Chapter 11: The Price of Power
In the ninja hospital, the atmosphere grew still after Sarutobi Hiruzen's promise to relocate Kagenori to Konoha's center—a symbolic gesture ending his marginalization. The Hokage fell silent, and Kagenori naturally had nothing to say to the man. He waited patiently, knowing this personal visit couldn't merely be about gaining loyalty.
Kagenori understood perfectly: if Sarutobi Hiruzen visited him personally, he must possess something the Hokage valued. Otherwise, the man would have simply summoned him after discharge. Only one thing about him could interest Sarutobi—Thunder Breathing.
The forest's devastation demonstrated its power unequivocally.
"Kagenori," Sarutobi began, confirming his suspicions, "you were responsible for the destruction in Konoha's forest, correct?"
This was the true purpose of the visit.
Kagenori adopted a guilty expression. "I deeply apologize, Lord Hokage. My training caused Konoha losses. Thank you for rescuing me—I might have perished in the flames otherwise."
Sarutobi waved dismissively. "Such minor matters require no concern. Any Konoha citizen in danger would receive my aid as Hokage." He leaned forward slightly. "But what ninjutsu were you practicing that caused such devastation and physical strain? Had we not discovered you in time, the consequences could have been severe."
Kagenori offered a bitter smile. "Lord Hokage, as you know, my parents and I lived outside Konoha for years. Once, my father saved a ninja—his forehead protector bore three clouds with a line through them..."
Sarutobi's eyes narrowed. A Kumo missing-nin?
Kagenori continued his fabricated tale. "The ninja was mortally wounded. Despite my parents' efforts, they only prolonged his life half a month. Grateful, and unwilling to let his techniques vanish, he taught them to my parents. My father lacked lightning affinity, but my mother learned them. Though too young to practice then, my mother made me memorize everything."
He paused for effect. "Mastering this technique requires complete lightning-nature transformation. Since learning chakra control, I've practiced according to my parents' teachings. Months ago, I finally achieved lightning-nature transformation, then spent weeks attempting the technique itself. Days ago, I succeeded but overexerted myself into unconsciousness."
Sarutobi appeared genuinely astonished. Mastering lightning-nature transformation at this age? Without question, Kagenori was a prodigy. Had he known earlier, he would have taken notice regardless of the forest incident.
The shinobi world contained many ninja, but true elites remained rare. With this demonstrated talent, Kagenori showed potential to join those ranks.
After contemplation, Sarutobi asked, "What is this technique called?"
"Thunder Breathing sword forms," Kagenori answered promptly. Then he volunteered, "Lord Hokage, I wish to dedicate this technique to Konoha."
Sarutobi raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Why? This was your parents' legacy. Wouldn't dedicating it be...?"
Kagenori infused his voice with sincerity. "Lord Hokage, I stated I wish to become Konoha's ninja. Thus, my techniques belong to Konoha. Though my parents left, they always considered themselves part of this village. Were they alive, I believe they'd take pride in my offering Thunder Breathing to Konoha."
Sarutobi nodded, clear satisfaction on his features. "Kagenori, your awareness pleases me greatly. Though you've endured hardship, you've perfectly inherited Konoha's Will of Fire. The village won't treat you unfairly." He stood, preparing to leave. "There's no rush regarding the technique. We'll discuss it after your full recovery. Rest well now—only a healthy body can train properly."
With that, the satisfied Hokage departed.
Silence reclaimed the room. Kagenori's expression darkened. Willingly surrender Thunder Breathing? Only madness would prompt such action. But circumstances forced his hand—living under another's roof granted no bargaining power.
Still, even if Konoha's lightning-users learned the forms, they'd grasp only the shell, not the essence. Though Thunder Breathing's sword forms now utilized chakra, their true power required specific breathing techniques. Without them, the techniques' potency would diminish drastically.
This encounter provided Kagenori clear understanding of Sarutobi Hiruzen: strength and advantage came first. Possess either, and negotiations became possible. Possess neither, and the Hokage disregarded you entirely. Benevolence, kindness, tolerance—all were performances.
Kagenori drew a deep breath. After surrendering Thunder Breathing, his days should improve. News of Sarutobi's personal visit would spread quickly. Those Konoha fools would likely curb their open hostility out of respect for the Hokage.
Next, he needed to establish himself as a prodigy, increasing his value to Konoha to better protect himself and Kushina from the village's machinations.
Though awake, exhaustion soon reclaimed him, and he fell asleep.
The next morning, Kagenori woke to find his body still aching but mobile. He discharged himself from the hospital, intending to return to his dilapidated home to rest, pack, and await his new residence.
Just outside the hospital, a ninja materialized before him. "Follow me."
Kagenori complied, arriving before a house just one street from the academy. "The Hokage prepared this for you," the ninja stated, handing him a key. "Lord Hokage expects you at his office once recovered."
Before Kagenori could respond, the ninja vanished with a Body Flicker.