"Why? Because Shinnosuke is Hiruzen Sarutobi's son."
The surrounding shinobi, upon hearing Asuma's words, fell silent. Though unwilling, none dared to move.
They had no right—nor the courage—to lay a hand on the Hokage's son.
But not everyone lacked that resolve.
Just as Asuma began to feel a sliver of relief, a blinding arc of sword light tore through his body.
"Zanpa!"
Bang!
By the time anyone registered what had happened, Aoyama Ryuyun was already sliding his blade back into its sheath.
"Idiot."
Asuma's eyes widened in disbelief, even as his life faded. He couldn't comprehend that Aoyama Ryuyun had truly cut him down.
"Asuma!"
Sarutobi Shinnosuke's furious shout broke through the stunned silence. His face twisted with rage as he glared at Aoyama Ryuyun, seemingly forgetting fear itself.
"How dare you! How dare you do this!"
"Why wouldn't I dare?"
Aoyama Ryuyun's voice was calm, his gaze indifferent—completely devoid of hesitation or concern for the Hokage's sons.
"You bastard!"
Shinnosuke's eyes burned with fury. He knew that if he didn't act now, he would share his brother's fate.
"Earth Release—Earth—!"
He began forming a hand seal with one hand, but before the jutsu could even take form, another flash of golden sword light cut through the air.
Shinnosuke's remaining arm fell to the ground.
"Ah!"
Years of practicing one-handed seals meant nothing before Aoyama Ryuyun's blade. His scream hadn't even ended before the massive sword, Kuretsu, was resting coldly against his neck.
"You—"
Shinnosuke's words caught in his throat. Aoyama Ryuyun's icy gaze silenced him completely.
"You, as insignificant as an ant… your death was sealed the moment you became my enemy."
Swish!
The blade flashed, and Shinnosuke fell lifeless beside his brother.
Aoyama Ryuyun turned away, the steel whisper of his sword returning to its sheath cutting through the heavy air.
When his gaze swept across the remaining shinobi—those who had been on patrol with Shinnosuke—they dropped to their knees instantly.
"Lord Ryuyun! We truly know nothing!"
"That's right! We were only on patrol!"
"We didn't know anything about Shinnosuke's actions!"
If they could have, they'd have gladly kicked the Sarutobi brothers' corpses for dragging them into this.
Aoyama Ryuyun exhaled softly. He wasn't unreasonable. He knew these men were merely caught in Shinnosuke's schemes.
"Get up. Shinnosuke and Asuma were guilty, but that has nothing to do with you. I'll verify everything myself."
Relief washed over their faces.
"Thank you, Lord Ryuyun!"
And with that, Aoyama Ryuyun's reputation grew even further.
He turned toward Nara Shikaku.
"Send a message to Konoha. Report that Sarutobi Shinnosuke betrayed the village—there is irrefutable evidence. Asuma Sarutobi assisted him and resisted arrest. Both were executed on the spot by me. Tell Hokage-sama… not to thank me."
"Uh…"
Even Shikaku couldn't hide his disbelief. Hiruzen Sarutobi thank you?
You killed both his sons—it's a miracle if he doesn't declare war.
"Lord Ryuyun," Shikaku said cautiously. "If we send that report, won't that make things… irreparable?"
But in truth, the divide between Aoyama Ryuyun and the Third Hokage had already passed that point.
Aoyama Ryuyun's expression softened into a faint smile. "Just send it. Whatever comes, I'll take responsibility."
"Yes, sir."
The Ino–Shika–Chō trio exchanged glances, shrugged, and went off to prepare the report.
"Dispose of their bodies. Everyone else is dismissed."
At his command, several shinobi stepped forward to handle Shinnosuke and Asuma's remains. The confrontation was over.
Soon, only the guards remained at their posts. Yet whispers of the incident had already begun to ripple through the ranks.
"Brother Liu Yun!"
Now that the crowd had thinned, Kurenai Yuhi hurried toward Aoyama Ryuyun.
"What is it? Were you scared?" he asked, his tone softening slightly.
"No!"
The girl shook her head earnestly, eyes shining with conviction.
"I believe everything Brother Liu Yun does is right—no matter what it is!"
She didn't say it aloud, but even defying the Hokage didn't seem wrong to her. Aoyama Ryuyun could see that determination burning in her gaze.
"You little girl…"
He chuckled and patted her head gently, saying no more. But his fondness for her deepened.
"Tch. Looks like Konoha isn't as glorious as it claims," Yugito Nii scoffed, finally understanding the situation as she was escorted forward.
Aoyama Ryuyun didn't respond, but Kurenai did—her small voice fierce.
"What are you talking about? With Brother Liu Yun in Konoha, it's the strongest village! Way stronger than your Hidden Cloud!"
"Tch! At least in the Hidden Cloud, we don't betray our comrades."
Of all the hidden villages, only Kumogakure could rightfully make such a claim. Compared to the others, the Cloud was practically a pure land.
"So what? You were still captured by Brother Liu Yun!"
Years of bickering with Tsunade had honed Kurenai's tongue well. Her sharp retort made Yugito's eyelids twitch.
"You—!"
Being captured was already the greatest humiliation of Yugito Nii's life—and hearing it from a little girl only deepened the sting.
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