Naruto: Destroy the Sarutobi Clan At the Beginning

Kirito nodded and said seriously, "Back then, your father was so famous that he overshadowed the three legendary Sannin. His prestige was even comparable to that of the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, who was in his prime at the time."

"He was a strong candidate for the Fourth Hokage. Many ninjas and common people called for him to succeed as Hokage. Even the Third Hokage had to reluctantly recognize his influence by granting him the Hokage Half-Sleeves under pressure."

"However, it was that support that ultimately led to his tragedy."

"You should know the Hokage position is said to go to the best and the most capable, but starting from the Second Hokage, there has been an unspoken rule."

"The Second Hokage was the First Hokage's younger brother. The Third Hokage was the Second Hokage's apprentice. Your teacher, the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, wasn't the Third's direct apprentice, but he was trained by Jiraiya, who was."

"From the Second to the Fourth Hokage, one common factor is evident: all are from the Hokage's inner circle."

"From the moment your father became a strong candidate for the Fourth Hokage, his fate was sealed."

"That so-called secret mission was just a pretense. Even if he had completed the mission instead of saving his companions, another 'accident' would have happened."

"After all these years, haven't you wondered why a supposedly classified mission was suddenly known to everyone?"

Kakashi listened to Kirito's words, his voice lowering as he asked, "Are you saying that the Third Hokage let someone leak the information deliberately?"

"No, that old man would never have done it directly," Kirito replied. "That was Danzo's doing. Danzo craved the Hokage position. You, having served in the Anbu, know this well. At one point, you and Tenzo were even ordered to assassinate the Third Hokage because of Danzo's schemes."

"Danzo knew he couldn't openly eliminate a rival as strong as your father, so he waited quietly for a slip-up. Then, when your father's mission 'failed,' Danzo jumped at the opportunity, spreading news of the supposed disaster it caused Konoha."

"Within days, your father went from Konoha's hero to a public outcast. Even those he'd saved turned on him."

"The Third knew all this and, rather than preventing it, actually benefitted from it."

"First, he was still in his prime and didn't want to step down. And even if he did, he would never pass the title to anyone outside the inner circle."

"Secondly, it's part of the Hokage's hidden legacy—succession within the Hokage's circle. Even after the Third War, when he stepped down, he passed the title to Minato, his disciple's student, instead of Orochimaru, who had sided with Danzo by then."

"Have you noticed how, after failing to become Hokage, Orochimaru's crimes increased? He began to experiment on Konoha residents."

"Your father didn't die from public gossip alone. He saw the dark side of Konoha, where ideals collided with reality, and ultimately, that despair drove him to end his own life."

Kirito finished, and silence settled over the bridge.

After a pause, Kakashi asked, "Why are you telling me this? Do you want me to betray Konoha as you did?"

Kirito shook his head. "No, I don't expect that. Besides, even if you knew this was true, your loyalty to Konoha would prevent you from leaving. I simply want you to understand Sarutobi Hiruzen's true nature."

At that moment, the rings Kirito and Pakura wore emitted a faint glow, and Pain's voice reached them: "A new village, Otogakure, has recently surfaced. Orochimaru likely has connections there. Who among you can investigate?"

Kirito stood up and glanced at Pakura. "I'll go. We're available now."

"You're the best tracker among the Akatsuki; thank you for handling this," Pain said before ending the call.

Kirito turned to Kakashi. "Well, Kakashi-senpai, it looks like this is goodbye for now. I had wanted to chat more, but duty calls. The next time we meet, we may have to fight as enemies."

"And remember, it's up to you whether to inform the Hokage about today's conversation. Either way, it won't impact me much. With the talents Konoha has lost to Hiruzen's games, there's little left to fear. Konoha's resources have been drained, and even the Sarutobi and Shimura clans I eliminated are no longer a threat."

After finishing, Kirito turned toward Zabuza and Haku. Pakura gave Kakashi one last look and followed him.

Watching them walk away, Kakashi felt uneasy. "He's not bluffing. That much is clear."

Kirito approached Zabuza. The swordsman was severely injured, barely holding on as Haku tended to him.

"Not bad. I didn't expect you to help me," Zabuza managed weakly, his voice faint.

"Don't misunderstand," Kirito replied. "You earned it by showing a warrior's heart at the end."

Zabuza gave a small smile, looking at Haku with softened eyes. "Haku, I'm sorry… but it's good that you're still alive."

"Lord Zabuza," Haku cried, grasping his hand, fully ready to follow Zabuza in death.

"Kirito," Zabuza whispered, "can I ask one last thing of you?"

Kirito took out a Senzu Bean. "If you want me to protect Haku after you die, save it. Haku won't live without you. Besides, you don't have to die. Eat this."

(End of Chapter )

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