*Early Morning**
A layer of mist covered the Uchiha clan grounds as Uchiha Kagami walked slowly, aimlessly, his eyes bloodshot.
Since leaving the Senju clan, he had wandered Konoha's streets until dawn before returning home. His mind was in turmoil.
Initially, he intended to uncover who within the Uchiha clan had leaked the news of Lord Tobirama's death.
But after calming down, Kagami realized he was trapped. What could he do? Without the Uchiha family's network, spreading the news across Konoha in just one afternoon would have been impossible.
What if the mastermind was Uchiha Tomita, the Uchiha clan leader? He seemed the most suspicious, capable of mobilizing the clan's resources swiftly. Only a few in the Uchiha could do that.
Was he really considering clashing with the clan leader for Sarutobi Hiruzen?
Kagami felt dizzy, his mind entertaining such treacherous thoughts.
But was he supposed to shoulder the blame without reason? He felt angry, with no outlet for his frustration. He couldn't face Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Hey, Kagami, you're back."
Some passing Uchiha clan members greeted him, their expressions odd, eyes darting around. They'd heard rumors that Kagami and others had abandoned the Hokage and fled back to Konoha. They couldn't believe a genius like Kagami could do such a thing.
"Captain Uchiha Nan said you abandoned the Hokage and fled back to Konoha. Is it true?"
"Yes, you're an Uchiha genius; you wouldn't do such a thing."
"Captain Nan also said Hiruzen Sarutobi will become the third Hokage of Konoha?"
"Impossible."
Numerous Uchiha members surrounded Kagami, seeking confirmation of Uchiha Nan's claims.
"Who are you talking about? Uchiha Nan??" Kagami's disbelief was palpable. Could it really have been Uchiha Nan who leaked the news of Lord Tobirama's death?
How could that be possible?
The clan member he trusted most was Uchiha Nan, recognized by Teacher Tobirama as an Uchiha who transcended petty concerns and embraced Konoha's Will of Fire.
If he could do such a thing, how was he different from the hawkish Uchiha in the clan?
Impossible. Absolutely impossible!
Kagami thought he was too tired, perhaps hallucinating. Or maybe it was an illusion, a plot against him!
Wait!
I understand!
Kagami performed a hand seal to dispel any genjutsu, but it was ineffective. The Uchiha around him continued to discuss Uchiha Nan.
"Enough!"
Kagami shouted, unwilling to linger. He had to confront Uchiha Nan and learn the truth.
Was he forced by the clan leader? Sixteen years of Uchiha Nan's good reputation in Konoha couldn't be a facade.
How could someone pretend for sixteen years, even deceiving Teacher Tobirama? It was terrifying.
Kagami, anxious, used the Body Flicker Technique, reaching Uchiha Nan's house in minutes. "Uchiha Nan, there's no need to fear. Did the clan leader force you to leak the news of Lord Tobirama's death?"
Uchiha Nan was exercising when he saw Kagami, eyes bloodshot, looking slightly deranged.
His words puzzled Nan.
What clan leader?
Could Uchiha Tomita force me?
Is this a joke?!
With Senju Tobirama gone, Nan was contemplating how to oust Uchiha Tomita and lead the Uchiha clan.
Uchiha Nan was determined to become the Third Hokage and hoped Uchiha Tomita wouldn't oppose him. If he did, Nan would have to eliminate him.
"Kagami, I instructed the police to spread the news of Tobirama's death. Uchiha Tomita knows nothing about it," Nan said, smiling confidently. He had no qualms about Tobirama or Tomita, not even using honorifics. He was ready to confront them and aimed to be Hokage.
He couldn't leave Tomita as clan leader once he became Hokage.
Eventually, they'd clash, so why pretend anymore? Pretending while Tobirama lived was exhausting.
Nan planned to ascend step by step, become the Uchiha leader, and then Hokage!
"Uchiha Nan, why have you become like this? You weren't like this before!" Kagami's voice trembled. The Nan before him was unfamiliar, his laughter harsh. Nan now resembled the clan's hawks.
Had Uchiha Nan's past demeanor been an act? It was terrifying to think someone could pretend to embrace the Will of Fire for sixteen years.
"Master Tobirama had high hopes for you, believing you'd inherited Konoha's Will of Fire. Were you pretending?"
"Pretend?" Nan sneered. Was there a need to pretend?
He wasn't a fool. He'd learned the basics—caring for comrades, respecting elders.
The Uchiha were too arrogant. What Nan considered normal actions were anomalies in the clan.
Greeting villagers warmly, helping elderly ladies, saying "please" to vendors—these were basic courtesies.
But the proud Uchiha wouldn't do that.
Nan found it effective. His essay on the Will of Fire at the Ninja Academy made Tobirama believe he was an Uchiha who embraced it.
"If you think so, then so be it."
Nan was too tired to explain to Kagami, who was unwilling to listen.
"Why are you here so early? Just to say this?"
With Nan's facade torn away, Kagami felt a chill. The terror of Nan was beyond imagination.
Nan had indeed pretended to embrace the Will of Fire, revealing his true self only after Tobirama's death.