A variety of answers filled the room, some even speaking very softly.
However, as a ninja, and a top-tier one at that, how could Hiruzen Sarutobi not hear it?
With each answer he heard, Hiruzen Sarutobi's heart sank deeper!
After everyone had answered, Ren's smile faded, and he spoke to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"I'm not good with words, but I still have to say it: Hiruzen Sarutobi, everything you've done has only brought suffering to Konoha!"
After stating his conclusion, Ren summarized it again.
"Konoha has no reason to thank you, Hiruzen Sarutobi!"
Ren's words dealt a fatal blow to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Of course, it's not some fabricated "talk-no-jutsu" (a form of verbal persuasion). There's never been such a thing in the ninja world, including in the original work.
Strength is the foundation of everything, whether it's Neji, Gaara, or later Nagato, Obito, and finally Sasuke Uchiha.
If Naruto doesn't defeat his opponent until they are completely convinced of his superiority, nothing he says will make a difference.
At this moment, no matter what Hiashi says, Hiruzen Sarutobi won't take it to heart.
The words of those people before were just embellishments; although they made Hiruzen Sarutobi feel uncomfortable, they weren't unbearable.
After all, they were just some villagers. Even if they were ninjas, so what? They were short-sighted and couldn't see the bigger picture.
Only the statement from Ren, who is stronger than Hiruzen Sarutobi and is also a Hokage, hits the bullseye.
No matter how much Hiruzen Sarutobi might deny it in his heart, Ren is the current Hokage of Konoha, Hokage recognized by everyone.
Hiruzen Sarutobi reflected on his life at this moment. He had endured so much for Konoha, but what had he gained in return?
Hiruzen Sarutobi, everything you've done has only brought suffering to Konoha!
Konoha doesn't thank you, Hiruzen Sarutobi!
After the only thing he held dear in his heart was completely negated, Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly felt a sense of emptiness.
His teacher, his comrades, his son, his wife, and even his entire life were dedicated to Konoha.
However, all he brought to Konoha was suffering; his life was utterly meaningless!
Hiruzen Sarutobi felt a pang of regret. If his Shadow Clone hadn't appeared earlier, and he had died at Hiashi's hands, perhaps he would have died with both ideals and regrets.
Suddenly, Hiruzen Sarutobi felt a Danzo; perhaps Danzo died with a sliver of hope still lingering.
Hiruzen Sarutobi stood there blankly, his eyes filled with a death wish, like a walking corpse.
"You all want me dead? Then come on, kill me!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke mechanically, then stood Fudō in place.
Seeing that Hiruzen Sarutobi showed no intention of living, Ren felt that he had achieved his goal, and then turned to the others and said.
"You can do what you want to do now. Go ahead, don't be afraid, I will protect you."
The middle-aged man who had spoken earlier mustered his courage, took the Kunai from Ren's hand, and went to stand in front of Hiruzen Sarutobi.
He raised the Kunai in his hand, aiming it at his heart, but hesitated to strike. After standing there for a long time, he returned dejectedly and handed the Kunai back to Ren.
"Lord Hokage, I'm sorry, I can't do it!"
Ren gently comforted him.
"It's okay, so do you still hate him?"
The middle-aged man answered without hesitation.
"I hate it, but... oh well, maybe I'm just destined to be unlucky!"
He then shook his head and walked away, tears streaming down his face, and no one knew what he was thinking.
Several people went up to try, but ultimately none of them could bring themselves to do it.
However, it wasn't entirely fruitless; someone did manage to make a move, though they avoided vital points. At this moment Hiruzen Sarutobi had multiple wounds on his body, and blood was flowing incessantly.
The scene was somewhat comical, like a group of people bullying a lonely old man, Ren was definitely playing the villain.
Both Hiashi and Kakashi had their own moves: one held Eight Trigrams Vacuum Palm poised to strike, while the other raised and lowered his Lightning Cutter.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, on the other hand, was utterly despondent, with not a glimmer of hope in his eyes.
Hatred can fill a person's heart with endless motivation, but when the moment of revenge actually arrives, everyone hesitates.
Will you really be happy after taking revenge?
Do they really want to kill someone?
No!
They simply cannot accept that those who brought them warmth and strength have left them.
Ren, witnessing this scene, was also deeply moved. He didn't want to go through any of this; he didn't want hatred, so he had to work even harder.
All feelings of helplessness stem from a lack of ability, Ren also felt his own limitations at this moment.
Those who clamored for Hiruzen Sarutobi's death all left, and Hiruzen Sarutobi ultimately did not die.
Although ignoring it will eventually lead to death from excessive blood loss.
However, Utatane Koharu, who had already slipped away, appeared here at this moment, carrying a first-aid kit and giving Hiruzen Sarutobi some basic treatment.
This outcome was completely different from what Ren had initially expected. He had never harbored any hatred growing up, nor did he understand the thoughts of those who carried hatred.
Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't die, and the outcome Ren had predicted didn't happen.
"It's truly unexpected, but it also further illustrates your failure. The villagers of Konoha were unexpectedly understanding; their desires were so simple, yet you made them hate you to the core. Hiruzen Sarutobi, bearing the same title of Hokage as you, is a disgrace!"
Ren's words brought Hiruzen Sarutobi back to his senses.
"You've won, Uchiha Yushu, but you'll ultimately meet the same end as me, unless you die in battle outside!"
Ren smiled slightly and said.
"It's too early to talk about winning or losing. I have something interesting to show you, Sarutobi Advisor."
Although it differed from the initial plan, Ren always had a backup plan, and clapped his hands.
A ninja appeared at the scene carrying a square, cube-like object.
Utatane Koharu was immediately drawn to the scene, while Hiruzen Sarutobi remained unmoved. His heart was already dead, and he didn't think anything could hurt him anymore.
After looking Utatane Koharu suddenly spoke up.
"Hiruzen Sarutobi, you should take a look, that looks like Asuma!"