, stubborn, but warm in their own ways, had treated him like family.
Those years had been the foundation of his life. The laughter, the lessons, the security.
That was the Uchiha he remembered.
He also remembered Shisui's ideals.
Shisui would tell him again and again: "Yami… even if it seems impossible, we can change things if we try."
Yami would always shake his head. "Some things aren't changed by one person's will, big brother."
But Shisui never stopped trying. And now, Shisui was gone.
Yami exhaled softly, grounding himself back in the present.
Hiruzen watched him quietly. The boy's silence carried weight. Years of memories, years of loss compressing into a single steady resolve.
"The Joint Chūnin Exams will begin soon," Hiruzen said gently. "I want you to serve as the examiner for the second stage. Suna is sending their Kazekage and several nobles will attend. Konoha must present strength."
"I understand," Yami replied. "I will follow your arrangements."
The Hokage nodded. "ANBU have prepared a place for you to stay. They'll take you there shortly."
Yami took a step, then paused. "Hokage-sama… Sasuke. Who is his teacher?"
"Hatake Kakashi," Hiruzen answered. "Team 7."
Yami nodded. "Thank you."
He turned to leave. Hiruzen watched him go with a heavy heart.
"Yami," the old man murmured after him, "I hope this village does not fail you again."
- End of Chapter 3 -
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