The Grand Elder's expression darkened, every word ice-cold. "If you ask me, Konohamaru is simply narrow-minded. He resents us for refusing to obey his orders at the assembly."
"That's why he deliberately used the Hokage to suppress us elders and consolidate his own authority as clan head!"
"Fortunately, the Seventh knew right from wrong. Out of gratitude to the Third and Asuma, he didn't truly come down hard on us! He was only going through the motions!"
Now everyone finally understood the whole story.
Curses instantly filled the courtyard, and everyone lost all faith in Konohamaru.
"No wonder he insisted on abolishing our privileges! He was acting out of selfish ambition! He wanted to seize power!"
"A clan head who sides with outsiders and suppresses his own people doesn't deserve that position!"
"To think we were planning to support him as the next Hokage! What a joke!"
Outrage swept through the crowd. Everyone sided with the Grand Elder, utterly rejecting Konohamaru as their rightful clan head.
The Grand Elder watched his agitated clansmen coldly, a calculating gleam flashing in his eyes.
He issued an order in a low voice that brooked no argument.
"I'd like to see just what Konohamaru is trying to do, and where he intends to lead our Sarutobi Clan."
"Someone! Bring Konohamaru back here!"
"Yes!"
Several clan shinobi immediately bowed in acknowledgment, then dispersed to search the entire village for Konohamaru.
Before long, Konohamaru returned from his outing to clear his head.
The moment he stepped through the doors of the Clan Hall, the Grand Elder and the senior clan members who had been waiting crowded around him. Their faces were dark as they stared him down, the atmosphere unbearably oppressive.
The Grand Elder spoke first, his tone cold and stern. "Konohamaru, let's not beat around