Inside the Hokage's Office.
Sarutobi Hiruzen finally recovered from the shock.
His brow furrowed.
Inaction was never his style.
He reflected.
And began to assess the issue from Kushina's perspective—as a mother.
Avenging her son over a public scolding from the Hokage.
By itself, this wasn't a major offense.
But then again—think of who that child is.
The Fourth Hokage's son!
If Naruto's identity were to be exposed to the public, the consequences could be devastating.
Still, it wasn't an impossible situation to manage.
Sarutobi narrowed his aged eyes and lit his tobacco pipe.
He could frame his actions as necessary—claiming it was all to toughen Naruto, train him through adversity to one day inherit the Hokage mantle.
But the question remained—how to pacify the villagers' growing dissatisfaction?
Everyone in Konoha now looked at him with disgust and suspicion.
They didn't see a wise old Hokage anymore.
They saw a washed-up clown in the Hokage's robes—someone unworthy of the seat.
That perception had only worsened since the return of the Konoha Guard.
It was obvious.
After Bai Ye came back and assumed command, the village's public safety and morale had improved drastically.
Many citizens even murmured: "If the Guards had been reinstated earlier, the Root riot wouldn't have spiraled into disaster."
The stark contrast left Sarutobi restless.
This downward spiral had to be reversed!
He squinted, wiping away a stain of spoiled milk on his desk.
Kushina's resurrection…
It was no longer a mystery whose hand was behind it.
A subordinate, freshly recovered from her earlier attack, had just delivered his report.
According to him, Kushina had assumed the identity of "Uchiha Naraku," a maid serving directly under Uchiha Bai Ye.
Could this be used?
Could he manipulate public opinion—make it appear that Kushina was acting out of irrational emotion?
It would require delicate planning.
The situation hadn't yet reached an irreparable point.
He was still the Hokage. He still held control—or so he believed.
At the Guard Headquarters.
Kushina, with Naruto beside her, approached the entrance.
Already standing near the notice board outside the HQ was a familiar silver-haired figure.
Hatake Kakashi.
Former Anbu Captain, now in limbo since the department's restructuring under Bai Ye's influence.
He was contemplating a major decision.
He didn't want to work directly under the Hokage anymore.
He wanted to join the Guards.
But the newly added posting caught his attention.
A fresh initiative under Bai Ye's leadership—the Guard would now accept private commissions.
It was a smart move—giving restless young shinobi something to focus on. A paid system of internal missions and civil investigations, providing both extra income and purpose.
Kakashi stared at the notice thoughtfully.
Could Bai Ye help him solve an unresolved matter that haunted him for years?
Not something for regular members—but perhaps if he could offer something compelling enough, Bai Ye might personally intervene.
He just wasn't sure if he had enough to offer.
While he hesitated, another imposing figure approached the HQ.
Senju Tsunade.
Dressed in her usual confident air, she walked straight up.
Recently, she had publicly restored the Senju clan name.
The clan had been making quiet but decisive moves behind the scenes.
Everyone knew—it was a prelude to a seismic shift within Konoha.
"Tsunade-sama…?" Kakashi greeted, confused.
Shouldn't she be chasing deeper truths? Why was she here now?
Was she planning to resume her position as the Guard's medical advisor?
"I'm here to file a report," she replied flatly.
"And you? Reporting as well?"
Kakashi offered a faint nod.
"I might. After all, you knew my father… White Fang."
Tsunade nodded.
She had lived through that era.
Hatake Sakumo had been one of Konoha's shining stars—many once said he was Hokage material.
But when he was ostracized over a failed mission, he took his own life.
Looking back—it couldn't have been that simple.
A man like him wouldn't choose death unless something truly unbearable had happened.
Someone had twisted the knife in deep.
Kakashi remained silent, conflict flickering in his eyes.
Could it really have been Hiruzen Sarutobi behind what happened to his father?
Even if he suspected, it was still difficult to face.
But Tsunade's words rang true.
If he didn't stand up now—he'd never forgive himself.
At the very least, he had to try to restore his father's honor.
Even if it meant exposing Konoha's darkest sins.
Just as the two were about to enter—
Two more figures emerged on the horizon.
One tall, one small.
Kushina's blazing red hair stood out like a beacon as she walked forward, her grip tight around Naruto's hand.
She had arrived too.
Tsunade wasn't surprised.
She already knew the truth—that Naruto's identity had been hidden, and the title of Nine Tails Jinchūriki pushed onto him without his knowledge.
Now, the mother was coming to reclaim justice.
Tsunade nodded in silent approval.
This was not just vengeance—it was righteous fury.
The three entered the Guard HQ together.
Determined.
They would demand justice—not only for themselves, but for the Senju, the White Fang… and the Fourth Hokage's legacy.
Inside the Guard HQ.
Uchiha Cong stood awkwardly at the desk.
"Master Captain is on public holiday today," he said, scratching his head.
Only Bai Ye could do such a thing—schedule his own rest days at will.
Even as chaos stirred around him.
Kakashi facepalmed.
Typical.
Tsunade and Kushina both paused, visibly annoyed.
Cong sensed the mood shift and quickly amended.
"Ah! Just kidding! I mean—Captain did say that if it's Tsunade-sama or Naraku-sama filing a report, he's willing to come in."
He had foreseen this, after all.
For a man who cared little about rank and decorum, making time for people who mattered was his way of showing sincerity.
Tsunade and Kushina exchanged glances.
Even that small gesture touched them.
After all, this was a man who ignored invasions unless they interested him—but would work overtime for them.
Bai Ye hadn't even realized it yet.
But those actions had moved them deeply.
So, when he finally walked into the room—wearing his bunny ears from earlier—
And Kushina rushed into his arms—
He blinked in confusion.
"…Sorry."
He raised an eyebrow.
Then saw Naruto standing beside her—visibly puzzled.
Ah.
So it's finally come to light?
He had expected it would—eventually.
But he hadn't thought Kushina's reaction would be so… intense.
Apologizing.
Out of guilt.
Out of fear that her thirst for justice would draw his ire.
Always so guarded.
"Take it easy," Bai Ye said calmly, patting her back.
"I've got this. One step at a time."
That stability, that quiet strength—
It only made Kushina fall deeper for him.
She swore then and there—she'd give this man a dozen children if he asked.
Uchiha Quan, his hand-picked personal guard, quickly approached and draped his Justice Cloak around Bai Ye's shoulders.
The Senju business was heating up.
Bai Ye, of course, wasn't going to miss the show—or the beauties involved.
Though he had no intention of laying a hand on the ten-year-old Uchiha Quan, he still appreciated her presence as his flashy escort.
"Alright then," Bai Ye adjusted his cloak and took his seat on the magistrate's chair.
"If you've got grievances—lay them out!"
The room fell silent.
Every Guard member turned serious.
This wasn't a drill.
This was the prelude to a storm.
Something big was about to unfold.
"I report Sarutobi Hiruzen," Kushina said loudly, "for abusing his position, stealing the Fourth Hokage's inheritance, and condemning the Hokage's son to misery!"
The son of a Hokage?
Gasps echoed in the hall.
Everyone looked toward Naruto with fresh eyes.
Sarutobi Hiruzen?
Was this the man who had robbed the Fourth's legacy?
Naruto stood in stunned silence.
Tsunade placed a hand on Kushina's shoulder.
"You're rushing," she said coolly.
"If we're taking him down, we'll need evidence. Why do you think I've been holding back all this time?"
Evidence.
Bai Ye may be the type to dispense justice without it.
But Tsunade wanted the truth on public record.
She stepped forward, a thick folder in her hands.
"I—Senju Tsunade," she announced, her voice ringing like thunder.
"As acting head of the Senju Clan, formally accuse Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen of corruption—"
"—and orchestrating the slow death of the Senju bloodline!"
Thud.
She slammed the file on Bai Ye's desk.
"This proof is undeniable."
"Captain Bai Ye… I request the immediate commencement of a public trial!"
JOIN MY PATREON TO READ ADVANCE 30+ CHAPTERS
patreon.com/Prince209