Uchiha Fugaku saw the person arrive and hurried forward to inquire. "I wonder what brings Lord Hokage here."
'In truth, he knew perfectly well. The only reason for him to come like this was because of Asuma.'
The Third Hokage didn't waste any words, getting straight to the point. "What do you intend to do about Asuma?"
Because Fugaku knew the future, he was now brimming with confidence. The stifled frustration he used to feel when being challenged at the clan head meetings was gone.
He stated calmly, "According to the regulations of the Uchiha Military Police Force, for attempted murder, disruption of public safety, and injuring villagers... he should be imprisoned for at least ten years."
The Third Hokage was extremely displeased when he heard this punishment. 'No, really? Ten years?'
"Clan Head Fugaku, isn't that a bit too severe?" Ten years... that was the most critical period in Asuma's life.
That was the golden time for him to improve his skills and mature. If Asuma was locked away for that long, he would truly be ruined. By the time he got out, he'd likely be completely out of touch with the world.
Fugaku replied calmly, "I feel this punishment is already somewhat lenient. Although my clansman, Uchiha Ryōsuke, was not harmed, we cannot wait until someone is dead to take matters seriously. Furthermore, Asuma caused severe damage to streets and buildings, and injured numerous people. If he isn't punished heavily, I'm afraid it will be impossible to answer to the villagers."
The Third Hokage felt a secret pang of relief. He relaxed slightly, thankful that at least no one was killed. If they had been, he, the Third Hokage, would have been too ashamed to even open his mouth.
"I will personally compensate for all the damages suffered by the villagers on Asuma's behalf. And though Ryōsuke was not injured, I will compensate him as well. Can the punishment be lightened? After all, Asuma is still supposed to serve as one of the Daimyō's guardians."
Fugaku looked at the Third Hokage and smiled. "Since Lord Hokage is willing to compensate for the damages, that is naturally a good thing. In that case, I can use my discretion to lighten the sentence." "Then let's reduce it by one year. Nine years in prison will be sufficient."
Yatsushiro, standing to the side, was laughing inwardly. 'Is there any difference between nine years and ten? Both are just as long.'
The Third Hokage's displeasure was obvious. Only one year. It was clear the other party had no intention of letting Asuma off, nor did he care about giving the Hokage face.
By the time he got out in nine years, he would have missed his window for development. He couldn't help but say, "Clan Head Fugaku, that is still too long." "This sentence is extremely unfair. As Hokage, I wish to take my son back and deal with him myself."
Hearing this, Fugaku's expression turned cold. "Lord Hokage, are you intending to interfere in the internal affairs of the Uchiha Military Police Force?" "Our authority was granted by the Second Hokage. I hope the Third Hokage will respect the will of his predecessors and not intervene in the Police Force's business."
The Third Hokage grew angry as well. 'Using my deceased sensei to pressure me... what a detestable clan.' He was now beginning to think that his sensei's decision to grant the Uchiha authority over the Police Force had been a mistake.
'Sigh... it's just that my son is too reckless, always causing trouble for me. If not for him, I wouldn't be in such a stifling position.' He couldn't help but say, "Actually, if the sentence could be lightened further, it might be possible to restore the Uchiha clan's previous treatment."
The expressions on both Fugaku and Yatsushiro changed, showing pleasant surprise. The Uchiha clan's previous treatment had been excellent. But after the Nine-Tails Rampage, not only was the clan compound forcibly relocated, but the salaries for the Uchiha Military Police Force had also been reduced.
Although the Uchiha clan had other sources of income, the stipend from the Leaf Village was still an important one. With their pay reduced, more and more clansmen had grown resentful toward Konoha's leadership. After all, it directly affected their livelihoods.
If their previous salaries were restored, the clansmen's standard of living could return to normal. This would be a major accomplishment to present to the clan. 'I'm sure Ryōsuke wouldn't object either.'
Fugaku spoke. "Since Lord Hokage has put it that way, we will reduce it, seeing as Ryōsuke was not harmed." "And since Lord Hokage is willing to compensate for the medical fees and damages, I will make an executive decision and sentence him to one year. There must still be a punishment." "Otherwise, the Uchiha clan cannot answer to the villagers, and I imagine you, Lord Third Hokage, cannot answer to the villagers and other shinobi either."
The Third Hokage let out a sigh of relief at this sentence. One year wasn't terribly long, but it wasn't short, either.
And just as Fugaku had said, Asuma had truly caused a major problem this time. The fallout was terrible. It was time he learned a lesson.
Even if he could offer better terms, he couldn't push it too far. Otherwise, the villagers would find out that he, the Third Hokage, had pressured the Uchiha into showing favoritism to Asuma. If the Uchiha clan were to spread that rumor, his reputation would truly suffer. This was Fugaku's bottom line, and it was his as well.
The Third Hokage looked at him. "I can accept this result. Can you take me to see Asuma?"
Hearing the Hokage agree to his terms, Fugaku quickly said, "Of course." "Inabi, take Lord Hokage to see Asuma."
The Third Hokage followed Inabi into the temporary prison in the Police Force headquarters. Along the way, he felt utterly helpless and angry. 'My parenting has truly been a failure. How could Asuma suddenly do something like this? I have to get to the bottom of it.'
After walking down a long corridor, he arrived at the temporary cell and saw his son. There were still traces of blood on his face and clothes. The fire of his anger died down somewhat, and his heart softened.
Inabi tactfully took his leave. He had no interest in their father-son conversation. He had arrested the man's son; he couldn't very well expect a pleasant look from him.
Once Inabi had left, the Third Hokage looked at his son. "Give me an explanation. Why did you act so recklessly?"
Asuma lifted his head and said resentfully, "That bastard Uchiha Ryōsuke stole my woman, Yūhi Kurenai!" "Tell me, shouldn't I kill him?" "It's just a pity I'm not his match." Thinking of Uchiha Ryōsuke, Asuma ground his teeth in hatred.
The Third Hokage's expression was grim. So that was the reason he had done such a thing. He couldn't help it; his expression darkened even further.
"You committed such a grievous error just for a woman? How brainless!" "When you're strong enough, what kind of woman couldn't you have?"
His own wife, Sarutobi Biwako. She had died during the Nine-Tails Rampage while protecting Kushina, killed by that masked man.