A Different Third Hokage, Two Diametrically Opposed Ways of Handling Things

Before long, what had happened at the Ninja Academy reached the ears of the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.

To everyone's surprise, the busy Hokage actually made time to personally come to the academy and handle the matter.

This also reflected how seriously Sarutobi Hiruzen regarded this incident, as well as Kushina Uzumaki, the "Nine-Tails Jinchuriki."

An attempt to shoot and kill the future Nine-Tails Jinchuriki? Had Uchiha Kazuhiko acted on his own, or had someone instructed him? He had to get to the bottom of this!

Of course, he was also the principal of the Ninja Academy, and he genuinely cared about the children at the school.

After making inquiries and conducting an investigation, Sarutobi Hiruzen quickly grasped the general cause and course of events.

Put bluntly, this was simply infighting among Uchiha Clan children.

The only matter that truly warranted his attention was Uchiha Kazuhiko's unauthorized use of a weapon.

"Can you confirm that Uchiha Kazuhiko threw the kunai at Kushina's throat?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Liuyun and asked solemnly.

"Yes, I can." Liuyun's gaze was firm as he answered.

In truth, Liuyun could not be certain whether it had been aimed at her throat or shoulders. But since the other side had drawn a "blade," he would not be softhearted enough to leave his enemy a "way out" or any "room to maneuver."

If his own strength had not been so weak, with so many restrictions holding him back, Liuyun would have wanted to shout, "This child must not be spared!"...

"Based on the kunai's flight path, Liuyun's height, his movement when he raised his hand to catch it, and the testimony of the witnesses present, we can basically conclude that his statement is most likely accurate..."

A ninja with professional criminal investigation expertise gave his analysis based on the information.

"Send that child back to the Uchiha Compound. Then, at a later date, complete the procedures for expelling him."

"Also, inform the Uchiha Clan that they must strengthen both the ideological education and supervision of their children. The Ninja Academy teaches skills not for use against one's own people."

Sarutobi Hiruzen made the final decision without hesitation.

His words stunned quite a few teachers. Even Liuyun himself was somewhat alarmed.

This Third Hokage was far too decisive. For an elementary school student, this punishment seemed rather too severe!

Was he using this matter to warn the Uchiha Clan? Or was he enraged because Kushina had been put in danger?

Or did he simply want to use this incident to make an example of one and warn the other students at the Ninja Academy? Or was it because Uchiha Kazuhiko's nature was too vicious, making him unsuitable to become a ninja?

Liuyun could not accurately determine the specific reason.

Wasn't the Third Hokage in my memory supposed to be a benevolent leader? How could he...

Liuyun was deeply shaken, but he did not dare look directly at the man, afraid that something might show on his face.

Perhaps it was because he was younger...

The current Third Hokage was not yet the aged, kindly old man from the original story. Liuyun felt he could not judge his personality or thoughts based on that alone...

Or perhaps Sarutobi Hiruzen was never truly benevolent. He only showed that side to people with great influence...

Liuyun's thoughts raced. In only a few minutes, he had considered a great many things.

"Uchiha Liuyun, you violently attacked your classmates over a single insult... Do you know your mistake?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke in a deep voice. His tone was neither hurried nor slow, yet the immense authority behind it made Liuyun's breathing quicken.

It was understandable that he had hit someone for calling him a "little bastard." If the beating had been light, others might even have supported him.

But if he had beaten them too severely, then it could not be condoned.

"I know I was wrong..."

Liuyun lowered his head at the right moment. Even if he believed he had done nothing wrong, he had to play meek and admit fault now.

"Since you disregarded your own safety to protect your companion from danger, your wrongdoing will not be pursued for the time being."

"Study hard from now on, and do not cause any more trouble!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen treated Liuyun's offense lightly. Compared with Uchiha Kazuhiko's punishment, this was clearly an entirely different attitude!

This attitude was the "benevolence" Liuyun remembered from the Third Hokage in the original story.

There were two main reasons Sarutobi Hiruzen had chosen to spare Liuyun so lightly.

First, because of Liuyun's father, Uchiha Sheng.

Uchiha Sheng had been a martyr who died on the battlefield. Sarutobi Hiruzen generally showed a benevolent side toward the widows and children of fallen heroes.

Second, because Uchiha Liuyun knew how to cherish his companions. He had even been willing to suffer injury in order to protect one. Such a person was most suited to inherit the "Will of Fire."

Such people were precisely the kind Konoha ought to cultivate vigorously. Sarutobi Hiruzen thought highly of young people with a "spirit of sacrifice."

Back then, he himself had relied on that spirit of sacrifice. When faced with a great crisis, he had taken the initiative to offer to stay behind and cover his companions' retreat, and that was how he had successfully secured the position of Hokage.

"Your father, Uchiha Sheng, was an outstanding ninja. He was brave and fearless on the battlefield..."

Sarutobi Hiruzen began a lengthy ideological lecture that lasted more than ten minutes. Liuyun listened very "attentively," with sorrowful expressions occasionally appearing on his face.

"I hope you study hard, inherit his 'Will of Fire' in the future, and become someone useful to Konoha..."

Faced with Sarutobi Hiruzen's "brainwashing," Liuyun acted exceptionally obedient. He nodded when he should nod, cried when he should cry, and even when he could not cry, he still had to look sad and heartbroken.

Overall, Sarutobi Hiruzen was very satisfied. He generously forgave Liuyun's wrongdoing and let Kushina off for knocking someone unconscious as well.

The unlucky ones were the few who had started the trouble, especially Uchiha Kazuhiko. Not only had he suffered two brutal beatings, but he would no longer be able to become a Hidden Leaf Ninja in the future.

Because being expelled from the academy meant he could not receive a Konoha Forehead Protector. Without one, he could not be considered an active ninja, much less enter the Konoha Military Police Force.

In the future, he might only be able to remain in the Uchiha Compound and become the private guard of some elder's household.

Class was in session. The moment Liuyun returned to his seat, Kushina anxiously slipped him a little note.

"How did it go? Did Lord Hokage make things difficult for you?" Her words were full of concern.

"No. This matter has been resolved perfectly!"

"That's good."

"Why are your eyes red? And why do you keep sniffing? You cried, didn't you?" Kushina's eyes were filled with curiosity.

"I got too into the act. Just give me a moment to recover..."

"What does that mean?"

"Exactly what it means."

"..."

Within the Uchiha Compound.

When Uchiha Tou, a Jonin, received word that his son had been injured and expelled, he could no longer focus on his patrol duties in the Military Police Force. In his panic, he rushed straight home.

Once he learned the full course of events, Uchiha Tou was so furious that he nearly lost his mind.

His son had been punched hard enough to lose two teeth, kicked until his nose bled, and had his thigh injured by a kunai. Yet not only did the attacker get away without so much as a scratch, the victim had even been expelled on the spot!

"This is outrageous! Son, don't be afraid. Your father will stand up for you."

As Uchiha Tou raged, his Three-Tomoe Sharingan emerged involuntarily.

Suppressing his anger, he comforted the sobbing Uchiha Kazuhiko for a while, then stormed off, intending to confront the Third Hokage directly.

But the moment he stepped out the door, he changed his mind. Rather than heading for the Hokage Tower, he returned to the Konoha Military Police Force.

He wanted to use the power of his clan to pressure the Third Hokage. Only that could force the Hokage to compromise and let his son return to school. He could never accomplish it through his own strength alone.