Their Respective Stances

Watching the two hostile sides in the Crystal Ball, the Third Hokage frowned and said gravely:

"It looks like they're about to fight. It's lunchtime, and the teachers are resting too. They probably won't get there in time to stop them. Orochimaru, go take a look. That Uchiha Clan brat doesn't know his own strength. Don't let him cause another major incident and hurt the children."

That Uchiha Clan kid knew ninjutsu. This was no joke!

The Third Hokage wasn't afraid of him being ganged up on. He was afraid that the brat would use ninjutsu to hurt people!

After all, something like this had happened before. Back then, he had only attacked members of his own clan, yet the consequences had been that severe. This time, it might become even worse!

As soon as the Third Hokage finished speaking, Orochimaru used the Body Flicker Technique and left. Tsunade left with him!

The two of them sped toward the academy at full speed!

"Tch! That guy is practically an unstable factor at the academy!"

Jiraiya said bluntly.

"Hehe, that's true."

The Third Hokage smiled and agreed.

"They might as well just let him graduate. At least then he won't keep bringing trouble to his classmates!"

With his arms folded, Jiraiya rolled his eyes and spoke casually.

Suddenly, the Third Hokage's expression turned extremely stern. He spoke seriously to Jiraiya:

"Letting him graduate now would be harming him! Don't forget his age. He's still a child who understands nothing!"

"!!!"

Jiraiya's whole body suddenly jolted. Dropping his frivolous attitude, he sincerely apologized to the Third Hokage.

"I'm sorry, Teacher! I didn't mean anything by it. I spoke out of turn..."

He felt that targeting a five-year-old child like this was utterly shameful. Ashamed, he corrected his attitude and sincerely apologized, even though his words had been unintentional.

Clearly, he had understood the meaning behind the Third Hokage's words.

"I know."

The Third Hokage lit a cigarette. He knew Jiraiya's personality best and did not want to make a big issue out of it.

Suddenly, a shift in the situation inside the Crystal Ball drew both of their attention.

Katsuo suddenly withdrew his gaze and looked at the group of Uchiha Clan members standing some distance away.

"Fugaku, it's time for you to show what you can do. You said you'd help me."

Katsuo's words startled everyone. If the Uchiha Clan was going to stand up for him, this fight would not be easy. The Uchiha Clan's overall strength surpassed that of the Hyuga Clan!

Immediately, everyone's eyes fell upon Uchiha Fugaku!

Feeling all those gazes upon him, Fugaku fell silent for a moment. He quickly weighed the pros and cons of helping Katsuo.

Originally, he had planned to help Katsuo. After all, if he wanted to win people over, he had to give something first.

However, Katsuo's decisive rejection earlier, coupled with his current matter-of-fact attitude, filled him with dissatisfaction.

Weren't you so capable? Damn it, in the end, don't you still have to come begging me for help?

Fugaku thought disdainfully. While looking down on Katsuo, he also secretly felt pleased with himself.

He was just about to agree when Hiashi's voice rang out first.

"You're going to stand up for him, aren't you? Fine! The Uchiha Clan truly is a pack of the same kind. They're an evil clan that does nothing but bully the weak! During our time at the academy, everyone here has been bullied by members of their clan at least once, haven't they?"

At the academy, to be honest, the Uchiha Clan members were the most arrogant, the most exclusionary, and the most extreme. Such traits were widespread throughout the Uchiha Clan!

The Uchiha Clan boys were very popular with girls. Setting aside their personalities, they were all outstanding, handsome, and knew how to act cool.

Most girls liked them, so naturally the boys hated them...

Seeing the emotions of the crowd stirred up again as countless students began denouncing the Uchiha Clan's "crimes," Hiashi continued excitedly:

"Today, we've gathered here, with the Hyuga Clan taking the lead. Let's overthrow this 'evil' clan together! Let's beat up Uchiha Katsuo together and let them know that this is Konoha's academy, everyone's academy—not the Uchiha Clan's academy!"

Watching Hiashi ignite the rebellious emotions of so many students, Katsuo sneered inwardly.

As expected of the future head of the Hyuga Clan, a famous politician. At such a young age, he's already mastered the art of talking people into submission to such perfection! No wonder he could later fool his nephew into setting aside the blood feud of losing his father and willingly die as a substitute for the main family, swearing loyalty to them to the death!

So then? What will Fugaku choose?

He had never truly expected Fugaku to stand up for him. He had said it only to see the attitude of these Uchiha Clan members. It would affect how he treated the Uchiha Clan in the future. Though Katsuo did not particularly care, this simple test was necessary!

Uchiha Fugaku's expression changed as he watched the surging crowd!

That bastard Hiashi is trying to isolate our Uchiha Clan!

At that thought, sweat immediately covered his forehead. If he helped Katsuo this time, the label of being an "evil clan" would likely become permanent from then on!

The Uchiha Clan would inevitably be excluded and isolated in the future. It was even possible that they would be suppressed!

Though the Uchiha Clan was strong and had no trouble dealing with a single Hyuga Clan, they absolutely could not stand against everyone!

That was close. I almost fell for his trap. Hiashi is truly vicious!

Fine. I hate that arrogant guy anyway. He made me lose so much face last time. This is the perfect chance to get revenge. Let's see how he dies!

Uchiha Fugaku's thoughts raced. In an instant, he weighed the gains and losses. He suddenly stopped the restless members of his clan, then raised both hands and shouted to the indignant crowd:

"Everyone, Katsuo's matter has nothing to do with the Uchiha Clan. Our Uchiha Clan is not some 'evil' clan either. We also despise such vile behavior as collecting ** fees. Don't let Hyuga Hiashi use you and stir up your emotions, causing you to misunderstand the Uchiha Clan!"

Fugaku directly named Hiashi and bluntly called him a petty man. Before Hiashi could respond, he led the Uchiha Clan members away, walking together to the front of the crowd of onlookers.

In the end, he was still a child, narrow-minded and impatient. He had not chosen to reconcile with Katsuo.

Clearly, the Uchiha Clan had no intention of involving themselves in this vicious fight. He had not listened to Grandfather's advice to ease his relationship with Katsuo!

This made Hiashi's face turn livid. Fugaku's actions had already made his stance clear. Hiashi could no longer use the Uchiha Clan as an excuse, or else he would become the petty man Fugaku had accused him of being, using Katsuo to suppress the Uchiha Clan!

"Hmph! That boy is beneath contempt and unworthy of association!"

A cold snort filled with disdain rang out. The students present were all baffled by those words.

They did not possess Katsuo's breadth of knowledge, so they clearly could not understand what the phrase meant.

Of course, Katsuo had not expected them to understand!

Katsuo was the only one in the field who still maintained a proud posture. Behind him, Nawaki was becoming more and more flustered and uneasy!

At that moment, Uchiha Mikoto ran over. Her eyes were filled with anger as she looked at Uchiha Fugaku. Then, without saying a word, she stood beside Katsuo!

Katsuo rolled his eyes. Just as he was about to tell Mikoto to stay away from him, he saw a blond-haired civilian student approach timidly.

"Do... do you need help?"

The student asked with an awkward smile. He felt that things had grown too serious, and Katsuo might be beaten badly. He could not simply do nothing, especially since they had agreed to become friends!

With his friend in trouble, he stepped forward without hesitation, even though he might be beaten because of Katsuo later!

Katsuo was visibly stunned when he saw Minato Namikaze step forward to support him, then smiled.

He could understand Mikoto stepping forward, but Minato stepping forward truly surprised him!

The Fourth Hokage should still be just a kid at this age...

Katsuo thought to himself.

Minato was only six years old. He was still young, soft, and easy to knock down. Wasn't stepping forward now just offering himself up on a platter?

Still, the fact that he had the intention proved that Katsuo had not made this friend for nothing. The Fourth Hokage truly was a charismatic man, someone worthy of deep friendship and trust!

As Katsuo smiled helplessly, a voice suddenly rang out, freezing his smile and leaving his face full of shock.

He saw a girl with fiery red hair walking over casually, one hand behind her head!

"You've got so many people bullying one person. Isn't that shameless? If you've got the guts, fight him one-on-one..."

The girl had delicate features. Her round face was fair and tender, while her thick, fiery red hair made her especially eye-catching. Though she looked adorable, the words she spoke were exceptionally streetwise!