Chapter 39: [99]
"Are you still getting used to working in Root?" Sarutobi asked, looking at Ren.
"It's the same as always. Just missions," Ren replied calmly, sitting down on the tatami mat in front of the desk.
The study was furnished with two large bookshelves—one filled with various books, the other with scrolls. Behind Sarutobi hung several calligraphy paintings.
"Just missions..." Sarutobi chuckled softly. "Doesn't the nature of the missions interest you at all? Are you only concerned with the task itself?"
"What difference does it make if I'm interested?" Ren replied, his voice steady.
Sarutobi's eyes flickered slightly, sensing something deeper. "What are you referring to?"
Ren simply shook his head. "Isn't it the one who gives the orders, like the Hokage, who decides everything?"
There was a calm silence.
Sarutobi gazed at Ren for a long moment, but the young man kept his head respectfully lowered, as always, not meeting his eyes.
"Why did you come to see me?" Sarutobi asked after a pause.
Ren raised his head, his eyes as tranquil as a still lake. "My friend... is going to die."
"Your friend?" Sarutobi looked surprised.
"Yes. Will the Hokage save him?" Ren continued.
Sarutobi thought for a moment before responding. "You mean Shisui? What's happened to him?"
"Someone wants him dead."
"Oh? Who?"
"Those who fear him."
Sarutobi stiffened for a brief second, his fingers trembling slightly as he tapped his pipe on the desk in silence.
"Is this why you came to me?" he asked.
"Shisui is a part of Konoha. No one will kill him," Sarutobi assured.
"And yet the Uchiha, also part of Konoha, are on a path to destruction," Ren countered.
"Is this what Shisui told you?" Sarutobi inquired.
"Does it matter? Are you still questioning which side Shisui is on?" Ren calmly retorted.
Sarutobi remained silent, lighting his pipe and sitting cross-legged, the smoke slowly swirling around the room. The faint sound of laughter from Asuma and Konohamaru could be heard from the living room.
"Ren, you surprise me," Sarutobi said slowly, his voice neutral. Through the haze of smoke, he observed the young man kneeling before him.
"These are matters you shouldn't be involved in," he added. "But I can tell you this: the village will never turn its back on those who remain loyal. Treason is unforgivable, and Konoha has given everyone a chance. Whether they cherish it or not is their choice."
"A chance…" Ren murmured softly, then let out a slight laugh.
So, it's like that…
"The Uchiha situation is not something I intend to interfere with," Ren said quietly. "I just want to know, for someone like Shisui, who has bared everything to the village and shown his loyalty, can you guarantee his safety?"
Sarutobi's eyes narrowed. "Are you threatening me?"
"If Shisui is truly loyal to Konoha, then who would want him dead?"
"Do you think it's me?" Sarutobi asked, his voice sharp.
Ren shook his head. "No. I fear someone might act against him in secret, defying your orders, then force you to acknowledge their actions as just."
"I fear that even you, as Hokage, might have to stand on the side of righteousness in such a situation," Ren added.
Sarutobi's eyes flickered again as he regarded Ren. "And what do you propose?"
Ren met Sarutobi's gaze, the smoke between them gradually dissipating. One look was calm, the other devoid of any emotion.
"A life for a life," Ren suddenly said. "If Shisui dies, the mastermind behind it should be exposed and pay for it with their life."
Sarutobi's expression remained unmoved. "You're that certain Shisui will die?"
"He has my blessing to work on mending the rift between the village and the Uchiha," Sarutobi said. "Konoha has always sought peace with the Uchiha. Who would not want that?"
"Do you really believe that, in the current situation, the village and the Uchiha can truly reconcile?" Ren asked.
"You seem to have a clear view," Sarutobi remarked dryly.
"Just an outsider's perspective," Ren replied.
"An outsider? I wish I could be one," Sarutobi chuckled, tapping his pipe on the desk again before his smile faded. "Shisui says he can do it, and I believe him."
"Yes, he can do it," Ren agreed. "But after this crisis is averted, what will the village do for the Uchiha?"
Sarutobi's voice cooled. "Does Konoha owe the Uchiha anything?"
"During the Nine-Tails incident, the Uchiha were involved, and the details remain unclear. The village's leniency was already a great mercy. Now, even with their rebellious intent, the village is still willing to forgive. What more can the Uchiha ask for?"
Sarutobi exhaled a final puff of smoke, setting his pipe aside.
A long silence followed before Ren sighed softly.
"Yes, the village holds the moral high ground. Who could possibly challenge that?" Ren said, lowering his head once more, his eyes void of any emotion.
Sarutobi quietly watched him.
"Ren, you've never been this talkative before," Sarutobi noted. "Is this all for your friend?"
"...Yes."
"That incident back then, I'm willing to clear your name. Don't worry, I'll ensure Osamu and Hayate receive the honors they deserve as war heroes," Sarutobi said gently.
"Who remembers that anymore?" Ren replied blandly.
"As war heroes, they won't be forgotten," Sarutobi insisted.
"You've gone to great lengths for them. I admire your deep loyalty to your friends, and I understand your willingness to stand against me for Shisui," Sarutobi said. "Shisui is lucky to have a friend like you. Bonds like yours are what make up the Will of Fire."
"Hokage-sama," Ren suddenly spoke again.
"What is it?"
"I really don't like it when you bring them up."
Sarutobi froze for a moment, his brow furrowing. "What did you say?"
Ren looked up, his previously calm expression now filled with icy coldness.
"Are they just bargaining chips to you?" Ren asked, his tone harsh.
Sarutobi's face darkened, and his powerful presence began to emanate. "Ren, do you understand what you're saying?"
"The Hokage's patience has its limits."
At that moment, the sound of Asuma's laughter in the living room abruptly stopped.
Ren, however, remained unfazed, a mocking smirk playing on his lips.
"You speak kindly, but why is your favor steadily declining?"
"The system's numbers never lie. I've said enough disrespectful things by now that, if you weren't concerned about Shisui and the Uchiha being potential explosives, I'm sure the Anbu would've already burst in to arrest me."
Sarutobi's frown deepened, his face growing sterner. "What are you talking about?"
"Yes, what am I even saying…" Ren muttered, his head lowering as if he were lost in thought.
"How could you possibly understand? There was never a point in discussing any of this with you."
When Ren looked up again, Sarutobi's eyes widened in shock. The boy's once plain black eyes now swirled with a sinister four-cornered windmill pattern.
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[Name]: Hiruzen Sarutobi
[Gender]: Male
[Age]: 64
[Favorability]: 99
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