Chapter 112 : Conversation with Kurogane!

Kazuhiko narrowed his eyes suspiciously at Aburame Tatsuma, who, without a moment's respite, urgently conveyed the information.

"Anbu just briefed me; Lord Hokage has awakened. The Uzumaki elders also instructed us to inform you promptly."

"I advised you to go down there immediately!"

Acknowledging Tatsuma's words, Kazuhiko nodded, "Understood, I'll head there shortly."

"Yes!" Tatsuma, the Toolman, promptly retreated.

Observing the departure of the Uzumaki clan, animatedly discussing their recent battle, Kazuhiko turned and addressed the crowd.

"Return to the Senju compound for now. Reflect on today's events."

"As long as you ponder, the gains won't be inferior to mere strength enhancement in the future!"

"Yes, Kazuhiko-sama!"

The Uzumaki clan bid farewell to Kazuhiko and departed, still animatedly dissecting their recent encounter.

Kazuhiko shifted his gaze towards the door of the Konoha Police Force, waiting in silence.

After a while, a figure timidly emerged, head bowed, avoiding direct eye contact with Kazuhiko.

It was none other than Kurogane.

In this moment, Kurogane fervently wished for a remedy for his regrets, berating himself internally, "Kurogane, you fool! Why did you get involved in this mess? Why did you heed Sarutobi Shinnosuke's absurd suggestion when you had nothing to do? You knew he wasn't trustworthy!"

"Why are you so foolish? The ordeal would have ended when other clan members left the gate. Why did you linger behind the gate, curiously witnessing everything!"

Regret overflowed in his heart.

Kazuhiko, with a playful gleam in his eyes, faced the vacant space and asked, "Tell me, what did you hear, what did you see?"

Uchiha anxiously lifted his head, hastily denying everything, "I heard nothing, saw nothing!"

"I am completely oblivious! Your Excellency, I swear, I will remain ignorant in the future!"

Kurogane fervently swore, pointing to the sky.

Terrified that Kazuhiko might misconstrue his words and unleash a deadly response, he acknowledged the potency of the laser—a touch could be lethal.

Kazuhiko, enjoying the unease, reassured him, "Don't worry, I'm not a murderer. I won't harm you."

Offering a moment of relief, Kazuhiko added, "However, if you speak truthfully, I won't mind disciplining you."

Kazuhiko intentionally flashed a fierce light in his eyes, capturing Kurogane's attention.

Thankfully, the scare tactic worked, and Kurogane decided not to deceive Kazuhiko any further.

"Yes! Your Excellency, I indeed witnessed everything and overheard the conversations between you and your clan, as well as the Anbu's exchange."

Kurogane didn't hold back this time; he laid everything out in the open.

Kazuhiko wasn't surprised; it was exactly what he expected.

While in the midst of their fight, Kazuhiko consistently felt a pair of eyes observing him through the portal.

However, he didn't interrupt because, no matter how he looked at it, Kurogane couldn't escape his grasp.

"So, Kurogane, I'm curious. As someone who knows everything, what are your thoughts?"

Kazuhiko gazed at Kurogane with a playful smile.

Even though Kurogane was still somewhat restrained, he sighed helplessly upon hearing Kazuhiko's words.

"Your Excellency, though I'm uncertain about your other requests, I understand the entire process and outcomes of this matter."

"You must have permitted it. Your power and mystery imply that there's a method unknown to me. You sensed my gaze."

Kazuhiko didn't deny it; instead, he nodded with a smile. To deny it would be foolish.

Kurogane added, "Your Majesty, you must have your own motives..."

After a moment of silence, Kurogane lifted his head again and steadfastly looked at Kazuhiko.

"Your Majesty, do you want me to unveil the dark side of Konoha?"

Hearing this, Kazuhiko couldn't help but laugh. After all, Kurogane was a Uchiha genius; he wasn't that naive.

"Yes, I want you to see it clearly."

Upon hearing Kazuhiko's response, Kurogane appeared puzzled.

"But why? Why are you telling me this?"

Unable to comprehend why the enigmatic and cruel Uzumaki Kazuhiko-sama would reveal such information, Kurogane received no answer. Instead, Kazuhiko turned his head, indicating the open space cleared by the Anbu members, and spoke again.

"Here's your answer, Kurogane. Have you ever wondered how Anbu operatives efficiently clean up everything?"

"They possess extensive experience in handling such matters, perhaps even dealing with countless sudden deaths in Konoha before you were aware."

Regarding Kazuhiko's words, Kurogane frowned but nodded, not objecting.

He wasn't foolish; he could see the likely truth in Kazuhiko's words.

"Kurogane, do you think the Sarutobi clan members and Anbu ninjas who perished by my hands were truly just at my mercy?"

Kurogane froze momentarily, as if struck by lightning.

Kazuhiko's words, the previous Anbu ninja's dialogue, those Anbu operatives lurking in the shadows...

Flashbacks inundated his mind.

Staring blankly at the young man in front of him, Kurogane couldn't escape the revelation.

"It was Konoha's silent approval that allowed me to eliminate them!"

Kazuhiko slowly uttered these words.

Kurogane widened his eyes, taking a while to recover.

Deep down, he already knew Kazuhiko spoke the truth.

Kazuhiko looked at the genius Uchiha bowing his head before him, and a faint smile formed on his lips.

After laying the groundwork for so long, what came next was the real message he intended to convey.

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