The Third Hokage is different, displaying two completely opposite attitudes when dealing with things

Soon, news of the incident at the Ninja Academy reached the ears of the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen. To everyone's surprise, despite his busy schedule, he personally came to the school to handle the matter. This alone reflected the importance he placed on the situation—especially concerning Uzumaki Kushina, the future Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails.

Was Uchiha Kazuhiko's attack a mere impulse, or was he acting under someone's orders? Sarutobi Hiruzen had to get to the bottom of it.

Of course, as the head of the academy, he also genuinely cared about the students. After conducting interviews and investigations, he quickly pieced together the full story. In essence, this was an internal conflict among the Uchiha clan's children. However, the crucial detail that caught his attention was that Uchiha Kazuhiko had used a weapon without authorization.

"Are you certain that Uchiha Kazuhiko aimed the kunai at Kushina's throat?" Sarutobi Hiruzen asked Liuyun, his gaze sharp and serious.

"Yes, I'm sure," Liuyun replied firmly.

In truth, he couldn't be entirely certain whether the kunai was aimed at her throat or her shoulder. But since Kazuhiko had already escalated the fight by using a weapon, Liuyun saw no reason to hold back. If he were stronger and less restricted by his current circumstances, he would have gone even further. Part of him wanted to say, "This guy must not be allowed to live!"

A ninja with expertise in forensic analysis reviewed the evidence. "Based on the kunai's trajectory, Liuyun's height, his motion when catching it, and the testimony of eyewitnesses, his claim appears accurate."

Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded and made his decision. "Send Uchiha Kazuhiko back to his clan and arrange for his withdrawal from the academy. Additionally, inform the Uchiha clan to strengthen their discipline and education. The Ninja Academy is meant for learning how to protect the village, not for attacking one's own people."

His words left many teachers stunned, and even Liuyun himself felt a bit uneasy. Isn't this punishment a bit too severe for a kid?

Did the Third Hokage use this as a political move to weaken the Uchiha? Or was he truly angered by the threat to Kushina's life? Perhaps he wanted to use this incident as a warning to the other students? Or did he simply believe that Kazuhiko's violent nature made him unfit to be a ninja?

Liuyun couldn't be sure.

Wasn't the Third Hokage supposed to be a kind and wise leader? He had always pictured Hiruzen as a grandfatherly figure, but now he wasn't so sure. Maybe it was because he was younger in this timeline? Or perhaps Sarutobi Hiruzen was never as kind as he appeared, only showing warmth to those with influence or value.

Liuyun's thoughts raced.

Then, Sarutobi Hiruzen turned to him. "Uchiha Liuyun, you physically assaulted a classmate over an insult. Do you realize your mistake?"

His tone was calm, but the weight of his authority was suffocating.

Hitting someone over the term "little bastard" was understandable. If it was just a slap, many people would even support him. But since he had gone further and injured Kazuhiko severely, it couldn't simply be ignored.

"I understand my mistake," Liuyun said, bowing his head at the right moment. Even if he didn't truly believe he was wrong, now was not the time to argue.

Sarutobi Hiruzen studied him for a moment before speaking again. "Since you risked your own safety to protect a comrade, I will not hold this against you for now. However, I expect you to study diligently and avoid further trouble."

Compared to Kazuhiko's punishment, this was clearly a much lighter consequence.

And this—this was the kind Third Hokage that Liuyun remembered from the original story.

There were two reasons why Hiruzen let Liuyun off easily. First, because of Liuyun's father, Uchiha Mamoru, a ninja who had died heroically in battle. Hiruzen had always shown leniency toward the widows and children of fallen heroes. Second, because Liuyun demonstrated a willingness to protect his comrades, even at personal cost. This kind of character aligned with Konoha's philosophy, the "Will of Fire." In Hiruzen's eyes, such individuals were worth nurturing.

Back when he was young, Sarutobi Hiruzen had gained the title of Hokage partly by demonstrating this same spirit of sacrifice. He naturally valued young ninjas who embodied it.

"Your father, Uchiha Mamoru, was an outstanding ninja," Hiruzen began, launching into a ten-minute-long lecture about the importance of duty, sacrifice, and Konoha's principles.

Liuyun listened very "attentively," occasionally showing moments of sadness, nodding when appropriate, and even forcing his eyes to water a little.

Hiruzen seemed satisfied and ultimately forgave Liuyun's actions—along with Kushina's, despite the fact that she had also knocked someone unconscious.

In the end, the ones who truly suffered were those who started the fight—especially Uchiha Kazuhiko. Not only was he beaten twice, but he was also expelled from the Ninja Academy.

Without a forehead protector, he could never be officially recognized as a Konoha ninja. This also meant he could never join the Uchiha Police Force. His future prospects were now limited to being a private soldier under an elder's command.

Back in Class

As class resumed, Liuyun returned to his seat. Immediately, Kushina handed him a small note.

"How did it go? Did the Hokage give you a hard time?"

The words were filled with concern.

"No, everything was resolved smoothly!" he wrote back.

"That's good."

"Why are your eyes red? And you're sniffing all the time too. You've been crying, right? Kushina's eyes were full of curiosity.

"I was too immersed in the role, just let me take a break."

"What do you mean?"

"Literally what I just said."

Kushina stared at him, baffled.

Meanwhile, at the Uchiha compound, Uchiha Dō, a high-ranking jōnin, had just received the news of his son's injuries and expulsion. He immediately abandoned his duties at the Konoha Police Force and rushed home.

Upon learning the full story, his anger exploded.

His son had been humiliated, lost two teeth, been kicked in the face, and had a kunai embedded in his thigh. And yet, the attacker not only went unpunished but was practically rewarded?! To make things worse, Kazuhiko was now expelled from the academy!

"This is absurd! Don't worry, son. I'll make sure justice is served!" Uchiha Dō growled, his three-tomoe Sharingan activating unconsciously.

Suppressing his fury, he comforted his crying son before storming out of the house.

At first, he intended to march straight to the Hokage's office and demand answers.

But then he hesitated.

No—going alone wouldn't accomplish anything. Instead, he turned back toward the Konoha Police Department. He would use the full weight of the Uchiha clan to put pressure on the Hokage.

If he wanted his son reinstated, he needed the power of the clan behind him.

And he would get it.