The Sarutobi Clan Compound.
A meticulously built three-story house stood here. It was Arashi Sarutobi's residence.
In the study on the second floor, Arashi Sarutobi wore a kimono and held a brush, absorbed in practicing his calligraphy.
Before long, the character for "endurance" appeared on the paper, its strokes sharp and aggressive, almost radiating murderous intent.
"Endurance."
Arashi Sarutobi stared at the character and murmured to himself.
"This was the first character Father taught me. All these years, I've lived by his teachings."
"But starting today, I no longer need to endure."
He gently set down his brush, his gaze resting on the rice paper.
"Shinnosuke Sarutobi is dead. From now on, the Sarutobi Clan should enter my era once and for all."
"Father, Mother, you're both in the Pure Land now. Surely you can rest easy."
After speaking, he sighed inwardly.
Arashi Sarutobi did not deny that his father deserved respect. The man had remained a chunin all his life, but his character and conduct offered enough lessons for Arashi to spend a lifetime learning.
And the reason he had been able to keep training, gradually attract Hiruzen Sarutobi's attention, and finally reach his current position was precisely that word: endurance.
Jealousy, resentment, bitterness—he had buried every emotion deep inside. For decades, he had worn that same mask. Even when he longed to tear Shinnosuke Sarutobi and his father, Hiruzen Sarutobi, to pieces, he remained utterly loyal on the surface, seemingly ready to die for them at any moment.
And he had succeeded.
Hiruzen Sarutobi trusted him and was willing to cultivate him. As for Shinnosuke, he had always considered Arashi his most capable assistant.
But from now on, none of that was necessary.
With Shinnosuke dead, whether Hiruzen Sarutobi liked it or not, the only person left for