Chapter 319
"When the Third and his foolish bunch obstinately launched the Fourth Great Ninja War, awakening so many souls of the dead, defying the will of the world to summon ancestors to fight, where were you, little whelp?"
"Answer these questions for me one by one, then talk about whether you're a Konoha's Ninja or not."
"The previous plague, the Uchiha Clan's extermination, the Nine-Tails' Jinchuriki's departure."
"The Fourth Great Ninja War, where so many Konoha's people, who were already severely depleted, died!"
"During all these major events in Konoha, you were nowhere to be found."
"And now, you dare tell me you're a Konoha's Ninja?"
Kakashi's expression was furious: "You enjoyed the privileges of your father's status, spent so many years in the Land of Fire's capital far removed from all conflict… you should be laughing up your sleeve!"
"Now you say you're a Konoha's Ninja?"
"Heh!" Kakashi shook his head, utterly disdainful: "Asuma, do you even know that Konoha actually lost the Fourth Great Ninja War? If not for Soul King-sama's mercy, resurrecting so many people, Konoha would have ceased to exist long ago!"
"Knowing nothing of all this, and you're saying you're Konoha's?"
"Heh!" Kakashi gave a slight smile.
The corner of his mouth hidden beneath the mask curved upward slightly, creating a faint indentation in the fabric.
This smile was very subtle.
But seeing Kakashi smile like this, Asuma completely lost his composure!
"Bastard! How am I not Konoha's? Of course I am Konoha's!" Asuma roared: "Even though I'm in the Land of Fire's capital, I am still faithfully fulfilling my duties as one of the Twelve Guardian Ninja."
"It was I who protected Daimyo-sama, ensuring Daimyo-sama continued to provide resources to Konoha. Without me, the people of Konoha would have starved to death!"
"How can someone like me not be Konoha's? I also contribute to Konoha, it's just that our positions are different!"
Asuma continued: "So, I am Konoha's person, without a doubt! And being one of the Twelve Guardian Ninja is work that only I could do!"
"Because I am the Hokage's son, I can also be considered a hostage… I understand this clearly!"
"Alright then!" Hearing Asuma's words, Kakashi shrugged indifferently.
Asuma's words sounded somewhat reasonable.
But the problem is, why not explain these reasons to the Konoha's Ninja who died for the ambitions of Hiruzen and his group?
Why not explain them to Sakumo, who was driven to his death by them?
However, if they went into all these details, it would take far too long!
Looking at Asuma, who enjoyed privileges and all the conveniences yet remained completely unaware, Kakashi suddenly smiled.
He suddenly realized that what everyone needed now wasn't reasoning, but to attack the opponent!
'Since that was the case...'
He thought of a way to break him.
"Then, 'Hostage' Asuma, since you yourself said you're a hostage, now is the time to demonstrate your value!"
"Why don't you think about it… why did you know nothing about Konoha's operation this time?"
As he spoke, Kakashi's expression turned eerie, like a demon leading someone to corruption. "Could it be that..."
Looking at Kakashi, Asuma undoubtedly thought of a very likely possibility!
"..."
Seeing Asuma's expression, Kakashi nodded: "That's right, it's exactly what you're thinking!"
Kakashi's voice was like a demon's whisper: "Asuma, you've been abandoned. Abandoned by your Hokage-sama!"
"Not informing you was to ensure the success of this surprise attack. This was precisely Third Hokage-sama's scheme!"
"Since you never really listened to him much anyway, and he didn't like you much either, wouldn't it be good to demonstrate your final value?"
"Of course, from the current perspective, Third Hokage-sama's strategy was very correct. The Land of Fire's Daimyo indeed had no reaction… all thanks to your efforts, Asuma!"
"Oh, Asuma, come over quickly. Since the Daimyo's side didn't react in time to control you, it means you're safe. Now is the time to fulfill your promise!"
"Don't worry, because of your merits, I won't do anything to you. You are a Konoha's Ninja, aren't you? You should stand with us!"
Kakashi looked at Asuma and asked the final question: "Right, Asuma?"
"..."
Hearing Kakashi's words, Asuma hesitated...
What Kakashi said seemed to make sense, but the problems were actually huge.
As an individual, Asuma clearly identified more with his role as one of the Twelve Guardian Ninja.
He was a supporter of the 'Two Jewels' concept, naturally unwilling to let one 'Jewel' harm the other.
But after Kakashi's explanation, it seemed like he had been a man operating from Konoha's standpoint all along.
His sacrifice was noble, and now that no sacrifice was needed, it was a happy outcome for all.
In that case, his mission should be over!
For a moment, Asuma almost got tangled in Kakashi's logic.
Fortunately, he quickly snapped out of it.
"No, Kakashi! Precisely because I am a Konoha's Ninja, I must stop you from making this wrong decision!"