Hiruzen said slowly,
"A rogue ninja is one who betrays the village and flees."
Qianyu answered calmly,
"A ninja who betrays the village is a rogue—
must we wait until he escapes to act?"
"Wouldn't that be too late?"
"When Orochimaru conducted human experiments—
wasn't he already a rogue at that moment?"
Hiruzen nearly coughed blood.
Of all examples—
That one?!
That was his greatest stain.
He could not answer.
Qianyu continued.
"Since you acknowledge Sarutobi Hiyū as a rogue, how could I trust him to judge Jirō fairly?"
"If I hadn't killed Jirō publicly, he would have been shielded."
"Public execution earned the people's trust."
"Without justice, the village has no future."
Hiruzen remained silent.
Finally, he spoke.
"This incident went too far."
"I understand you—but others may not."
"Step down from the Police Force for now."
"Lie low. Return later."
Fugaku frowned.
Qianyu shrugged.
"Fine."
He turned and left.
In the days that followed, Qianyu trained.
Merit points increased.
His Sharingan deepened.
But rumors spread.
To many villagers—
He was no longer a monster.
He was something far more dangerous.
A hero who ignored rules.
An Anti-Hero.
And Hiruzen knew—
This fire could not be extinguished easily.