Chapter 43

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Chapter 43: Sasuke's Group Ridicule, The Average IQ in the Ninja World Is Worrying

Kakashi's body trembled slightly. His Sharingan, which he could usually close, had now automatically opened. Did his father's original mission fail as part of a conspiracy? What mission had his father abandoned, causing such heavy losses to Konoha? If his father had committed suicide due to a conspiracy...

Overwhelmed by these thoughts, Kakashi felt a surge of negative emotions, a destructive urge building within him.

"Kakashi, do you need to calm down too?" Sasuke asked, noticing Kakashi's grim expression.

"You just reminded me. How come you're the one that's upset now?" Kakashi replied, attempting to steady his emotions.

"I'm fine." Kakashi looked up at the golden-framed screen in the sky, wondering about the truth.

Is there any evidence backing Sasuke's claims? Kakashi questioned, his voice laced with hesitation. Did he want evidence to prove the theories, or did he hope for their falsehood?

If his father's suicide was truly the result of a conspiracy, then wasn't his father's death utterly meaningless?

"This is about Konoha; how could I possibly produce evidence," Sasuke sneered.

Kakashi sighed with relief but retorted, "So, what are you trying to achieve by making me doubt everything?"

"Use your brain, will you? I've given you the theory, now go verify it yourself," Sasuke said disdainfully.

"How can I check?" Kakashi asked, frowning.

Sasuke sighed lengthily and then suggested, "Think. If you were the mastermind, what would you do after executing such a plan?"

Kakashi took a moment to consider. "If it were me... If this was a carefully crafted conspiracy, the next step would be to destroy any evidence."

What evidence? The mission.

Enlightenment dawned on Kakashi. If his father's incident was not a conspiracy, then the mission records would still exist. With those, he could discover the truth by himself. If his father had indeed brought a heavy loss upon Konoha, Kakashi needed to understand the magnitude of that loss.

But if there were no records, it would indicate a conspiracy.

Seeing Kakashi come to this conclusion, Sasuke nodded in satisfaction. "It seems you've figured it out. Congratulations, you've just raised the ninja world's average IQ."

Kakashi's forehead pulsed with irritation at Sasuke's taunting words.

People throughout the ninja world cursed inwardly at Sasuke's remarks. He was clearly mocking everyone's intelligence!

Meanwhile, Orochimaru smirked, "Hehe, I think Sasuke's sarcasm is quite apt. The situation with Sakumo is clear but misunderstood by many. The average IQ of the ninja world is indeed concerning."

Sarutobi Hiruzen said, "Orochimaru, you are here again."

Ohnoki replied, "Sarutobi, stop being so defensive. If you're truly innocent, then just explain your side!"

Fourth Raikage asked, "What was the nature of the mission that Konoha's White Fang undertook, and what harm did it bring to Konoha? Can the Hokage enlighten us?"

Shimura Danzō interjected, "This is a secret of Konoha. It's not your place to inquire!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen confirmed, "Yes, that's true! Sakumo's mission didn't take place during the Ninja World War. How could it have resulted in heavy losses for Konoha?"

Uchiha Madara called out, "Senju Tobirama, come out and question your esteemed disciple."

Senju Tobirama remained silent.

Oh no! This is the consequence he faces! What have Monkey and Danzo been doing all this time? Regardless of whether there's a conspiracy involving Konoha's White Fang, the very fact that such a high-level shinobi committed suicide suggests a serious neglect of duty on the part of the Hokage.

Sarutobi Hiruzen started, "Sensei, the situation is like this..."

Senju Tobirama cut him off, "Forget it. Don't explain now. Reflect on it in your own time."

Sarutobi Hiruzen accepted, "Yes, sensei."

He felt increasingly hollow. His teacher was too disinterested in hearing his explanation.

"I don't need to teach you how to carry out an investigation in Konoha, right?" Sasuke said, glancing at Kakashi.

"No need. I have my own ways to investigate," came the reply.

Kakashi was visibly frustrated.

Despite his current status as a mere guide to Jōnin, having served in the Anbu for many years gave him connections—there were still many juniors he could approach for information.

He would have to inform Tianzang later and get him to look into it.

"A word of caution. You should be discreet in your investigation, especially around the Third Hokage," Sasuke advised.

Kakashi nodded, looking grave.

If his father's death was part of some conspiracy, then whoever orchestrated it...

No matter who was behind it, the Third Hokage couldn't be completely absolved of the blame!

The Third Hokage was possibly one of the conspirators behind his father's death!

The investigation had to proceed without drawing the attention of the current leader of Konoha.

With that in mind, Kakashi looked up and asked the person across from him, "Why are you telling me all this? Surely there is more to it than just keeping me informed?"

"Hehe," Sasuke chuckled. "You will understand my reasons. Let's discuss them after you uncover more about your own situation."

At that moment, flames enveloped Sasuke's body. 

He appeared as a man on fire!

"We will meet again, Hatake Kakashi."

With those final words, the flames around Sasuke burst into a fierce blaze, sending sparks into the air, and then he disappeared without a trace.

Kakashi stared in disbelief.

Was that a space-time ninjutsu?