Sowing the Seeds of Doubt!

"But Hatake Sakumo's sentence is five years."

The Third Hokage frowned. He strongly disapproved of this approach, because once Hatake Sakumo was pulled out early, what about everyone else? Would anyone with connections be able to get prisoners released?

"But he's already served two years. That's about enough, Third Elder. Don't overthink it. I'll have him keep a low profile, so don't worry."

Hikaru was not at all surprised by the Third Hokage's attitude. He casually waved a hand and said, "Oh, right. Help me speak to the two redundant Elder Council representatives. Tell them I, Uchiha Hikaru, owe them one and will repay them when I get the chance. That settles it."

"..."

Hikaru went on talking as though everything had already been decided. The Third Hokage opened his mouth, but in the end, he could not say anything. After a few seconds of silence, he gave a helpless laugh. Hikaru had actually angered him into laughter.

As Konoha's current Hokage, he was actually going to collude with Hikaru on something like this. Doing it was one thing, but he also had to help Hikaru persuade the others. What kind of logic was that?

"Why don't you just sit here instead and do whatever you want?!"

At last, the Third Hokage snapped irritably. Hikaru spread his hands and put on a helpless expression. "How could I? That's your seat, Third Elder. I wouldn't dare sit there, or you and the other higher-ups might come after me with your lives on the line. What have I, Uchiha Hikaru, ever done to deserve such an honor? Sigh..."

This little brat! The Third Hokage immediately wanted to curse, but before he could speak, Hikaru put away his joking expression. His handsome face turned solemn as he said thoughtfully, "But Third Elder, haven't