Hashirama picked up a file.
"This plan for handling the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki-did you sign it?"
The Third Hokage glanced at it, his heart sinking.
"...Yes."
Hashirama picked up another.
"This one, concerning Naruto Uzumaki's living conditions-did you sign this too?"
"...Yes."
Hashirama picked up yet another.
"And this decision to conceal the true identity of the Fourth Hokage's orphan-was this your signature as well?"
The Third Hokage's voice grew even quieter.
"...Yes."
Hashirama set the file down and looked at him.
"Hiruzen, tell me. How old is that boy Naruto now?"
The Third Hokage answered quietly.
"Twelve..."
"Twelve years old."
Hashirama repeated it.
"So, for twelve years, from the day he was born until now, the villagers have treated him like a monster, isolated him, shunned him, and bullied him?"
The Third Hokage lowered his head without a word.
Hashirama stood and walked to the window.
He gazed outside, silent for a while.
"When I founded Konoha, what I wanted was simple. Children wouldn't have to go to war anymore, and the villagers could live in peace."
He turned to look at the Third Hokage.
"But what have you been doing as Hokage?"
The Third Hokage trembled.
"The Fourth Hokage's orphan, a hero's son, had to endure this treatment just because the Nine-Tails was sealed inside him?"
Hashirama's voice grew increasingly grave.
"Hiruzen, tell me. How does that make any sense?"
The Third Hokage opened his mouth, but no words came out.
Hashirama picked up another file.
"And then there's this. Hatake Sakumo."
The Third Hokage's face grew even paler.
Hashirama opened the file and read aloud.
"Hatake Sakumo, known as Konoha's White Fang. Exceptionally skilled, he completed countless missions and earned distinguished military honors in service to Konoha."
"During one mission, he abandoned his objective to save his comrades,