Chapter 102 : Sarutobi Shinnosuke!

As Kazuhiko strolled in, Kurogane led the way with the key, bending over to speak softly.

"Kazuhiko-sama, honestly, I only wanted to teach the rest of your clan members a lesson. But Shinnosuke from the Sarutobi clan suddenly appeared, insisting on showing you some attitude."

He raised his forehead slightly, stealing a glance at Kazuhiko, worried he might hear something unpleasant.

Kazuhiko frowned and whispered, "The Sarutobi clan?"

Detecting Kazuhiko's skepticism, Kurogane hastily added, "Yes, Kazuhiko-sama. He is indeed from the Sarutobi clan, the eldest son of Lord Hokage, Sarutobi Shinnosuke, who came personally."

With confirmation from Kurogane, Kazuhiko nodded, "Continue."

Uchiha eagerly recounted the events.

"Kazuhiko-sama, you must know the strained history between the Sarutobi and Uchiha clans. Sarutobi Shinnosuke has harbored resentment for a long time."

"As Lord Hokage's eldest son, he wore a sour expression every day at the ninja school, acting as if everyone owed him money. While others feared him, I, Kurogane, was not afraid, and I even engaged him in direct combat several times."

"The rest of the Uchiha clan hasn't had a harmonious relationship with the Sarutobi clan either."

Seemingly remembering something, Kurogane added, "Of course, it appears the Uchiha clan members have no issues with other clans."

"Go on."

"Yes, the Hokage's Anbu were initially under Lord Hokage's command and knew Sarutobi Shinnosuke. He instructed them not to inform your clan's elders."

"He claimed Anbu would obey him in this matter, so I needn't worry. He only wants you to come personally and deal with it."

"What was his purpose in bringing me along?"

At Kazuhiko's inquiry, Kurogane seemed perplexed.

"Um?"

Kurogane trembled, hastily responding, "Kazuhiko-sama, I genuinely don't know. He just told me that as long as you come to pick someone up in person, he'll find a way to embarrass you."

"Embarrass me? How so?"

Kazuhiko glared at Kurogane, who was nervously peering at him, unleashing a powerful pressure.

Once again, Kurogane felt the dominance of a top-tier predator.

It seemed as if Kazuhiko would tear him apart at any moment. He anxiously swore, "It's true, Kazuhiko-sama! I swear everything I said is true; that's what Sarutobi Shinnosuke told me!"

"I don't (bffh) know how he plans to embarrass you, and I doubt there's any way Sarutobi Shinnosuke could threaten you."

Kazuhiko gazed into Kurogane's eyes, using Observation Haki to sense his emotional fluctuations, heartbeat, and pulse.

"I believe you're not lying to me."

Hearing Kazuhiko's trust, Kurogane was overjoyed. "Thank you for trusting me!" he added what he hadn't said before.

"I've always found Sarutobi Shinnosuke disagreeable, but this time he approached me willingly to cooperate. He mentioned that many in the Sarutobi family are dissatisfied with you."

"Several are inciting Konoha's elders, expressing a desire to make the Uzumaki clan regret and hold them accountable for harming Lord Hokage."

Upon hearing this, Kazuhiko smirked disdainfully, "Just a bunch of pests and scoundrels behind the scenes. I won't be bothered."

Being of the Sarutobi clan, Kazuhiko knew the origins of their animosity. He had slashed Sarutobi Hiruzen, leaving him comatose, leading to the Sarutobi family's resentment.

Despite producing a Hokage, the Sarutobi clan had kept a low profile, following Sarutobi Hiruzen's guidance. They worked to divert attention away from their relationship with the current Hokage, often scapegoating the flamboyant Uchiha clan.

Now, with Kazuhiko's attack, not only could their prestige in Konoha vanish, but even if the Third Hokage survived, their image in Konoha would suffer.

Understanding this, Kazuhiko nodded, "The Sarutobi clan? Just a bunch of pretentious rubble!"

He dismissed them, considering the Sarutobi family more honest than the flamboyant Uchiha clan. Their deliberate displays threatened Konoha's stability.

Figuring the villagers criticized the Uchiha clan more than the Sarutobi clan, Kazuhiko continued, "The Sarutobi family benefits from the Uchiha clan's prominence, with the Uchiha clan serving as a lightning rod."

Danzo, Utatane Koharu, and Mitokado Homura had no tolerance for the Sarutobi clan's powerful displays. So, they choose Uchiha lan as their shield.

Continuing their conversation, the pair reached the prison where the imprisoned Uzumaki clan members awaited.

Inside, more than 20 Uzumaki clan members were locked up, divided into two cages. A few stayed with the Senju clan, and Fumito, the informant, stayed outside.

"Kazuhiko-sama... Kazuhiko-sama is here!"

"Kazuhiko-sama! We can go out!"

The sharp-eyed Uzumaki people soon spotted Kazuhiko, their initial surprise turning into anticipation. After all, being confined wasn't a pleasant experience, and seeing Kazuhiko meant they could finally leave.

However, their excitement quickly turned to unease and shame when they remembered the elders' advice not to bother Kazuhiko-sama, especially if he had something important to attend to. It became apparent that Kazuhiko-sama's unexpected visit signaled trouble.

"Why did Kazuhiko-sama come in person?"

"It's embarrassing to be seen like this!"

"The elders will scold us when we go back..."

"Did Kazuhiko-sama really come just for us?"

Their voices were filled with uneasiness and regret as they spoke, bowing their heads in shame. The joy of freedom faded quickly, and a sense of guilt settled in.

Arriving at the prison, Kazuhiko observed the Uzumaki people, their heads lowered in shame. He chuckled quietly, prompting them to address him with deference.

"Kazuhiko-sama..."

"Clan Head!"

"Kazuhiko-sama, why are you here..."

Kazuhiko, with a slight smile, gestured for Uchiha to unlock the cell door with the key.

"What's the matter? Why is everyone so quiet? Did I not come here to invite you out?"

The Uzumaki people hesitated but eventually walked out, standing by Kazuhiko's side. Apologies began pouring out as they avoided eye contact.

"Kazuhiko-sama, we were wrong..."

"Yes, Kazuhiko-sama, we were wrong!"

Others nodded in agreement.

Curious, Kazuhiko asked, "What was wrong with what you did?"

"We shouldn't have bothered you to intervene."

"We shouldn't have fought with the Uchiha clan and ended up locked up."

Kazuhiko raised his head, looking at the crowd with a solemn expression.

"No, you're not wrong for asking for help or fighting for what you believe in. The only mistake is losing."

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