In Konoha, even ordinary citizens can apply for an audience with the Hokage.
However, due to the Hokage's busy schedule, civilians must fill out a mountain of paperwork and wait for the office to review and approve the request.
In most cases, these applications vanish into the void, never to be answered.
But Sora was confident his would be different.
Why? Simple.In the simulation, the Third Hokage had shown great interest in The Uchiha Clan series he'd written.
Sora had reviewed that part of the simulation multiple times. Combined with his understanding of the original story's canon, he was certain he had grasped the Third Hokage's mindset.
And sure enough — he was right.
He had only been waiting in the reception area of the Hokage's office for a few hours before a ninja approached him.
"You're Sora, right? Come with me. The Hokage is waiting for you."
Inside the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi sat at his desk, leafing through a file with interest.
It contained everything about Sora.
Not only details about Sora's parents and his own 13 years of civilian life, but also the recent incident — when Sora was attacked by Mihara Ichijō and later rescued by Guy's squad.
Looking at this plain and unremarkable civilian record, Hiruzen couldn't quite understand:
How had this boy written something like "The Life of Madara Uchiha"?
What baffled him even more was that much of the book was clearly fictionalized, yet he had still found himself thoroughly enjoying it.
That told him something very important — this child had talent.
He had to meet him.
When Sora entered,
Hiruzen's increasingly clouded eyes lit up slightly.
He could tell right away that Sora wasn't from a wealthy family, but the energy and spirit he carried didn't lose out to any clan heir.
Did that brush with death awaken something in him? Hiruzen wondered.
Setting his pipe aside, Hiruzen gave a kind smile.
"Sora, you wrote this book, correct? It's well done — though there are plenty of errors."
"Tell me, why did you write it?"
Hiruzen asked directly. He believed he could see through people, so there was no need to dance around.
Sora bowed slightly, pretending not to meet the Hokage's gaze. But then, he said something bold.
"I miss the days when the Uchiha were still around.
If they were still in charge of Konoha's security... I probably wouldn't have been attacked, would I?"
Hiruzen's smile faltered for just a moment.
He could hear the complaint of a child who felt wronged — but it still stirred a flicker of irritation in his heart.
Since when did children feel qualified to criticize Konoha?
If Danzo had been present, Sora might already have been marked for elimination.
But outwardly, Hiruzen's smile grew even softer.
"Come, sit. Let's hear what you think."
"Can you tell me where you learned the Uchiha's history? And why you think things would be better with them?"
Sitting down, Sora seemed encouraged. He relaxed a little and answered:
"I heard it from the old folks in my neighborhood.
They said that when the Uchiha were still around, those cold, no-nonsense ninja always followed the rules."
"People with bad intentions might grumble about the Police Force behind closed doors, but they never dared to break Konoha's laws."
"But now… some people no longer fear the village's justice system."
His answer immediately cleared up Hiruzen's doubts.
Putting on the proper Hokage demeanor, he reassured Sora:
"I've already received the report on your situation. The two who attacked you will be punished accordingly."
Sora looked surprised and grateful, bowing repeatedly in thanks.
Hiruzen smiled, pleased with the reaction — and then shifted the conversation back to the book.
"How do you currently view Madara Uchiha?"
It sounded casual — but it was a loaded question.
According to Konoha's official history, Madara betrayed the village after it was founded.
He fought the First Hokage and died, with Hashirama suffering fatal injuries during the battle.
Even if Madara's power rivaled Hashirama's, and his contributions to Konoha's founding were undeniable, citizens were not allowed to openly admire him.
This was a test.
Sora's story could have factual mistakes — but its underlying message had to align with Konoha's ideology.
That was the condition for Hiruzen's support.
If Sora failed here, not getting arrested on the spot would already be a mercy.
But what Hiruzen didn't know was — Sora had anticipated this exact moment through simulation.
To prove his loyalty and awareness, he had even intentionally filled the manuscript with narrative flaws — all to contrast with his ideological correctness.
Now, the time had come.
Without hesitation, Sora answered:
"In my eyes, Madara Uchiha was an unruly man."
"He believed in strength, not companionship. He thought he could solve everything alone — but a hero who doesn't understand people will only inspire fear."
"In fact, the whole Uchiha clan seems to have this issue.
He just happened to be the most extreme case."
Sora scratched his head and added:
"Hokage-sama, that's just my personal interpretation. If I've got something wrong, please correct me. Don't worry about hurting my pride."
Hiruzen's eyes sparkled.
Wrong? Far from it — this answer was perfect!
In the current era, where all major nations had formed ninja villages, raw strength no longer decided everything.
Only someone who could earn trust and loyalty from others could become a qualified Hokage.
Someone like... well, like Minato Namikaze — the Fourth Hokage, Konoha's former hope, whose bright smile shone like the sun.
It was a pity... he gave his life for the village.
Hiruzen sighed deeply. More people needed to understand this truth.
But adults often ignored lectures, and children got bored quickly.
If someone like Sora could deliver that truth through stories, things might finally change.
The more he thought about it, the more tempted Hiruzen became — though on the surface, he remained composed.
"No worries. It's just a novel, after all. Even if it strays from reality, that's fine."
"Sora… if I support you in continuing this story, how do you plan to write the rest of the Uchiha clan's tale?"
He'd just handed Sora another test — one that could cost him everything.