Chapter 115 : Third Hokage, Your Son?

All eyes turned to the Third Hokage as he approached, their expressions a mix of surprise and curiosity.

The reason for their astonishment was simple – Sarutobi Hiruzen, the venerable Third Hokage, was wearing a hat. Not just any hat, mind you; it was a striking red hat adorned with the emblem of flames, an exclusive headpiece reserved for the current Hokage.

While it was customary for the Hokage to wear such a hat, the peculiar part was the setting – beneath the hall's eaves, donning a hat seemed out of place.

Sarutobi Hiruzen, aware of the attention, calmly spoke in his distinct, smoky voice, "My apologies, everyone. The injury on my face hasn't fully healed, so I find it necessary to wear this hat temporarily."

At this moment, Kazuhiko sensed a subtle shift in the glances directed toward him. Unfazed, he paid no heed, for his focus over the last fifteen minutes had been on those accompanying Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Among them was Tsunade, who had tirelessly cared for Sarutobi Hiruzen throughout the night. The twenty-four-hour period following the incident was the most critical.

Remaining vigilant to prevent complications such as infection or worsening injuries, Tsunade now bore the visible signs of fatigue. The toll of constant wakefulness, coupled with regular checks on the injuries, weighed heavily on her Jōnin endurance.

Kazuhiko couldn't help but feel sympathy for the exhausted Tsunade. "Are these Konoha folks only good for making Tsunade their doctor? Look at how tired she is!"

Yet, in his concern for Tsunade, Kazuhiko dismissed any consideration of who might have injured the Third Hokage. Tsunade, too, noticed his distressed gaze, and a warmth filled her heart, evident in the faint blush on her fatigued face.

Despite her curiosity about Kazuhiko and his incredible abilities – questions about the wound, his prowess, and other potential skills – Tsunade knew this was not the time or place for such inquiries.

Orochimaru, standing beside Tsunade, had also foregone sleep, though the lack of rest seemed to have little impact on his demeanor. His pale face betrayed only a hint of fatigue as he observed Kazuhiko.

Having closely inspected his teacher's wound, Orochimaru couldn't help but entertain the notion that the Uzumaki clan head might have intentionally inflicted such a precise and dangerous injury. 

A little more effort, he mused, and his teacher might not have fallen into a coma, only bleeding from the wound. Orochimaru pondered whether this act was a deliberate choice by the head of the Uzumaki clan.

In an instant, this notion sent shivers down his spine, and he promptly dismissed the idea within his heart.

If he truly possessed such strength, with absolute control over every iota of force, his swordsmanship would be too formidable; a person of such caliber would be truly fearsome!

There couldn't be such an individual!

Despite vehemently denying the concept, it continued to linger unconsciously in his thoughts.

Orochimaru, originally indifferent, was now intrigued by Kazuhiko. Without any formal introduction, his keen eyes singled out the man who stood out from the crowd—Kazuhiko, the one who had defeated his teacher.

Soon, he noticed a certain "connection" between Kazuhiko and Tsunade; their exchanged affectionate glances and the sudden, unnatural averted gazes.

A mischievous smile played on Orochimaru's lips. "Interesting!," he thought. During the time he had spent practicing with Jiraiya, he couldn't resist teasing, "Jiraiya, your greatest romantic rival has appeared, and I doubt you stand a chance..."

As Kazuhiko glanced at Tsunade, he caught Orochimaru's peculiar gaze but didn't dwell on it.

Meanwhile, the crowd began to extend their congratulations to Sarutobi Hiruzen for his successful recovery.

Observing this, Kazuhiko seemed to recall something and swiftly took two steps forward, grasping Sarutobi Hiruzen's right hand.

The onlookers were astonished by Kazuhiko's sudden move.

Holding Sarutobi Hiruzen's hand, Kazuhiko expressed remorse on his face, "I'm so sorry! Due to my carelessness, the Third Hokage fell into a coma! I truly didn't anticipate this outcome!"

Hearing these words, Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression twitched. Didn't anticipate this outcome? Was it a matter of him being too strong or too weak?

Though his face remained composed, concealed beneath the Hokage hat, Sarutobi Hiruzen forced a gracious smile and patted Kazuhiko on the back with his left hand.

"Haha, Uzumaki Clan Head it's fine; it was merely a test. I'm perfectly alright now. I've faced countless battles, more perilous than this. No need to worry!"

With that, he finally withdrew his right hand.

Kazuhiko, seemingly oblivious, nodded in apparent relief.

"That's a relief, Third Hokage. You'll be fine."

However, a realization seemed to strike Kazuhiko, prompting him to glance at Sarutobi Hiruzen again. The guilt on his face resurfaced.

"There's one more thing I forgot to tell you, Third Hokage. Today, I had a minor altercation with your son. Unfortunately, my subordinates got a bit carried away, and your son ended up taking a harder hit than intended..."

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