Hatake Kakashi had never intended to do this.
But—
Sarutobi Hiruzen's behavior earlier had truly disappointed him.
His father, the White Fang of Konoha, had abandoned a mission to save comrades—and was driven to suicide by public condemnation.
His teacher and teacher's wife had sacrificed their lives during the Nine-Tails Incident to protect the village.
His companions—Uchiha Obito and Nohara Rin—had died tragically in war.
They were the most important people in Kakashi's life.
And yet, all their deaths seemed to amount to nothing more than external compromise, internal sacrifice, and ruthless political maneuvering.
Kakashi could not accept that.
Perhaps his heart had once been dead.
But the matter of Uchiha Qianyu had shaken him awake.
Partly because of Qianyu's identity as an Uchiha.
Partly because of the strange trust that man had placed in him.
For the first time in a long while, Kakashi realized—
He was still a person.
Not merely a tool called a shinobi.
So he laid every report on the table.
In an instant, the room fell silent as everyone read.
Sarutobi Hiruzen was furious—
Yet he could no longer stop it.
When the reports were finished, the decision-makers of Konoha looked at one another in silence.
Kakashi smiled faintly.
"So… what do you all think?"
Uchiha Fugaku seized the opportunity immediately.
"It's clear now. Sarutobi Shinnosuke abused his authority, sought personal revenge, and framed Qianyu's subordinates. That is why Qianyu acted!"
Yamanaka Inoichi, having participated in the investigation himself, did not dare speak rashly.
He and Akimichi Choza instinctively turned toward the spiritual pillar of Ino–Shika–Cho—
Nara Shikaku.
But what could Shikaku say?
That the Hokage's son had committed grave crimes and deserved death?
Instead, Inuzuka Tsume slammed the table.
"Hokage-sama!"
"Even if Shinnosuke was your son—if this report is accurate, colluding with a Kirigakure spy to frame fellow shinobi is unforgivable!"
"Qianyu's methods were extreme—but understandable!"
"And Hokage-sama, you are known throughout the shinobi world for fairness and justice. If it were you—wouldn't you also uphold righteousness over family?!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen: "..."
Aburame Shibi nodded quietly in agreement.
Even Hyūga Hiashi frowned after reading.
"Using such despicable methods against one's own comrades… that crosses the line."
"Hokage-sama, Uchiha Qianyu's actions are not without reason."
Kakashi understood.
These clan heads were not necessarily supporting Qianyu—
But after witnessing Hiruzen's humiliation toward the Cloud Village, resentment had begun to grow.
Weakness outside. Ruthlessness within.
Who suffered from that?
Konoha's own people.
Hiruzen understood this too.
But he could not openly oppose them.
So he glanced toward Shimura Danzō.
Danzō ignored him completely.
That old fox—
Hiruzen cursed inwardly.
Danzō was enjoying this.
After all, Hiruzen had once been forced to step down after humiliating peace treaties at the end of the Third Shinobi War.
If there was a chance to push him aside again—
Danzō would not miss it.
Koharu and Homura exchanged looks.
"sigh… Hiruzen, Shinnosuke truly went too far this time."
"You've always treated every shinobi like your own child. Those two Police Force members were no different."
"As for Qianyu… his behavior was extreme, but at this point, punishment alone won't change what's happened."
"Let him be imprisoned for reflection."
Hiruzen clenched his fist.
Even you two…
He looked up.
Every gaze burned into him.
For the first time—
He felt fear.
Hiruzen coughed, forcing himself to calm down.
"I understand."
"Shinnosuke was my son—but if he committed evil, I will not protect him."
"As Hokage, I will not take my anger out on Qianyu."
"If I had discovered Shinnosuke's actions myself…"
"I would have done the same."
"Shisui—inform the prison guards. Release Qianyu."
Shisui was shocked.
"Hokage-sama, this—"
"That's an order."
"Right is right. Wrong is wrong."
"All shinobi of Konoha are my family."
Shisui could only reply:
"…Yes, Hokage-sama."
Behind his mask, Kakashi smiled faintly.
Fugaku let out a long breath of relief.
But Fugaku knew—
The real reason Hiruzen agreed was simple.
Qianyu could not be contained.
He stayed imprisoned only by choice.
Outside the Hokage Tower, Fugaku approached Kakashi.
"Kakashi… thank you."
"I only did my duty."
Fugaku smiled bitterly.
"Then you've already surpassed most people."
He patted Kakashi's shoulder and left.
From the office window, Hiruzen and Shisui watched silently.
Had Kakashi chosen the Uchiha?
Kakashi did not look up.
But he knew.
From this moment on—
The Hokage would never fully trust him again.
And his casual conversation with Fugaku would be used as proof of "collusion."
He chuckled softly.
"Well… if it's come to this—"
"I might as well be selfish once."
That Night
Hyūga Clan Compound
A shadow slipped through the darkness.
The Cloud Village envoy.
"Byakugan…"
"The Cloud Village will have it."
"And if we're stealing—"
"We'll take the purest bloodline."
"Hyūga Hiashi's daughter…"
"Hyūga Hinata."
A cold smile curved his lips.
His body vanished into the night.
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