"I know everyone is furious." The Third Hokage stood on high ground, his voice steady and powerful as he tried to calm the villagers' anger. "Sakumo has indeed caused the village significant losses, but we cannot forget the tremendous contributions he once made to the village. He was once the head of ANBU, once received the Hokage Half-Sleeve, and was even one of the strongest candidates for Fourth Hokage."
The Third Hokage's words calmed the villagers somewhat, but their eyes remained filled with anger and disappointment.
"So, we cannot completely deny him because of one failure." The Third Hokage continued, his tone carrying a hint of persuasion. "Moreover, he gave up the mission this time to protect his comrades. That embodies the Will of Fire. Of course, I am not asking you to forgive him. After all, he did bring losses upon the village. But compared with his past achievements, he has not reached the point where people should be throwing stones at him. Everyone, calm down."
Under the Third Hokage's persuasion, the villagers gradually settled down, yet their gazes remained fixed on Hatake Sakumo, filled with complicated emotions—anger, disappointment, and even a trace of resentment.
However, at that moment, a shrill voice suddenly rang out, shattering the brief calm.
"Damn Uchiha! Damn Hyuga! The White Fang of the Leaf chose to abandon the mission for your sake, so why don't you go die? Then the White Fang of the Leaf could have completed the mission without any reservations!"
That question was like a bomb, instantly igniting the villagers' emotions. Everyone's eyes turned in unison toward Nara Jiaozhi, Hyuga Hidaka, and Uchiha Tieyue.
Hyuga Hidaka froze, his face full of confusion and helplessness. Uchiha Tieyue, meanwhile, immediately flew into a rage, his face turning livid as he retorted, "I wasn't