The Price

Hiruzen Sarutobi braced both hands on his desk, feeling his temples throb.

The two floors of flooring that had been punched through beneath his feet had yet to be repaired.

Through that enormous hole, he could even see the rubble scattered across the basement level.

"Fang Xu, the trouble you caused me this time is far too great."

Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly exhaled a plume of smoke. Masaki Shimura was still undergoing emergency treatment at the hospital, and members of the Shimura Clan had already rushed over to visit him. If this matter was not handled properly, it could very well spark another conflict.

Fang Xu stood before the desk, his expression unchanged.

"He provoked me first."

"I know."

Hiruzen Sarutobi set down his pipe, his voice carrying obvious weariness.

"Masaki publicly questioned your appointment and insulted you using your parents. He was indeed in the wrong."

"But he is still a Konoha Jonin and a member of the Shimura Clan. You severely injured him in front of so many people. The Shimura Clan will not let this go."

Fang Xu glanced at the gaping hole beneath his feet.

He had already held back just now.

Otherwise, the moment Masaki Shimura hit the floor of the basement level, his head would have exploded.

"I already gave you plenty of face."

Fang Xu looked back at Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"If this had not been the Hokage Office, and if you had not personally presided over the meeting, he would already be dead."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression stiffened.

He could tell that Fang Xu was not threatening him.

With the strength Fang Xu had displayed, killing Masaki Shimura would not have required a second move.

"Masaki's injuries are already severe."

Hiruzen Sarutobi suppressed the anger in his heart, preparing to continue persuading him.

"Let this