78
April month Discount code
8C491
Start date
Mar 31, 2025 at 8:09 PM
End date
Apr 7, 2025 at 8:08 PM
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In truth, it wasn't just Asuma who rebelled against the Third Hokage — his eldest son, Sarutobi Shinnosuke, had been the same way when he was younger.
The only difference was that Shinnosuke eventually matured and gradually came to understand his father's burdens.
Though their relationship never became particularly close, at least they no longer argued as much.
Of course, the idea of having a truly harmonious father-son relationship was still a far-fetched dream for the Third Hokage.
Suspicion and Doubts
The reason the Third Hokage had asked Asuma what Uchiha Genji said to Hatake Sakumo that day was simple — Sakumo's sudden decision seemed too abrupt.
The Third Hokage wondered if someone had influenced or manipulated Sakumo into resigning.
He suspected several people.
Uchiha Genji was one of them.
If it turned out that Uchiha Genji's words had driven Sakumo's actions, the Third Hokage knew he'd need to re-evaluate both Genji and the Uchiha clan as a whole.
Asuma's Explanation
Although annoyed by his father's attitude, Asuma eventually muttered:
"Xuan didn't say anything unusual... He was just talking about swordsmanship with White Fang."
"It was so deep that none of us could really understand it."
"Especially the five sword realms, the way of yin and yang, and the balance of yin and yang that Xuan explained. Even White Fang only half-understood it, but he still gained a lot from it."
The Third Hokage's Realization
The Third Hokage's stern expression softened.
"Five sword realms? The way of yin and yang?"
His interest piqued, he pressed further:
"Tell me everything Xuan said."
Asuma, seeing his father's sudden curiosity, relayed what he remembered about Uchiha Genji's teachings.
By the time Asuma finished speaking, the Third Hokage's face had changed — his eyes filled with awe and admiration.
"Incredible insight... Such profound understanding!"
"Just from this, Uchiha Genji's comprehension of swordsmanship and Chakra surpasses most people in the ninja world."
"No wonder White Fang felt enlightened."
Asuma's Frustration
Feeling overshadowed, Asuma snapped:
"Of course, I didn't understand it! But Kakashi and the others didn't either! Even White Fang barely grasped it!"
"Is it really that surprising that I didn't get it?"
A Father's Advice
The Third Hokage chuckled at his son's frustration.
"Alright, alright... Just keep spending time with Kakashi, Uchiha Genji, and the others. Learn from them whenever you can."
"He's a rare genius — there's no shame in learning from him."
Asuma's Resentment
Asuma scoffed.
"Even if you hadn't said that, I'd still prefer learning from Genji. He's way better than you at teaching anyway."
"At least what Xuan says makes sense! I can actually understand and improve from it."
"Not like you — I can barely follow your lectures half the time."
"Honestly, I don't know why I even need you as a father."
Third Hokage's Disappointment
The Third Hokage froze.
For a moment, his chopsticks hovered in the air before he slowly placed them down.
He stared at Asuma in silence, his eyes filled with a mixture of frustration and sadness.
But instead of lashing out, he simply sighed.
"I see..."
"Finish your meal."
Meanwhile...
The situation involving Hatake Sakumo's resignation had become the talk of the entire village — and soon after, the entire Shinobi World.
Despite efforts by Danzo to suppress public discussion, rumors about Sakumo's departure spread far and wide.
Many people who once admired Sakumo sought him out, hoping to hear the truth directly from him.
However, Sakumo refused to see anyone.
Instead, he spent his time away from the village, fishing quietly by a riverbank.
A Surprise Visit
"Swish!"
Uchiha Genji suddenly appeared beside Sakumo.
"Uncle Sakumo, you know half the village is looking for you, right?" Genji teased.
"Didn't think I'd find you here of all places."
Sakumo chuckled.
"Xuan, I've already retired. Why would I bother with that nonsense?"
"This is exactly what some people wanted — and honestly, I'm happier for it."
"Besides... thanks to your advice, I saw it coming early. If not for your warning, I might've fallen right into their trap."
"I owe you one."
Genji's Response
Genji shook his head quickly.
"No, no! Don't go saying that! I didn't 'warn' you about anything."
"If word gets back to the Third Hokage, he'll pin everything on me!"
Sakumo chuckled knowingly.
"Fine, fine. Whatever you say."
Fishing and Conversation
"Got an extra fishing rod?" Genji asked.
Sakumo handed him one along with some bait.
The two sat by the river, quietly casting their lines.
"I must say..." Sakumo glanced at Genji.
"With your skills, you don't need to stay in the academy. Why haven't you graduated yet?"
Genji shrugged.
"Why bother?"
"I don't care about rank, power, or missions. I'd rather spend my time studying jutsu and improving my skills."
"Honestly, being assigned missions sounds like a headache."
Sakumo stared at him, dumbfounded.
"You're too laid back for your own good..."
"But I guess you've earned it."
War on the Horizon
Their conversation shifted.
"Sakumo, you know this war is inevitable, right?" Genji said somberly.
"The other villages will see your retirement as a weakness — they'll strike soon."
"Don't let Third Hokage trick you into fighting for free."
Sakumo chuckled bitterly.
"Yeah... If they want my help, they'll have to pay for it."
"Besides, I need the money — Kakashi's training won't pay for itself."
The Cost of Strength
"That's right!" Genji smirked.
"How can Kakashi get stronger without taking those 'wonder drugs' of mine?"
Sakumo laughed.
"You've got a point."
Then, after a pause, he asked:
"Tell me... how can we stop this war from happening?"
Genji shrugged.
"Who knows?"
"Maybe when all humanity dies off and greed disappears... that's when true peace will come."
Sakumo burst out laughing.
"You're such a little brat... but I guess you're not wrong."
The two sat quietly by the river, their laughter fading into the peaceful sounds of flowing water.