"Despicable?"
Facing the near-universal condemnation from the surrounding Konoha onlookers, Isshin stood where he was, one hand resting on his sword, his expression calm—so calm it was almost indifferent.
He seed to have heard Shizune's words. His gaze shifted toward the indignant girl, and the corner of his mouth curled into sothing that was neither quite a smile nor quite a sneer.
"Little girl." His voice wasn't loud, yet it sohow cut through the noise, clearly reaching everyone present. "On the battlefield, in the space between life and death—do you think your enemy will follow rules? Do you think they'll care whether your thods are honorable?"
"If you win, you live. If you lose, you die. It's that simple."
"When I issued my commission to Konoha, it was written in black and white—no restrictions on thods. I welco Konoha's side to use anything at their disposal! Genjutsu, ninjutsu, taijutsu, secret techniques, fūinjutsu, explosive tags, poison, kekkei genkai—whatever you have, bring it out!"
"Because my Ashina style is a swordsmanship that spares no ans and seeks only victory! So long as it can bring down the enemy, swords, fists, firearms, traps, poison—everything in this world can be a sword! Clinging to form and empty reputation is nothing more than shackles the weak place upon themselves!"
"Bastard! How is firing a gun swordsmanship?!"
"Twisting logic! That's nothing but sophistry!"
"Exactly! If you've got the guts, fight without those underhanded tricks!"
"A swordsman not using a sword, but a firearm? Shaless!"
"Get out! Konoha doesn't welco scum like you!"
"You piece of—"
Even more curses surged forward, many of them coming from younger ninja.
As for the older ones, most wore grave expressions, but remained silent.
The situation nearly spiraled out of control. The chūnin responsible for coordination was sweating profusely, shouting for everyone to calm down—but with little effect.
These Konoha rabble… since when did they get so filthy with their insults?
Isshin stood as if at the eye of a storm, completely unmoved by the raging abuse, though inwardly he couldn't help but complain.
When I beco Hokage, I'll have to teach them what 'courtesy' really ans.
…
Inside the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage had just regained his composure.
He realized he had made a mistake—a mistake born from common sense and experience.
This client, Isshin, was no ordinary challenger whose face Konoha needed to save. He was a true tiger. His physical strength and combat ability had likely reached an extrely high level.
Even more troubleso was his utterly unconventional fighting style—cunning, ruthless, and willing to use any ans for victory, even more so than many veteran ninja.
When did the Land of Iron produce soone like this?
Just as he was about to speak, a knock sounded.
"Co in."
A mber of the Intelligence Division hurried in, his expression clearly strained.
"Hokage-sama! Latest situation from the scene! That Isshin… he says it's boring. He thinks his opponents aren't strong enough and the stage isn't big enough. He's packing up and seems ready to leave! And—he even said in front of everyone… that he plans to head straight to Sunagakure in the neighboring Land of Wind!"
The Third Hokage's eyes sharpened.
Leave?
He absolutely could not be allowed to leave now!
Not to ntion the remaining paynt—possibly up to two million ryō—which was no small inco for Konoha.
More importantly, letting a warrior who had defeated two Konoha ninja leave with the impression that "Konoha is nothing special," only to head to the Land of Wind—whose relations with Konoha were delicate, even potentially hostile—was unacceptable in terms of reputation, substance, and strategic implications.
He had to be kept here!
They had to defeat him openly before he left—or at the very least, demonstrate that Konoha possessed the strength to suppress him!
…Well, given how tense things are, a bit of spectacle wouldn't hurt.
In a flash of thought, the Third Hokage made his decision. He stood abruptly, his tone resolute.
"Imdiately contact Isshin and convey my ssage!"
His eyes glead as he spoke, word by word: "This ti, it was Konoha's poor arrangent. We underestimated Isshin-sama's strength and spoiled his interest. Convey my apologies."
"Ask Isshin-sama to remain in Konoha for one more day!"
"Tomorrow, the next match will be held at Konoha's largest official arena! The stage will be grand enough to accommodate all villagers and ninja who wish to watch this exchange!"
"And I, in the na of the Third Hokage, guarantee that we will arrange an opponent who will truly satisfy and entertain him!"
With that, he waved his hand.
"Make sure to keep him here! Go at once!"
"Yes, Hokage-sama!"
The two staff mbers straightened and imdiately rushed out.
The Third Hokage sat back down, picking up his pipe—but did not light it. His gaze grew deep as he looked out the window.
Looks like we'll have to get serious. Who should we send to suppress this fierce dragon from the Land of Iron…
Terrifying physical strength, a direct and swift close-combat style, and a mindset willing to do anything to win.
If only Minato were here…
The first person he thought of was Namikaze Minato—but unfortunately, Minato was out on a mission and wouldn't return for at least ten days.
Nas of jōnin around thirty or younger flashed through his mind, until one settled.
Yūhi Shinku.
Not only a seasoned genjutsu specialist, but also calm and experienced.
"Let Shinku handle it. He just turned thirty this year—he ets the conditions."
Having made his decision, the Third Hokage picked up his pen and began drafting the official orders and instructions for the Mission Departnt and Yūhi Shinku.
…
The streets and alleys of Konoha did not grow quiet with the setting sun.
On the contrary, the topic of the "despicable samurai" from the Land of Iron reached a fever pitch.
"Have you heard? That guy used a firearm! Completely shaless!"
"A firearm? That thing works against ninja?"
"That's what makes it despicable! That firearm of his is definitely not normal!"
"Even Jōnin Kawano lost… sigh…"
"Doesn't the Land of Iron pride itself on bushidō? How did it produce soone like this?"
"I think he's just a bandit wearing a samurai's skin! No sense of honor at all!"
"But what he said… kind of makes sense… On the battlefield, who follows rules?"
"Pah! That's twisted logic! It's perfectly natural for ninja to use any ans—but for a samurai to use a firearm is cheating!"
Taverns, eateries, street corners—similar discussions could be heard everywhere.
Anger, disdain, and frustration were the dominant emotions.
Just as the debate raged on, new information spread like wildfire:
"Latest news! That Isshin hasn't left!"
"The Hokage personally intervened! Tomorrow at 2 PM, at the First Arena—another match!"
"The First Arena? That place can hold a hundred thousand people! It's usually only used for the Chūnin Exam finals!"
"Looks like the village is taking this seriously now—they'll definitely send a real powerhouse!"
"Great! I'm going tomorrow to watch!"
"Yeah! Let's see that arrogant bastard lose!"
"Let's see what tricks he pulls this ti!"
The villagers' emotions shifted—from pure anger to intense anticipation.
They believed that once the village truly took things seriously and brought out its top strength, that despicable samurai would inevitably et a crushing defeat.
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