Chapter 13: Chapter 13: A Different Third Hokage, Two Opposite Approaches to Handling the Situation
Soon, the incident at the Ninja Academy reached the ears of the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Contrary to everyone's expectations, the busy Hokage actually took the time to personally come to the academy to handle the matter.
This also indirectly showed how seriously Sarutobi Hiruzen viewed this incident, as well as how much importance he placed on Uzumaki Kushina, the "Nine-Tails vessel."
Attempting to kill the future Nine-Tails Jinchūriki? Was this an accident by Uchiha Kazuyo, or was someone behind it? He needed to thoroughly investigate the whole story!
Of course, as the principal of the Ninja Academy, he still cared deeply about the children in the school.
After conducting inquiries and investigations, Sarutobi Hiruzen quickly understood the general cause and sequence of events.
In essence, this was just infighting among children of the Uchiha clan.
However, the only thing that truly concerned him was Uchiha Kazuyo's unauthorized use of weapons.
"Can you confirm that Uchiha Kazuyo aimed the kunai at Kushina's throat?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Ryun with a serious expression as he asked.
"Yes, I am certain," Ryun answered firmly.
In truth, Ryun wasn't entirely sure whether it was aimed at the throat or the shoulders. But since the other party had already drawn a "weapon," he saw no reason to show mercy or leave room for leniency.
If not for his own weak strength and the many restrictions he faced, Ryun would have loudly declared, "This child must not be spared!"
"Based on the kunai's trajectory, Ryun's height, his motion of raising his hand to catch the kunai, and the testimonies of witnesses present, it is highly likely that his statement is accurate..."
A ninja with professional investigative skills analyzed the information.
"Send that child back to the Uchiha clan's territory. Later, arrange for him to be expelled from the academy."
"Also, inform the Uchiha clan that they must strengthen their children's ideological education and supervision. The Ninja Academy teaches skills, not how to attack one's own people."
Sarutobi Hiruzen made the final decision without hesitation.
This statement shocked many of the teachers, and even Ryun himself was taken aback.
This Third Hokage acted with decisive efficiency, and for an elementary school student, this punishment seemed excessively harsh!
Was he trying to use this incident to reprimand the Uchiha clan? Or was he truly angered by the danger Kushina had faced?
Or was he simply using this as an example to warn the other students in the academy? Or was it because Uchiha Kazuyo's nature was too malicious, making him unfit to be a ninja?
Ryun couldn't determine the exact reason.
"The Third Hokage in my memories wasn't supposed to be a benevolent leader, so why...?"
Ryun's mind was in turmoil, but he dared not look directly at the Hokage, afraid his thoughts might be exposed.
"Maybe it's because he's still young..."
The current Third Hokage was not the frail, elderly man from the original story. Ryun realized he couldn't judge his personality or intentions based on the original plot...
"Or perhaps Sarutobi Hiruzen isn't inherently kind. Maybe he only shows kindness to those with significant influence..."
Ryun's thoughts raced, and in just a few minutes, he had considered countless possibilities.
"Uchiha Ryun, you attacked a classmate over a single insult... Do you admit your mistake?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke in a deep voice, his tone steady but carrying an overwhelming pressure that made Ryun's breathing tense.
Hitting someone over being called a "bastard" was understandable. If it had been a light beating, others might have even sided with him.
But if it was severe, then it couldn't be overlooked.
"I admit my mistake..."
Ryun lowered his head appropriately. Even if he didn't truly believe he was wrong, he had to pretend to submit and apologize now.
"Considering you risked yourself to protect your companion from harm, I will not pursue your mistakes for now."
"Study hard in the future, and do not cause trouble again!"
Regarding Ryun's mistakes, Sarutobi Hiruzen chose to handle them lightly. Compared to his earlier punishment for Uchiha Kazuyo, this was an entirely different attitude!
This was the same "kindness" Ryun remembered from the original story's portrayal of the Third Hokage.
There were two main reasons why Sarutobi Hiruzen went easy on Ryun.
First, it was because of Ryun's father, Uchiha Sei.
Uchiha Sei was a martyr who had died on the battlefield. For the families and children of fallen heroes, Sarutobi Hiruzen usually showed a compassionate side.
Second, it was because Uchiha Ryun understood the value of protecting his comrades, even willing to get hurt to do so. Such a person was most suited to inherit the "Will of Fire."
People like this were exactly the kind that Konoha should nurture. Sarutobi Hiruzen had high hopes for young people with a "spirit of sacrifice."
Back in the day, it was precisely because of this spirit of sacrifice—volunteering to cover his comrades' retreat during a crisis—that he had secured the position of Hokage.
"Your father, Uchiha Sei, was an outstanding ninja. He was brave and fearless on the battlefield..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen began a lengthy ideological lecture that lasted over ten minutes. Ryun listened with "great focus," occasionally showing a sorrowful expression.
"I hope you study hard and inherit his 'Will of Fire,' becoming someone useful to Konoha..."
Faced with Sarutobi Hiruzen's "brainwashing," Ryun acted very obediently, nodding when appropriate and even forcing himself to look sad when he couldn't cry.
Overall, Sarutobi Hiruzen was very satisfied and generously forgave Ryun's mistakes, even overlooking the fact that Kushina had knocked someone unconscious.
The ones who suffered were the troublemakers, especially Uchiha Kazuyo, who not only got beaten up twice but would also never become a Konoha ninja in the future.
Being expelled from the academy meant he wouldn't receive a Konoha forehead protector. Without one, he couldn't be considered an official ninja, nor could he join the Konoha Military Police Force.
In the future, he might only remain within the Uchiha clan's territory, becoming a private soldier for one of the elders.
Back in the classroom during lessons, as soon as Ryun returned to his seat, Kushina anxiously passed him a note.
"What happened? Did the Hokage give you a hard time?" Her words were full of concern.
"No, the matter was resolved perfectly!"
"That's good."
"Why are your eyes red? And why do you keep sniffling? Did you cry?" Kushina looked at him curiously.
"I got too into the act. Just give me a moment to recover..."
"What do you mean?"
"Exactly what it sounds like."
"..."
In the Uchiha Clan's Territory
When Uchiha Tō, a Jonin, received news that his son had been injured and expelled from school, he could no longer focus on his duties in the Military Police Force. Panicked, he rushed home immediately.
After learning the full details of the incident, Uchiha Tō was so furious he nearly lost control of his emotions.
His son had two teeth knocked out, was kicked until his nose bled, and was stabbed in the thigh with a kunai. Yet the ones who attacked him faced no consequences, while the victim was expelled on the spot!
"This is outrageous! Don't worry, son. Dad will make sure justice is served."
In his anger, Uchiha Tō's three-tomoe Sharingan unconsciously activated.
Suppressing his rage, he comforted his weeping son, Uchiha Kazuyo, then stormed out, intending to confront the Third Hokage directly.
But the moment he stepped outside, he changed his mind. Instead of heading to the Hokage's office, he turned back toward the Konoha Military Police Force.
He wanted to use the clan's influence to pressure the Third Hokage. Only then could he force the Hokage to compromise and allow his son to return to school. Alone, he stood no chance.