The Powerful Indulge Crime, Thus They Commit Crime

"I will become an excellent Hokage, a Hokage respected by all, a Hokage who leads Konoha back to glory."

Minato Namikaze sensed Shinichi Hyuga's disapproval and tried to influence the man who trusted him, just as he had done in the past.

It was through this very charisma, combined with the support of civilian ninjas and various strokes of fortune, that he had ascended to the position of Hokage.

But this time, his gamble failed.

Shinichi Hyuga had been disappointed by Minato Namikaze too many times; he no longer held any expectations.

He looked at Minato Namikaze now as if he were watching a clown.

"Minato, save that talk for the children! Look at those who once supported you and see the situation they are in now. Dodo Akimichi and Gaku Inuzuka have both been pushed to the sidelines."

"It is not because they lack talent, but because they supported you."

Shinichi Hyuga's gaze grew cold. Minato Namikaze, who had never experienced true hardship, simply did not understand how important opportunity was to others.

Others only wanted fairness, while Minato Namikaze had always been showered with every favor imaginable.

Shinichi Hyuga suspected that he was not a civilian ninja at all, but someone of the Senju bloodline.

His lineage was enough to make the signature red hair of the Uzumaki clan fade away.

He had attended the elite class at the Ninja Academy; look at his peers—which one of them wasn't a future pillar of a ninja clan?

During his time at the academy, he even won the love of Kushina Uzumaki, which logically allowed him to inherit a portion of the Senju clan's political legacy.

Fresh out of graduation, he was taken as a disciple by Jiraiya, taught the summoning techniques of Mount Myoboku, and even viewed as the savior of the Ninja World.

He was even able to master the Flying Thunder God, that legendary technique of ultimate speed.

Minato Namikaze's life thus far had been labeled with the "civilian ninja" cap, but which part of his experience reflected the treatment a civilian ninja should receive?

The world's favoritism toward him was too obvious, leading him to always believe he was omnipotent.

He wanted to reshape this world according to his own methods.

Shinichi Hyuga could not empathize with such a person.

"Shinichi, everyone in Konoha is a comrade. We should understand and accommodate one another. The world will become a better place..."

Minato Namikaze was equally unable to accept Shinichi Hyuga's philosophy, once again attempting to use his own will to alter Shinichi Hyuga's perception.

He even began to preach that soul-devouring Will of Fire championed by the Third Hokage.

Shinichi Hyuga's heart grew colder. Minato Namikaze! Not everyone has your good fortune.

It was time to show him what the world was truly like.

"Those three brats are the survivors of this incident. They bullied the children of our Hyuga clan—not just with insults, but with violence. I would very much like to hear the Hokage's profound wisdom on this."

Shinichi Hyuga interrupted Minato Namikaze, who was still trying to instill his Will of Fire, and gestured toward the three surviving children. Minato Namikaze finally ceased his incessant rambling.

"Shinichi, they are still children."

"According to Konoha's rules, I will have the orphanage take them in. As for these rogue ninjas, we will let the children under twelve go. Leave them a little bit of a Coreflame."

Minato Namikaze had to cut his long-winded speech short; he was determined to protect these children.

This was the very reason he had come here in person; otherwise, it would be difficult to answer to the Third Hokage.

The vassal clans of the Sarutobi clan could not be allowed to be wiped out.

Kakashi Hatake stood to the side, even more confused by Shinichi Hyuga's actions. If he had truly wanted to kill those offending children, Shinichi Hyuga had had plenty of opportunities.

Why specifically ask for Minato Namikaze's opinion?

Shinichi Hyuga's words seemed to carry a hidden meaning.

"Good!"

"Truly good!"

"The Hokage speaks well indeed!"

"But I am not the Hokage; I am not as noble as you."

"I am the head of the Hyuga clan. Take a message to the people behind these dogs: next time, it won't be as simple as killing the dogs!"

Shinichi Hyuga's voice became resonant, his rapid-fire praise leaving everyone feeling bewildered.

These compliments made even Minato Namikaze blush.

The turn came quickly, however, as the following words tore Minato Namikaze and the Third Hokage to shreds.

Minato Namikaze felt a bitter sting in his heart, taking it as Shinichi Hyuga's sarcasm and warning.

For some reason, Kakashi Hatake sensed from Shinichi Hyuga's words that Minato Namikaze was reaping what he had sown.

Shinichi Hyuga made up his mind: he would not interfere with Minato Namikaze's future, nor would he interfere with the future of Naruto Uzumaki.

These were things Minato Namikaze had said himself—that the abuse and beatings Naruto Uzumaki suffered were hardships he ought to endure, and that it was the father's responsibility.

Let go of empathy and respect the fate of others.

To condone crime is to commit it, and in the end, Minato Namikaze would eventually taste the bitter fruit he had brewed himself.

"Shinichi, there might be some misunderstanding between you and the Third Hokage. You need to respect the Third Hokage's contributions to Konoha. Konoha's prosperity is largely due to the Third Hokage's great efforts."

Minato Namikaze felt bitter; it seemed Shinichi Hyuga had a deep misunderstanding of him and the Third Hokage that needed to be corrected as soon as possible.

"Kakashi, their heads are still intact. Do you want to take a look at their memories? You might find something even more rewarding."

Shinichi Hyuga ignored Minato Namikaze; the two of them were simply not on the same wavelength.