After something like this happened, the Senju Clan certainly would not be pleased. They immediately sent people to negotiate with the Uchiha Clan.
The Uchiha people claimed to know nothing. They had deliberately spread the news in the first place, so how could they possibly let the Senju Clan have its way?
"What was the result?"
After hearing his subordinate's report, the Third Hokage remained silent for several minutes before asking.
The Third Hokage had carefully considered his teacher's request. He also knew that, given Hikaru's current level of training, Hikaru was having some financial difficulties. If Hikaru had taken Tsunade's money because of that, then he truly would not have been worth the Third Hokage's attention.
"Princess Tsunade, uh... took the money to the Casino and was spotted by Uchiha Hikaru on the way. That was how this happened. Princess Tsunade seemed worried that Uchiha Hikaru would tell others about it."
"I understand. You may leave." The Third Hokage waved a hand, indicating that he was already aware of the matter.
Sitting alone in his office, the Third Hokage quietly smoked. No one knew what he was thinking. As for the commotion between the Senju and Uchiha Clans, the Third Hokage neither approved nor tried to stop it, as though he knew nothing about it.
The dispute between the Senju Clan and the Uchiha Clan was nothing more than a trivial matter. The Uchiha Clan simply wanted to disgust the Senju Clan.
"Look, that's Uchiha Hikaru!!!"
"I never expected such a handsome child to be involved. What a pity."
That morning, as Hikaru walked down the street and listened to the people around him gossip and point at him, his expression did not change in the slightest, as if they were not talking about him at all.
But was Hikaru truly not angry?
If he could, he would have loved to slap them across the face. But if he ignored this kind of thing, it would eventually fade away. It was all just a momentary spectacle. If he pursued it, he would only make things worse.
By then, even jumping into the Yellow River would not wash him clean.
These people were merely joining in for the excitement. Given enough time, they would naturally forget. Did something between two children really need to be taken so seriously? Was it even worth taking seriously?
It was the same on the streets and at school.
Hikaru ignored them all. Carrying Tsunade's money, he went straight to the office.
"Teacher, this is the money Tsunade gave me. Also, I would like to apply for early graduation today."
"..."
Looking at Hikaru's open and composed expression, as though he had not been affected at all, the teacher was somewhat stunned. When such rumors spread, the teacher had also worried about Hikaru. Anyone with eyes could see that the Uchiha Clan was doing this to disgust the Senju Clan, but this was not something Hikaru could control or change at the moment.
He thought Hikaru was a good child and hoped Hikaru could earn the Third Hokage's favor and receive focused training. Setting aside the Uchiha Clan's exclusion and poor treatment, from a teacher's perspective, he thought highly of Hikaru.
Of course, he also believed Hikaru would not do such a thing. Besides, they were both only five years old. Could they really have done something so sordid?
Seeing the money neatly arranged on the desk, the teacher felt relieved. This proved that Hikaru had not touched Tsunade's money.
But before he could say anything, Hikaru's request for graduation caught him completely off guard. The Third Hokage had not yet given a clear answer, yet Hikaru was already applying for early graduation.
"Sorry to trouble you, Teacher." Hikaru did not give the teacher a chance to speak. After thanking him, he turned to leave.
"Wait!!!" The teacher immediately became anxious. "Why are you so determined to apply for early graduation? Do you know what kind of assessment you'll have to go through? You're only five!! Can't you just stay in school and continue studying properly?"
"I know. To apply for early graduation, I'll have to undergo a combat assessment. I need at least the strength of a Genin to pass."
Hikaru was not joking. He nodded and said confidently, "But I believe I can pass."
"This isn't about whether you can pass or not, it's..." The teacher scratched his head, unable to understand why Hikaru was in such a hurry. Even if he lacked money, he could not act so recklessly.
"Forget it, forget it. Go back to the classroom first. I'll personally report this to the Hokage Lord. Also, regarding the rumors outside, I'll ask the Hokage Lord to step forward and explain."
"Thank you, Teacher."
The teacher could only accept Hikaru's application for early graduation; he could not refuse it. He could advise him, but not suppress him. All he could do was honestly report it to the Third Hokage. Whether it would be approved depended on the Third Hokage's decision.
After leaving the office, Hikaru felt somewhat moved. His teacher had treated him well and was willing to believe him.
However, applying for early graduation was imperative!!!
"What are you looking at!! Keep staring, and I'll make you regret it!!!"
As soon as Hikaru reached the classroom door, he heard Tsunade roar. Hikaru might not care about something like this—once enough time passed, everything would naturally fade away, and all the lies would collapse on their own—but Tsunade was different.
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