Uchiha Fugaku was stunned. Was this brat really that shameless? But what was the point of saying all that now?
"Of course it matters." As if he'd seen through Uchiha Fugaku's thoughts, Aoba surprised him once again.
"Sometimes, a fig leaf is that important. As long as it remains in place, both sides have room to de-escalate instead of tearing things apart completely.
"Of course, that only works if neither side has the ability to wipe the other out completely.
"Captain Fugaku, what do you think my real trump card is? Teacher Shinku's friends? My own talent? Or Lord Hokage's favor?
"Those are all cards in my hand, but none of them is the most important. What I truly rely on is my own strength, Captain Fugaku."
Uchiha Fugaku: ...
Suddenly, he wondered whether the other party was crazy or he was. A ten-year-old brat was standing in front of him, claiming he was strong enough to deal with the Hyuga Clan—and Fugaku hadn't even immediately contradicted him.
"Don't believe me? Then let's make a bet."
"What are we betting on?"
Over at the Uchiha Police Force, Kawaki Aoba had already set his sights on the good stuff Fugaku had on him.
Meanwhile, in the Hokage Office, Yuhi Shinku and the other Jonin were facing off against the three members of the Hyuga Main Family.
"Lord Hokage, that's what happened. Aoba's actions were excessive, but he was worried about his comrade, which led him to act rashly. But as his teacher, I'd like to ask the Hyuga representatives: what exactly did Aoba do to make you so determined to kill him?"
As he spoke, Yuhi Shinku turned and fixed a sharp gaze on the trio from the Hyuga Main Family seated across the conference table.
Why? Did you really not