Chapter 65: Konoha’s Scandal Exposed
Chapter 65: Konoha's Scandal Exposed
Hiruzen Sarutobi knew it was time to put his acting skills to the test.
Feigning shock and disbelief, he adopted a grim expression, his voice laced with suppressed anger.
"Go after him! We must retrieve the Great Treasure at all costs!"
Turning to the guests at the table, he wore an apologetic face.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I deeply regret this incident."
"I underestimated the allure of the Six Paths Sage's Great Treasure. It appears it has tempted even those closest to us."
"But family scandals should not be aired in public. I won't take more of your valuable time. I have pressing matters to attend to."
He bowed respectfully, his tone sincere, before preparing to leave.
---
Just as Sarutobi turned to leave, a hurried figure burst into the room.
"Apologies, Lord Hokage! I encountered some unexpected delays," said the white-haired man.
"But I have successfully delivered the Great Treasure!"
The arrival was none other than "Kakashi," who carried a finely crafted iron box. He placed it on the table and handed it to Sarutobi, explaining the cause of his delay.
---
Sarutobi froze.
Moments ago, he had declared that the treasure had been stolen. Now, Kakashi himself had delivered it?
This was not how the plan was supposed to unfold.
His carefully scripted narrative was falling apart, leaving him utterly at a loss.
---
To confirm the identity of the messenger, Sarutobi had secretly stationed multiple Byakugan users nearby. All signs pointed to the man before him being the real Kakashi, not a disguised impostor.
Yet, the presence of the box on the table now felt like a hot potato, one Sarutobi was hesitant to touch.
---
"Kakashi" placed the iron box on the table, standing straight and seemingly awaiting acknowledgment.
The guests, who had grown skeptical, leaned in closer.
"Lord Hokage, the Great Treasure is here. Why hesitate to open it? Are you reconsidering your earlier stance?"
Their words were polite but carried a pointed edge.
---
Sarutobi forced a smile.
"Haha, of course not. I was just overwhelmed with joy for a moment."
Suppressing his unease, he slowly opened the iron box.
Inside were two small orbs, one black and one white, each about the size of a palm. They shimmered faintly in the dim light.
---
The items looked peculiar, but their appearance didn't exude the grandeur expected of a treasure from the Sage of Six Paths.
Those who had seen the Sage's tools before, like Tsuchidai and Mu'i, examined the orbs with growing skepticism.
"This is it? This is the so-called Great Treasure?"
Their doubts mirrored across the room.
---
"Lord Hokage, are you sure these aren't just decorative baubles?" Tsuchidai questioned sarcastically.
Sarutobi clenched his fists, but he had to maintain his composure.
"They were heavily guarded during retrieval. I don't see how they could be fake unless…"
He trailed off, casting an accusatory glance at Kakashi.
---
"Lord Hokage, are you implying I swapped the treasure?" Kakashi's voice rose, his face darkening with indignation.
"Rest assured, Kakashi, I would never doubt your loyalty," Sarutobi replied quickly, attempting damage control.
"But this situation must be thoroughly investigated."
---
"Haha, thoroughly investigated? You mean frame me!" Kakashi snapped, his voice now laced with bitterness.
---
"Kakashi" exploded in fury, unleashing a tirade that caught everyone off guard.
"Is this how you treat me after everything I've done for Konoha?"
"My father, Sakumo, sacrificed everything for this village! He saved his comrades at the cost of a failed mission, and what did you do?"
"You labeled him a disgrace and drove him to suicide!"
"You and your cronies have turned Konoha into a cesspool of lies and manipulation!"
The room fell into stunned silence as Kakashi aired Konoha's darkest secrets for all to hear.
---
The foreign guests were stunned.
Each of Kakashi's revelations was a bombshell, exposing Konoha's ugliest scandals.
Many of them had intended to confront Sarutobi about the questionable nature of the so-called Great Treasure, but now they found themselves riveted by the drama unfolding before them.
---
Sarutobi was too stunned to respond, his mind racing to find a way to salvage the situation.
By the time he gathered his thoughts, Kakashi had already said everything he needed to.
---
"You," Sarutobi began weakly, his voice faltering.
"What? Are you going to silence me now, Hokage-sama?" Kakashi sneered.
"I've had enough of this! Reverse Summoning Jutsu!"
"Kakashi" formed a hand sign, and with a puff of smoke, he disappeared.
---
The room was left in chaos.
Sarutobi stood frozen, his face pale.
The foreign delegates, now armed with fresh gossip about Konoha's internal corruption, wore expressions ranging from amusement to disdain.
This was no longer about the Great Treasure.
Konoha's reputation was unraveling in real-time.
Somewhere far away, the real Kakashi was blissfully unaware of the firestorm brewing in his name.
---
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