Chapter 3: The game has begun
The morning in Konoha brought with it the gentle chatter of the village coming to life, yet inside the Hatake residence, the atmosphere was one of quiet contemplation. Jay, though in the body of a six-year-old, was already plotting his day, his mind not on games or play, but on deeper, more manipulative designs.
After a breakfast filled with idle chatter, Sakumo Hatake, noted for his strength and valor throughout the village, suggested a tour for the young newcomer. "Kakashi, why don't you show Jay around the village today? It might help him find his bearings," Sakumo said, a trace of concern in his voice for the seemingly lost child.
Kakashi agreed quietly, and Jay seized the moment to express his gratitude with a perfectly crafted tone of innocence. "Thank you, Mr. Hatake. I'd like that very much," he said, his eyes wide and seemingly sincere. Yet, beneath that facade, Jay harbored little respect for the man. To Jay, Sakumo's eventual decision to take his own life, as the history books stated, marked him as a coward. This view shaped Jay's plan not as one of rescue for the sake of honor, but as a calculated move to curry favor with Kakashi.
As they walked through the village, Jay's sharp eyes scanned everything. While Kakashi pointed out various landmarks and introduced a few villagers, Jay was more focused on analyzing the social structures and dynamics of Konoha. He knew that understanding these would be crucial for his deeper integration and manipulation within the village.
When Kakashi was pulled aside by a fellow shinobi for a brief consultation, Jay took the opportunity to explore his own powers. He wandered off to a less-traveled part of the village, focusing his mind on manipulating the very essence of chakra. With concentration, he managed to produce a small flame in his palm, delighting in his ability to control such power discreetly.
His experimentation was cut short not by an ordinary villager but by Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Hokage himself, who was out for a morning walk. "Practicing so early, young man?" Hiruzen inquired, his voice warm yet carrying an undeniable authority.
Startled, Jay quickly masked his powers and turned to face Hiruzen with a feigned look of bashfulness. "Yes, sir. I'm just trying to learn," he responded, his voice dripping with feigned humility.
"Keep at it, but remember, true strength comes from the heart," Hiruzen advised, smiling gently.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama," Jay replied, bowing deeply, recognizing the potential benefits of gaining the Hokage's favor.
As he returned to the Hatake household, Jay mulled over his interactions of the day. While he played the part of the grateful and awe-struck child perfectly, his mind was far from naive. He knew that saving Sakumo from his fated demise would be a significant move—one that would likely endear him even more to Kakashi.
That night, as he lay in the guest room provided by the Hatakes, Jay's thoughts were not on the comforts of his new surroundings but on the complexities of the relationships he needed to forge. Saving Sakumo, in his view, was merely a strategic step towards winning Kakashi's deep and undivided affection. It was a game of chess, and Jay was positioning his pieces with meticulous care.
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