Bab 23: 23. Responses From All Parties
The two behemoths disappeared. Looking at the destroyed Shimura family land, the surrounding ninjas and major clans all remained silent.
They are too far removed from the era of Uchiha Madara. With the departure of that generation of shinobi, the power of Susanoo has become a mere record in history.
In most people's minds, it doesn't form a specific concept.
Seeing such destructive power, many would assume that the village was attacked by a Tailed Beast, yet this was caused by only two Uchiha. Who would have thought that the Uchiha, seen as obedient and marginalized by the village, would possess such devastating strength?
The Third Hokage looked at the state of the shinobi around him. There was no fighting spirit in their eyes, only traces of fear. Relying on them to face the Uchiha might be impossible.
"Hokage-sama, you know, our Uchiha can be somewhat paranoid and intense… Itachi…"
As the silence lingered, Yagami had no choice but to speak up, whether out of fear or disbelief at the Uchiha's strength.
"I understand. It's my fault. I failed to consider the Uchiha clan's emotions when it came to Shisui."
The Third Hokage sighed deeply, acknowledging that this matter was now beyond him. He didn't want to confront the Uchiha with force, especially now that their strength was so evident.
Regarding this, the Third Hokage cast a special glance at Yagami beside him. If Yagami were to make a move, he could potentially destroy Konoha singlehandedly.
Hearing the Hokage's words, the leaders of the major clans also sighed in relief. To be honest, none of them wanted to face the Uchiha now; the power displayed earlier had genuinely frightened them.
Thinking carefully, each clan leader reassured themselves that their family's attitude toward the Uchiha in the past should be acceptable.
Though it couldn't be called overly friendly, it wasn't hostile either. They shouldn't suffer the same fate as the Shimura clan, being chased down…
While Konoha's senior officials suppress the Uchiha, not all the village's clans participate. Apart from a few like Sarutobi, Danzo, Koharu Utatane, and Homura Mitokado, who actively target the Uchiha, most families simply watch with detached eyes.
After all, the Uchiha are a major clan, one that founded Konoha alongside the Senju. Who would want to create such a formidable enemy for no reason?
Except, of course, for those mentioned earlier…
Below the statue of Konoha's Hokage, Danzo stood with a few Root members, gazing in the direction of his clan with one eye exposed, filled with a yearning expression.
"So, this is the power that the Uchiha possess? The potential of the Sharingan is so vast!"
In a tone laced with greed, Danzo touched the right eye hidden beneath his bandages, recalling Shisui's Mangekyō Sharingan, feeling a sense of regret mixed with confusion.
He had seen Shisui's Susanoo before, but it was not as powerful as Itachi's and Yagami's today. Both wield the Mangekyō, and both summon Susanoo—yet the difference in strength is so significant.
"Danzo-sama, Third Hokage doesn't seem inclined to pursue the matter further, and everyone has already dispersed."
Seeing that Danzo was lost in thought, the Root ninja reminded him.
"Hmph! The Third Hokage is old, after all, and has lost the courage he once had."
"It can't make up its mind to face the Uchiha and these troublemakers! Spread the order and have rumours circulate in the village, saying that the Third Hokage is incompetent. Let it be known that, under the pressure of the Uchiha, he's betrayed the interests of the other clans!"
"Yes!"
---
In the Hyūga family land, Hyūga Hiashi and the elders of both the main and branch houses gathered, studying the information in their hands in silence.
The Shimura clan and surrounding buildings were almost entirely destroyed as if attacked by a Tailed Beast!
Could the Hyūga achieve something like this?
As one of Konoha's prominent clans, the Hyūga have always been compared with the Uchiha. Whether in terms of family size or bloodline limits, the two have always been similar.
In past battles, their performances were hard to distinguish. Although the Uchiha are powerful, the Hyūga shinobi also held their own.
But now, it seems that the gap between them is widening. Two Mangekyō Sharingan users appeared, and both were only teenagers...
"The Uchiha have changed recently! Not only did they relinquish control of the police force, pulling themselves out of the villagers' negative impression, but they also showed power that can't be ignored. With strength like this, the structure of the village might shift in the future."
The elder of the clan spoke with a hint of resignation. He had once opposed any changes to the family structure, but now he couldn't deny that the Uchiha's reforms had given them new potential for prosperity.
"This isn't something we need to concern ourselves with. The Hyūga and the Uchiha are both rivals and allies. There's no need to grow too close; we should just maintain our existing relationship."
Hiashi finally spoke. The Uchiha's recent actions had been significant. Aside from casualties, they had practically destroyed an entire clan, but it was justifiable. Given the way the Shimura clan treated the Uchiha, perhaps they had brought it upon themselves.
"By the way, let Hinata and Neji connect with Uchiha Sasuke more often. The next generation of our family must keep up these ties."
Hiashi added, glancing toward the Hokage Building.
Sarutobi Hiruzen! Now, do you regret it?
---
To be honest, the Third Hokage did regret it; after witnessing the Uchiha's immense power, he couldn't stop regretting his treatment of them.
Of course, he also felt relieved that he hadn't fully engaged them in conflict. But it was too late for any of that now.
Although the Uchiha remain in Konoha, they are clearly distanced from the village, which is evident from the current structure of the police force.
I have returned Konoha's authority to you. From now on, don't come to us with your issues. If Konoha doesn't provoke us, we won't cause trouble. If you do, then we won't be polite.
If it were any other shinobi behaving this way, the Third Hokage would have dealt with them severely. But with the Uchiha… he decided to let it be. It was fortunate enough that they hadn't come to challenge him outright.
Most critically, the existence of Susanoo can't be concealed and will eventually spread across the ninja world. The five major villages are notorious for planting spies among each other, and such large-scale incidents can't be kept secret.
Once hostile villages learn of this news, they might develop dangerous ideas, and that will be the real issue. With the Uchiha clan's combat power separated, Konoha is significantly weakened!
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