Chapter 37: Elder Genshi, This Brat is Framing Me!

Chapter 37: Elder Genshi, This Brat is Framing Me!

"Wow, I never knew the Taketori Clan was connected to Konoha's Hyuga Clan!"

"This is the first time I've heard of such a secret!"

"It seems like the Taketori Clan might have a reason to betray the village after all!"

After Elder Genshi confirmed the connection, the gathered Jonin murmured in amazement.

"Quiet down!"

"We're not finished here!"

Seeing the conversation getting sidetracked, the Fourth Mizukage stepped in to restore order, knowing that Kaisho, despite his standing, might struggle to maintain control over the Jonin.

Kaisho continued, "When I discovered the Taketori Clan's ties with the Hyuga Clan, I was as shocked as you are. But let's be clear—these are ancient matters and aren't enough to directly accuse the Taketori Clan of betraying the village."

Kaisho's words continuously hinted at Taketori Shika's clan being traitors, as though the betrayal were a foregone conclusion. Hearing this, Taketori Shika's face flushed with anger, his eyes practically blazing as he clenched his fists, itching to draw his bone blade and make Kaisho regret his words. But given the current situation, he had no choice but to contain his rage.

"As I dug further, I realized many recent incidents in Kirigakure fit into this pattern," Kaisho continued. "For example, wasn't one of our Jonin's younger brothers critically injured in an ambush during a mission due to leaked information? Strangely, the Taketori Clan ninja on his team charged forward recklessly, even after realizing it was a trap, abandoning his teammate to fend for himself. I have to ask—what was his reason for acting that way? Did he think he was Madara Uchiha, capable of taking on seven enemies alone?"

He turned to Shika. "How do you explain this incident, Taketori Clan Leader?"

As Kaisho detailed his findings, the Jonin fell silent, many nodding in agreement. Even without concrete evidence, Kaisho's narrative seemed too plausible to dismiss.

"Explain my ass!" Taketori Shika fumed, barely able to contain his rage. Never had he thought he'd despise Kaisho this much. He couldn't understand why Kaisho seemed determined to destroy the Taketori Clan. Inwardly, Shika vowed that, given the chance, he'd make Kaisho pay.

Kaisho smirked. "What's wrong, Lord Shika? Have I hit a nerve?"

He knew his claims were on shaky ground without concrete proof, but he was ready to present something more substantial.

"Of course, my statements are just personal deductions. If I've offended you, Lord Shika, I apologize. My only aim is to safeguard Kirigakure."

Just then, an urgent voice echoed from the doorway.

"Mizukage-sama, Kakashi has escaped!"

Apart from a few who remained unfazed, most Jonin were stunned. Wasn't Kakashi badly injured after his fight with Shika? Even without Jonin guards, an escape without a hint of commotion seemed unthinkable. Turning to the Mizukage, the Jonin waited to see how he'd handle the situation.

"Everyone, calm down," the Mizukage commanded. "Kakashi's escape was intentional—I allowed it."

Gasps of shock filled the room. Some wondered if the Mizukage himself had betrayed the village.

"Kaisho, explain to everyone," the Mizukage said, gesturing to his subordinate.

"Yes, Mizukage-sama." Kaisho bowed, then turned to address the crowd. "Kakashi's escape was planned by the Mizukage. Don't be alarmed; this was a strategy to expose the traitor within our ranks."

Once again, Kaisho pointed directly at Taketori Shika, making it clear whom he was accusing.

The room fell silent as the Jonin backed away from Shika, afraid to be associated with him.

"You!" Shika's face twisted in fury, his body trembling. How had things escalated to this point?

Kaisho continued, "When Kakashi infiltrated the Land of Water, he hid himself so well that, under normal circumstances, even here in our own territory, it would be nearly impossible to track him. And yet, every time he tried to hide, we found him almost immediately."

He looked around at the Jonin. "Can any of you confidently say you could find Kakashi so easily?"

The Jonin exchanged glances, understanding the implication. Kaisho went on, "Not only that, but every time we located him, Kakashi managed to escape—until the recent mission led by Taketori Shika. Suddenly, Kakashi was captured with minimal effort, defeated single-handedly by Lord Shika. Do you all believe that Kakashi couldn't hold his own against Shika?"

"Of course, these inconsistencies aren't conclusive. Therefore, Mizukage-sama devised a trap—summoning all Jonin here to create an opportunity for Shika to free Kakashi. And sure enough, he fell right into it!"

Kaisho finished, his tone triumphant. "He sent Taketori Reiko, under the guise of delivering food, to help Kakashi escape."

Shika's fury boiled over. "You little brat! You're spouting nonsense! I didn't do any of this!"

"Then why are you still denying it, Lord Shika?" Kaisho retorted. "I thought the Taketori Clan was known for its integrity! Yet here we see a different side of you."

"Damn it!" Desperate, Shika turned to Elder Genshi, his voice pleading. "Lord Genshi, please speak up! This brat is framing me!"

Knowing Kaisho was under the Mizukage's orders, Shika hadn't even considered appealing to the Mizukage himself. Genshi was his last hope.
---