chapter-10

Sarutobi Hiruzen kept speaking, recounting the experiences he and Uchiha Kagami had shared. He firmly believed that Kagami would never have leaked the news of their teacher Tobirama Senju's death.

Standing behind Sarutobi Hiruzen, Uchiha Kagami was overwhelmed with emotion. Money is easy to come by, but a true confidant is rare. Kagami was deeply touched by Hiruzen's trust.

A confidant! He is a true confidant!

Hiruzen, if you ever need anything, just tell me. I'll stand by you without hesitation!

As Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke, the large room fell silent. Everyone present turned their gaze to Uzumaki Mito, awaiting her judgment.

"Humph."

A sneer escaped Uzumaki Mito as she looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen with a hint of irony in her smile.

"That's quite the speech. Are you certain you want to save Uchiha Kagami?"

"You know, given Kagami's status, even if he did leak the news, I can't kill him. At most, he would suffer."

"The news is already out. Being an Uchiha, whether he did it or not, he's implicated."

"I was deceived, and I'm furious. Think carefully about your answer. It will affect my view of you and your future position in Konoha."

With that, Uzumaki Mito's aura subsided, and the intense chakra dissipated, allowing everyone to breathe easier.

But Sarutobi Hiruzen remained tense. Uzumaki Mito's question weighed heavily on him. He understood the significance of the position she referred to.

Sarutobi Hiruzen wasn't naive enough to believe he could become the leader of the most powerful ninja village with just a verbal endorsement.

Even if Senju Tobirama had lived to nominate him, there would be resistance. Tobirama didn't have absolute authority in Konoha; only Senju Hashirama commanded such respect due to his unparalleled strength.

Senju Tobirama had to carefully balance and distribute power to maintain control and earn the allegiance of the village's powerful clans.

Whether he could become Hokage now depended entirely on Uzumaki Mito.

Sarutobi Hiruzen understood her question: Love your brothers, or love the position of Hokage?

The answer was critical, so much so that Hiruzen hesitated, momentarily stunned.

Seeing this, Shimura Danzo was anxious, wishing he could decide for Hiruzen.

Of course, he should choose the position of Hokage. Uchiha Kagami wouldn't die; at most, he'd be bedridden for a while. Hiruzen's earlier defense was enough to honor his friendship with Kagami.

At that moment, Uchiha Kagami also watched Hiruzen, hoping he would choose the latter. Hiruzen's words were enough for Kagami; Mito just needed to vent her anger.

Physical pain was temporary. For his brother's sake, Uchiha Kagami could endure it.

"Mito-sama, Uchiha Kagami is innocent. Please don't take your anger out on him!" Sarutobi Hiruzen declared, looking directly at Uzumaki Mito. His integrity wouldn't allow him to abandon Kagami.

"Alright!"

"Very well!"

"You little monkey, playing the hero comes with a cost. I hope you can handle it!"

Uzumaki Mito slammed the table and ordered the Senju ninjas to remove everyone but Sarutobi Hiruzen.

They were initially held to prevent news from spreading, but now that Tobirama's death was public knowledge, there was no point in keeping them. It was a waste of the Senju clan's resources.

Outside the Senju clan's territory, Utatane Koharu, who had been on the verge of a breakdown, sighed in relief at the quiet night and bright moon.

"Just like that, we're out?"

"Do you want to go back?" Mito Kadoen teased, prompting Koharu to deny it vehemently. Escaping the Senju clan's territory was a relief; there was no desire to return.

She was merely an observer. The weight of Konoha's future wasn't hers to bear. She planned to go home and get a good night's sleep.

Shimura Danzo, upset by Koharu and Kadoen's banter, shouted angrily, "Hiruzen is still inside!"

He was heartbroken that his friend remained in the Senju clan, unsure if it was good or bad. Mito's earlier reaction had been furious.

Hiruzen, always the hero, had chosen to sacrifice himself before Senju Tobirama, and now he was doing it again.

"Relax, Hiruzen will be fine," Uchiha Kagami reassured. He knew Uzumaki Mito wouldn't harm Hiruzen. Otherwise, she wouldn't have released them but imprisoned them all.

But Hiruzen's situation wouldn't be easy. Mito was angry and had no outlet, leaving Hiruzen as the only target.

"Uchiha Kagami, shut up. It's your fault Hiruzen is in the Senju clan. You and the Uchiha are trouble."

"The news of Tobirama's death came from Uchiha. I'll trust you for Hiruzen's sake. Don't leak anything, or you'll regret it!"

Shimura Danzo vented his frustration on Kagami, blaming him for everything.

Kagami took the scolding silently. He wanted to argue but hesitated.

Danzo wouldn't believe him. If the roles were reversed, Kagami wouldn't believe himself either.

Only seven people, including Uzumaki Mito, knew of the leak. The source was Uchiha, and Kagami was the only Uchiha among them.

This burden was unjustly placed on him. It was too heavy for him to bear.

Danzo eventually tired of yelling and glared at Kagami before heading home.

Utatane Koharu, Mitomon En, and Akimichi Tofu followed suit, not wanting to linger with Kagami. They didn't trust him either, but their reactions weren't as harsh as Danzo's.

Watching his former companions leave, Uchiha Kagami vowed to uncover the truth.

The person who leaked the news—I'll find you!