Love brother or love the position of Hokage?

Hiruzen Sarutobi kept talking, recalling his interactions with Kagami Uchiha. Hiruzen Sarutobi believed Kagami Uchiha would never leak the news of their teacher, Tobirama Senju's, death.

Standing behind Hiruzen Sarutobi, Kagami Uchiha's excitement was palpable. True friends were rare and precious; Kagami Uchiha never expected Hiruzen Sarutobi to trust him so deeply.

A true confidant! Absolutely a true confidant!

Hiruzen, if you ever need anything, just say the word. Your brother will be there, no questions asked!

As Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke, the vast room fell silent. No one present uttered a sound, all eyes fixed on Mito Uzumaki, awaiting her judgment.

"Hmph."

A snort escaped Mito Uzumaki's throat. Mito looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi, a hint of sarcasm in her smile.

"Well said. Are you sure you really want to protect Kagami Uchiha?"

"You know, given Kagami Uchiha's status, even if he did leak the information, I couldn't kill him. He'd at most suffer some physical pain."

"The leak has already happened. As an Uchiha, whether he did it or not, Kagami Uchiha is an accomplice."

"Being played like this, this old woman has anger to vent. Seriously considering this matter will affect my attitude towards you and your future position in Konoha."

With that, Mito Uzumaki retracted her aura. The immense, ocean-like chakra that had filled the room vanished completely, bringing a sense of relief to everyone present.

However, Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't feel much relief. Mito Uzumaki's question gave him a headache. He understood perfectly what "position" Mito Uzumaki was referring to.

Hiruzen Sarutobi wasn't so senile as to believe a mere verbal appointment would make him the shadow of the most powerful ninja village in the entire ninja world.

Even if Tobirama Senju were alive, pushing him to become Hokage would face resistance. Tobirama lacked the absolute authority in Konoha. The only one with absolute authority in Konoha was Hashirama Senju.

The reason was simple: Hashirama Senju possessed peerless combat power that could silence everyone.

Tobirama Senju, on the other hand, had to constantly suppress, divide, and fairly distribute interests to ensure the clan bloodline families within the village willingly served him.

Whether he could become Hokage according to his master's dying wish now depended entirely on Mito Uzumaki.

Hiruzen Sarutobi understood Mito Uzumaki's implication perfectly.

Love for a brother, or love for the position of Hokage?

The answer he was about to give carried immense weight, so much so that Hiruzen Sarutobi hesitated, lost in thought for a few seconds.

Seeing Hiruzen Sarutobi's demeanor, Shimura Danzo grew anxious, wishing he could make the choice for Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Of course, it's the position of Hokage! No matter what, Kagami Uchiha won't die. He'll at most be bedridden for half a year. Hiruzen Sarutobi's brave stand just now was enough to honor his brotherhood with Kagami Uchiha.

At this moment, Kagami Uchiha also gazed at Hiruzen Sarutobi, hoping Hiruzen Sarutobi would temporarily abandon him. Hiruzen Sarutobi's righteous words were enough, Kagami Uchiha felt. Mito Uzumaki just wanted to vent her anger.

Just some physical pain. For the sake of brotherhood, I, Kagami Uchiha, can endure it!

"Lady Mito, Kagami Uchiha is innocent. Please do not take your anger out on him!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked up, meeting Mito Uzumaki's gaze. His inherent integrity wouldn't allow him to betray Kagami Uchiha.

"Good!"

"Very good!!"

"You little monkey, playing the hero comes at a price. I hope you can bear it!"

Mito Uzumaki slammed the table and shouted. She then ordered the surrounding Senju clan ninja to throw out the five people present, except for Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Keeping them in the Senju compound was to contain the news. Now that the news of Tobirama Senju's death had spread throughout the streets of Konoha, what use were these few useless individuals?

They were simply a waste of the Senju clan's resources.

Outside the Senju Clan Compound

"We're just... out?"

In the quiet night, under the bright moon, Utatane Koharu, who had been on the brink of life and death moments ago, exclaimed as if she had passed through a lifetime.

"What, you want to go back?"

Mitokado Homura teased her, causing Utatane Koharu to vehemently deny it. Having finally escaped the dragon's den of the Senju compound, how could she possibly return?

I was just a bystander, after all. Hokage, the future of Konoha... such weighty terms could never fall on my shoulders. I should just go home and sleep.

Shimura Danzo watched Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, who were bantering playfully, and felt a surge of anger. He directly spoke up.

"Hiruzen isn't out yet!!"

Shimura Danzo was heartbroken. His good friend was still trapped in the Senju compound, his fate uncertain. Mito Uzumaki's reaction just now was clearly one of extreme anger.

Hiruzen, you really are something. You always have to play the hero, whether it was back then when you chose to be bait to die in front of Master Tobirama Senju, or now!

"Don't worry, Hiruzen will be fine!"

Kagami Uchiha also worried about Hiruzen Sarutobi's safety. He understood that Mito Uzumaki likely wouldn't harm Hiruzen Sarutobi's life, otherwise, she wouldn't have let them out. She would have kept them all confined in the Senju compound.

However, Hiruzen Sarutobi's days wouldn't be easy. Mito Uzumaki had anger with nowhere to vent, and now Hiruzen Sarutobi was the only one left in the Senju compound. If he didn't suffer, who would?

"Shut up, Kagami Uchiha! Hiruzen being left in the Senju compound is all your fault. You and the Uchiha are no good."

"The news of Tobirama-sensei's death came from the Uchiha. For Hiruzen's sake, I'll believe you for now. You better not have leaked the information, or I won't let you off!"

"."

Shimura Danzo directed his anger at Kagami Uchiha, blaming him for everything.

Kagami Uchiha was berated into silence, wanting to retort but stopping himself.

What could he say now that Danzo Shimura wouldn't believe? If he were in Danzo's shoes, he wouldn't believe himself either.

Including Mito Uzumaki, only seven people knew. The information had leaked instantly, and the source was an Uchiha. He was the only Uchiha among those seven.

He couldn't let this enormous pot of blame be inexplicably dumped on him; his small frame couldn't bear it.

Danzo Shimura roared for a while, and Kagami Uchiha endured it. He felt guilty towards Hiruzen, and he had no defense against Danzo Shimura's accusations.

Go ahead and curse me. It's for Hiruzen's sake, and it will make me feel a little better.

Kagami Uchiha thought this. After a while, Danzo finally tired of yelling. He gave Kagami Uchiha a final, fierce glare and left them, heading towards his own home.

Seeing Danzo leave, Utatane Koharu, Mitokado Homura, and Torifu Akimichi lost the energy to continue arguing with Kagami Uchiha and also bid farewell and went home. They didn't trust Kagami Uchiha either, but their reactions weren't as intense as Danzo's.

Watching his former comrades distance themselves, Kagami Uchiha vowed to uncover the truth.

You who leaked the information, just you wait!!!

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