Disclaimer:
Naruto and all of its characters belong to Masashi Kishimoto.
I own nothing but the original characters I make.
“Dialogue”
‘Thoughts’
-Author notes-
Chapter 23: The Weight of the Truth
Sho sat in the hospital bed, his back propped against the pillows… his injured shoulder had been carefully wrapped in bandages.
It still hurt a lot but he was not going to show it in front of the village’s leader.
Across from him, seated in a simple wooden chair, the Third Hokage regarded him with all-knowing eyes.
The old man’s face was lined with age and the burden he always carried, but his gaze was sharp as a blade, and yet…strangely warm.
“You’ve been through quite an ordeal,” the Hokage said, his voice gentle.
“How are you feeling?”
Sho swallowed, his throat dry.
“I’ve been better.”
The Hokage nodded slowly.
“The healers tell me your wound was severe.
You lost a significant amount of blood.
It’s a miracle you survived.”
‘A miracle.
Right.
The system saved me in the last second.’ He had estimated that Naruto had killed Mizuki when he was about to die, thus completing the quest.
Just a moment later and he would not be here.
“Iruka-sensei…” Sho’s voice faltered.
“Is he really…?”
The Hokage’s expression softened with grief.
“Yes, I’m afraid so.
Umino Iruka passed away during the confrontation.
He died protecting his student.
There is no greater honor for a ninja.”
Sho felt his chest tighten.
He’d known.
He’d seen it happen.
But hearing it confirmed made it real.
“What about Naruto?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
“Is he okay?”
The Hokage was silent for a moment.
His eyes seemed distant.
“Physically, he’s recovering.
He sustained minor injuries, nothing that won’t heal.” He paused.
“Emotionally…
he’s struggling.
He saw Iruka dying in front of him.
He saw his sensei die protecting him.
He is blaming himself.”
Sho closed his eyes, the image of Naruto’s scream echoing in his mind.
‘He blamed himself…of course he would blame himself.’
“Is he…
is he saying anything?” Sho asked.
“Has anyone talked to him?”
“I tried talking to him, but I think he needs more time.” The Hokage shook his head.
“He asked about you.”
Sho blinked, surprised.
“He asked about me?”
“He wanted to know if you were alive.
If you were okay.” The Hokage’s voice was soft.
“I told him you were going to be fine.
He…
seemed relieved.”
Sho felt a warmth spread through his chest, despite everything.
‘Even after everything he went through, Naruto was worried about me.’
“Can I see him?” Sho asked.
“Is he allowed visitors?”
The Hokage considered this.
“He’s resting now.
But perhaps tomorrow.
I think seeing you would help him.
But first, there are things we need to discuss.”
Sho nodded, forcing himself to focus.
“About Mizuki-sensei?…” The image of the monster came into his mind.
“He…what happened to him?.”
“We’ll get to that in a moment.
“The Hokage leaned back in his chair, his expression turning serious.
“There are many things you need to understand.
What happened last night was not an isolated incident.
It was part of something much larger.”
Sho felt a chill run down his spine.
“What do you mean?”
“Mizuki was not acting alone.” The Hokage’s voice was grave.
“He was being manipulated by someone else.
Someone who provided him with that cursed seal.”
“A cursed seal?” Sho remembered the black markings spreading across Mizuki’s neck and chest, the sickly purple glow.
“Is that why he transformed?.
Did someone do that to him?.”
The Hokage was quiet for a moment, as if weighing his words carefully.
“I cannot tell you everything… I’m sure you understand.
Some things are too dangerous to speak of openly.
But I can tell you that the seal was placed by a former Konoha ninja.
A very dangerous individual who has been working against the village for years.”
Sho’s eyes widened.
“A former Konoha ninja?
Who?”
“I won’t say his name.” The Hokage’s voice was firm.
“Knowing it would put you in more danger than you already face.
But understand this: Mizuki was a pawn.
A tool.
The real threat is still out there, and he will try again.
What happened last night was merely a declaration of intent.”
Sho absorbed the information, his mind racing.
‘Mizuki was working for someone.
Someone powerful enough to give him that seal.
Someone dangerous enough that the Hokage won’t even say his name.’
“What does this have to do with Naruto?” Sho asked.
“Why did Mizuki hate him so much?”
The Hokage’s expression shifted, something unreadable passing behind his eyes.
“You know about the Nine-Tailed Fox?”
“Of course.
Everyone knows about what happened twelve years ago.
The village was almost destroyed and we lost the Fourth Hokage.
“Sho hesitated.
“I…
I heard what Mizuki said.
About Naruto having the demon sealed inside him.”
The Hokage nodded slowly.
“It’s true.
When the Nine-Tailed Fox attacked the village twelve years ago, many lives were lost.
The Fourth Hokage sacrificed himself to seal the demon inside a newborn child.”
“Naruto,” Sho whispered.
“Yes.” The Hokage’s voice was heavy.
“Naruto has carried that burden his entire life.
The villagers have always feared him, hated him, blamed him for something he had no control over.
And he never understood why…
until tonight.”
Sho felt a surge of anger on his friend’s behalf.
“That’s not fair.
He didn’t choose this.”
“No,” the Hokage agreed.
“He didn’t.
And that’s why I need you to understand something important.”
He leaned forward, his eyes locking onto Sho’s.
“You heard Mizuki’s confession.
You know what was said.
And Naruto knows you heard it too.”
Sho nodded slowly.
“He was right there.
He knows I was listening.”
“Exactly.” The Hokage’s voice was serious.
“Which is why I need you to be careful.
Naruto will be struggling with what he learned tonight.
He’ll be wondering how you look at him now.
Whether you see him differently.
Whether your friendship was real or just…
pity.”
Sho felt his jaw tighten.
“It was never pity.
He’s my friend.”
“I know.” The Hokage’s eyes softened.
“And that’s why I trust you with this.
You understand him better than most.
You know who he really is…not the demon the villagers fear, but the boy who just wants to be acknowledged.”
Sho was silent for a moment.
“What do you want me to do?”
“Keep his secret,” the Hokage said simply.
“The adults already know.
The ones who were here when the fox attacked.
But the children…your classmates, your peers, they don’t.
They only know what they’ve been told by their parents.
If word spreads that Naruto is the jinchuriki, it could make his life even harder.
The other students might fear him, hate him, or worse.”
Sho understood.
“You want me to keep this to myself.
Not tell anyone else.”
“Yes.
Not to your sister, Hinata.
Not your other classmates.
Not anyone.” The Hokage’s voice was firm.
“Naruto will tell people when he’s ready.
But it has to be his choice.”
Sho nodded slowly.
“I can do that.
I won’t tell anyone.”
“Good to hear.” The Hokage’s eyes glinted with approval.
“That’s why I’m telling you this.
I trust you, Shokuhi.
I trust you to protect him.”
“Now,” the Hokage said, his voice shifting to a more business-like tone.
“Is there more?.”
“Yes, about what happened last night.
The Forbidden Scroll, Mizuki, and the whole battle in the forest.” The Hokage’s expression was serious.
“As far as the village is concerned, none of it happened the way it actually did.”
Sho frowned.
“I dont understand.”
“The official story is this: Umino Iruka discovered the thief in the forest and confronted him alone.
He fought bravely and died heroically to protect the village.
The thief was killed in the battle.
The scroll was recovered.
That is all.”
Sho stared at him, realization dawning.
“You’re…
you’re covering it up?”
“I’m protecting Naruto.” The Hokage’s voice was firm.
“If the village learns that Naruto was involved, if they learn that he was tricked into stealing the scroll, the consequences would be severe.
He would be labeled a traitor by the masses.
People alraedy dislike him enough.
We dont need to add more wood to the fire.”
Sho opened his mouth to argue, but the words wouldn’t come.
The Hokage was right.
There was noting to gain by revealing the full story.
“What about me?” Sho asked.
“What am I supposed to say?”
“You say nothing.” The Hokage’s eyes were sharp.
“You were not involved.
You were in the compound when the scroll was stolen.
You never left.
You do not know what happened in the forest.”
“But I-”
“Sho.” The Hokage’s voice was gentle but commanding.
“This is for your protection as well.
If the village learns that a Hyuga heir was involved in a forbidden scroll theft, the political consequences would be severe.
Your father-”
“Yes, I know.
My father wouldn want me to taint the family’s reputation…that’s all he care about.” Sho scoffed.
The Hokage was silent for a moment.
Then he spoke, his voice softer.
“Your father is not as cold as you believe.”
Sho snorted.
“You don’t know him like I do.”
“Dont I?…” The Hokage’s eyes glinted with something unreadable.
” Perhaps I dont know him in the same way as you do, but I know that he paced the halls of the compound all night, waiting for word of your condition.
I know that he asked the ANBU for updates every ten minutes.
And I know that he is waiting outside this room right now, demanding to see his son.”
Sho blinked.
“He’s…
he’s outside?”
“He’s been there for an hour.” The Hokage smiled slightly.
“The ANBU are doing their best to keep him calm, but I suspect my time with you is limited.”
Sho didn’t know what to say.
His father, the cold, distant clan head, was waiting outside to see him?
“People are not always what they appear to be,” the Hokage said, rising from his chair.
“Your father cares about you, Shokuhi.
He doesn’t know how to show it, but he does.
You are lucky to have a family who cares for you, even if they struggle to express it.”
Sho sat in silence, processing the words.
The Hokage moved toward the door, then paused.
“You’ve grown a lot in a short time, Shokuhi.
I’ve been watching your progress.” His eyes were warm, grandfatherly.
“Keep working hard.
The village needs young ninja like you.”
Sho blinked, surprised by the compliment.
“Thank you, Hokage-sama.”
The Hokage nodded and opened the door.
“I’ll have the ANBU send your father in.”
He stepped out, and Sho heard his voice in the hallway.
“You can see him now.
But be brief.
He needs his rest.”
A moment later, the door opened again.
Hiashi Hyuga stepped into the room, his face as cold and unreadable as ever.
But there was something different in his eyes…something Sho had never seen before.
Relief.
“Sho.” Hiashi’s voice was flat, controlled.
“You’re awake.”
“Father.” Sho forced himself to sit up straighter, ignoring the pain in his shoulder.
“I’m sorry for worrying you.”
Hiashi was silent for a long moment.
Then he crossed the room and stood beside the bed.
“The healers said you were close to death,” Hiashi said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Sho felt his throat tighten.
“I’m okay, Father.
I’m here.”
“I know.” Hiashi’s muttered.
They stood in awkward silence, neither knowing what to say.
“The Hokage told me what happened,” Hiashi said finally.
“He said you helped protect the village.
That you fought bravely.”
Sho blinked.
“He…
he told you that?”
Hiashi’s eyes narrowed.
“He didn’t tell me the details.
But he said you acted with honor.
That’s more than enough.”
Sho didn’t know what to say.
His father had never spoken to him like this before.
“I just did what I had to do,” Sho said quietly.
“I couldnt let my friend getting hurt.”
Hiashi was silent for a long moment.
Then he nodded.
“Your mother would have been proud of you.”
Sho felt his breath catch in his throat.
He’d never heard his father say anything like that before.
He’d never heard his father acknowledge his mother’s memory in connection with Sho.
“Father, I…”
“I need to go now.” Hiashi turned toward the door, his voice back to its usual coldness.
“Get some rest.
You’ll be home soon enough.
And…I’ll tell your sister that she can come visit you now.
She had been asking non-stop.”
He walked out, the door sliding shut behind him.
Sho sat in the silence, staring at the closed door.
A tear escaped down his cheek.
[Status Update – End of Chapter 23]
Name: Hyuga Shokuhi
Level: 6
Title: The Unbreakable
Stats:
Strength: 6
Agility: 6
Vitality: 6
Perception: 6
Chakra Capacity: 7
Chakra Control: 8
Available Stat Points: 6
Status Effects:
Chakra Vein Constriction (Mild) – Permanent
Brittle Bones (Mild) – Permanent
Byakugan Inefficiency – Permanent
Major Wound (Shoulder) – Healing (25%)
Emotional Trauma (Witnessing Iruka’s Death) – Temporary
Passive Skills:
Endurance: Intermediate (Level 1)
Shuriken Throw: Novice (Level 7)
Quick Learner – All skill experience gained is increased by 15%.
Active Skills:
Clone Technique: Novice (Level 7)
Transformation Technique: Novice (Level 8)
Substitution Technique: Novice (Level 8)
Gentle Fist: Novice (Level 9)
Desperate Strike
System Functions:
Inventory – 10 Slots, 50 kg
Quests Active:
None
A.N: