Chapter 68: Putting the Facts Aside, Does Konoha Bear No Responsibility?
Just as the scandal of Hiruzen Sarutobi allegedly framing Kakashi Hatake was beginning to stir public opinion, another bombshell exploded in Konoha. The revelation of Asuma Sarutobi's outrageous public incident sent shockwaves through the village, outraging villagers and tarnishing the Sarutobi family name even further.
The repeated scandals left Konoha in shambles, a laughingstock across the ninja world. The villagers, once staunch supporters of the Third Hokage, now found it hard to believe that such a respected leader and his family could stoop so low.
For years, Hiruzen Sarutobi's image had been that of a revered elder, a guiding light for Konoha. Even Konoha Academy students idolized the position of Hokage, aspiring to one day fill his shoes. This blind devotion had shielded him from scrutiny for decades.
However, the combined weight of recent events—the scandal involving Kakashi and now the debacle with Asuma—was beginning to crack that shield. The once unwavering faith in their Hokage began to waver.
In a matter of days, the story of Asuma's disgraceful incident became the ninja world's hottest topic, plastered across every news outlet. Even minor newspapers, risking Konoha's wrath, fabricated scandalous stories about Asuma's private life. The relentless media coverage dealt a massive blow to Hiruzen Sarutobi's dignity and public image.
Villagers who had once defended their Hokage now found it difficult to reconcile these events with the image they had of him. The tide was turning.
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In the Hokage's office, the situation reached a boiling point.
"Enough of this nonsense, Sarutobi!" roared Cloud Village's representative, Dodai. He slammed his palm on the Hokage's desk, his face livid with anger. "You owe Kumogakure an explanation for this outrage!"
Dodai was here to demand justice for one of their delegates, Todomon, who had been involved in the infamous "artistic tableau" incident with Asuma. Since returning to their quarters, Todomon had fallen into a deep depression. The once proud and stoic ninja had become withdrawn, eating little and crying in solitude. This humiliation was a stain on the honor of both Todomon and Kumogakure.
"Dodai-dono, please calm down," Hiruzen pleaded, forcing a smile despite his headache. "I assure you, Konoha would never intentionally shame Kumogakure. This is clearly the work of an unseen hand trying to frame us."
Dodai's anger did not waver. "Spare me your excuses! If you believe someone is framing you, then find them! But let me remind you, Sarutobi—this happened on your soil. Kumogakure came here in good faith, and now one of our own has suffered an unimaginable humiliation. Are you saying Konoha bears no responsibility?"
The words hit like a hammer. Hiruzen knew he couldn't deny Konoha's accountability. As host, Konoha had a duty to protect its guests. However, acknowledging responsibility could have dire consequences, especially if Kumogakure demanded compensation or escalated to conflict.
"Dodai-dono," Hiruzen said after a long pause, "please give us three days. I promise to investigate this thoroughly and bring the real perpetrator to light."
Dodai's expression softened slightly, but his tone remained stern. "Three days, Sarutobi. And don't forget: Kumogakure expects restitution for this insult, regardless of your findings."
With that, Dodai stormed out, leaving Hiruzen alone in his office. The Third Hokage let out a heavy sigh, his hand massaging his temples. He knew Kumogakure wouldn't let this slide, and the brewing tensions could easily escalate into war.
As he pondered the crisis, an Anbu operative suddenly appeared.
"Hokage-sama, there's been another incident," the operative reported, his voice tinged with urgency.
"What now?" Hiruzen asked, already dreading the answer.
"The Cloud delegate Todomon has been found dead in Asuma-sama's quarters."
Hiruzen's eyes widened in shock.
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The death of Todomon was a bombshell that sent Konoha into chaos. Hiruzen immediately dispatched teams to investigate the scene, but the damage was already done. The timing couldn't have been worse—right after Dodai's warning and Kumogakure's demands.
To make matters worse, Hiruzen couldn't shake the feeling that this series of events was no coincidence. From the initial assassination of a Sarutobi clansman to Kakashi's public outburst, the scandal with Asuma, and now this—someone was clearly orchestrating it all.
But who?
Standing at his office window, gazing out over the village he'd sworn to protect, Hiruzen couldn't hide his growing despair.
"Who hates Konoha so much," he muttered, "that they would go to such lengths to destroy us?"
Little did he know, the answer was closer than he thought.
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Meanwhile, in the shadows of Konoha, Uchiha Yi observed the chaos he'd unleashed with a satisfied smirk.
"It's all falling into place," he said to Black Zetsu, who emerged beside him.
Black Zetsu's sinister grin mirrored Yi's. "Konoha is on the brink. What's the next move?"
Yi crossed his arms. "Let them stew in their own mess for now. The more they struggle, the more mistakes they'll make. And when the time is right, we'll deliver the finishing blow."
The game was far from over. For Hiruzen Sarutobi and the village he held dear, the worst was yet to come.
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