"His surname is Sarutobi, and his given name is Asuma.As for why he was beaten like this—I've already told you. He has a filthy mouth."
Uchiha Ryu spoke calmly as he looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen.
He showed no fear at all.
In the current ninja world, aside from emotional ties, there was nothing that could restrain Uchiha Ryu anymore.
If the Third Hokage dared to handle this matter unfairly—
Then the fishing line would be pulled.
And when that happened, Sarutobi Hiruzen's position would become extremely delicate.
By the time Ryu returned again—
Konoha might very well bear the Uchiha name instead.
"What… what did you say his name was?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked stunned, as if he thought he had misheard.
He urged Ryu to repeat himself.
Hiruzen hoped he had heard wrong.
But the people around him knew they hadn't.
Those who hadn't understood the situation immediately turned to look at the pig-headed man lying on the ground.
Several people who were familiar with Asuma stared carefully—and instantly recognized him.
Before anyone could speak—
Ryu spoke again.
"His name is Sarutobi Asuma.The son of the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.Did you hear it clearly this time?"
Ryu stared straight into Hiruzen's eyes, enunciating every word.
"Asuma…!"
This time, Sarutobi Hiruzen heard it clearly.
He rushed over to Asuma, who was still being treated by Tsunade.
The crowd was stunned.
No one expected Uchiha Ryu to directly confront the Third Hokage like this.
Under Tsunade's treatment, the swelling on Asuma's face had begun to subside.
"My child… are you alright?"
Hiruzen asked painfully.
"I… I'm fine…"
Asuma's face had recovered enough for him to barely speak.
"So it really is Sarutobi Asuma—hahahaha!"
Tsunade couldn't hold it in any longer and burst out laughing when she saw the father-son pair.
"Tsunade!"
Hiruzen immediately shouted, seeing the tears still in Asuma's eyes.
"Alright, alright! I'll stop!"
Tsunade replied, forcing herself to hold it in, though her cheeks puffed slightly as she suppressed her laughter.
"Can you stand, son?"Hiruzen asked gently."Your father will seek justice for you."
"Yes…" Asuma replied unclearly.
"Good."
Hiruzen helped Asuma up, then immediately turned and strode toward Uchiha Ryu in fury.
He demanded angrily,
"Why did you beat Sarutobi Asuma into this state?!"
"Why? Why? Hahahaha!"
Ryu suddenly laughed.
"What are you laughing at?"Hiruzen frowned deeply.
"You're asking me why?"Ryu replied coldly."Shouldn't you be asking your giant baby of a son?"
Though Ryu's expression remained calm, a red flame burned fiercely within his pupils.
"What do you mean by 'giant baby'?"Jiraiya scratched his head and asked without thinking.
"A body that's grown up, but a mind still stuck in infancy,"Ryu replied slowly."Thinking every day about relying on his father.If that's not a giant baby, what is?"
"Well said! Hahahaha!"
Jiraiya immediately burst into laughter once he understood.
The others also understood—but for the sake of the Third Hokage's dignity, they desperately held it in.
"Jiraiya!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen finally exploded.
Jiraiya instantly stopped laughing and clamped both hands over his mouth.
"Why would you say something like that about Asuma?!"Hiruzen demanded, forcibly suppressing his rage as he glared at Ryu.