Kazuma's dismissive words sparked a different thought in the Daimyo's mind.
Yuuki was completely unaware of this, and even if he knew, he wouldn't care at all.
Upon returning to Konoha, Yuuki went directly to the Hokage Building; there were many matters that needed to be handled.
Inside the Sarutobi Clan's compound.
Two Ninja were sitting opposite each other, playing shogi. A closer look revealed them to be Asuma and Shikaku.
Shikaku was considerably older than Asuma. When Asuma was a child, the Third Shinobi World War had just begun, and that was when Hiruzen Sarutobi's influence was at its peak.
After all, the war had only recently started, the Three Sannin were all in Konoha, and Hiruzen Sarutobi hadn't yet committed the later disgraceful acts.
That was also the time when the Ino–Shika–Chō clans and the Sarutobi Clan were most intimate, and they naturally held Asuma, the young master of the Sarutobi Clan, in high regard.
Therefore, Shikaku and Asuma had known each other since Asuma was very young, developing a sufficiently deep bond.
Although the two were playing shogi, their minds were not on the game.
Asuma held a piece in his hand, hesitating to move, his mind preoccupied with his clan's recent misfortunes.
Shikaku naturally knew why Asuma had called him over, but for the sake of his own clan, Shikaku could only silently apologize in his heart; he was, after all, the head of the Nara Clan.
Asuma held the piece for a long time, eventually placing it back in its original spot. Then, he pulled out a pack of cigarettes and first offered one to Shikaku.
After Shikaku declined, Asuma lit a cigarette for himself and silently began to smoke.
After the cigarette burned halfway, Asuma, with the cigarette in his mouth, exhaled a thick cloud of smoke. As the smoke momentarily obscured his vision, Asuma spoke.
"Shikaku, the clan members want me to become the clan head, hoping I can lead them to resist the targeting from the Hyuga Clan!"
Life had been very difficult for the Sarutobi Clan recently. All Ninja holding positions were suspended for investigation, and without exception, were eventually transferred to the border.
Ninja without positions faced a similar fate; they were almost immediately targeted upon leaving their homes and then exiled to the border.
Rumors about the Sarutobi Clan being barbaric, selfish, aggressive, and fierce were also spreading widely throughout the Village, with various labels firmly attached to the Sarutobi Clan.
After hearing Asuma's words, Shikaku still intended to gently hint at something to him.
"Asuma, things are not simple; this isn't just targeting from the Hyuga Clan."
Upon hearing Shikaku's statement, Asuma nodded slightly. Having spent a long time by the Daimyo's side, he had naturally learned many things.
"I know, Shikaku. After all these years outside, I haven't been without any progress. I actually think the clan members' predicament isn't so bad. There always need to be Ninja at the border; if not our Sarutobi Clan, then someone else."
Shikaku stared into Asuma's eyes for a while. Asuma did not flinch, meeting Shikaku's gaze directly.
From Asuma's eyes, Shikaku saw sincerity, then he spoke.
"Asuma, it's good that you think this way. So, regarding you becoming the clan head?"
Asuma shook his head directly and said.
"Shikaku, I've followed you three since I was a child. You know my personality; I don't want to be this clan head!"
Although Asuma was Hiruzen Sarutobi's son and the young master of the Sarutobi Clan, he had always been quite resistant to the identity of the Hokage's son and a clan master since childhood, and he had no desire for power or anything of the sort.
After discovering the darkness of Konoha, Asuma had a huge argument with Hiruzen Sarutobi before leaving Konoha.
He went to the Land of Fire's capital, to the Daimyo, to search for the true 'Jade' of the Land of Fire in his heart.
However, Asuma was disappointed. The struggles among ordinary people without power, with methods more unscrupulous and more insane than those of Ninja, both opened Asuma's eyes and shattered his worldview.
Asuma, who had grown up thriving in the greenhouse created by Hiruzen Sarutobi since childhood, finally experienced the reality of the world.
Why was there such great hatred between people? Were there still good people in this world?
Did the 'Jade' he hoped for truly exist in this hellish world?
As a Ninja, Asuma had his own professional ethics. With his worldview completely shattered and having re-understood the world, Asuma could only rely on the Ninja code as a pillar, diligently doing his job of protecting the Daimyo and playing his role well.
After losing his career goals, a graceful figure appeared in Asuma's mind. If the 'Jade' didn't exist, then at least he could protect her.
With Hiruzen Sarutobi's letters, Asuma began to consider returning to Konoha.
Finally, after the Daimyo's passing, Asuma returned to Konoha.
Konoha had become more prosperous than before, but in essence, it was no different from when he left. Asuma quietly observed the various interactions between Yuuki and Hiruzen Sarutobi, as he had seen such things many times.
He wholeheartedly focused his attention on Yuhi. The disappointment in his career could only be healed by love.
Asuma and Yuhi would often stroll through the streets and alleys of Konoha whenever they had free time, until one day, a young couple holding their child encountered Asuma and Yuhi.
When the baby's eyes, purer than a clear sky, met Asuma's gaze, Asuma finally had a moment of realization.
In the days that followed, Asuma often observed the children of Konoha: those in their parents' arms, those playing in the streets, and the small figures pouring out of the Ninja Academy after school.
Asuma finally found the 'Jade' he had been desperately searching for, the thing he swore to protect with his life.
Shikaku, unaware of Asuma's experiences, did not understand Asuma's intentions and asked in confusion.
"Asuma, since you don't want to be the clan head, then why did you call me here today? Is it for…?"
Before Shikaku's last syllable faded, Asuma's voice rang out.
"Shikaku, I want to secretly meet the Fifth Hokage. I know you can make it happen. Help me this one time!"
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