The next day.
Hokage's Office.
Sunlight streamed through the enormous floor-to-ceiling windows, casting Uchiha Yao's shadow long across the room.
The door opened.
Uchiha Kenji and Uchiha Shunichi walked in, dropping to one knee with utmost respect.
"Lord Yao."
Kenji's voice carried a trace of barely suppressed excitement.
"We brought him back."
"Asuma Sarutobi was intercepted by our squad at the Land of Fire's border. He has been escorted back to the village and is currently being held in the ANBU interrogation room."
Uchiha Yao slowly rose to his feet.
"Take me to him."
Deep within Konoha's ANBU interrogation chambers.
Asuma Sarutobi was firmly bound to a metal cross by thick chains in a humiliating position.
He was covered in wounds, blood staining the corner of his mouth. His disheveled hair clung to his forehead, leaving him in a thoroughly miserable state.
When the interrogation room's iron door opened and Uchiha Yao appeared in the doorway—
Asuma erupted into curses.
"Uchiha Yao!!!"
Asuma let out a beastlike roar, rattling the chains as he thrashed against them.
"You thief who usurped the position of Hokage!"
"You butcher!"
"You'll die a horrible death!!"
Asuma exhausted all his strength, hurling every vicious insult he could think of.
Kenji and Shunichi, standing behind Uchiha Yao, darkened in expression, killing intent blazing in their eyes.
"How dare you!"
Kenji stepped forward, intending to teach this fool who did not know his place a lesson.
He was already a prisoner, yet he still dared to be so insolent.
Uchiha Yao raised a hand, stopping Kenji.
Kenji did not dare overstep and respectfully returned to his place.
Uchiha Yao slowly walked up to Asuma.
He looked down on the former Son of the Hokage.
"Finished?"
Asuma's curses came to an abrupt halt.
"You..."
Asuma's voice trembled.