Four years passed.
It was a beautiful, sunny morning. Golden sunlight streamed through the open window, painting the floor in warm light, while a soft breeze carried the sweet song of birds.
Mitsuru awoke to the sound of his alarm. He got out of bed and walked to the full-length mirror. The face that looked back at him was different now. His scars had healed.
He washed his face, then tied on his Konoha headband. He covered his right eye with a dark brown leather eyepatch, then put on his monocle. He dressed in the familiar ninja uniform and zipped up his green Konoha vest. The only thing that set him apart from other ninjas was the Uchiha clan symbol still emblazoned on his left sleeve.
He left his house and ran into a couple leaving their own apartment. He smiled and nodded, and they returned his gesture with a respectful bow.
As he walked towards the Hokage's office, the cool air and gentle sun filled him with a sense of peace. The smell of fresh bread from a nearby bakery and the rustle of leaves under his feet reminded him that today was the day.
...
Inside the Hokage's Office
Mitsuru took in the Hokage's office. The space felt dull and overly formal. A faint light from the window illuminated dust motes dancing in the air. The ticking of a wall clock broke the heavy silence. Four framed photos hung on the wall, each a portrait of the past and present Hokages.
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked truly old. His hair and beard were completely white, and his face was lined with wrinkles, but his eyes still held a look of power.
He wore a warm smile, one that put others at ease—the perfect image for a respected Hokage, revered by all his people. This appearance was in stark contrast to his true self: a man who would do anything for power, all under the false pretense of "doing it for Konoha."
"Mitsuru, it's good to see you again."
Sarutobi Hiruzen greeted him with a warm smile.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama."
Mitsuru gave a feigned bow of respect.
"I'm so relieved. I was worried you'd never recover from the burden you were carrying after what happened."
Hiruzen continued.
To Mitsuru, the Third Hokage was truly a shameless man, but he had to admire his pretense. He could easily convince anyone he was a truthful and honest person. He was a schemer on the inside, yet on the outside, he wore a smile and spoke of goodwill.
"After wandering for a while, I felt like I had to stop my self-destruction and move forward, just as you advised me to."
Mitsuru replied.
Sarutobi Hiruzen seemed very pleased with Mitsuru's response. :"Good... that's very good. So, tell me, what have you been up to?"
It might have seemed like a simple question, an excuse to start a friendly conversation, but Mitsuru knew it was much more. With this question, the Third Hokage was beginning an interrogation—a test to see if he was hiding anything.
Luckily, Mitsuru had nothing to hide. He thought for a moment before speaking.
"Nothing much. When I was released from the hospital four years ago, I had nowhere to go back to. You were kind enough to give me a chance to continue as a ninja, but I knew I didn't have my old abilities anymore."
He slowly raised his hand, touching the eyepatch over his right eye. "It might not seem like much, Hokage-sama, but for us Uchiha, the Sharingan is more important than it is for any other clan. It's not just an eye; it's the foundation of all our abilities. Losing it is like losing all the skills we've cultivated over the years."
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded in sympathy but said nothing. He seemed to be listening carefully.
"At first, I had nothing to do, so I worked at the hospital for a while. I could still use Medical Ninjutsu, but I didn't feel like the hospital was my place, so I gave up being a ninja for a while and left the village. By chance, I ended up at an orphanage near the village..."
A soft smile appeared on his face. "There, I saw children who needed help... people who needed my help... who needed love. They helped me find myself and escape the emptiness. They made me believe I could move forward. So when a few of them were going to the academy this year, I decided to return to the village and apply to become a teacher."
He rested his hands on his knees and continued. "I may have failed as a ninja, but I still have enough ability to teach the next generation. The young leaves can grow."
"You're right, and you really do have the ability. After all, you're still officially a Special Jōnin! A true asset to the village. You've done a very good thing,"
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at him with a brilliant smile and nodded in admiration.
He stood and went to his desk, took a paper out of a folder, stamped it, and said,
"From today, you are one of the Academy's teachers." He handed the paper to Mitsuru.
Mitsuru inwardly sighed in relief. He stood up happily and took the paper from Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama... I promise I won't disappoint you."
"No, thank you. And Mitsuru... while you're at the Academy, be sure to visit the teachers' library. You may have lost your Sharingan, but you're still a ninja, and you can improve your other skills. Try to build a new strength for yourself. I'm sure you can do it,"
Hiruzen smiled.
"I will follow your advice, Hokage-sama,"
Mitsuru nodded in agreement.
Before leaving, he glanced at the paper and saw his salary. It wasn't much; about the pay of two C-rank missions. It was reasonable for a rookie Chūnin, but for someone of Special Jōnin rank, it was very little. Then, he noticed a particular clause in the contract:
"For each term, the class's passing rate will lead to an increase in bonus and salary, while a decrease in the passing rate will result in a decrease in wages."
Why wasn't this in the original story? Or was it?
At the beginning of the Naruto story, he failed the final exam. According to the rules, he either had to drop out or study for another year, but Iruka graduated him on his own authority and outside the timeframe, introducing him as a Genin! That was completely against Academy rules. Did Iruka not want his passing rate to drop?
No... no... no... Iruka really cared about Naruto. He wouldn't have done that just because of this clause. I shouldn't doubt Iruka's intentions!
As he left the Hokage's office, he thought to himself: "That went more smoothly than I expected."
He was a teacher now. Of course, this was a false job. Even if he immediately achieved what he wanted, he couldn't leave.
Now he was trapped, with no way out! The Hokage would be watching him constantly. If he resigned too quickly, he'd only make himself more suspicious.
At least one year. I have to endure it for one year. In any case, it will help me establish a new identity.
...
"You've allowed an Uchiha to become a teacher at the Academy?! And not just any Uchiha, but a Jōnin!"
Danzo slammed his cane on the floor.
"Danzo, Mitsuru is first and foremost a Konoha ninja. He has the 'Will of Fire' within him. Mitsuru has the right to apply for any position he wants,"
Hiruzen said without lifting his head from his desk.
"Hiruzen, don't forget the Nine-Tails is at the Academy! It's not in anyone's best interest for an Uchiha Jōnin to get close to him!"
Danzo's face darkened.
"Mitsuru lost his Sharingan four years ago. He hasn't had any ninja activities this whole time. What else could make you worried about him getting close to Naruto?"
Sarutobi sighed, lifting his head from his papers.
"How do we know this isn't all a game? Maybe he's deceiving you," Danzo said.
"Danzo, you're making a fuss over nothing."
"Hiruzen!"
"Enough! , Danzo! I am the Hokage! I have approved his request, and I will not accept any more discussion on this matter!"
"You'll regret this!"
Danzo's face contorted with anger. He turned angrily and stormed out of the room.
Hiruzen sighed and stared out the window.