Chapter 106 : Conspiracy!

Upon Kazuhiko's command, the remainder of the Uzumaki clan swiftly moved forward to obstruct the path of Sarutobi Shinnosuke.

Kazuhiko regarded Shinnosuke with curiosity as he prepared to depart.

Kazuhiko found it perplexing; Shinnosuke had taken pains to present himself as unsightly, assembling a considerable entourage, including some ANBU operatives and discreet members, presumably from the Sarutobi clan.

It wasn't just a matter of making a spectacle of himself; there was an underlying motive that extended beyond mere humiliation.

Observing the Uzumaki blocking his way, Shinnosuke displayed no hint of panic. Instead, he turned to face Kazuhiko, the esteemed leader of the Uzumaki clan, admired by other clans for his genius nature.

For the first time, Shinnosuke appraised his adversary, Kazuhiko.

Despite being surrounded and under scrutiny, Kazuhiko remained composed, his countenance unwavering. Clad in a long white robe, with a distinctive sword at his side—a weapon reputed to have vanquished his esteemed father, the Third Hokage.

Even in the eyes of his enemy, Shinnosuke couldn't deny that Kazuhiko was fitting for such a sword. With his fiery red hair resembling a flame, beneath the white robe, he exuded an air of exceptional distinction in the ninja world.

Shinnosuke harbored numerous feelings toward Kazuhiko at that moment—envy for his strength, admiration for his talents celebrated by others.

The jealousy intensified as he witnessed the nobility and composure beneath Kazuhiko's outward appearance.

"This is the epitome of a true noble! A lord of true stature!" Despite being a hated adversary, Shinnosuke couldn't help but acknowledge this.

His resentment towards Kazuhiko deepened. Recovering from his reverie, he challenged, "Why, Kazuhiko, do you persist in hindering me?"

"Disrespectful!" The Uzumaki clan members reacted vehemently to Shinnosuke's direct address to their patriarch. The Jonin from the Hidden Leaf Village were eager to intervene.

Kazuhiko gestured for them to stand down, choosing not to respond immediately. He felt that Shinnosuke's words were nonsensical, and it was not the opportune moment for action.

In lieu of an immediate answer, Kazuhiko intensified his inquiry, releasing a surge of spiritual pressure towards Shinnosuke.

"Tell me, elucidate your intentions. Why have you led me out? Answer my questions!" A palpable sense of dread enveloped Shinnosuke, anticipating that the composed Kazuhiko might unsheathe his sword at any moment.

Shinnosuke stared at Kazuhiko before him, his face twisted with terror. He was struck dumb, immobilized, only managing a couple of shivers while his gaze remained fixed.

"He's going to kill me, I can sense it. He'll definitely kill me. This isn't an idle threat; there's genuine malice in him. He'll end my life in the next moment!"

"Help! Elder! Anbu! Somebody, help me!"

Despite the chaotic screams within his heart, he could only futilely move his lips, unable to utter a single word for what felt like an eternity.

Kazuhiko assessed the situation before retracting his Reiatsu.

Immediately, Shinnosuke crumpled as if yanked from drowning, collapsing to the ground and panting heavily.

He raised his head to observe Kazuhiko, who appeared undisturbed, still regarding him calmly.

Shinnosuke had breached his own defenses, tears and mucus streaming down his face. "I'll talk, I'll talk!"

"The elders in my clan instructed me to step forward. They informed Anbu to keep your elders in the dark, allowing you to handle them directly."

"And I was tasked with rallying the ninjas of Konoha and the villagers. They all recognize me as Sarutobi Shinnosuke, the eldest son of Lord Hokage, and they'll come running."

Kazuhiko grew slightly impatient, his brow furrowing. "Why am I here? Spit it out!"

Sensing Kazuhiko's impatience, Shinnosuke hastily continued.

"Alright, here's the deal. The elders say that when the Land of Whirlpools comes to Konoha, it's to extend the covenant. The Land of Whirlpools wants to capitalize on the situation."

"The Land of Whirlpools likely desires to maintain its ally status with Konoha."

"Even if you defeat Lord Hokage, it's all part of a calculated move. You made a deal with Konoha's higher-ups: beat Lord Hokage, get a few islands."

"So, you carry that samurai sword on your hip. It's all orchestrated by your clan head. You aim to renew the covenant with Konoha while reaping the benefits."

Shinnosuke unconsciously glanced at the knife on Kazuhiko's waist and added:

"It's not just about the islands; you want other things from the Land of Fire. Your Land of Whirlpools is a bunch of selfish individuals!"

"Konoha is honorable; we're willing to bear some losses to maintain the covenant First Hokage-sama signed."

"Due to the previous war, we're even willing to compensate you for something. But your Land of Whirlpools is too greedy! To curb your greed, we're deliberately letting you incite public outrage."

"When you attack the villagers, we can tell everyone that the Uzumaki clan leader led the assault on Konoha villagers. It'll give us a reason to reduce the compensation!"

"Even if the compensation doesn't decrease, we can reveal the Land of Whirlpools' true nature to Konoha's people. The head of the Uzumaki clan attacked our villagers first!"

"In the future, Konoha will sever diplomatic ties with the Land of Whirlpools, and Konoha's people will stand by Hokage-sama!"

"Because everyone will know it's all the Land of Whirlpools' fault. Your country is too greedy, attacking Konoha's people in Konoha."

"Konoha cutting ties with such a nation, even First Hokage-sama's covenant will be upheld by the villagers!"

"After all, Konoha has done enough and proven its goodness. Everything happened because the Land of Whirlpools is too greedy and selfish!"

After speaking, Sarutobi Shinnosuke almost shouted out to buy it.

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