“They are being the publiemy day by day, though this is still at a very low level for now. If things tinue as they are, the Uchiha might bee the enemy of every other Konoha,” Hiroshi said.

  ‘Oh, shit! I thought I still had some time to work on this, but now that I think about it... If Danzo wao eliminate a founding like the Uchiha, he couldn’t do it in just a year or two. The Uchiha are the bae of the vilge. With their ability to copy jutsu so easily, their Sharingan’s power isu, and their exceptional skills isu, the Uchiha are an asset Konoha wouldn’t want to lose.

  So, Danzo started sowing seeds of hatred in the hearts of Konoha’s people early. And because it’s still subtle, most of the Uchiha won’t even notice it. By the time they realize the gravity of the situation, they’ll have bee a that no one wants in Konoha.

  After doing so much for Konoha, when Uchiha ninjas feel the ptuous stares wherever they go, they’ll obviously start pnning a coup. But there’s still one question in my mind…’ Kaida thought.

  “When did people start talking about this?” Kaida asked.

  “I don’t kly, but I first heard it a few months ago. Slowly, more and more people are discussing it,” Hiroshi said.

  “Don’t you find it suspicious that this is only being talked about years after the ails attack?” Kaida asked.

  “This is just how life is, Kaida. When there’s aernal enemy, like during the Great Ninja Wars, the vilge unites like a family. But in times of peace, everyone shows their true colors,” Hiroshi said, his expression revealing a bitter memory.

  ‘Right, that’s the point. Danzo waited for the vilge to stabilize. Sihe Uchiha were already angry about their relocation to the outskirts of the vilge, he didn’t act immediately—he waited for the right opportunity.’

  “Well, it’s not a big deal for now, so don’t worry too much. Focus on your specialization. You’re really lucky to learn from someone like Mitsuru-sama. Try to absorb as much as you ,” Hiroshi said, notig Kaida’s tense expression.

  “Okay,” Kaida replied with a light smile, then tinued, “So, how’s the orphanage doing now?”

  “Much better than I anticipated when I started it. We have enough food and clothes for everyohe kids get regur check-ups and are treated by mediinjas from time to time. The rooms have new beds, and overall, the orphanage provides everything a child needs. It’s all thanks to you and Yomi. Many of the younger kids want to be like you two. Do you want to meet them?” Hiroshi asked.

  “Maybe aime. I have some things I o take care of,” Kaida said.

  “Alright, but make sure to e back with Yomi ter,” Hiroshi said.

  Kaida nodded a.

  ---

  Sitting in a park, Kaida pondered, ‘If I want to save the Uchiha from their fate, I o start now. But I ’t go against Danzo, not yet. This is before Hiruzen disbanded Roht now, they have hundreds of trained ninjas specialized in spying and killing. I ’t fight them yet, so what I need is strength. I o be at least at the level of a jonin before I take a to save the . But ohing is for sure: the Uchiha massacre won’t happen this time, even if I have to assassinate Danzo.’

  Theood up and headed home.

  “Aunty, I’m home,” Kaida called out.

  “Wele back! How was your day?” Hae asked, ing out of the living room.

  “Great. But, Aunt, I have something important to tell you,” Kaida said seriously.

  “Are you in some kind of trouble? Are you hurt?” Hae asked worriedly.

  Kaida smiled slightly and said, “No, Aunty, I’m perfectly fi’s about my training.”

  “Okay, e to the hall, a’s sit and talk,” Hae said.

  They both went to the hall, and Kaida began to speak.

  “Aunty, I know I said I wouldn’t train as hard as before, but I don’t think I keep that promise,” Kaida said.

  “What do you mean?” Hae asked.

  “I’m pnning on training, training hard. I have so much to learn, and learning it all at a normal pace will take too long,” Kaida expined.

  “Did something happen that made you think this way?” Hae asked.

  “On my way back, I heard that a family lost a member during a mission. It made me realize that I’m nowhere near strong enough to protect myself, let alohe people close to me. The more I thought about it, the more frustrated I became with my ck of strength. The only solution I could think of is more training,” Kaida said.

  Hae’s expression turned sad.

  ‘He must miss his parents a lot. That’s probably why he used to spend so much time training. And now that he has a new family, the fear of losing them must be weighing on him,’ Hae thought. She uood that feeling well. After losing many of her own family members, she had felt the same way for a long time until time had helped ease that pain.

  After a long sigh, she said, “Alright, you train as much as you want, but always remember—family is not a burden, but a source of strength. You always depend on us.”

  “Thank you, Aunty,” Kaida said, thehe house.

  He went directly to the Hokage building.

  “Hey, Uncle, how are you?” Kaida asked the ninja in charge of missions and other tasks.

  “Long time no see, Kaida. How are you doing?” he asked.

  “Fine. I’d like some soldier pills,” Kaida requested.