The early morning sun streamed through the window, bathing the room in a soft glow. Outside, a chorus of birdsong filled the courtyard as dozens of them perched on the trees. "Haaah…" Renzou stretched, his body slightly stiff from an unintentional all-night chakra refinement session. Despite this, his strong mental fortitude left him feeling energized rather than fatigued. After a quick wash and letting Iguro Obanai out for a stretch, Renzou found himself wandering aimlessly through the lively Konoha streets when a sudden commotion caught his attention.
"What's all the noise up ahead? Why are so many people gathered?"
"I heard it's a conflict between the son of one of the Uchiha elders and the Third Hokage's son. Come on, let's go take a look."
Renzou's expression tightened. The son of an Uchiha elder… wasn't that Uchiha Kai? How could he be clashing with Sarutobi Asuma? While the two often had a cool relationship at school, they usually avoided direct confrontation. What had happened today? Dismissing it as a mere children's squabble would be naive. This could easily escalate into a subtle power play between the Hokage's lineage and the Uchiha clan. No matter, let's see what's going on. Renzou pushed aside his thoughts and began to weave his way through the growing crowd.
Effortlessly maneuvering to the front, Renzou finally saw the two opposing groups. On the left stood two Uchiha boys, led by a visibly agitated Uchiha Kai. On the right were Hagane Kotetsu and Kamizuki Izumo, flanking a scowling Sarutobi Asuma. Both sides glared at each other, a palpable tension hanging in the air, yet neither made the first move.
Listening to the hushed conversations around him, Renzou pieced together the story. Apparently, the two groups had crossed paths while shopping. Sarutobi Asuma had made a snide remark about the Uchiha's perceived arrogance, not realizing Uchiha Kai and his companion were within earshot. Given their existing animosity at school, Kai had immediately retaliated, and the situation had quickly spiraled. Sarutobi Asuma, in his youthful arrogance as the Hokage's son, hadn't backed down.
Uchiha Kai finally broke the silence. "Why waste time with words? Let's settle this with our strength. It just so happens we were heading to the training grounds for some practice anyway."
"Go ahead. I'm not afraid of you," Sarutobi Asuma retorted, his pride as the Hokage's son refusing to yield to any Uchiha.
Without another word, Uchiha Kai turned and started towards the training grounds, his companion following. Sarutobi Asuma, not to be outdone, trailed closely behind with the two Konoha gatekeepers. The onlookers exchanged bewildered glances before deciding to follow, eager to witness this clash between the Uchiha elder's son and the Hokage's heir. Renzou slowly trailed behind the throng, his mind assessing the situation. Wait and see.
By the time Renzou reached the duel arena, the spectator stands were already packed. He had to squeeze into the front row, placing himself in a position that might be affected by the impending clash.
"How do you want to do this? Let's set some ground rules," Uchiha Kai said, stretching his limbs as he faced Sarutobi Asuma.
"Fighting one-on-one is boring. Let's make it a three-man team fight," Sarutobi Asuma countered, glancing at the two Uchiha boys beside Kai.
"Alright," Uchiha Lu Yan agreed, stepping forward with the other Uchiha youth. "We'll start in ten minutes." The Uchiha trio began their warm-up.
Renzou frowned, subtly scanning his surroundings. His senses detected several chakra signatures, each no less potent than his own, subtly positioned around the perimeter of the training grounds. Anbu… it seems the village leadership is aware of this little spectacle and hopes to prevent any further escalation.
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office…
The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, was a student of the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, and revered by many as the strongest Hokage in history (a self-crafted narrative, some whispered). Though not as aged as in the anime, he was currently in his prime, the title of "Hokage" undeniably fitting. At this moment, a furrow creased his brow as he gazed into the crystal ball on his desk, which projected the scene unfolding at the training grounds. The Telescope Technique, known as "the clairvoyant who sees all," was in use. This auxiliary ninjutsu, channeled through the crystal ball, allowed him to monitor the village. Even with a different medium, Hiruzen could observe the actions of Konoha's inhabitants.
"The Uchiha clan… such a troublesome clan," Hiruzen murmured, his gaze shifting within the crystal ball, the image now focusing on the Uchiha compound. Anbu has been dispatched. Hopefully, this won't incite further discontent from the Uchiha this time. What an eventful period. Years had passed since the Second Great Ninja War, and the other ninja villages had recovered their military strength, their eyes now turning covetously towards the Land of Fire. Every major conflict seemed to pit Konoha against four other nations. If internal friction and distrust hadn't been so prevalent, Konoha's survival until the Third War might have been less precarious.
"Hiruzen, what's on your mind?" A figure pushed open the door and entered, arms crossed, his right eye bandaged, his gaze somber, two distinct scars marking his chin. He looked at the pensive Hokage.
"Oh, Danzo. Nothing of great concern. I was just thinking about the Uchiha clan." Sarutobi Hiruzen offered his old comrade, who had stood beside him through decades of war, a wry smile.
The newcomer was none other than Konoha's "Pot King," the unofficial 5.5th Hokage, Shimura Danzo! While many viewed Danzo's actions with disdain, his shadow organization, Root, had undeniably contributed to Konoha's prosperity. It was precisely because Danzo embraced the darkness that Sarutobi Hiruzen could maintain his image as the eternally righteous Hokage under the sun. Their contrasting roles had, in their own way, fostered Konoha's growth. Perhaps this was why Hiruzen often forgave Danzo's transgressions. After all, looking at the entire Hokage lineage, Danzo might have wronged many, but his loyalty to Sarutobi Hiruzen was unwavering.
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End of Chapter 15