Iwagakure

The heavy stone door slowly closed behind him with a dull thud.

The Tsuchikage's office was simpler than Jingxin had imagined, yet it exuded an undeniable authority.

In the center of the room was a large stone desk, neatly piled with scrolls and documents.

The Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, sat in the high-backed chair behind it.

The old man was short in stature, but he emanated a chakra pressure as heavy as a mountain.

The office's only window was on the east side, and the morning sun slanted in, casting long, narrow shadows on the floor, with dust motes drifting slowly in the light beams.

"It's been a long time since we've had friction with Konoha," Ōnoki said, raising his eyelids. His cloudy yet sharp gaze pressed down on Jingxin like a physical force.

His voice was deep and steady, each word carrying the weight of long-held high office: "What is your purpose for appearing on the border?"

Jingxin took out a document from his backpack and handed it to the Iwagakure ninja beside him: "Perhaps you will find this interesting."

He had already been searched when he entered, so this action did not elicit any unexpected reactions.

The Iwagakure ninja handed the document to Ōnoki.

Ōnoki took the scroll and unrolled it to read.

As he read, his eyes gradually narrowed.

The scroll recorded the events of the Uchiha Clan Downfall and Jingxin's escape.

The old man finished reading, rolled up the scroll, and placed it on the desk. After a few seconds of silence, he let out a cold laugh.

"Heh... Konoha." He shook his head. "Claiming to be the greatest village in the shinobi world, yet unable to even control the sharpest blade within their own village. The Uchiha... a pity."

Ōnoki looked at Jingxin: "So you've come to seek refuge with Iwagakure? Why us?"

Jingxin replied calmly: "This is the result of my comprehensive consideration. Among the major shinobi villages, only Iwagakure can provide what I need."

Ōnoki became interested: "Oh? The Uchiha clan is renowned throughout the shinobi world. I imagine we aren't the only ones who would welcome your joining. Tell me, what's the difference?"

"Welcome your joining."

When Ōnoki said this, Jingxin felt a slight sense of relief.

He explained: "Sunagakure's Kazekage, Rasa, is in his prime, but Sunagakure is relatively weak and close to Konoha. Furthermore, they have a history of betraying their allies. Not to mention an outsider, you would likely be treated as a mere tool."

"Kumogakure is extremely martial and has an almost fanatical pursuit of Kekkei Genkai. It's a good place, but as I grow a little older, if my strength doesn't reach a certain level, I might face the risk of being treated as a breeding machine."

At that point, forget revenge, just not dying from exhaustion would be fortunate.

Actually, being tired wouldn't be a problem.

The key was that the people there were a bit dark.

Though there were also light ones.

But if Jingxin were "picky," wouldn't he be branded with the stigma of "chiseling pillars to steal books"?~

"Kirigakure is isolationist, and it would require crossing the ocean. If discovered at sea, there would be no escape."

In reality, it was because Obito's whereabouts were in Kirigakure, and going there would be walking into a trap.

"As for Iwagakure, the Tsuchikage is powerful and experienced. The Land of Earth is relatively far from the Land of Fire, making it easier to control information. And its overall strength is comparable to Kumogakure or even Konoha."

"Here, the only thing I need to do is gain your trust."

"After all, the Third Shinobi World War ended not long ago, and all countries are in a period of recovery."

"Given my situation, no matter which major shinobi village I went to, I would first be suspected of being a spy."

Ōnoki leaned back in his chair, scrutinizing Jingxin.

His dark eyes held no fear, only an extreme, cold analysis.

Every evaluation hit the mark, and his judgment of the major shinobi villages was too precise for a mere genin who had just escaped Konoha.

The old man nodded inwardly.

Courage, intellect, a clear understanding of the situation... these qualities far surpassed his age.

Even more commendable was that this analysis objectively stated the pros and cons, neither demeaning Iwagakure nor deliberately trying to curry favor.

Ōnoki found himself liking this Uchiha orphan more and more.

Iwagakure needed geniuses, and it needed geniuses with brains.

Ōnoki tapped his fingers lightly on the stone tabletop: "The fact that you survived the night of the massacre and managed to escape all the way to the border of the Land of Earth shows that you have a clear understanding of your future plans."

"Then, why didn't you contact us earlier?"

Jingxin shook his head: "At the time, I was still a genin of Konoha. Contacting a foreign shinobi village before the massacre would have been considered treason."

A flicker of admiration flashed in the old man's eyes.

When Ōnoki spoke again, his tone softened: "You are quite right. Only after a period of observation can I be sure you are not a spy."

"Although the Uchiha were persecuted by Konoha, Itachi Uchiha's actions are enough to prove that Konoha's brainwashing methods are not to be underestimated."

"I must rule out the possibility that you are the same as Itachi Uchiha."

Jingxin had been waiting for this sentence.

He took a small metal tube from his breast pocket: "I managed to acquire some chemical substances called 'Veritaserum' from the Konoha Research Department. You may have a trusted subordinate test its effects first, and then use it on me."

Ōnoki raised an eyebrow: "Oh? 'Veritaserum'?"

Kyoshin handed a vial of liquid to the Iwagakure ninja beside him, who then passed it to Ōnoki.

Ōnoki summoned an Iwagakure ninja and ordered them to take the metal tube for testing.

About an hour later, the report was returned: the ingredients and effects were consistent with what Kyoshin had described, but it would cause permanent, irreparable neurological damage.

"There is no need to use the Veritaserum." The old man put down the report and looked at Kyoshin: "I can confirm your sincerity through other means; there is no need to cause permanent harm to the body of a genius youth from Iwagakure."

Kyoshin was slightly taken aback.

"Do not be nervous," Ōnoki's voice softened: "If you join us in good faith, this old man will naturally look out for you, but until things are settled, you must fully obey my arrangements."

Kyoshin felt relieved: "I understand."

Ōnoki: "Then, in the meantime, you will stay at my home."

Kyoshin nodded.

Ōnoki had an Anbu member bring over a registration form.

Kyoshin filled in his basic information: Kyoshin Uchiha, seven years old, former Konoha Genin, chakra natures Fire, Wind, Earth.

For his background, he only wrote: Survivor of the Uchiha Clan Downfall.

After filling out the form, Ōnoki levitated into the air, took Kyoshin away from the Tsuchikage building, and arrived in front of a simple stone house.

In the courtyard, a black-haired girl was practicing Earth Style: Rock Fist Technique, with the tall Kitsuchi standing nearby to supervise.

The appearance of Ōnoki and Kyoshin drew their attention.

Kitsuchi turned to face Ōnoki: "Father."

Kurotsuchi also stopped her training, wiping the fine sweat from her forehead: "Grandpa!"

Ōnoki pointed at Kyoshin and spoke: "This is Kyoshin Uchiha. From today on, he will be staying at our home for the time being."

The two of them began to size Kyoshin up.

Kitsuchi: Uchiha? Someone from Konoha?

But Kurotsuchi's focus was not on that.

Those delicate features and calm black eyes made her take a few extra looks.

Kurotsuchi walked over with a grin and reached out to ruffle the top of Kyoshin's head: "Hello there~ pretty little sister."

Kyoshin: "?"