Chapter 104: Resolve

“They are becoming the public enemy day by day, though this is still at a very low level for now. If things continue as they are, the Uchiha clan might become the enemy of every other clan in 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 wanted to eliminate a founding clan like the Uchiha, he couldn’t do it in just a year or two. The Uchiha are the backbone of the village. With their ability to copy jutsu so easily, their Sharingan’s power in genjutsu, and their exceptional skills in kenjutsu, 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 become a clan that no one wants in Konoha.

After doing so much for Konoha, when Uchiha ninjas feel the contemptuous stares wherever they go, they’ll obviously start planning 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 know exactly, 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 Nine-Tails attack?” Kaida asked.

“This is just how life is, Kaida. When there’s an external enemy, like during the Great Ninja Wars, the village 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 village to stabilize. Since the Uchiha were already angry about their relocation to the outskirts of the village, 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 can,” Hiroshi said, noticing Kaida’s tense expression.

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

“Much better than I anticipated when I started it. We have enough food and clothes for everyone. The kids get regular check-ups and are treated by medical ninjas 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 another time. I have some things I need to take care of,” Kaida said.

“Alright, but make sure to come back with Yomi later,” Hiroshi said.

Kaida nodded and left.

---

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

Then he stood up and headed home.

“Aunty, I’m home,” Kaida called out.

“Welcome back! How was your day?” Hae asked, coming 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 fine. It’s about my training.”

“Okay, come to the hall, and let’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 can keep that promise,” Kaida said.

“What do you mean?” Hae asked.

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

“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 alone the people close to me. The more I thought about it, the more frustrated I became with my lack 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 understood 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 can train as much as you want, but always remember—family is not a burden, but a source of strength. You can always depend on us.”

“Thank you, Aunty,” Kaida said, then left the 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.