"Things aren't as you claim."
Sarutobi Ryo gave her a sharp look, and Kushina immediately stopped talking.
"Everything needs proof. I gave Namikaze Minato time to think things over… and then tell me the truth himself…"
This was the most kindness Sarutobi Ryo was willing to offer.
"Of course, if he doesn't tell me… then…"
Sarutobi Ryo's eyes narrowed, making his threat clear.
Next, he would use Ninja Arts to dig into Namikaze Minato's mind.
At that point… anything could happen.
Maybe, after being tortured with the Sharingan and Yamanaka clan's secret techniques, Namikaze Minato would become a mindless fool, or… maybe he would just die.
Either way, the truth would soon be uncovered.
"How could this be…"
Kushina's eyes grew wide with fear.
Knowing that Minato was about to suffer the same fate as Danzo, she instantly panicked.
She was Namikaze Minato's lover.
She had grown up with Namikaze Minato since they were children.
At first, she looked down on Namikaze Minato, thinking he was weak… but then he saved her under the moonlight, and that's how they fell in love.
This made Kushina truly believe that Namikaze Minato was meant for her.
But now, Sarutobi Ryo was saying that Minato would face pain, even death.
This was not the ending Kushina wanted at all.
And even more…
She and Minato had already planned their wedding in two weeks.
Everything was being prepared, and they were almost ready to send out the invitations…
And now, this happened.
It shattered her dreams of perfect happiness. She couldn't bear it.
"What do you want in order to let Minato go?"
Kushina's tone became even more pleading.
Her voice grew softer and filled with sorrow.
It made people feel deep sympathy for her.
But…
This wasn't some sentimental love story.
Sarutobi Ryo was not an ordinary man.
As a Ninja… he had enough experience to make his heart as hard as steel.
And…
The darkness within Sarutobi Ryo's heart was deeper than anyone could imagine.
Faced with this small problem, he didn't hesitate at all.
"Your behavior towards me… has always been rude…"
Sarutobi Ryo suddenly brought up Kushina's attitude.
From childhood to adulthood, she had always been arrogant and looked down on others.
She didn't treat people as equals at all.
Hearing Sarutobi Ryo's sudden criticism, Kushina knew she had been rude to others.
Uzumaki Mito had told her this many times.
Kushina had always tried to follow her advice.
But with Sarutobi Ryo, she couldn't help but get angry.
"Y-yes, it's my fault… I'm wrong…"
Kushina said quickly.
For the sake of her lover, she would do anything.
As long as she could save Minato, she was willing to lower herself.
"…"
Sarutobi Ryo raised his eyes, waiting for her to say more.
"Y-Young Master Ryo~." Kushina changed how she addressed Sarutobi Ryo, her voice almost breaking into tears.
Sarutobi Ryo's eyebrows relaxed a little, showing that he was pleased: "I can see that you really want to save Namikaze Minato…"
He paused for a moment, giving Kushina time to think.
"But…"
Sarutobi Ryo changed the subject.
"Namikaze Minato's crimes mean he can't escape Konoha's laws…"
Konoha's laws were created during Senju Tobirama's time.
Among them were some very strict rules.
For example… hurting a comrade in the village was the worst crime… and so on.
Of course.
Senju Tobirama was very good at having different rules for different people.
If others hurt Konoha people… that was wrong. If he hurt Konoha people… that was okay.
Whether he was Hokage or not, Senju Tobirama always had different rules for himself and others.
And Namikaze Minato, because he wasn't cruel and didn't have any power, couldn't use different rules for himself.
He had committed a crime.
Once proven.
Then… he would face a terrible fate.
Everyone knew this, and Kushina knew this too.
Right now.
Senju Tobirama and Uzumaki Mito were probably struggling to think of a way to save Namikaze Minato.
Sarutobi Ryo didn't expect them to come up with anything clever.
After all, Senju Tobirama's ability to cause trouble made Sarutobi Ryo a little worried.
So, getting rid of him early was the best plan.
Cutting through the problem quickly.
First, deal with Kushina, then deal with Uzumaki Mito.
Turning Senju Tobirama into a lone wolf.
Then… wouldn't killing him be easy?
Sarutobi Ryo needed to cut off all the support around Senju Tobirama.
Kushina's visit was exactly what Sarutobi Ryo had expected.
Tonight, Kushina had to be dealt with…
Knowing what was going to happen to Minato, Kushina certainly wouldn't stand by and do nothing.
"Ugh~."
Her eyes filled with tears, her heart full of despair.
Just as she was about to speak, she looked up and saw that Sarutobi Ryo was no longer in his chair.
Before she could react, Sarutobi Ryo had silently appeared behind her.
This made her skin crawl…
"So, to save Namikaze Minato, what price are you willing to pay… Uzumaki… Kushina…"
Sarutobi Ryo said he saw Kushina's true feelings.
Now, she had to show how sincere she was.
To save Namikaze Minato, and to make him make an exception, what was she willing to… give?
Sarutobi Ryo's cold eyes looked at Kushina's back, and his gaze grew hotter.
"…"
Kushina stood there, her body shaking slightly, her mind racing, trying to think of what she could offer.
Hearing that there was a chance to save Minato, she was ready to do anything she could.
And then… she heard a sigh from behind.
"What a… beauty…"
Sarutobi Ryo's soft words reached Kushina's ears, and her eyes widened in shock.
At that moment, a woman's instinct told her that she… understood what Sarutobi Ryo wanted.
But…
Soon, Sarutobi Ryo slowly moved closer to Kushina from behind.
Then, he raised his arms, reached out his hands, and began to touch Kushina from behind.
Clap.
The heat of his palm made Kushina tremble even more.
Her eyes widened even further.
Her heart was filled with panic, disgust… and the urge to run away.
But in the end, she slowly fought back these feelings.
As Sarutobi Ryo hugged Kushina from behind.
Kushina… couldn't help but cry.
"Ugh~."
The black night was long.
Time passed slowly.
It felt like a second, and it felt like forever…
*
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[T/N:
Final Total Power Stone Collection : 403 PS
Goal : Reach +50 Total PS = +2 Bonus Chapters next day! 🚀
This novel is completely translated on Patreon
Want to support my work and get early access to chapters? Check out my Patreon! 👇
➡️ patreon.com/Boundless_Beacon
]