In the end, Sarutobi Hiruzen left with Sarutobi Asuma, and Kisaragi also obtained the information he wanted from Sarutobi Hiruzen.
When Sarutobi Hiruzen left with Sarutobi Asuma, he was furious because Asuma had almost been beaten without even knowing who had attacked him.
This incident was recorded by both Sarutobi Hiruzen and Kisaragi. In the future, Sarutobi Hiruzen vowed to find a way to deal with Kisaragi. Aside from the threat Kisaragi posed, Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn't let go of the humiliation Kisaragi had subjected him to today.
Kisaragi knew Sarutobi Hiruzen was angry, but he wasn't afraid that the Third Hokage would retaliate. Kisaragi and the Uchiha clan were not particularly active at the moment, especially since the current Uchiha had not yet experienced the losses of the Third Great Ninja War.
"It's time to go back and deal with the traitors," Kisaragi said coldly.
A glint of malice flashed in his eyes. He had learned from Sarutobi Hiruzen that there was a traitor in his midst, and it was someone he did not expect.
Upon returning to the Uchiha clan, Kisaragi immediately summoned all the Jōnin and higher-ranking ninjas in the clan. There were dozens of Jōnin in the Uchiha family, but many were out on missions or working overtime in the Konoha Police Force, so only a dozen were present.
In addition to the Jōnin, there were also five Elite Jōnin: Uchiha Shin, Uchiha Jin, Uchiha Kai, Uchiha Ryu, and Uchiha Fuji.
Uchiha Shin and Uchiha Jin were Kisaragi's close confidants, while Uchiha Kai, Uchiha Ryu, and Uchiha Fuji had maintained a neutral stance during Kisaragi's earlier conflict with Uchiha Fugaku. Now that Kisaragi had become the clan leader, they naturally followed his orders.
"Why has the patriarch called us here? Has something important happened?" Uchiha Shin asked.
Kisaragi, with his eyes closed, slowly opened them. He tapped his fingers on the table and glanced around the room, his gaze exerting an invisible pressure that made everyone hold their breath.
"Our Uchiha clan has a traitor," Kisaragi said coldly. "Someone among you has betrayed us."
His words sent a shockwave through the room.
"Patriarch, who is the traitor?" one of the Jōnin asked, though none of them doubted Kisaragi's claim.
"I'm not going to name them just yet," Kisaragi replied. "I'm giving the traitor a chance to step forward. This is your only chance to save your life. I suggest you take it."
The room fell into a tense silence, but no one spoke. The atmosphere was heavy, and still, no one confessed.
"So, you're still trying to hide it?" Kisaragi said, his eyes locking onto Uchiha Ryu, who had always maintained a low profile.
Among the Elite Jōnin, Uchiha Ryu was known for his quiet and sincere demeanor, never involving himself in internal conflicts. Kisaragi had been surprised to learn that Uchiha Ryu was the traitor.
As soon as Kisaragi revealed his identity, Uchiha Shin and Uchiha Jin sprang into action, placing kunai at Uchiha Ryu's throat.
"Patriarch, you accuse me of being a traitor, but where is your proof?" Uchiha Ryu demanded, his expression indignant.
"Proof?" Kisaragi said, his tone sharp. "Is Sarutobi Hiruzen's word enough proof for you? He gave you up when I captured his son, Sarutobi Asuma. You were the bargaining chip."
Uchiha Ryu's Sharingan activated as disbelief filled his eyes. He had betrayed his clan, working as an undercover agent for Sarutobi Hiruzen, only to be betrayed in return.
"Third Hokage," Uchiha Ryu muttered bitterly. Anger washed over his face as he realized he had been sold out.
"Feel that rage," Kisaragi taunted. "You chose to be a dog for someone else, only to be discarded. You're nothing but a fool." Kisaragi's words were cutting, his tone merciless.
"Serves you right," someone from the group muttered, and the others nodded.
There was no sympathy for a traitor, especially within the Uchiha clan. Many Uchiha members were proud, caring more about their clan than about Konoha. They despised traitors like Uchiha Ryu.
"Patriarch, let me kill him," Uchiha Shin said angrily.
"Not yet," Kisaragi replied. "Dead men are worthless."
Kisaragi gazed down at Uchiha Ryu.
"Do you want to know how you were exposed?" he asked.
"I do," Uchiha Ryu said quietly, the bitterness clear in his voice.
"Sarutobi Hiruzen betrayed you. He was willing to exchange your life to save his son, Sarutobi Asuma."
Uchiha Ryu clenched his teeth in anger. He had betrayed his clan, and in return, he had been betrayed by Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"You deserve this," Kisaragi said. "But I'll give you one last chance, a chance to redeem yourself."
He released Uchiha Ryu from his grip.
"You will live if you complete the task I give you. Fail, and you die. And your family will suffer along with you."
"What task?" Uchiha Ryu asked, realizing that he had no choice but to comply.
"Kill Sarutobi Shinnosuke. If he dies, you live. If he doesn't, you and your family die together," Kisaragi said, his voice cold and indifferent.
"You're sending me to my death," Uchiha Ryu said, his voice trembling. He knew that even if he succeeded, Sarutobi Hiruzen would never let him live after killing his son.
"At least you have a chance," Kisaragi replied. "And if you succeed, your family will be spared."
Uchiha Ryu was silent for a long moment, then finally nodded. He had no other choice. If he refused, he would die now, and his family would be dragged down with him
.
As regret filled his heart, Uchiha Ryu realized the cost of his betrayal. He had sold himself for Sarutobi Hiruzen's empty promises, and now he would pay the price. Unfortunately, it was too late to change anything.