Based solely on the one-sided account of Fifth Elder Uchiha Yo and a superficial understanding, First Elder Uchiha could not find any flaws or defects in the forbidden technique's usage method.
In truth, even Uchiha himself did not fully comprehend the method of pre-setting the forbidden technique's formula and activating it after a period of time, let alone identify any issues with it...
"So you believe he deliberately sought death? That he had no intention of using the forbidden technique's power to revive himself?" Uchiha widened his eyes in shock.
"Yes. The only possibility I can think of now is this. That child may truly be dead..." Uchiha Yo wore a pained expression.
"How... How could this be? Then how should I explain this to the others?"
Uchiha glanced at the group of solemn and anxious Konoha higher-ups in the distance and felt his scalp go numb. He had no idea how to explain this matter.
"Just tell them the truth... Part of the responsibility lies with me. If necessary, I will take the blame..." Uchiha Yo spoke after a moment of silence.
"You take the blame? How can you take the blame? Do you know that anyone who dares to shoulder this responsibility will die?" Uchiha's face darkened as he reprimanded in a low voice.
"I know..."
Uchiha Yo muttered to himself, then walked straight to Ryun's corpse and loudly announced the truth:
"Everyone, Ryun... is truly dead!"
"This child did not use the forbidden technique that could alter the outcome of death. Instead, he actively chose death..."
The crowd was stunned, and many could not help but exclaim in shock.
"This is impossible! What nonsense are you spouting? What are you Uchiha playing at? You clearly assured me this would work!!!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen roared angrily, his face flushed red with fury.
"Bastard! You old fraud, don't lie to us! That child had no desire to die in his eyes. There's no way he would willingly seek death!"
The Yuhi Clan Leader also began to suspect Uchiha Yo, wondering if he had taught the wrong method or missed something, leading to Ryun's actual death, and was now lying to avoid responsibility.
The Yuhi Clan Leader had been observing Ryun closely. His eyes had held anger, sorrow, but never despair or a death wish. He was certain of this. Uchiha Yo's words could not deceive him.
"The forbidden technique I taught was correct, with no omissions. It was the child's own choice to die that led to this outcome..."
"I know you don't believe me, and you don't want to accept this result. But the fact remains..."
"Since I was involved in this matter, I will not shirk my responsibility..."
As Uchiha Yo spoke, he suddenly activated the Body Flicker Technique at full power and slammed his head violently into the hard wall!
In an instant, his skull shattered, and the wall cracked. Everyone was stunned by the gruesome scene. No one had expected Uchiha Yo to choose death as atonement at this moment. Even the supremely powerful Third Hokage had no time to stop him.
"Yo!!!"
Uchiha instinctively cried out and rushed to Uchiha Yo's side.
The impact had been devastating—brain matter was visible. Such a fatal injury would be beyond saving even if Tsunade were present.
"Why go this far?!!!"
Uchiha cradled the corpse, his voice choked with grief. The Fifth Elder had been one of his closest allies, yet in all the years he had known him, he had never seen him act so resolutely and violently. Why had he done something so extreme today?
Hiruzen quickly approached. Seeing the lifeless old man on the ground, he turned his head away and closed his eyes, his face twisted in indescribable agony.
He could not understand how things had escalated to this point.
The Konoha higher-ups also gathered around. Even the Yuhi Clan Leader, who had harbored resentment and suspicion toward Uchiha Yo, fell silent. Guilt weighed on him—he felt he had driven this resolute old man to his death.
"I apologize. My words were too harsh. The Uchiha may seek revenge against me anytime. My life is yours to take..."
The Yuhi Clan Leader bowed his head in admission of fault, prepared to accept any retaliation. He was a man of his word and would take responsibility for everything he had said.
Uchiha Yo had proven his words with his death. With his life forfeited, there was nothing more to say.
If there had been any issues with his forbidden technique or his statements, it no longer mattered. What more could be demanded of a dead man?
"Someone, prepare Fifth Elder Yo's body. We return to the clan!"
Uchiha ignored the Yuhi Clan Leader, his eyes red as he issued orders to the clansmen outside.
This entire incident was ultimately due to Uchiha Yo's extreme resolve. Even he had not expected the elder to suddenly commit suicide by smashing his head against the wall.
For now, he only wanted to bring the body back to the clan. Matters of accountability could be dealt with later.
"Someone, escort the First Elder and Fifth Elder back to the clan..." Hiruzen wearily commanded.
"No need!"
Uchiha coldly dismissed the offer and strode toward the exit.
"First Elder..."
Hiruzen seemed to remember something and quickly called out to him.
"Is there any chance this child could still wake up?"
Uchiha paused briefly before answering helplessly, "Wait a little longer. Perhaps there's still a possibility of revival."
"..."
Hearing this uncertain response, the group exchanged uneasy glances, left speechless.
After watching Uchiha leave, Hiruzen and the Konoha ninja remained by the corpse for nearly two more hours.
Only when overwhelmed by the constant reports from the ANBU about pressing matters did Hiruzen finally leave the room and return to the Hokage's office.
Before departing, he ordered Ryun's body to be cleaned of bloodstains and placed in a preservation casket within the Hokage Building, hoping against hope for a miracle.
His first order upon returning was to send men to track down Shimura Danzo and threaten him into releasing his captive.
However, shortly after the team was dispatched, an ANBU stationed at Ryun's home reported that Asuka had returned safely. After a long period of unconsciousness, she had finally awakened!
Hiruzen initially sighed in relief, but then, as if struck by a sudden realization, his breath caught again, his entire demeanor deflating.
He considered ordering Asuka to be brought before him but abruptly lost the will to issue the command.
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