"Third Hokage-sama."
Uchiha Kai stepped into the Hokage's office, bowing deeply and respectfully to the elderly man seated behind the desk piled with documents.
Though still referred to as "middle-aged" by some, Hiruzen Sarutobi was clearly nearing the twilight of his years. Perhaps in a few more, he would truly be considered "old."
Yet even so, the presence of the Third Hokage was intimidating. Just by sitting there, calm and still, he exuded a quiet power that Kai couldn't ignore.
"Ah, Kai," Hiruzen said, looking up from his paperwork with a warm smile. "I'm sorry—I was too busy to meet you earlier. I had meant to see you as soon as you returned."
The Third's demeanor was kind and grandfatherly, betraying none of the cold decisiveness he had shown during the Second Shinobi War.
Had Kai not read the original manga—had he not known about the darker dealings of Root, of Danzo's covert actions sanctioned by this very man—he might have taken Hiruzen's warmth at face value.
Still, Hokage was Hokage, and Kai was just a newly promoted chūnin. The gap in status was enormous.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama, for your concern," Kai said respectfully. "Serving Konoha is the duty of every shinobi born under its banner."
"You serve Konoha, hmm?" The Third Hokage's eyes narrowed slightly, but a moment later, his expression softened into a chuckle.
Perhaps I'm overthinking things, he thought. What kind of schemes could a thirteen-year-old possibly cook up? The boy's words were textbook loyalty—a little too perfect, maybe, but not suspicious in themselves.
Perhaps it was just his age catching up with him. With all the grim developments lately, he'd grown paranoid—seeing shadows where there were none.
Hiruzen sighed inwardly. He was no longer the vigorous man who once wielded Enma the Monkey King in battle with ease. Fatigue pressed heavily on his shoulders these days.
"I asked you here because of your recent actions on the battlefield," he said, folding his hands. "Based on your performance, the council and I have made a decision."
Looking at the young Uchiha in front of him, Hiruzen couldn't help but feel a trace of awe. The boy had accomplished feats that many jōnin would hesitate to attempt. His squad not only completed their primary mission, but also rescued a number of Konoha shinobi under heavy enemy pressure.
Only Yamanaka Masato had ultimately survived among those rescued—but what followed, the retaliatory strikes against the Iwa-nin, had been both brutal and effective. In truth, the results exceeded the objectives Hiruzen himself had set.
This boy had worked alongside Kakashi's squad, despite their heavy losses, and played a central role in a mission that could help bring the war closer to an end.
A thirteen-year-old who could kill jōnin-level opponents, make tactical decisions under pressure, and now—possess the fully matured three-tomoe Sharingan. A rare thing, even among Uchiha.
"You are hereby promoted to the rank of jōnin," said the Third Hokage with a gentle smile. "Congratulations, Kai. Please complete this form to finalize your promotion."
"Is that so? There's no exam?" Kai asked as he accepted the form, his tone curious but steady. He scanned the duties and privileges outlined on the document.
Jōnin... the threshold to Konoha's core inner circle. Not many reached it—least of all Uchiha.
In fact, aside from the long-deceased Uchiha Kagami, few from Kai's clan had made it this far into the village's true hierarchy. The circumstances of Kagami's death remained shrouded in mystery.
"You've earned it," Hiruzen said simply. He rose from his seat and placed a hand on Kai's shoulder. "Thank you for what you've done. You're one of Konoha's young heroes."
"I'm not worthy of such praise, Hokage-sama," Kai replied, bowing his head. "Without Konoha, there would be no Uchiha Kai."
A perfectly crafted answer—just humble enough, just loyal enough.
The Third Hokage's eyes flickered, then he smiled again. "I see. Well said, child."
He glanced at the calendar. "You haven't left the Uchiha compound much since returning. Planning to visit someone today?"
"I was injured and needed rest," Kai said. "But I'm recovered now. I plan to visit my squad... and Kakashi."
A hint of warmth reached his voice at the mention of his teammate.
Hiruzen gave a nod of approval and waved him off. Kai filled out the paperwork swiftly, then exited the office.
As he descended the steps of the tower, he paused briefly to glance up at Hokage Rock, his gaze sharp and unreadable.
They really do think I'm another "Uchiha Shisui," huh...
Back inside, the Third Hokage's smile faded. Watching Kai's retreating figure, he fell into silent thought.
The boy's words were too precise. His bearing, too perfect.
A proud Uchiha, loyal to Konoha, who had faced death and loss—and emerged with calm eyes and unwavering composure. Hiruzen understood the depth of Uchiha emotion. Their love was intense. Their grief, consuming.
It was true—Kai had lost many comrades in prior missions. Perhaps it was only now, with his current team still alive, that a genuine bond had finally formed.
"Maybe all his former teammates died," Hiruzen murmured, "and now, for once, he has people he wants to protect..."
Even so, the old Hokage remained cautious. "We'll continue to observe. If he's truly devoted to the village, he could be a great asset..."
He exhaled wearily and rubbed his temples.
The Orochimaru investigation, post-war negotiations, and Uchiha unrest all piled up. He could feel his age in every bone.
Yes... it's time to start thinking seriously about a successor. A younger, stronger figure to take the mantle.