Naruto: Imitation Ninja

Upon hearing the Third Hokage summon him, Xingliu finally decided to stop playing around. He placed the box containing the Nine-Tails in front of the Third Hokage.

"You summoned me here specifically because of this little thing, didn't you?" he said nonchalantly. "I was planning to hand it over to you all anyway. If you hadn't asked me to keep it for the night, I wouldn't have had to deal with people's snide comments when I showed up today."

As he spoke, Xingliu shot a half-smiling, half-mocking glance at the group of people who avoided meeting his eyes.

He wasn't the kind of saint who would let a few half-hearted admonishments from the Third Hokage make him forgive those who spoke ill of him.

Maybe when he had first transmigrated to this world, he would have chosen to let things slide. But now? He was a man holding all the cards, someone who wouldn't back down from a challenge. He might not yet have the aura to scare people off with just his presence, but he'd at least become the kind of man who could teach troublemakers a lesson with his fists.

"Ah, so it won't be easy to let this matter rest, after all?" The Third Hokage sighed heavily.

His original plan to reprimand the aristocratic families had banked on Xingliu's youth and presumed inexperience. He'd thought a few stern words would suffice to settle the matter.

But now, hearing Xingliu bring it up again, the Third realized his calculation had been off.

"So, how do you plan to punish them?" the Third asked. "If your terms aren't too unreasonable, I might just agree in advance."

Oh? Xingliu's inner smile widened. He hadn't expected the Nine-Tails sealed in that box to be so useful.

Before coming here, he had already discussed things with Minato. If anyone dared provoke him, Xingliu would not hold back, even if it was the Third Hokage himself.

However, seeing the Third's concession, Xingliu couldn't help but admire the old man who had held Konoha together all these years. Every decision was made with the welfare of the village in mind.

That was easy to say, but truly committing to it was incredibly difficult.

"Third Hokage, my demand has been the same from the start," Xingliu said with a smile.

"No need to say it; I think I already know what it is."

The Third Hokage's gaze swept over the aristocrats. "Anyone who spoke ill of Xingliu earlier, step forward voluntarily."

"Third Hokage, we—"

"Don't make me repeat myself. Step forward!" The Third Hokage's icy glare silenced the hesitant protests.

After a while, a few individuals reluctantly shuffled forward, heads hanging low, standing motionless before the Third.

"Good," the Third said, surveying the group. "Those who stepped forward will only need to apologize to Xingliu. I guarantee no further consequences."

The ones who had stepped forward breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed they had made the right gamble.

"But those who refuse to repent," the Third continued coldly, "will not only lose their positions but also be expelled from the village within three days. This punishment applies solely to the individuals involved—your families will remain unaffected."

Hearing this, the individuals who had chosen to stay silent were filled with regret. Yet before they could act, the guards standing at the door dragged them out.

The Third Hokage didn't spare them a second glance. In fact, he found the outcome rather satisfactory. Xingliu had gotten justice, and the Third had taken the opportunity to eliminate long-standing dissenters.

"Xingliu, are you satisfied with my handling of this matter?" the Third asked kindly.

"It's satisfactory, yes. But, Third Hokage, don't you think the punishment is a bit excessive?" Xingliu said awkwardly.

He had initially intended for those who insulted him to be bedridden for a week or two as a lesson—not to be exiled entirely.

In the ninja world, being expelled from one's village often meant a life of isolation, struggling to survive in the wilderness.

The Third Hokage shook his head slightly at Xingliu's concern.

"Instead of worrying about those who wronged you, shouldn't you focus on how to handle the Nine-Tails in your possession?"

"The Tailed Beasts are traditionally sealed within Jinchuriki to maintain balance. The Nine-Tails, being the strongest among them, cannot simply be entrusted to just anyone," the Third Hokage said gravely.

"Third Hokage, actually, Xingliu—"

Before Minato could continue, the Third interrupted him.

"I know what you're about to say, and I trust Xingliu's character. But as the Third Hokage, I cannot base decisions for the village solely on personal feelings."

"Furthermore, Minato," the Third added with a sigh, "have you forgotten your duty as the Fourth Hokage?"

"I haven't forgotten. At least, I'd like to think I haven't," Minato said. "But before I became Hokage, I was a husband first. Xingliu saved my wife and child—I cannot turn my back on him now, no matter what my title demands."

Minato and Xingliu exchanged a knowing look.

"I'll support him, even if it means defying you," Minato said firmly.

The Third Hokage sighed deeply, looking at the two standing before him.

"Fine. Since the Nine-Tails was extracted from your wife, I'll leave its fate in your hands. But its ownership must remain tied to Konoha. As for who holds it…" The Third waved his hand dismissively. "That's no longer my concern."

"Let's consider this matter settled. You may both leave now."

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