Utakata stood rooted to the spot, listening to every word the man said. At that moment, he could no longer offer a single word of rebuttal.
The cruel reality struck his heart like a heavy hammer, forcing him to accept this unbelievable truth.
Suddenly, Utakata's legs gave out, and he collapsed to his knees.
He raised his trembling hands and clutched his head tightly as tears poured endlessly from his eyes like a burst dam.
In a hoarse voice, he muttered, "I was the one who got my master killed... It was all because of my suspicion..."
Utakata's body shook without stop, his heart filled with regret and self-reproach.
The man silently watched the person before him, a barely perceptible trace of pleasure flickering in his eyes.
"Now isn't the time for you to cry! The ninja world is facing a crisis of life and death, yet you're still clinging to that obsession of yours?" the man said condescendingly.
Facing the man, Utakata slammed his head against the ground three times and kept repeating, "I'm sorry..."
The man shook his head slightly. "I've long since let go of my hatred. I never planned to see you again for the rest of my life, but since I was entrusted by the Mizukage, I still hope you can return to Kirigakure."
Knowing Utakata's concerns well, the man continued, "Under the Mizukage's rule, Kirigakure is no longer the Village of the Bloody Mist it once was, filled with bloodshed and slaughter. If you return, you will be properly protected. You will never be imprisoned again."
"Thank you. I'm willing to return to Kirigakure." Utakata truly could not find any reason to refuse, so he agreed without hesitation.
The man pulled a Kirigakure forehead protector from his sleeve and tossed it before Utakata.
Utakata