Chapter 117

Seeing the obvious change in Sarutobi Hiruzen's attitude, Kazuki didn't take it to heart.

Just a dying person.

Some might think that Kazuki, having been cared for by Hiruzen Sarutobi since he was a child, should now respond to Sarutobi's expectations.

But when did Kazuki ever ask for such care?

Except for matters concerning Karin, he had never requested anything from Hiruzen Sarutobi. Everything was forced upon him by the man.

If their relationship were a transaction, Hiruzen Sarutobi would be the merchant who coerced the deal, while Kazuki was the unwilling customer.

This was nothing short of moral kidnapping.

In the name of Konoha, the bond, or his so-called kindness, Sarutobi expected Kazuki to act according to his wishes. But wasn't that just manipulation?

Life should be born free.

When someone treats us well, we naturally feel grateful. To the extent that it doesn't violate our own aspirations, we repay that kindness.

But if someone forces you into a life you don't want based on moral or emotional ties—whether it's loving someone you don't love, choosing a path you don't want, or becoming someone you don't desire—then that person, no matter how kind they were before, is now your jailer.

Live for yourself, and you are truly alive.

Live for those you love, and you are truly free.

"If you don't want to give me Karin, then she will have to hide her true identity if she stays in Konoha. She can't move freely. Can she accept that?"

Even though Sarutobi Hiruzen was disappointed in Kazuki, he didn't sever ties.

Until Kazuki Gekko's threat outweighed his value, Sarutobi Hiruzen would continue to tolerate his existence.

Kazuki agreed to Sarutobi's conditions and helped Karin assume a new identity. From that moment on, she would be known as Tsukiko, the orphaned cousin of Kazuki, from the Gekko Clan. To further conceal her identity, Karin was not only forced to remain within the clan but also required to adopt a specific look.

At that moment, she wore a black beret, an off-white short dress, and a pair of white stockings. Her outfit accentuated her already cute appearance.

"Kazuki-kun, do I… really look good dressed like this?" Karin asked, still uncertain about her new attire.

Kazuki nodded with approval. "You look great. I'll get you some more outfits. No one will recognize you when you walk the streets of Kusagakure!"

Kazuki himself wore a long white wig, black sunglasses, and a black sparkling suit. He looked like a fashion mogul, standing tall as he examined Karin from head to toe. "I think you should try different hairstyles too. While your red hair can't be shown in public, within the clan, it's fine."

"Yes, Kazuki-kun, I'll follow your lead!" Karin replied enthusiastically.

"Well, you're so obedient," Kazuki chuckled, patting her hat before giving her a piece of candy.

Suddenly, a notification sounded in Kazuki's mind:

[Ding! Sasuke has learned Hidden Shadow Snake Hands. You will receive a hundredfold return…]

[Congratulations! You've mastered Hidden Shadow Snake Hands!]

[Ding! Sasuke has learned Formation of Ten Thousand Snakes. You will receive a hundredfold return…]

[Congratulations! You've mastered Formation of Ten Thousand Snakes]

"Hmm…"

Kazuki had been hearing updates about Sasuke's progress for the past two weeks.

Initially, Sasuke's progress seemed minor—he was just refining his Ninjutsu techniques. But it soon became apparent that Sasuke had aligned with Orochimaru. Despite this, Kazuki noted that Sasuke had rejected Orochimaru's cursed seal.

But why would Orochimaru teach his techniques to someone who hadn't accepted the cursed seal?

Kazuki wondered if Sasuke would also learn from Jiraiya next.

One thing was certain: Orochimaru needed to be eliminated. Kazuki wouldn't tolerate anyone coveting his tool, Sasuke. Once Orochimaru dealt with the Third Hokage, Kazuki would deal with Orochimaru himself.

Suddenly, Yūgao Uzuki appeared at his door.

She glanced around the room, taking in the sight of Kazuki and Karin dressed unusually. After a brief pause, she asked, "You called me just to show me this?"

"Ahem… No, of course not," Kazuki replied quickly. "I need some information from you."

"What kind of information?"

Yūgao didn't press further, after years of working together, she knew Kazuki's personality well.

"Do you know who leaked the information about Karin?" Kazuki asked directly.

"I don't," Yūgao replied, frowning.

"Was it Sarutobi Hiruzen?" he pressed.

Yūgao narrowed her eyes. "What are you planning? I advise you against doing anything rash toward Lord Hokage. I won't know what to do if it comes to that."

Though she didn't pledge loyalty to Kazuki outright, she didn't declare opposition either, which satisfied him.

"Don't worry. I have no intention of harming that old man. He doesn't have much longer to live anyway."

Yūgao frowned but remained silent, observing Kazuki.

"During the Chunin Exams, I was stationed at the Hokage Building to protect Lord Hokage. I can confirm he didn't leak the information to Kusagakure," she finally said.

Hearing her words, Kazuki rubbed his chin in thought.

Initially, he suspected Sarutobi Hiruzen had leaked the information to force Karin and him into submission. But now it seemed unlikely.

Yūgao would never lie to him. After all, only dead people lied to him.

"Could it be that someone in the Chunin Exam room leaked the information? But the only ones aware of Karin's situation are Shikamaru and the others. Even if they had big mouths, it shouldn't have spread to Kusagakure so quickly. No... it's been less than five days since Karin arrived, but Kusagakure already knows. Could they have found out earlier? But who would leak it, besides Hiruzen?"

Yūgao paused, then suggested, "I think I know who might have done this."

"Who?" Kazuki asked.

"Danzo."

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