Chapter 107 : Such Konoha

Watching Shinnosuke utter the final words, almost on the verge of tears, Kazuhiko gazed into the distant sky. In a single glance, he could see Hokage Rock, the direction he had visited yesterday, its surface adorned with the faces of the Hokage.

Even from this distance, enhanced by his Rinnegan, he could discern the details of Hokage Rock. A realization dawned on Kazuhiko; there wouldn't be much room for emotions in the future—just a collective sigh.

"Alas!"

I wonder what the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama, thought when he witnessed the village he created with his own hands. Was it in line with the world he envisioned?

From this, Kazuhiko solidified a view. The path laid out by the First Hokage was flawed. Upon his death, Konoha, the village he crafted, became a hub of deceit and intrigue.

Two generations later, in a mere few decades, Konoha had forgotten its original purpose. They had revered the First Hokage, yet now, the village was arrogant and self-centered, believing that other nations sought to exploit Konoha rather than maintain alliances.

In their minds, Konoha was the premier village in the ninja world. They couldn't fathom a situation where a country willingly severed diplomatic ties with them. 

Konoha could sign agreements with smaller nations, a dream for them, but it was inconceivable for them to voluntarily cancel such pacts.

With this perspective, a conclusion was easily drawn. The Land of Whirlpools's earlier accusations were a ploy to add more bargaining chips in their negotiations with Konoha, using the village to their advantage.

Even in their own village, people played their part in this charade. They orchestrated a spectacle, ostensibly to lower the Land of Whirlpools's bargaining position. They knew Kazuhiko would retaliate against their people, but they intentionally exposed them as bait.

If the bewitched villagers suffered casualties, the Sarutobi clan would be pleased, for their stakes were even higher. If necessary, they could send a couple of representatives to apologize, and the matter would be settled.

They deliberately shifted the blame onto the Uzumaki clan, becoming a bargaining chip to undermine the Land of Whirlpools. Even if they couldn't diminish their position, they would tarnish the Land of Whirlpools's reputation in Konoha.

Kazuhiko saw through their intentions, understanding that these clans, along with Danzo's secretive group, were misguided. If only they had directed their efforts towards strengthening Konoha and improving the people's lives, the village would have prospered.

Regrettably, their actions, cloaked in the slogan "For Konoha," only harmed the village's future.

And often those who speak against Konoha's interests are merely innocents, Kazuhiko harbored not much anger but regret for the misguided ambition of the First Hokage. 

Despite the flawed path, the initial intentions were good. Unfortunately, this heroic figure warned Kazuhiko that a development path couldn't rely solely on love and wishful thinking.

While Kazuhiko remained indifferent, his clansmen were furious upon hearing such words. They hadn't expected such complexity in a simple fight. 

Although forming an alliance with Konoha wasn't a concern, the secret calculations and smearing of the country's reputation disgusted and angered them.

Observing Shinnosuke on the ground, Kazuhiko nodded to the surrounding clansmen. Immediately, fists from the Uzumaki clan rained down on him.

"Don't, don't fight, help!"

"It hurts! Uncle, save me!"

Witnessing Shinnosuke being pummeled and crying out for help, even the Anbu ninja and Sarutobi clan members hidden in the shadows emerged, rushing towards Kazuhiko and his group.

Dozens of ninjas appeared, dispersing into the once-empty venue. All eyes were on Kazuhiko and his party.

The elder of the Sarutobi clan roared upon seeing Shinnosuke battered and curled up. "Stop!"

The Uzumaki clan, however, paid no heed and continued their assault. Sarutobi Satoshi, Shinnosuke's uncle and Hiruzen's cousin, stood there, pointing at Kazuhiko with pride. "The leader of the Uzumaki clan, you must know this is Konoha!"

Expecting fear, he confidently declared that beating Lord Hokage's eldest son without cause would grant Konoha the right to terminate the covenant with the Land of Whirlpools. Satoshi anticipated an apology.

However, Kazuhiko merely glanced at him as if he were insignificant. "Who cares?" In an instant, Kazuhiko teleported to his side, a golden light flashing before everyone's eyes.

The next moment, blood spurted out, and half of Satoshi's body was instantly dyed red. Staring blankly at his empty right arm, the pain finally hit, and an earth-shattering scream echoed through the sky.

"Ah!"

"My hand!"

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