Chapter 208 : End!

As they departed as gracefully as they arrived, the Konoha villagers who had arrogantly proclaimed "broken friendship" and "betrayal of the covenant" were left speechless, resembling ducks silenced mid-quack.

In that moment, they stood in stunned silence, their gaze fixed on the departing figures of Kazuhiko and his clan.

Many observed the determined and solemn expressions of Kazuhiko and his companions, coupled with their vibrant red hair, leaving a lasting impression.

The fiery hue of their hair seemed to sear into the hearts of the Konoha villagers, leaving an indelible mark.

It even sparked doubt in the minds of many, questioning the integrity of Konoha, a place they held dear.

"Has Konoha truly acted in such a manner? Have we truly abandoned our allies?"

"Is it because of Konoha's betrayal that the nations of the Shinobi Alliance have chosen to sever ties?"

These questions lingered in the minds of all present, from the common folk to the shinobi.

Kazuhiko's final inquiries continued to echo, unsettling them deeply.

After Kazuhiko's departure, a heavy silence hung over the entire Hokage Rock.

Gradually, some individuals began to depart quietly from the outskirts, catching the attention of Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Quietly, it seemed that along with Kazuhiko and his group, they too left, their disappointment palpable.

Sarutobi Hiruzen surveyed those gathered beneath the stage, noting the disappointed and suspicious gazes directed at him. With a heavy heart, he leaned against the wooden table on the platform, consumed by remorse.

The other Konoha elders, including Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, engaged in hushed conversation, their hearts burdened by regret.

"If only we had sent shinobi to aid the Land of Whirlpool, perhaps the outcome would be different," their thoughts whispered in unison.

Their eyes met briefly, recognizing the remorse reflected in each other's gaze before turning away.

Only Danzo seemed unaffected, observing from the shadows with stoic silence.

Even in the face of Kazuhiko's accusations, even as everyone averted their eyes, he remained unmoved, silently observing.

No one could discern his thoughts, just as no one knew if he harbored regrets.

Observing Sarutobi Hiruzen's helpless stance, Danzo rose silently, as if intending to speak.

But Mitokado Homura intervened, his expression impassive.

"Danzo, it's futile to speak now. The priority is to ascertain if there are any repercussions following the rift between the Land of Whirlpool and Konoha."

Mitokado Homura maintained his usual cold and business-like demeanor in response to Danzo's tone, though the underlying dissatisfaction was palpable.

While it had been a unanimous decision among them not to support the Land of Whirlpool, it was Danzo who had initially proposed it, making it natural for him to shoulder the blame.

"If you hadn't brought it up first, how could we have agreed?" Homura remarked, his gaze unwavering as he addressed Danzo.

Utatane Koharu, standing nearby, also turned to face them, her voice as cold as her expression. "Indeed, our priority now is to discern the Land of Whirlpool's stance. Severing diplomatic ties may not suffice; we must avoid becoming enemies of Konoha."

Danzo remained shrouded in the shadows, his true thoughts hidden from view. After a moment of contemplation upon hearing their words, he silently nodded, then turned and departed.

Meanwhile, atop the Hokage Rock, a hush fell over the gathered crowd, all eyes turning to Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, who remained silent.

As time passed without any words from the Hokage, one by one, the disappointed onlookers began to depart, their departure swifter than their arrival. Soon, the bustling crowd thinned, leaving behind an air of solemnity.

In the end, Sarutobi Hiruzen could only heave a helpless sigh, watching the departing masses in silence.

Witnessing firsthand the severance of diplomatic ties between the Land of Whirlpool and Konoha had been a sobering experience. Standing before the assembled multitude, he had listened as the leader of the Land of Whirlpool had mercilessly denounced Konoha.

For the Uchiha elders, it felt as though a weight had been lifted off their shoulders. Though they maintained stoic expressions, a glint of relief shimmered in their eyes.

While the accusations were directed at Konoha's leadership, there was a distinct absence of personal attacks, providing a temporary reprieve for the elders.

Since forming an alliance with the Uzumaki clan, the Uchiha felt increasingly that Konoha owed them much. However, openly opposing the village was not an option at the moment due to Konoha's current strength, so they had to proceed cautiously.

Witnessing the Uzumaki clan head openly berate Konoha, particularly in front of Sarutobi Hiruzen, left the village's leadership at a loss for words. It felt as if the Uchiha were standing united with others against Konoha's high-ranking officials, like they were collectively filing grievances against the village.

This solidarity brought them a sense of satisfaction. Departing from the Hokage Rock, they felt almost regretful that the patriarch and several other elders hadn't joined them. They had missed out on witnessing such a rare event of Konoha being scolded.

Only Tsunade remained concerned about Kazuhiko. Watching Kazuhiko and his group depart, she glanced at Orochimaru, who appeared lost in thought. Despite her desire to rush to Kazuhiko's side, she knew her duty was to maintain law and order until the crowd dispersed.

As the crowd gradually dispersed, Tsunade exchanged a few words with Orochimaru before hurrying back to the Senju clan compound. Only Orochimaru remained behind, silently observing her departure, his mind elsewhere.

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