Chapter 248. Spreading Rumors is a Crime!
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"Sister… Suzune."
"???"
"Can you tell me about Yuto-san's past?"
After those words fell—
"!!!"
The teacup in Suzune's hand trembled slightly as she looked at the serious expression on Hyuga Hanabi's face.
What is this girl up to?
Why was she suddenly so interested in Yuto's past?
Could it be…
Suzune's heart tightened. After a moment of silence and hesitation, she asked, "Hanabi, why are you suddenly asking about this?"
"…"
Hanabi also remained silent.
Why?
Because she was trying to investigate Uchiha Yuto's background.
That guy…
He's a bit suspicious!
But she couldn't just come out and say that.
However—
Hanabi's awkward expression made Suzune's heart skip a beat. Especially when she saw those pure white eyes—she couldn't help but sigh.
But when she saw the anticipation and seriousness in Hanabi's gaze, she knew—
She's serious!
After a brief moment of hesitation, Suzune's eyes softened as she sank into her memories. "Yuto's past?"
She had met Yuto on the first day of school…
As Suzune's gentle voice filled the air, the smile on her face grew deeper and deeper, and she seemed to forget about Hanabi entirely. She had originally intended to keep it brief, but as she continued, she found herself talking more and more. In the end, her eyes were filled with memories.
Hyuga Hanabi watched Suzune's gentle expression and couldn't help but think, [She really looks a lot like my sister~]
But… her sister would never have lived in the Seventh Hokage's house before getting married.
As for Hyuga Suzune—
She had only heard her name, knowing only that she had died on the battlefield during the Third Ninja World War.
And as for Uchiha Yuto…
She had never even heard his name.
It was unclear whether he had died in the war or if he had never existed in the first place.
However—
As Suzune's story unfolded, Hanabi listened quietly, growing more and more shocked.
She had never imagined that Uchiha Yuto had done so many things.
He had refused to graduate early. After graduating, he left the ninja profession entirely. He had even published several articles at the Ninja Academy that amazed the Third Hokage…
Suddenly—
"Wait a minute!" Hanabi's face darkened as she stared at Suzune. "Did you say that Yuto-san once advised Uchiha Obito not to become a ninja… and even wanted to be his father?"
What did I just hear?
Did I mishear that?
"Yes." Suzune smiled softly and nodded. She seemed happy to talk about Yuto. "Yuto really likes kids," she said as she looked at Hanabi. "Especially Itachi. Every time he visited the Uchiha household, he would bring Itachi lots of snacks and toys. He even wanted Fugaku-sama to let him train Itachi."
"…"
No wonder.
Back in the Land of Rain, Uchiha Obito had seemed to despise Yuto.
At the time, Hanabi had assumed it was just typical Uchiha arrogance.
But this—
Advising Obito not to become a ninja?
Did he actually know something… or was it just a coincidence?
Hanabi was stunned. It was as if she had just uncovered a hidden truth about the world. Could it really have something to do with Uchiha Yuto…?
Just then—
"Suzune~" Yuto walked in, surprised to see the two of them sitting face-to-face. He asked in confusion, "What… are you two talking about?"
Why did one of them look so stunned?
And the other so disappointed?
"N-Nothing." Suzune smiled slightly and shook her head. "Yuto, are you heading to the shop now?"
"Oh~ Not today." Yuto shook his head. Maybe the two—aunt and niece—had some family secret to discuss. He figured it was better not to get involved.
He looked at Suzune and said, "Minato invited us over for a visit. Since you don't have any Hyuga clan business today, let's go and take a look~"
"Hokage?" Suzune was surprised for a moment but then nodded. After all, Yuto and Minato had been close even before Minato became Hokage, so there was nothing unusual about that.
But…
What about Hanabi?
However, Yuto seemed to notice Suzune's confusion. After a moment of thought, he asked, "Hanabi, do you want to come along?"
He sounded casual.
It wasn't a big deal.
After those words fell—
Hanabi snapped back to reality, glanced at Yuto with a complicated expression, then shook her head. "Thank you, but I have something to take care of later."
Maybe… I should investigate from this angle?
She wanted to ask Yuto directly, but right now… he probably wouldn't say anything at all.
And she might expose herself in the process.
After speaking, she stood up, bowed slightly, and said, "Please go ahead. I'll be heading out for a bit."
It was better to start investigating from this angle first.
With that—
She turned and walked out, leaving Yuto looking puzzled.
Hasn't she been focused on the Caged Bird Mark lately?
Why did her expression suddenly get so complicated?
Could she be planning to do something to prevent Neji from receiving the Caged Bird Mark?
But Yuto didn't think much of it. After all, Hanabi believed this was all just an illusion. She probably wouldn't act recklessly. And even if she did… the Hyuga Clan would have to clean up the mess—what did that have to do with an abandoned Uchiha like him?
He was just an ordinary businessman.
…
Yuto brought a quieter-than-usual Suzune to Minato's house.
Then—
After enjoying a home-cooked meal from the househusband, Kushina mysteriously pulled Suzune upstairs.
That left the three men downstairs.
Minato smiled helplessly and shook his head. "Kushina is really happy. Too bad Honoka couldn't make it. I heard she's doing very well at the Academy~ Such an excellent child!"
"…"
Yuto gave Minato a strange look.
Now that he had become a father, he couldn't stop talking about education and kids.
Yuto glanced at Naruto playing nearby and nodded thoughtfully. "Naruto looks like an excellent kid too."
Then—
He turned to Minato. "Alright, just say it. Why did you call me here today?"
"It's nothing serious." Minato shook his head with a smile, then glanced toward the stairs and lowered his voice. "So… how are things going with Suzune?"
"It's fine."
After those words fell—
Minato didn't press further. Instead, he patted Yuto's shoulder and sighed. "Do you know about the Hyuga Clan's situation?"
"The Caged Bird Mark?"
"The Caged Bird Mark was created by the Hyuga main family to control the branch family and prevent their Byakugan from falling into enemy hands." Minato nodded. "You've heard about the recent conflict between the main and branch families, right?"
"…Yeah."
But what does that have to do with me?
Or with you, for that matter?
The Hyuga Clan's internal affairs are none of our business.
"Ah, so Suzune has already mentioned it." Minato shook his head and gave Yuto a serious look. "Please do your best. Kushina and I will support you!"
"???"
Support me with what?!
Yuto rolled his eyes and gave Minato an annoyed look. "Just tell me what's going on."
After a pause—
"Hehe." Minato gave a sheepish laugh, then leaned in and lowered his voice. "Kushina heard that you've been getting close to someone from the Hyuga main family lately. She's pretty upset. She thinks you're a heartless player who's preparing to cut and run when things get dangerous."
Minato hesitated for a moment, then gritted his teeth and said in a low voice, "Do you remember that time I got dragged to the red-light district? She thinks Suzune is too soft and kind, so she's planning to… teach her a thing or two…"
Before he could finish—
"???"
Teach what?
Wait—
Yuto's mouth twitched.
Slander.
Spreading rumors…
That's a crime, Hokage-sama!
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