The Aftermath

Chapter 70 Aftermath

Seeing Kiba's smile, the Third Hokage exhaled a puff of

smoke, hesitated, and asked, "What's wrong, Kiba?"

"No, it's nothing..." Kiba quickly straightened

his face, realizing he had shown an unusual expression.

Then, he suddenly thought of saying, "My father isn't

a traitor or a sinner. That's really great."

Hearing this, the Third Hokage, Uzumaki Kushina, and Hyuga

Shinsuke all fell silent, and Hyuga Yutaka seemed unable to accept the truth,

staring blankly.

Uzumaki Kushina looked at Kiba, then at Hyuga Yutaka.

Hyuga Yutaka's perception has been shaped by years of resentment, and

now, the person he thought was his enemy turns out to be the son of the man his

father protected. No wonder he can't accept it so easily. Compared to him,

Kiba's mentality is much better. Even though he's been ostracized, learning

that his father was a hero rather than a sinner hasn't made him resentful or

bitter.

He's a good boy.

Hyuga Shinsuke also watched Kiba, remaining silent.

The Third Hokage then looked at Hyuga Yutaka, sighed, and

said, "This is what happened. Taki Maya is not your enemy. There is no

hatred between you and Kiba. Sara was also an amazing ninja. He was a hero who

protected the village."

Hyuga Yutaka raised his head, dazed. "Is this really

the truth?"

He looked at the Third Hokage, Hyuga Shinsuke, and Kiba.

"Between me and him..."

The Third Hokage knew that Yutaka still couldn't fully

accept it. He sighed again and said, "In reality, both your fathers would

hope you could get along. After all, Maya and Sara had a very strong

bond."

Hyuga Shinsuke knelt down, placing a comforting hand on

Hyuga Yutaka's head. "It's all my fault. I'm sorry, Yutaka, and Kiba, I'm

sorry."

Hearing Shinsuke's sincere apology, Kiba frowned slightly.

Shinsuke Hyuga must have felt immense pain and guilt. His two best

friends died protecting him.

It makes sense now why he was so kind to me. It's not just because I

saved Yukina, but because I'm the son of his late best friend.

Kiba understood. He had no real feeling about this matter

before. Although he was looked down upon by the villagers, he had grown used to

being alone and didn't care much about it. His previous life had been similar.

Using this to gain sympathy and seek benefits for myself? I can't do

that.

I don't want to insult a ninja who bore a lifetime of infamy for the sake

of the village and his friends.

After all, the reason I'm obsessed with anime and Hokage is because of

characters who light the way in this world of constant wars and darkness

everywhere.

Third Hokage, Fourth Hokage, Itachi...

And now, Taki Maya. Though he didn't appear in the original world, his

actions are no different from theirs.

Facing Hyuga Shinsuke's apology, Kiba shook his head but

didn't speak. He didn't know what to say.

Looking at Hyuga Yutaka, who still seemed unable to accept

it, Hyuga Shinsuke sighed. "Third Hokage-sama, the exam is still ongoing.

Kiba and Yutaka are both candidates. Let's stop here for now. I'll explain to

Yutaka when we return."

"No, no need." Hyuga Yutaka's eyes suddenly

cleared. He looked at Kiba. "My perception of you was wrong. I apologize.

But under the circumstances back then, I didn't feel that wanting to kill you

was wrong."

This Hyuga Yutaka... always so intense!

Kiba frowned, the corners of his mouth twitching.

Hyuga Yutaka turned to Hyuga Shinsuke. "Sensei, when

the Chunin exam is over, can I have a good talk with you? I want to hear my

father's story."

Hyuga Shinsuke looked at Yutaka, who now showed no hatred

or depression, just a simple desire to know his father's story.

This kid has figured it out! Just now...

Shinsuke nodded happily. "You can come to me

anytime."

If he still harbors hatred for Kiba, it would desecrate his father's will

to protect Taki Maya!

Hyuga Yutaka took a deep breath, feeling relief.

But this Taki Kiba still can't be allowed near Yukina. He doesn't have

the aura of a hero's blood like Taki Maya. He's too ordinary. As Yukina's

teammate, he's disqualified! Also, I don't think I can be friends with him.

If Kiba knew what Hyuga Yutaka was thinking, they would

definitely fight right there.

The Third Hokage saw Yutaka's eyes and Kiba's dissatisfied

glare at Yutaka, realizing that the murderous intent between them had

disappeared, replaced by mere dislike.

These two... seems like they can't get along well.

"Then, the Chunin Exam is still in progress. You are

all test takers. Go back to the proving ground," the Third Hokage said.

"Wait a minute!" Uzumaki Kushina suddenly said.

The Third Hokage, Kiba, Hyuga Shinsuke, and Hyuga Yutaka

were all taken aback, looking at Uzumaki Kushina.

"Now that things are clear, I think the rumors should

be clarified. Because of the rumors, Kiba is being treated unfairly,"

Uzumaki Kushina said seriously, stepping forward.

Kiba, you are a good boy. Don't worry about these things. But as your

sensei, I can't sit idly by.

"Forget it, Sensei Kushina, there is nothing wrong

now," Kiba said, slightly moved. He knew she spoke for his sake.

"Boom!"

As Kiba finished speaking, the red-haired Uzumaki Kushina

hit him with a heavy punch, making him squat down with a big bump on his head.

It hurts! Why did you hit me!

Kiba held his head, tears welling up.

Hyuga Yutaka and Hyuga Shinsuke widened their eyes and took

two steps back.

So scary...

"Boom!"

Uzumaki Kushina raised her eyebrows, slamming the Third

Hokage's desk with her hand, shaking the documents.

The Third Hokage leaned back in his chair, almost dropping

his pipe.

"Third Hokage, since you know about Kiba, why did you

allow him to be treated so unfairly..." Uzumaki Kushina leaned close to

the Third Hokage, staring fiercely. But before she could finish, she turned her

head slightly, looking at her hand.

Kiba had grabbed her wrist. "It's okay, Sensei

Kushina. Let my father continue to protect the village and his favorite

partner!"

Everyone was startled, including the Third Hokage, Uzumaki

Kushina, Hyuga Shinsuke, and Hyuga Yutaka.

"But..." Uzumaki Kushina began, still

dissatisfied.

"Sensei Kushina, I'm living a good life now!"

Kiba said, looking into her eyes.

His words were sincere. Although the Third Shinobi War was

approaching and he felt nervous, his daily life was fulfilling. His strength

increased day by day. Unlike his previous life, he had friends like Hirohiko,

Yukina, and Uzumaki Kushina, who genuinely cared for him. It was much better

than before. He was satisfied and didn't expect too much.

"Kiba..." Uzumaki Kushina murmured.

The Third Hokage looked at Kiba with a gleam in his eyes.

This child... has a mature heart.

Kiba smiled slightly. "The Chunin exam is still in

progress. Let's go. I will become a Chunin, Sensei Kushina, don't forget our

barbecue."

Uzumaki Kushina looked at him, her expression softening,

and finally, she smiled.

"I won't forget, you meat slave."

Then, they looked at each other and smiled.