Board Thread:Hidden Leaf Village/@comment-44317852-20191211175508/@comment-24937485-20191212025555

“You dare draw your blade in front of us? How foolish. Your false sense of pride and mistaken honor holds no merit after your crimes, Akihiro. You knew full well what it meant to abandon Konoha without the intent to return. You are Shinobi. Do not forget what that means.”

The Hokage was unfazed by the Uchiha’s efforts, whether he respected them or disapproved of them could not be read from his facial expressions. Although the council members were visibly startled and shaken. They discussed amongst themselves while looking at Akihiro with contempt. They did not approve of his manners in the slightest but at the same time they feared the beast of a man. The House heads however were again split as some respected Akihiro’s will while others thought him a childish fool for throwing such a tantrum instead of choosing to adhere to the most basic of protocol.

All of the taunts were ignored by the Hokage who had not moved a single inch and it was clear that his authority would not fall subject to such lows. This was no competition of ego. This was a matter of Law regarding the village created by his own hands. However, it was clear to see that Akihiro did not fully comprehend what it meant to abandon the village. The ANBU in each corner of the room were on point with weapons drawn and fixated upon Akihiro, ready to act in an instant.

However, it was now one of the council members who arose from her seat, a very old lady with eyes that could barely open let alone see properly. Her voice croaked as she spoke. “You did not follow protocol when leaving the Leaf, young Uchiha. And your testimony makes clear that you did not leave for a reason which benefits the Leaf. Merely a reason which benefits yourself. A Selfish act. And you say you serve the Leaf? I call for your execution or immediate banishment out of the Land of Fire, young Uchiha.”

This caused for one of the Uchiha diplomats to immediately stand up in anger. “Such a decision befalls the Daimyo, not you! Nor has Akihiro done anything against the Leaf! This is ridiculous! Preposterous!”

However. A loud drum then hit the room as the head of the Akimichi clan arose with both arms crossed and a angry expression. “Without rules we would still be in chaos and war! You Uchiha should know better than any other!”

A back and forth began. Some voices spoke of Akihiro’s good intentions despite of his crude mannerisms, others called for horrible punishments, but the Hokage kept quiet through it all… until….

“Silence.” Those in the room were still murmuring and discussing amongst themselves.

“I said silence!” Eyes turned to the Hokage who took a few steps towards Akihiro.

“To abandon your duties, makes you a criminal. You had no intent to return, it was only by your brothers will of fire that you stand here today. And you stand here without repenting your actions. But you state you serve the Leaf. And you do so under the threat of Death put upon you by your brother. A honorable and noble decision for which Karasu, head of the Uchiha clan, will be absolved of any further punishment. As for you, Warrior, I will give you a choice. Since you are sworn to serve the Leaf, you will not be killed nor executed. You may choose imprisonment for ten years. Or you may choose to give up your other arm. Either choice will ensure you remember your mistake for the rest of your life.”

After the long statement, the Hokage returned to his seat. Many in the room were surprised with his judgement for various reasons. Some believed the Uchiha’s actions should have been punished far more harshly while others believed that both verdicts were far too cruel. But the attention was now on Akihiro. As he had a choice to make.

Shinobi, however, looked at Karasu and beckoned for the ANBU to step away from the Uchiha. The young clan lord was wise beyond his years. A perfect shinobi who acted with rationality and intelligence. For such a man to have retrieved his brother. Just how much did Akihiro mean to Karasu? Their bond was a unique one.