Ch-44 Insult.

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"What are you talking about?" said Biwa. "My younger son is fine."

"The reason I was late is because I was preparing a gift for Hokage-Sama," explained Karan, gesturing towards Aoki.

Aoki produced a scroll, unsealed a box from it, and then proceeded to hand the box to Hiruzen.

Hiruzen took the box, a sense of foreboding washing over him. Despite his apprehension, he opened the box. As soon as he saw its contents, shock and disbelief overcame him. Inside the box was the head of his younger son, Sarutobi Asuma. Danzo also glanced at the box and was equally horrified to see Asuma's head. He was shocked by the audacity of Uchiha Karan presenting such a gruesome gift, the head of Hiruzen's own son, no less.

Seeing such a reaction from Hiruzen, Biwa also became flustered. She approached Hiruzen and took the box from his hands. Upon looking inside the box and seeing her son's head, she immediately shouted. The box slipped from her grasp, causing Asuma's head to roll out for everyone to witness.

"Interesting," Orochimaru remarked, licking his lips.

"Is this the gift you were talking about, Uchiha Karan? How can giving a father his son's head be considered a gift?" questioned Danzo. This confusion was shared by the other ninjas present.

"Isn't this considered a gift? Isn't giving a child's parent a chance to see their son's face one last time considered a gift? I mean, if I hadn't taken a detour to destroy the black market branch to retrieve Asuma's head, our beloved Hokage-Sama and his wife, our honorary Lady Biwa, would never have had the opportunity to see their child's face. And Hokage-Sama, this is the main reason for my lateness," Uchiha Karan explained, wearing a wide grin as he spoke.

The reason provided by Uchiha Karan left everyone speechless. The way he smiled led others to think, "At least don't grin as if you're happy about this event."

This grin was observed by Biwa, who stood with the support of other female ninja. "Hiru, he's the one who killed our son. Look at his grinning face. He's seeking revenge for father's death, which is why he took our son's life. Kill this bastard! This piece of trash has no right to live."

"How dare you insult Master Karan?" Matsuda hurled his axe toward Biwa with incredible speed. Caught off guard, Biwa's eyes widened. She hadn't anticipated that Uchiha Karan's subordinate would launch a direct attack on her.

However, just as Matsuda's axe was about to strike Biwa, a sword deflected the blow. "It's not wise to act so impulsively."

"Hidden Shadow Snake Hands." Multiple snakes emerged from Orochimaru's sleeves and attacked Matsuda. In response, Matsuda swung his flail and struck the snakes, obliterating them in a single blow.

Matsuda retrieved his flail and axe, breathing heavily. "Stone Breathing First Form: Serpentinite Bipolar," he invoked, hurling both the axe and flail toward Orochimaru. He skillfully manipulated them with his chain in a drilling motion, infusing them with earth chakra to increase their weight.

Orochimaru employed the "Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall," conjuring a sturdy wall of earth. Matsuda's assault struck the earth wall, shattering it completely, and reached Orochimaru on the other side. Yet, upon impact with Orochimaru's body, he transformed into smoke.

"Shadow Clone," Matsuda pronounced, his Sharingan active.

Orochimaru utilized the 'Hiding in Surface Technique,' reappearing undetected behind Matsuda. Employing the Temporary Paralysis Technique, Orochimaru momentarily immobilized Matsuda. Though mere seconds, it afforded Orochimaru ample time to act. However, precisely at this juncture, Aiko materialized, employing the "Thunder Breathing First Form: Thunderclap and Flash." With swift precision, she cleaved Orochimaru in half.

Orochimaru, severed in half, bore a smile. Snakes emerged from both ends of his divided body and swiftly intertwined, forming a single entity. Orochimaru had employed the 'Gathering of the Snakes' technique.

Emiko launched an assault on Biwa, employing the 'Water Breathing Fifth Form: Blessed Rain After the Drought.' Her attack, however, was thwarted by the sudden appearance of Minato, who positioned himself in front of Biwa. With a forceful movement, Minato repelled Emiko, sending her backward.

"Please stop, Lady Biwa is consumed by grief; her words were spoken in anger," Minato implored.

"Rage or not, no one speaks ill of Master Karan in such a manner," Emiko retorted. She swiftly attacked Minato using the 'Water Breathing Second Form: Water Wheel.' As Emiko's blade neared Minato, he vanished and reappeared before Biwa. Due to the momentum of her attack, Emiko found herself hurtling in that direction. Mid-air, Minato capitalized on the opportunity, hurling shuriken towards Emiko. Recognizing the danger, Emiko realized the shuriken were likely marked with Flying Thunder God marks. Opting for caution, she executed the "Substitution Technique." Minato's shuriken struck Emiko, who had been replaced by wood, evading the threat.

Just as Emiko materialized above the tree, Minato appeared beside her. He was poised to place his kunai at Emiko's throat, but before he could, Karan emerged in front of her, restraining Minato's attacking hand.

Emiko was taken aback, puzzled by Minato's unexpected proximity. Despite her awareness of Minato's abilities, she had managed to evade his touch, thanks to Karan's guidance. Yet, Minato had managed to appear beside her once again.

"Don't be bewildered. Konoha is his home ground, so it's only natural that he has placed multiple marks within it. Unfortunately, you appeared right next to one of those marks," Karan clarified, dispelling Emiko's uncertainty.

Turning his attention to Minato, Karan addressed him, "I can't allow you to harm my subordinate, especially one who happens to be my girlfriend." Karan lightly tapped Minato's shoulder, leaving Minato in a state of shock.

Emiko's face flushed crimson upon hearing Karan's declaration.

In an instant, Uchiha Karan vanished along with Emiko, reappearing in their original positions. Simultaneously, all of Karan's subordinates who were engaged in combat reappeared at their respective starting points.

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