The Human Heart Cannot Be Looked Upon Directly

Over the next four days and nights, Sasuke had no contact with anyone apart from mealtimes.

However, at Kakashi's strong insistence, a Medical Team came to examine and treat him.

The diagnosis showed that his recovery had exceeded expectations, but he still needed observation and rest.

In the darkness, Sasuke repeatedly considered every possible future.

For Asuma, proving that he had done nothing would be a hundred times harder than proving that he had done something.

In fact, that was true for anyone.

Therefore, it was almost certain that Asuma would be left in a passive position, unable to defend himself no matter what he said.

Accordingly, Sasuke only needed to pin everything on Asuma and, at the right moment, show sincere remorse. Perhaps that would minimize the damage.

For all he knew, they might even commend him for reporting the matter.

In addition, Sasuke gave the so-called peace considerable thought.

From the village's perspective, he would naturally have agreed without hesitation—

"The village's peace must be protected at any cost."

But now that he himself had become that "cost," the feeling was difficult to put into words.

When one was weak, survival came first.

Everything else was bullshit.

At that thought, his guilt toward Asuma was quickly suppressed.

Right now, others held the knife while he lay on the cutting board. This was no time to worry about minor details.

At the same time, on the other side of Konoha, in the Hokage Supreme Council Hall.

After receiving Kakashi's briefing, Konoha's highest-ranking leaders—Hiruzen Sarutobi, Mitokado Homura, Utatane Koharu, and Shimura Danzō—launched into their fiercest argument in years.

Regarding the latest intelligence provided by Sasuke, everyone agreed that Orochimaru's invasion plan was already obvious, and that they stood on the brink of war.

But when it came to handling Sarutobi Asuma, they split into three entirely different camps.

Hiruzen Sarutobi believed that Sarutobi Asuma should be arrested and interrogated immediately. If necessary, they could use the Mind Reading Technique to view all of his memories.

Mitokado Homura objected.

"Monkey, let me speak frankly. I know you're eager to prove Asuma's innocence, but if you do this, the relationship between father and son will inevitably freeze over.

"There has never been a precedent for using the Mind Reading Technique on a fellow villager. Even with Uchiha Sasuke, whose suspicions are clear, we have not gone that far.

"Setting aside his relationship with you, Sarutobi Asuma is still an important fighting force for the village. To humiliate an Elite Jonin like this... you must carefully consider where people's loyalties lie."

Shimura Danzō, meanwhile, proposed killing the Uchiha brat outright. Of course, before killing him, they could use the Mind Reading Technique to examine the relevant memories.

"What the enemy wants is what we must oppose. That boy is already completely uncontrollable. Since we have the Sharingan but cannot fully make use of it, we might as well kill him."

"What about the Nine-Tails? Without the Sharingan, are you going to control it yourself?!"

Utatane Koharu shouted angrily.

All you ever talk about is killing. No wonder you've spent your entire life unable to stand in the light.

Danzo remained expressionless, merely adjusting the bandages wrapped around his right eye.

"A guilty man gives himself away; watch him in secret, and he will reveal himself." Mitokado Homura ignored the argument between the two.

"Release the rat, and it will naturally lead us to its nest."

"You mean release Uchiha Sasuke?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi fell into thought.

"Exactly." Mitokado Homura nodded. "But we must assign enough people to watch him closely. The moment he makes any move, we act at once."

Utatane Koharu nodded as well, voicing her agreement.

"Absolutely not! You're raising a tiger only to invite disaster! Once we've turned against him, he can only be our enemy! Since when does Konoha bow and scrape after treating someone with contempt?!" Shimura Danzō shouted heatedly.

"Indecision breeds endless trouble, Hokage!"

"Danzo, enough."

Hiruzen Sarutobi stopped him.

Danzo glared at the other three, seeing from their faces that they had already made their decision.

The disappointment in Danzo's heart was beyond words. He stormed out in anger.

The three remained seated across from one another in silence.

"What if Uchiha Sasuke remains still?"

"Then it means he never intended to harm Konoha in the first place, and Sarutobi Asuma's suspicions will be cleared as well. Perhaps it was merely the impatient nonsense of a frightened child.

"In that case, the source of his ninjutsu would no longer seem so important.

"As for the person behind him, he couldn't have taught him only one technique, could he? Keep watching, and we will surely gain something."

"We'll proceed as the two advisers suggest."

After a long period of thought, Hiruzen Sarutobi made the final decision.

He then rose and returned home, arranging the assignments according to plan.

"Uchiha Sasuke, the Third Hokage wishes to see you."

The door to the Detention Room was suddenly thrown open. Sasuke was startled, unsure whether this was fortune or disaster.

Inside Konoha's Hokage Office.

"The village has always valued you greatly.

"I often tell Konohamaru that he should take Sasuke as his example. Among the younger generation, my expectations for you are the highest.

"Through our long struggle, we have formed the selfless Will of Fire. We live in the same village; every one of us is family!

"I know you carry many burdens. Believe me, Konoha will help you fulfill your goals and ideals! Orochimaru is absolutely not the right choice!"

At that moment, Sasuke more or less understood.

It seemed his strategy had worked. From the Third's attitude, he appeared to be offering Sasuke a way out and asking for a show of loyalty.

Sasuke thought of that story about the kitten once again.

With the help of the Will of Steel, he suppressed his other thoughts and went along with it against his will.

"I never intended to do anything that would harm the village! My dealings with Orochimaru and the others were only for the sake of pursuing power."

Sasuke did not mention Asuma's name, but his intention was already obvious.

The Third Hokage acted as though he had not understood at all, even nodding in satisfaction.

"You cannot be entirely blamed for this. I simply have not shown you enough concern in the past."

"I will not speak of this matter to anyone else. There is no greater good than correcting one's mistakes."

"I hear your injuries have not fully healed. I've already arranged a hospital room for you. Make sure you rest well, and bring glory to Konoha in the upcoming exams!"

"Okay."

Sasuke nodded.

"Kakashi, take him back!"

"Yes!"

Kakashi, who had been waiting outside for some time, came in and gestured for Sasuke to leave with him.

Was he... free?

For a moment, Sasuke could scarcely believe it was real.

As he stepped out of the Hokage Office, he had never found the sunlight so blinding.

The sun could not be looked upon directly.

Neither could the human heart.

As far as he was concerned, the only reason he had escaped this time was because Asuma had been implicated, and a father had covered for his son.

"Kakashi."

"Yeah?"

"What meaning is there in protecting a Konoha like this?"

"Huh? How can you say something like that!"

Kakashi lowered his voice, speaking urgently.

"Ha! I was probably locked up too long, so my head isn't very clear. Hahaha."

Realizing he had misspoken, Sasuke immediately dropped the subject.

"Kakashi! Sasuke! I finally found you!"

Naruto came running over from a short distance away.

Looking at Naruto's sunny face, Sasuke suddenly realized that nothing outside had changed.

Yet in those few short days, it felt as though he had already lived through several lifetimes.