Sarutobi Ran froze.
What… What was this?
A moment ago, Hiruzen had only asked about his meeting with Homura. How had it suddenly jumped straight to Shinnosuke's life or death?
He couldn't figure it out.
Could Hiruzen really have uncovered evidence in such a short time?
No—absolutely impossible!
Even if he was Hokage, even if he could mobilize all of Konoha's forces, investigating such a tangled matter so quickly, and even obtaining hard evidence…
That was pure fantasy!
Ran refused to believe it.
No, this was just a bluff. No matter what, he could not admit to anything.
So, he began to act.
"Clan Leader, what's wrong with Shinnosuke? Did something happen to him? What difficulties has he run into? Please tell me—I'll do everything I can to help…"
To be fair—his performance was flawless.
His expression was earnest, his tone carried the warmth of a loyal brother.
But unfortunately—Hiruzen had no patience for games.
He cut Ran off before he could finish.
After a deep breath, his voice dropped to a cold snarl.
"Ran, you've disappointed me.
I never thought I'd live to see the day when I, too, was so blind.
You've followed me for years and all you've learned are scraps—the surface-level tricks. But the essence of this world? You've understood nothing, fool!
Did you really think that by teaming up with Danzo and the other two elders, you were qualified to contend with me?
Danzo has Root and the Shimura clan. Koharu and Homura each have their clans behind them.
And more than that—they hold the title of Elder.
Even if I wanted to crush them, I'd have to waste some effort.
Do you understand, idiot? It's not that I can't kill them—it would just cost me time.
The only reason they still breathe is because until the Uchiha and Hyuga are eliminated, they remain useful to me. Nothing more!
The only reason they dare bare their fangs at the Hokage is because they know this too—that before I deal with Uchiha and Hyuga, I won't risk weakening myself by killing them.
But you, Ran… What do you have?
What backing do you rely on?
The Sarutobi clan?
Fool—don't you realize the only reason you can wield the clan's power is because I, as Clan Leader, permit it?
Without my authorization, who would you command?
You were used, idiot!
Do you really think killing you is difficult for me?
You don't even hold a ninja's official rank. Even if I killed you in broad daylight, who would dare question me?
The Uchiha Police Force? My mortal enemies? Not even they would bother—because clan matters are self-governed. The village won't interfere.
And you think I need evidence to kill you?
Suspicion alone is enough, fool!
Do you think keeping your mouth shut means you can escape?
Have you forgotten the Yamanaka clan's secret techniques?
Even as a corpse, I can pull every truth I want out of your mind.
Or do you imagine your identity makes you special?
Yes, you have talent. You are the clan's most brilliant genius.
But do you know how many 'geniuses' no weaker than you I've killed over the years? If not ten, then at least eight.
Why would you be the exception?
Do you think the clan's future depends on talent?
Idiot!
When I was young, among my peers, my skills were far from the strongest. In the whole village, I wasn't even in the top ranks.
So why was I chosen as Clan Leader?
Because my father was the Clan Leader, fool! Because his loyalists supported me!
And why did I become Hokage? Because I was the disciple of the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju—the true heir of the Hokage line. Because I had Koharu, Homura, and Danzo at my back. Because I had the mighty Senju clan and Uzumaki Mito supporting me.
That's how the world works—it's about power blocs.
Unless you reach the level of Hashirama Senju, the God of Shinobi, personal talent means nothing!
Was Sakumo Hatake strong? The White Fang, hailed as the Hokage's equal?
And yet—what happened?
He was forced to suicide. Did his death bring Konoha to ruin? No!
And you think I wouldn't kill you just because you're some so-called 'genius'?
Listen well—if I'm willing to spend the resources, I can raise as many 'geniuses' like you as I please.
The only reason you sit where you are now… is one.
Because Shinnosuke protected you.
Because of his bond with you, I was willing to waste resources on you—to give my son a reliable ally.
Without Shinnosuke—you're nothing but shit!"
Hiruzen's roar thundered through the tea room.
He had been suffocating under pressure for too long—Ran was the perfect outlet.
But more importantly, Hiruzen already had his answer.
Even though Ran hadn't admitted a thing, his silence told all.
If Shinnosuke were still alive, Ran would never have been able to hold out under such crushing pressure.
By refusing to confess, he had proven the worst: Shinnosuke was dead.
On the other side—Ran was utterly stunned.
He never expected Hiruzen to rage like this.
And even less did he expect the truths spilling from his mouth.
So all along… he had overrated himself?
His position was not due to his talent, but because of Shinnosuke's shelter?
That personal strength had little to do with clan leadership?
That even Hiruzen's rise to Hokage had relied not on power, but on supporters?
That in this world, influence was everything?
Impossible…
Just then—
Outside the tea room, an Anbu voice rang.
"Hokage-sama.
Captain of the Analysis Division, Inoichi Yamanaka, has arrived!"
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