You're Taking the Blame, Whether You Like It or Not!

But what did any of this have to do with him?

Hiko turned back to look at the Third Hokage. In the darkness, the silver hair atop the Third Hokage's head stood out conspicuously. Hiko sighed inwardly. Old Man Third really had grown old.

Why bother? If he had not gone too far this time, Hiko would not have wanted to fall out with him either. At the end of the day, Hiko still felt a strong sense of belonging toward Konoha. Otherwise, he would have long since taken a path similar to Uchiha Madara's.

Of course, that only referred to his attitude toward Konoha. It did not mean Hiko intended to follow Uchiha Madara's old path.

A nostalgic smile appeared on the Third Hokage's face as he continued, "Konoha has reached this point, and I have watched it grow all along. In truth, I am very proud, because it bears the marks left behind by me, Hiruzen Sarutobi. Naturally, it also bears the marks left behind by the Uchiha Clan and by you, Uchiha Hiko."

Hiko rolled his eyes. This old man had called him here in the middle of the night just to say this?

"Old Man Third, just say what you want to say. The Uchiha Clan has plenty of matters waiting for me to handle. I do not have much time to spend here admiring the night view with you and listening to meaningless nonsense. I admit that your words make sense, and they are touching, but you went too far this time."

Hiko believed the Third Hokage had gone too far, so he would strike back and say it to his face. That was what reassured the Third Hokage most. If Hiko kept it buried and waited for an opportunity to retaliate, that would be