Uchiha Tekka's sudden appearance was nothing more than a minor ripple in Kei's daily life, he didn't take it too seriously.
In fact, the final few words he said to Tekka were more than enough to deal with someone like that.
Had he just defeated Tekka and walked away, his peace wouldn't have lasted. It would've turned into one of those overdone plots you find in trashy novels, beat the younger brother, here comes the older one, then the clan elder, then the elder's dog. On and on, no end in sight.
Kei had no interest in playing that game.
He much preferred building strength in the shadows. That's why he chose psychological warfare instead.
Psychological warfare, in simple terms, is a strategy: after deeply understanding your opponent, you exploit their psychological weaknesses, breaking down their mental defenses bit by bit to get what you want.
For the Uchiha clan, who placed tremendous weight on family honor, disgracing their name was intolerable.
So long as he grasped that pressure point, Tekka would probably stay away, maybe even warn others to back off as well.
Of course, "probably" didn't mean certainty. Human nature was unpredictable. Even Kei, a licensed psychiatrist, wouldn't dare claim to fully read another person's heart.
His quiet walk ruined, Kei tapped along with his cane and turned to head home. But before he could reach the clan compound, Kakashi appeared out of nowhere and blocked his path.
Kei greeted him with a polite smile. "Ah, Kakashi-senpai. Regretfully, the clinic is closed for now. If you're looking for a psychological consultation, I'm afraid you'll have to wait a bit."
"I'm not here for therapy," Kakashi replied, his normally calm expression darkening. "The Third Hokage wants to see you. Come with me."
Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked straight toward the Hokage's Tower.
Kei merely shrugged. He could already sense Kakashi's coldness, and fell in behind him.
As they walked, Kei's mind spun quickly, analyzing the reason for this sudden summons.
Chances were, Kakashi had already reported the entire incident with Uchiha Tekka to the Third.
After all, there's a world of difference between a regular psychiatrist and one who also happens to have jonin-level combat ability.
Their value to the village was vastly different. Not to mention, he was a member of the Hyuga clan.
The last time he'd met Kakashi, Kei had deliberately invoked the Will of Fire. It was a calculated move, meant to establish his value in the eyes of those in power, so he could trade that value for benefits later.
Now came the next phase. As long as he performed well today, his "identity" as a useful asset would be fully established.
Kakashi walked briskly, clearly unwilling to linger or chat. By the time Kei finished thinking, they had arrived at the Hokage's office.
Kei knocked lightly and entered, wearing an expression of barely restrained excitement. He bowed slightly.
"Lord Third, you summoned me?"
As he spoke, Kei silently expanded his senses toward Hiruzen Sarutobi. Even seated calmly at his desk, the old Hokage exuded an overwhelming sense of pressure.
Hiruzen had been reviewing documents, but looked up and smiled warmly upon Kei's arrival.
"My apologies. I've been meaning to meet you, but it's been busy lately," the Hokage said. "Truth be told, I've wanted to see you for some time now."
"Thank you for the honor, Lord Third. I've been hoping to meet you too," Kei responded, smiling respectfully. "You've always been something of an idol to me."
"An idol? For a tired old man like me?" Hiruzen laughed.
"You're wrong, Lord Hokage," Kei shook his head firmly. "If not for you, the village wouldn't be what it is today."
"It was your Will of Fire that inspired generations of Konoha shinobi and civilians. You're like a beacon in the darkness, guiding the younger generation forward."
"Having a Hokage like you is one of the village's greatest blessings."
Hearing such heartfelt words from the youth before him, Hiruzen was momentarily speechless. He hadn't expected Kei to speak of him with such reverence.
He coughed lightly to cut off the praise and asked, "I heard you opened a psychological clinic?"
"Yes," Kei nodded. "After losing my sight, I decided to open one."
"That's a good thing." Hiruzen acknowledged him with a nod, then followed up, "Why did you choose that profession?"
Kei understood the Hokage wasn't asking casually. This was a test, a probe.
So he answered without hesitation, "Because I wanted to do something meaningful."
"It was only after I went blind that I truly understood the suffering that comes with imperfection."
"Then I started noticing that many people in the village suffer from various psychological issues, troubled, just like me. So I wanted to help them ease that pain."
"I see," Hiruzen nodded again. "That's a commendable goal. You have a good heart, Kei."
Kei's tone remained steady, but he deliberately adopted a slightly embarrassed look.
"Lord Third, I know I'll never be able to contribute to the village like you have. I'll never become a great Hokage."
"But I want to do whatever I can. Even if it's just a drop in the ocean, I'll do my part to help the village prosper."
"To do what you can for the village, no matter how small…" Hiruzen murmured, his eyes softening. "Spoken like a true leaf shinobi. With youth like you, Konoha has a bright future."
"Lord Hokage," Kei said humbly, "I've only done a few unremarkable things. It's you who leads us toward that better future."
Hiruzen took a puff from his pipe, then said, "Kei, would you be willing to offer your strength for the village once more?"
"Of course!" Kei replied immediately, his voice full of resolve. "It's always been my dream to serve the village."
Satisfied, Hiruzen smiled. "Good. For now, return home. Someone will contact you with further instructions."
Kei nodded and turned to leave. But just as he reached the door, Hiruzen's voice called out once more.
"Serve the village well… and I'll see what I can do about your blindness."
Kei turned, showing a face of deep emotion. "Thank you, Lord Third. I won't let you down."
Inside, though, his heart was as calm as still water.
He wasn't Shisui. Words like these, a promise with no guarantee, didn't sway him.
Still, the fact that Hiruzen had even bothered to draw a big, beautiful picture for him meant one thing: his performance today had passed the test.
If he hadn't… there wouldn't have been a picture to begin with.
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200 P.S = 1 Extra Chapters