Chapter 17: Three Days Of Reflection
Chapter 17 Three Days Of Reflection
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Natsuo and Uzumaki Kushina followed Jiraiya and Tsunade to the Hokage Building.
Jiraiya didn't bother knocking; he simply pushed the door open and called out loudly, "Old man, Tsunade and I are back!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen greeted them with a warm smile, taking a puff from his pipe. "Welcome back, good to see you."
Sarutobi Hiruzen noticed Natsuo and Uzumaki Kushina behind Jiraiya and Tsunade and exclaimed in surprise, "Natsuo, Kushina, what brings you here?"
Natsuo glanced at the crystal ball on Sarutobi Hiruzen's desk.
He hadn't seen the crystal ball during his last visit to the Hokage's office. Its presence now indicated that Sarutobi Hiruzen must have been using it to monitor Konoha, likely aware of the recent incident involving Natsuo.
But for now, Natsuo decided to set this thought aside.
Taking the initiative, Natsuo said, "Hokage-sama, Jiraiya-sama and Tsunade-sama brought me here to discuss the issue."
Upon hearing Natsuo mention 'discussing the issue', Uzumaki Kushina grew anxious. "Hokage-sama, Natsuo isn't at fault in this matter; he was only trying to help me!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen raised a calming hand. "Speak slowly and tell me what happened from the beginning."
Natsuo, Jiraiya, and Tsunade recounted the entire incident.
Setting his pipe aside, Sarutobi Hiruzen's kind expression faded as he regarded Natsuo seriously.
Uzumaki Kushina was about to speak up for Natsuo, but he gently pulled her hand, signaling her to stop.
Natsuo shook his head subtly at Kushina.
Kushina looked at Natsuo with a conflicted expression, lips moving silently before she finally stayed quiet.
Just as Natsuo was about to speak, Tsunade unexpectedly interjected, "Old man, Natsuo understands his mistake now. Besides, those two brats were the ones who started it first, and no major harm was done. Let's just let this matter rest."
Sarutobi Hiruzen fixed his gaze on Natsuo and asked sternly, "Natsuo, do you acknowledge your mistake?"
Natsuo stepped forward confidently. "Hokage-sama, I don't believe I was wrong!"
Jiraiya and Tsunade exchanged surprised looks at Natsuo's firm stance.
Natsuo was even willing to go against the Hokage's judgment. Was he really that brave?
Kushina felt a surge of anxiety. Natsuo could have admitted fault and resolved this matter earlier!
Sarutobi Hiruzen's presence loomed large, his voice deepening. "You don't think you were at fault?"
Natsuo met Sarutobi Hiruzen's gaze unwaveringly. "Yes, I don't think I was wrong. From the start, I told Hokage-sama that I wanted to protect Konoha..."
Before Natsuo could continue, Sarutobi Hiruzen cut in, "But your actions clearly contradict that goal of protecting Konoha!"
Natsuo countered with conviction, "I want to protect Konoha by safeguarding its people and principles, not by shielding those who attack my comrades!
Konoha has strict rules against harming comrades, rules that person violated! Therefore, I believe my actions were justified!
As a Genin, he has the power to bully the weak. I see him attacking Kushina, a fellow student who just joined the academy, with a real kunai!
Such individuals are like a cancer to Konoha! If he can attack Kushina today, he could do the same to others in the future. No one should have to face such a threat.
People may call me ruthless, but I've never contemplated harm against them. They are my comrades, and I'll earn their trust and respect through my actions. Therefore, my actions align with my intent to protect Konoha!
On the other hand, those who betray trust and harm their comrades are the ones truly reprehensible!"
Jiraiya and Tsunade were deeply impressed by Natsuo's articulate defense.
A nine-year-old displaying such awareness was remarkable.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's imposing presence wavered.
Natsuo's explanation held substantial weight.
Over the years in Konoha, Natsuo had endured bullying and mistreatment without retaliation.
Moreover, Sarutobi Hiruzen had witnessed Natsuo activate his Sharingan through the crystal ball.
Not only was Natsuo exceptionally skilled in ninjutsu, but he also manifested and activated Sharingan.
In Sarutobi Hiruzen's memory, no one in the Uchiha clan had awakened Sharingan at such a young age.
Mastering an A-rank ninjutsu and possessing half-Uchiha blood, Natsuo's activation of Sharingan at age nine showcased extraordinary talent.
With such potential, Natsuo was destined to become Konoha's preeminent ninja and a pillar of the village.
In contrast, Natsuo's character seemed somewhat lacking.
After contemplating for a moment, Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke, "While they were at fault initially, Konoha's law enforcement should handle such matters. You had no right to take matters into your own hands.
However, their initial wrongdoing is acknowledged. At the same time, your intent was to aid Kushina, who was being bullied. Reflect at home for three days, and we will consider the matter closed."
Uzumaki Kushina's expression brightened immediately, and she thanked Sarutobi Hiruzen, "Thank you, Hokage-sama!"
Natsuo also bowed respectfully, "Thank you, Hokage-sama."
For Natsuo, acknowledging the mistake and moving on was the best course of action.
Finding a way to prove his loyalty to Konoha amidst this ordeal was paramount.
Even if Sarutobi Hiruzen sensed Natsuo's ulterior motive, what did it matter? Everyone harbored personal motives, as long as they didn't cross Sarutobi Hiruzen's boundaries.
Sarutobi Hiruzen waved them off, "You may leave now."
Natsuo and Uzumaki Kushina exited the Hokage's office hand in hand.
Watching them leave, Jiraiya sighed, "That kid keeps surprising us. Mastering high-level ninjutsu and activating Sharingan so swiftly."
Tsunade added, "I've heard that Uchiha need intense emotional triggers to activate their eyes. Natsuo's Sharingan was awakened because Kushina was bullied. It seems Kushina holds great importance to Natsuo."
Sarutobi Hiruzen took another puff from his pipe, lost in thought.
He had hoped Minato, Jiraiya's future disciple, would form a bond with Konoha through Uzumaki Kushina. Now, witnessing Natsuo and Uzumaki Kushina's strong bond, he wondered about Minato's chances.
Natsuo left the Hokage Building and returned home with Kushina.
Relieved, Kushina said, "That's a relief, Natsuo. Just stay home for three days, and everything will be fine."
Natsuo asked Kushina to sit on the sofa, his expression serious as he addressed her, "Kushina, I can't keep this from you..."
Kushina tilted her head, puzzled by Natsuo's words, unsure what he was confessing.
Natsuo confessed to Kushina, "Kushina, everything I said in the Hokage's office was a lie."
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Status Power Mingguan
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Power 
-- Power
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