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13.67% Naruto: Sukuna's Jinchuriki, I am Uchiha / Chapter 16: Chapter 16: The Prejudice in People’s Hearts

Chapter 16: Chapter 16: The Prejudice in People’s Hearts

Chapter 16: The Prejudice in People's Hearts

At the Konoha Hospital.

"Is this your new student?"

With her arms crossed, Tsunade glanced at Uchiha Kagami, who was seated by the window, and directed her question at Jiraiya.

Kagami was dressed in the traditional Uchiha attire with the clan emblem, so Tsunade didn't need an introduction to recognize his lineage. Frankly, due to her grandfather's influence, she held a certain disdain for the Uchiha.

Having just finished Minato's surgery and seeing her beloved student stabilize, Jiraiya finally had time to focus on other matters.

By the window, Kakashi and Kagami were peeling oranges. Kakashi meticulously removed the stringy parts, while Kagami simply split the orange in half, eating one piece with the skin still on.

Oranges here were free from pesticides, so eating them with the peel added nutritional value, though the taste was a bit unusual. Kagami didn't mind.

"Haha, I haven't decided yet, but I must thank you, Kagami-kun! You were a big help!"

Kagami nodded politely. "I just felt I could assist, so I acted. Sorry for stepping in unannounced."

Kushina, who had been by Minato's bedside the whole time, shook her head and replied, "The Nine-Tails almost broke free this time. We owe you for helping out. When Minato wakes up, we'll thank you properly."

"Hahaha, you sound like husband and wife!" Jiraiya teased.

Noticing Kushina's hair starting to float up in annoyance, Jiraiya quickly stopped talking. A vexed Kushina wasn't something he could handle.

"Awakened to the three-tomoe Sharingan at such a young age… You're quite the remarkable kid," Tsunade remarked, watching Kagami with a meaningful look.

Kagami nodded confidently. "That's right, I am quite remarkable."

Tsunade narrowed her eyes, seemingly noticing something.

"You… You've killed someone, haven't you?"

With her battle-hardened experience, she could detect the subtle changes in someone who had taken a life.

Kagami paused momentarily, then replied, "Last year, one of the clan elders took me along to kill a bandit group."

To civilians, bandits seemed terrifying, but for newly trained ninjas, they were little more than practice targets. Konoha even kept small bandit groups alive for ninjas to gain experience, so they'd be ready to kill when facing enemies on the battlefield.

Eager to get used to it, Kagami had joined these missions as young as five.

The disdain in Tsunade's eyes intensified.

To think the Uchiha had him killing at such a young age...

She was even more suspicious because Kushina had told her of the Nine-Tails' last cry. That name had sounded familiar to Kushina, so she asked her cousin, Tsunade, about it: Madara.

To Tsunade—no, to the entire Leaf—that name was a nightmare.

Did the Nine-Tails really see this kid as similar to Madara?

And with his potential, he was arguably even more terrifying than how her great uncle described Madara Uchiha.

A seven-year-old at the three-tomoe Sharingan, Kagami was universally considered a candidate for the Mangekyo Sharingan.

Three-tomoe typically meant Jonin-level ability, and the Mangekyo… Well, its significance spoke for itself.

Not only that, but his spiritual power was extraordinary. Even now, he could influence the Nine-Tails.

Kagami could tell what she was thinking and didn't regret revealing his abilities. Konoha wasn't ready to sever ties with the Uchiha, not now. If they dared to target him, the clan would see it as a direct attack from Konoha's leadership.

Especially since, in front of many clan members, he had already displayed his superiority over Uchiha Fugaku.

He was seen as the future of the Uchiha.

Of course, there were risks. But avoiding risk wasn't in an Uchiha's nature.

He wasn't quite as arrogant as Sasuke Uchiha, but expecting Kagami to be humble was unrealistic.

Tsunade interrupted his thoughts, asking another question.

"Kid, does taking a life bring you satisfaction?"

She hoped this would reveal his true character.

Kagami frowned at her.

"I will become a ninja. Bandits or enemy shinobi, they're just adversaries to be eliminated."

"Killing enemies is just part of the job, so I don't understand why you're asking me that, Lady Tsunade."

Tsunade's expression darkened further.

"You… You have no respect for life, do you?!"

Kagami scoffed.

"What position are you in to judge me?"

"I don't see any reason to respect the lives of my enemies, nor do I think you're qualified to assess me!"

Boom!

The ground trembled as Tsunade released a surge of chakra, clenching her fists and glaring at Kagami, enunciating each word.

"What… did… you… say?!"

Three-tomoe Sharingan spinning in his eyes, Kagami's hand hovered over the hilt of his blade. He knew of Tsunade's critical weakness, so he wasn't worried.

"Enough! Is this really the time for this?!"

Jiraiya, unusually stern, shouted to stop them.

"Tsunade, get out!"

Tsunade gave Kagami a final look before retracting her chakra. She gestured to Kushina, and they left together.

With a long sigh, Jiraiya's face softened into a smile as he crouched down to Kagami's level, looking him straight in the eye.

"You're no ordinary child, so I'll be direct."

"Tsunade's grandfather died young because of your Uchiha ancestor…"

"Her grandfather was the First Hokage."

"So, well…"

"The prejudice in people's hearts is like a mountain," Kagami replied softly.

Jiraiya reflected on his words, chuckling. "That's a great line. Mind if I put it in my novel?"

"Yes, you're right. Many people in the village hold onto old grudges against your clan."

Jiraiya placed a hand on Kagami's shoulder. "I understand the Uchiha and the village have a divide. Healing it requires not only effort from the Uchiha but also change from the village itself."

"So… Would you be my student, Kagami?"

His gaze was sincere, filled with passion.

If he had been adopted by the Third Hokage, perhaps he might've truly sided with the village.

But Kagami understood all too well that the conflict between Konoha and the Uchiha was unresolvable. The animosity traced back to Madara Uchiha, the Second Hokage, Indra, Asura, even Kaguya and Hagoromo.

If hatred were so easily erased, the world wouldn't be in endless turmoil.

This conflict would end only when one side was utterly defeated.

Even so…

Kagami put on a bright smile, the kind you'd expect from a child.

"Of course! I'd be honored, Jiraiya-sensei!"

---

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*Thank you*


Chapter 17: Chapter 17: Dinner

Chapter 17: Dinner

Jiraiya nodded in satisfaction, turning his gaze toward Kakashi, who seemed lost in thought.

There was something about that white hair that made you just want to ruffle it…

Feeling a heavy hand on his head, Kakashi looked up and met Jiraiya's eyes.

"As for you, Kakashi, you'll need to pass the next test!"

"I understand... Jiraiya-sama," Kakashi replied without any hint of disappointment, still pondering Kagami's words from earlier.

The prejudice in people's hearts…

He had seen the pressure his father endured lately. The Uchiha... they'd been enduring this bias forever.

Even he felt that, aside from Obito the fool, the other Uchiha were hard to get along with.

Wasn't that a form of bullying, too?

He thought Kagami's words were a criticism. But Kagami's real thought was…

Since everyone already thinks the Uchiha will bring disaster to Konoha… let's make that wish come true.

At that moment, Minato let out a small sound from the hospital bed, showing signs of waking up.

Jiraiya hurriedly called out to Kushina, who was waiting outside.

Tsunade had left, feeling uncomfortable about her earlier overreaction.

Watching Minato and Kushina embrace on the bed, Jiraiya and the two boys tactfully left the room.

Walking down the hospital corridor, Kakashi couldn't resist asking Kagami softly, "What was that monster, exactly?"

Kagami shook his head. "I don't know. You should ask Jiraiya-sensei about that."

Overhearing, Jiraiya led them to a more secluded spot before he explained.

"In the war-torn history of the shinobi world, there exists a terrifying force deeply associated with calamity. These beasts of mass destruction are called tailed beasts."

"Out of concern for their immense power, the First Hokage captured and distributed the tailed beasts to the villages, hoping they would serve as deterrents against war."

This wasn't something to tell ordinary kids, but Jiraiya knew neither Kagami nor Kakashi were ordinary.

Jiraiya knew Kakashi—although different from Minato or Kagami, he was extremely gifted and would likely become his student after a little more testing.

"Our village holds the most powerful of them all, the Nine-Tails—that's the creature we saw…"

"The one who holds a tailed beast is called a jinchuriki."

Jiraiya's tone turned serious.

"Remember, you absolutely cannot talk to anyone about the Nine-Tails. The identity of a jinchuriki is a village secret!"

If they weren't becoming his students, there would be an ANBU team handling their memories right now.

Noticing the setting sun, Jiraiya dismissed them.

"Alright, it's getting late. Head home and get some rest."

"Meet me at Training Ground Four at six tomorrow morning!"

"Dismissed!"

With Minato safe, Jiraiya was eager to resume his "research."

The two walked a good distance from the hospital.

Kagami glanced back at Kakashi, who was following him. "Why are you following me? Your house is in the other direction."

"Ah…" Kakashi snapped out of his thoughts, realizing he wasn't on the path home.

But…

There was no one waiting for him there…

Kagami, once having been without family himself, understood Kakashi's situation. Although Sakumo hadn't committed suicide, Kakashi was still something of a "latchkey kid."

"Come have dinner at my place. But remember, just this once."

"Thank you, Kagami."

"Thank you... for saving my father's life."

After a moment of silence, Kagami said indifferently, "It has nothing to do with me. You don't owe me anything."

"Let's get this clear."

"If what I do benefits you, there's no need to be grateful. If it causes you pain, you're free to hate me."

"Kakashi, I don't care about your feelings."

Then why invite me over for dinner…

Kakashi felt he was starting to understand how to deal with a typical Uchiha.

Don't listen to what they say. Watch what they do.

Despite the terror of that tailed beast, Kagami had risked his life to help protect his village.

Kagami's home was on the outskirts of the Uchiha clan grounds, a sizable property.

The courtyard and other facilities were well-kept, marking Kagami's family as one of the more well-off Uchiha.

His grandfather's pension and clan subsidies ensured that Kagami never had to worry about money.

Once he became a shinobi, a portion of his mission earnings would go to the clan to support families struggling financially.

The Uchiha weren't like the Hyuga, who divided their members into masters and servants. Even the Uchiha leader had no authority over the lives of the regular clan members.

Kagami had thought a lot about why Itachi could do what he did, ultimately coming to a reasonable conclusion:

Because he never really connected with ordinary Uchiha.

A child prodigy, Itachi experienced the battlefield at four and was contemplating the relationship between the village and his clan at seven.

That was Fugaku's mistake in raising him.

Such an education could lead a genius into self-destructive thinking.

Because… even a genius cannot change the world or people's hearts.

Those who are too perceptive often suffer and rarely meet a good end.

Would a different approach to raising Itachi have helped?

Maybe, but Kagami didn't have the time or energy to reform him.

Itachi didn't love the Uchiha. He only loved Sasuke.

It'd be easier to destroy him than to change him.

"Has Shisui already started chakra training?"

Seeing little Shisui sitting properly in the courtyard, Kakashi asked.

"He's not a baby anymore. It's time to start learning."

Noticing his grandmother preparing vegetables, Kagami quickly took off his shoes and ran over.

"Grandma, I told you I'd be back to cook! You need to rest!"

Kagami's grandmother had been a ninja in her youth but retired after a severe injury.

Although she wasn't very old, lingering injuries had left her with many health problems.

It wasn't just physical; her husband's death had been a heavy blow. These were wounds time couldn't heal, only worsen.

His grandmother looked lovingly at Kagami bustling around, then noticed Kakashi.

"I remember you… You're Sakumo's son, aren't you? This is the first time Kagami has brought a friend home!"

Kakashi nodded politely, feeling a bit awkward and wanting to help.

Noticing the river fish in the basket, he took it out and skillfully began cleaning it.

"When my father wasn't around, I'd cook for myself."

"I didn't ask you."

Kagami prepared the ingredients while Kakashi used the other stove, each working in silence.

Kakashi was usually quiet, but with Kagami even quieter, he couldn't help but start a conversation.

"Is Obito's place nearby?"

"Of course, he's an Uchiha," Kagami replied while stir-frying some greens. "Head left for 300 meters, and you'll reach his house."

"You seem to really dislike Obito."

"It's not just 'seem to.'"

"Is it because you think a slacker like him taints the Uchiha's reputation?"

Kagami was silent for a while, the only sound being the sizzle of Kakashi's pan-fried fish.

"I guess you could say that."

"Your fish is overcooked."

"It's not overcooked. This is the Kakashi style: dry-fried river fish."

"Your greens are too mushy."

"Grandma's teeth aren't great; she likes her greens that way."

"Kagami, you're a really warm person."

Kakashi's confusion faded, and his smile was almost visible even beneath his mask.

Kagami gave him a cold look and warned, "My preferences are perfectly normal. Don't try any of that sappy nonsense on me. It's gross."

---

[Please leave a 5 Star review and power stone for this novel]

*Thank you*


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