Hiruzen Sarutobi felt as though his head was about to split open.
If he failed to explain what had happened today, the trouble would extend far beyond the Uchiha Clan. All of Konoha's Shinobi Clans might band together and overthrow him as Hokage.
After all, to the Major Ninja Clans, the village's noninterference in their internal affairs was a rule no one could violate. If they could not even defend that bottom line, how could their clans survive?
So today's incident had to be explained clearly.
Otherwise, he would have to face not just the Uchiha, but every Shinobi Clan in Konoha.
At that thought, Hiruzen Sarutobi almost started cursing on the spot.
What the hell was this?
When Shisui had come to see him last night, he had genuinely only intended to offer a few pleasantries and a little support. Who could have imagined that Shisui would not only take those words seriously, but act with outrageous speed and go straight into battle?
Hiruzen Sarutobi had been completely unprepared, and now he was being held over the fire.
But on closer reflection, he really could not blame anyone else.
As Hokage, did he not know what the Uchiha were like? Apart from Yan Uchiha, did any of them even have a brain?
Hiruzen Sarutobi let out a heavy sigh and began rapidly weighing his options.
Things had already escalated this far. He could hardly stand by and watch. After a moment's hesitation, he finally raised his head and said slowly:
"Let me make one thing clear first. I admit that Shisui did indeed come to see me last night."
"At the time, he said he disagreed with Jin's ideals."
"Shisui is an Uchiha who has truly inherited the will of fire. As Hokage, I naturally hope to see more