Mikoto's Hesitation

Under the downward gaze of Uchiha Genya's eyes, Sarutobi Hiruzen immediately assumed a defensive stance.

It was not that Genya had done anything; Hiruzen simply feared the Uchiha's power.

That canyon was right beside them now. No one could calmly speak with Uchiha Genya under such circumstances.

But some matters could not be compromised.

Just as Sarutobi Hiruzen was about to persuade him, Genya spoke first and cut him off.

"Third Hokage."

"Hashirama's original purpose in founding Konoha was to keep children from taking up weapons and going to war."

"Search your conscience. Did you learn the Will of Fire into a dog's stomach?!"

Choked by Genya's words, Sarutobi Hiruzen lowered his head in shame.

Yet Genya found Hiruzen's guilt somewhat disgusting.

That was just how he was. He turned a blind eye to Danzo's darkness within the village, yet he was not evil enough to see it through and still cared about his reputation. In the end, he could only end up displeasing both sides.

Genya snorted and turned to leave.

"Wait, I have one more question."

The matter of Minato's child could be discussed later. Even if they possessed the Nine-Tails' power, they would still have no way to stand against the Uchiha.

Tonight's events had already proven that.

But an even more crucial question still lingered in Sarutobi Hiruzen's heart. He had to get an answer, or he would not be able to sleep tonight.

"That strike just now... was it yours, or Fugaku's?"

When the Nine-Tails went berserk, he had still been rushing back from outside the village. At the time, only those within the Uchiha clan knew who had displayed such an overwhelmingly powerful Susanoo.

He had not yet had the chance to ask the informants he had planted among the Uchiha who exactly had mastered such terrifying power.

But no matter what, no matter who wielded such power, it was not good news for the Hokage faction.

Namikaze Minato and Kushina had died in battle, while the Uchiha had displayed strength that surpassed the Nine-Tails and even stood above the village.

The balance of power had been completely shattered. Coupled with the Uchiha's recent show of strength, Sarutobi Hiruzen could already foresee the coming storm.

Genya glanced back at Sarutobi Hiruzen. "Is that important?"

He had little patience left.

He had just made a grand display before the entire Uchiha clan, and he still needed to go back to settle his mission rewards and draw the lottery. He had no time to waste talking nonsense with this old man.

Political maneuvering was merely a tool to him. Only by becoming stronger himself could he deal with all malice from beyond.

Sarutobi Hiruzen opened his mouth, but in the end, he did not ask anything further.

The malice in Uchiha Genya's eyes was different from Danzo's.

Danzo's killing intent was more like the impotent rage of a powerless man. Hiruzen was confident he could suppress Danzo, which was why he had repeatedly tolerated his actions.

But the way Genya had looked at him just now had been one of lofty superiority.

It was not the hatred one held toward an enemy. If he had to describe it, it was more like looking down upon an insect that could be crushed at any moment.

How could a human possibly hate an insect that could be crushed underfoot?

He already had the answer to his own question.

In the end, Sarutobi Hiruzen only said stiffly, "The Jonin Conference will be held tomorrow. All Uchiha jonin must attend."

With a Body Flicker Technique, Genya vanished from the spot, leaving Sarutobi Hiruzen standing there, hesitating to speak.

After returning to the Uchiha Clan Compound, Genya first went to the clan head's residence and knocked on Fugaku's door.

Fugaku was currently outside helping with disaster relief, and it was his wife, Uchiha Mikoto, who answered the door.

When she saw Uchiha Genya holding a child in his arms, she was rather surprised.

"Genya, this is...?"

Genya said, "This child is Namikaze Minato's orphan. Could I trouble you to look after him for the time being?"

Genya had no experience caring for children, nor did he want to deal with someone so troublesome. It was better to entrust him to someone reliable.

Among the people Genya knew, only Mikoto had experience taking care of children.

Besides, looking after one sheep was the same as herding two. It was just one more child.

The moment she heard the word orphan, Mikoto immediately understood what it meant, and her heart sank.

"The Fourth Hokage... died in battle?"

Genya did not say more. He merely handed the child to Mikoto.

Mikoto took him naturally, gently rocking and patting him as an inescapable sadness surfaced in her eyes.

She and Kushina had been close friends since their student days. They had even served as each other's bridesmaids when they got married.

She had never expected to hear such devastating news today.

Although Genya had not said what had happened to Kushina, the answer was obvious.

A Jinchuriki would certainly die if a Tailed Beast was extracted. The instant the Nine-Tails appeared, Kushina's life had already begun counting down.

And if Kushina were still alive, Genya would not have brought the child here for her to care for.

Looking at the child in her arms, whose umbilical cord had not even been cut and who had lost both parents overnight, Mikoto's maternal instincts were immediately stirred.

"Leave this child to me. I will care for him as though he were my own." Mikoto promised.

The Uchiha clan had vast resources. They would not be impoverished over a single child.

Besides, she had been very close to Kushina and truly felt heartache for this child.

Genya nodded and was just about to leave.

But at that moment, Mikoto suddenly called out to him.

"Genya."

Genya turned back and saw Mikoto hesitate. Yet in the end, holding Naruto close, she gathered her courage and spoke.

"Genya... I know a woman like me should not say too much, but I also heard your argument with Fugaku."

"That is simply his personality sometimes. He can be rather stubborn. I hope you will not take it to heart."

After saying that, Mikoto held Naruto and bowed deeply to Genya, apologizing on behalf of her husband.

Genya turned around and looked at the uneasy Mikoto.

Clearly, she too had been frightened by that Thoughtless Blade that cut across the heavens. She did not want to see her husband and Genya become enemies.

Though she had not witnessed the actual scene of that strike, merely feeling the tremors coming from outside the village had been enough to send chills down her spine.

After a moment of silence, Genya said, "Fugaku's personality is not suited to being Hokage. He is not even suited to being a clan head."

Mikoto wanted to say something more, but Genya raised a hand and stopped her.

"But this is an internal matter of our clan. I promise you, as long as he does not do anything excessive from now on, there will be no bloodshed."