Saruto stood outside Kai's room, his mind plagued with unease. His son's behavior had grown increasingly odd. For someone who had shown remarkable talent during their training sessions, Kai's deliberate mediocrity at the academy was baffling.
It gnawed at him, especially since Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya had already graduated, despite being the same age—or younger. Saruto's pride as an Uchiha demanded answers.
He knocked once and stepped in before Kai could answer. Kai sat cross-legged on the floor, scribbling in his notebook, startled by his father's sudden presence.
"Kai," Saruto said, his tone sharp, "I need to know why you're holding back. You excelled when we trained together. Your ninjutsu, your illusions—they were far beyond your peers. So why haven't you graduated yet? What are you hiding?"
Kai's pen slipped from his fingers. His mind raced. He had anticipated this moment ever since his father had returned from the war, knowing Saruto's sharp eyes wouldn't miss his carefully constructed facade.
"I…" Kai stammered, his pulse quickening. Then he remembered the excuse he had prepared long ago while experimenting with lucid dreaming. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to remain calm.
"I didn't want to tell you this, Father, but during Mother's death… something strange happened."
Saruto's eyes narrowed. "Strange? What do you mean?"
Kai looked away, feigning hesitation. "When Mother died, I awakened my Sharingan. But it wasn't normal." He glanced at his father, gauging his reaction. "It… it showed me things—visions of other worlds. I don't know what to call them, but they were like *parallel ninja worlds*."
Saruto's expression hardened. "Other worlds? Stop speaking nonsense, Kai."
"I'm not lying!" Kai said, raising his voice. "In these other worlds, I saw what happened to Uchihas who showed talent. They were either killed or manipulated by Hokage and Danzo."
Saruto stiffened, his disbelief warring with unease. "Do you understand what you're accusing the Hokage of? Such claims could get you executed for treason!"
Kai's heart pounded, but he pressed on. "I know how it sounds, but I'm telling you the truth! That's why I've been hiding my abilities. I didn't want to become a target." He paused, then added in a quieter voice, "I can prove it to you."
Saruto crossed his arms, skepticism etched into his face. "Oh? And how do you intend to do that?"
Kai swallowed, knowing this was his gamble. "The Second Hokage will die during the upcoming negotiations with the Land of Thunder. You'll see."
Saruto's eyes widened, but he quickly masked his surprise. "You're claiming to predict the future now?"
Kai nodded. "If I'm wrong, you can punish me however you like. But if I'm right… you'll have to believe me. Please, don't tell anyone about this, Father. If the wrong people find out, it'll endanger both of us."
Saruto studied his son, the lines on his face deepening. There was no mistaking the fear and urgency in Kai's voice. Finally, he sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I'll keep quiet for now. But if you're lying—if this is some elaborate excuse to avoid responsibility—I won't forgive you."
Kai nodded, his throat dry. "Thank you, Father."
As Saruto left the room, Kai slumped against the wall, his body trembling. He had narrowly avoided disaster, but the weight of his lie bore down on him.
Now, he could only hope that his gamble about the Second Hokage's death would pay off—or he'd face his father's wrath once more.