"To be a shinobi is to be the thing that's frightening in the shadows." He waited though, and shifted back. "In Konoha we're known to be soft, even now with the treaty, maybe especially. But we're also known to be strong, to have the best weapons, the best bloodlines, the strongest warriors." He paused, letting out a soft sigh. "Even I cannot change the world of shinobi in my lifetime and this? This still happens."

He leaned in, holding his gaze intently. "You or me Sasuke, choose who will do this. You haven't touched the children, and I intended to keep you from it."