ALL NOVEL Chapter 62: Preliminaries over
As the last match concluded, Hiruzen stood up and addressed the remaining genin. "The battles for today are over. Those who won their matches still have a week before the finals begin. Use this time wisely to rest and prepare, so you can be at your peak for the final round," he announced, his voice carrying a tone of encouragement and authority.
I made sure to take Sakura and Hinata to the infirmary, as they were both still exhausted from their intense match. They needed proper care and time to recover, especially after pushing themselves to the limit.
With the preliminaries concluded, the atmosphere in the building shifted from tension to relief. One by one, the participants and spectators began to exit, their thoughts filled with the battles they had witnessed and the strategies they would need to develop for the final round. As the building emptied, a sense of anticipation lingered, knowing that the true test of strength and skill still lay ahead.
With the village gradually quieting down as the shinobi dispersed to their homes or duties, the air was filled with a mix of relief and anticipation. Those who didn't advance to the finals began making plans to leave, while others who would compete next week were already mentally preparing themselves. Konoha had the advantage in numbers and skill, a testament to its strength, but that potential was often stifled by the decisions of the village elders, who seemed more concerned with preserving their power than fostering growth.
I turned to Sasuke. "Come with me. I need to take you to meet someone," I said.
He raised an eyebrow, puzzled. "Who are we meeting, Naruto? I don't think I have anyone close enough to meet besides you and your mom."
I chuckled at his unusually long response. "It's a secret," I replied, smirking.
Over the years, the Anbu had kept a close watch on us, considering my status as a Jinchuriki and Sasuke being the last of the Uchiha clan. But ever since we became genin, they had backed off. Now, it felt like we could move around the village freely, without shadows always lurking nearby.
As I led Sasuke through the village, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. I had kept the destination a secret, wanting to surprise him. Sasuke was usually so stoic, but I could tell my decision was making him curious, and that was a rare change.
After a few twists and turns, we arrived at a nondescript building on the outskirts of the village. It looked abandoned, but I knew better. "We're here," I said, pushing open the door and gesturing for him to follow me inside.
The interior was dim, and for a moment, it felt like stepping into a different world. Then, from the shadows, I heard a familiar voice that sent chills down Sasuke's spine. "Long time no see, Sasuke."
As the figure stepped into the light, I could see Sasuke's eyes widen in shock. It was Fugaku Uchiha, his father. "Father… how…?" he stammered, caught in a whirlwind of emotions.
Fugaku took a step closer, his expression softening. "There's much you don't know, Sasuke. Naruto has been helping me prepare for this day, the day when the Uchiha will reclaim what was taken from us."
I watched as Sasuke's mind raced, all the feelings of anger and confusion mixing together. He turned to me, seeking answers. "You knew about this all along, didn't you?"
I nodded, feeling the weight of my choices. "I've been working behind the scenes with Fugaku and others loyal to the Uchiha. It's time we change the village for the better, but we need your help, Sasuke. The Chunin Exams will be the perfect opportunity to set things in motion."
Sasuke's gaze shifted back to his father, and I could see the inner conflict playing out on his face. The betrayal he felt toward the village was now intensified, especially knowing that his father had been alive all this time, hidden away. "What do you want me to do?" he asked, determination filling his voice.
Fugaku placed a hand on Sasuke's shoulder, a gesture of solidarity. "Stay close to Naruto. We'll strike when the time is right. Together, we'll restore the Uchiha clan's honor."
I stood back, giving Sasuke and his father the space they needed. Watching from a distance, I felt a strange mix of emotions. It was both heartwarming and a bit awkward to see Sasuke, usually so stoic and composed, completely vulnerable in his father's embrace. He had spent so long wrestling with the weight of his family's legacy, and now, in this moment, it felt like all that pain was pouring out.
Fugaku held him tightly, whispering words of comfort that I couldn't quite make out. They were clearly sharing a bond that had been fractured for so long, and I felt honored to be a part of this moment, even if it was just as an observer.
As I leaned against the wall, I thought about everything that had led up to this. Sasuke had lost so much—his family, his home, his sense of belonging—and now, he was finding it again, piece by piece. I couldn't help but feel a surge of determination. We were going to change things. This village, with its petty rivalries and endless conflicts, needed to understand that strength wasn't just about power; it was about family, loyalty, and understanding.
After about half an hour, I decided it was time to check on them. I walked over, careful not to interrupt their moment too abruptly. As I approached, I noticed that Sasuke's tears had dried, but his face was still flushed with emotion. When he finally pulled away from Fugaku, I could see that he was more composed, albeit still shaken.