Sarutobi Hiruzen felt a sense of powerlessness as he gazed at Danzo, who maintained a resolute expression.
He was aware that what Danzo said held truth; his clan had pushed the boundaries over the years. Recalling the Danzo and Shimura clans, there were only a few remaining members now—like kittens and puppies. Many had joined the Anbu directly and perished in various missions.
Regret lingered within him because, at the time, his compassion failed to rein in his clan members. In an instant, the anger that had consumed Sarutobi Hiruzen gave way to a deep sigh, and he lowered himself into the seat.
Despite his fury, he felt directionless because he knew Danzo spoke the truth. For the sake of Konoha, Danzo would stop at nothing, even if it meant eliminating a few Sarutobi clan members. The same ruthlessness extended to the Shimura clan; no mercy would be shown.
Sarutobi Hiruzen felt a sense of injustice. Though anger surged within him, there was no outlet. He gritted his teeth, momentarily forgetting the unhealed stab wound on his face, causing a sharp pain.
His thoughts shifted to Kazuhiko, the instigator of all this chaos. The disdain in his heart grew as he pondered how since Kazuhiko arrived in Konoha, nothing positive occurred—only his own injury and the death of the clan members.
Observing Sarutobi Hiruzen's clenched teeth, Danzo understood he couldn't press too hard. After all, Sarutobi was the Third Hokage, and attention needed to be diverted.
Danzo gazed at Sarutobi Hiruzen, appearing as if he sought understanding. He spoke directly, "Kazuhiko's words imply that the Uchiha clan did not invite him solely to express gratitude for sparing them."
"In my view, the Uchiha clan must have other ties with him."
Upon uttering these words, Danzo's eyes became pensive, contemplating something. "Regardless, if the Uchiha clan dares to harm Konoha, even as one of the village's founding clans, they will pay the price!"
As Danzo concluded, his face and eyes grew stern, revealing a plan that was both the best and worst option.
Sarutobi Hiruzen was diverted by Danzo's expression. He grasped the underlying meaning—that of genocide!
The Uchiha were unpopular in the village, and few major clans held a favorable view. The Second Hokage labeled them the Konoha Police Force, and their impartial law enforcement position naturally alienated many. Even the villagers below did not favor them. Therefore, if Konoha carefully orchestrated an action against the Uchiha, the repercussions would be minimal.
Shaking his head, Sarutobi Hiruzen voiced his disagreement, "Danzo, your approach is too extreme. That should be a last resort."
"At this point, everything is mere speculation, far from necessitating such measures."
Danzo fell silent, acknowledging that the Uchiha clan might not be as problematic as he implied. Nevertheless, he had laid out his final stance—when deemed necessary, he believed the Uchiha's existence already posed a threat to Konoha's interests.
Then he will administer the final treatment on the Uchiha!
"Don't worry, Hiruzen. I'll keep a close watch. I understand it's not the right time."
As for the Uchiha's past contributions to Konoha, those are all ancient history, ignored by everyone.
No one has explained how it's determined that the Uchiha will harm Konoha's interests.
Some simply feel it's damaged, or others believe the Uchiha are undermining Konoha's well-being.
But if the Uchiha are deemed unnecessary, a clan that has endured for thousands of years could be eradicated by them...
At this moment, the Uchiha clan was unaware that Danzo, one of Konoha's current executives, harbored the idea of exterminating their clan.
Currently, their attention was focused on Kazuhiko standing before them.
Upon entering, Kazuhiko surveyed the surroundings. This humble hut concealed a universe within; outwardly, it seemed an ordinary dwelling.
Inside, it was evident that the Uchiha elders were scattered about. In front of him sat the Uchiha clan head, alongside a young man with short black hair and a dark blue robe.
Though they had never met, Kazuhiko, being the head of the Uchiha clan, had familiarized himself with their profiles before his arrival.
Kazuhiko recognized the current Uchiha Clan Head, Ryūshō, and his son, Uchiha Fugaku, the prospective future clan, father to the two son, and Itachi's father.
Despite his contemplation, Kazuhiko maintained a composed demeanor. He casually walked toward Ryūshō, lightly caressing the sword at his waist, and remarked, "During the meeting with the Third Hokage, we were seated together. Where is the seat Uchiha has reserved for me?"
Kazuhiko's words were straightforward. Since he and the Third Hokage shared a table, should the Uchiha not provide him with the next seat?
Uchiha Ryūshō closely observed Kazuhiko, impressed by the young man's imposing presence.
Internally, he sighed, acknowledging the heroism before him but regretful that it did not stem from the Uchiha clan...
Upon hearing Kazuhiko's words, the elders on the side were already incensed and eager to respond.
However, Ryūshō promptly waved his hand and smiled, "Haha, what a clan head of the Uzumaki clan. Fugaku, you may step aside for now."
********
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After the exchange, Uchiha Ryūshō rose from his seat, and Uchiha Fugaku, seated beside him, observed with curiosity as Kazuhiko entered the room.
However, his attention quickly shifted when he noticed his father standing up. Feeling uneasy, he too stood, and the attentive servant swiftly rearranged the table.
Soon, a double-headed table was set at the head.
Uchiha Ryūshō gestured towards Kazuhiko, "Please, have a seat!"
Kazuhiko, unreserved as ever, took his place directly beside the uppermost seat. Uchiha Ryūshō followed suit, sitting beside him.
In the meantime, Uchiha Fugaku remained standing at the side, his expression blank. Though he said nothing, the seat originally designated for him was now occupied.
Noticing this, Uchiha Ryūshō, comparing the composed Kazuhiko to Fugaku's bewildered state, grew displeased. The elders in the front row took notice and gently guided Uchiha Fugaku.
He was placed at Kazuhiko's side, the seat initially reserved for him. Consequently, Kazuhiko claimed the topmost position without uttering a word.
After all, he had occupied the same seat during the banquet hosted by the Third Hokage. To take a lower seat among the Uchiha would be a compromise, and rumors abounded that the prestige of the Uchiha clan surpassed even that of the Hokage.
Now that he was seated alongside those who had shared a table with Hokage-sama, Uchiha Fugaku was deemed unworthy of occupying the Clan Head's place.
Therefore, the Uchiha clan had no choice but to relegate Kazuhiko to the head seat.
Among the spectators, Uchiha Fugaku and the less experienced Kurogane were the only ones fully aware that Kazuhiko was a source of disdain for the proud Uchiha. Yet, their resentment was not personal; rather, it was a staged incident, orchestrated in advance.
If he could sit at the top, then so be it. If not, he would remain below. Kazuhiko's arrival was an opportunity for them to display their allegiance to the Uchiha Clan Head.
Seeing Kazuhiko's unyielding stance, they sighed inwardly, acknowledging, "What a character, Kazuhiko! Unwilling to yield an inch! Fame suits him well; it's better to encounter him when he's known!"
Uchiha Fugaku was the only one left bewildered, still dazed by the recent events. He couldn't quite grasp what had just happened.
In Kurogane's mind, Kazuhiko appeared exceptionally powerful. With a mere word, he had managed to convince the traditionally conservative and stubborn Uchiha clan to change seating arrangements.
No one dared to object; Kazuhiko now occupied the prominent seat, and all eyes were on him.
In his heart, Kurogane fantasized about being as unrestrained and fearless as Kazuhiko when facing the elders in the future. "As expected of the man I admire, truly amazing!"
Kazuhiko and Uchiha Ryūshō sat side by side in the first seats, behaving like ordinary ninjas, engaging in casual conversation while enjoying the rearranged food and drinks.
"Here, try the Sakura flower wine brewed by our Uchiha, Uzumaki Clan Head," Uchiha Ryūshō urged. "Welcome, Uzumaki Clan Head."
The two leaders exchanged a toast.
The elders below engaged in what seemed like a simple dinner party, quietly chatting and consuming the dishes before them.
Kazuhiko sensed the need to break the deadlock at this moment, as did Uchiha Ryūshō and the other elders. They hoped Kazuhiko would take the initiative, giving them dominance and face in future discussions.
Although Kazuhiko had been invited to this dinner party, he wasn't in a hurry. "You invited me; I have nothing to fear."
As time passed, Kazuhiko and Uchiha Ryūshō continued their conversation, dominating the atmosphere with their discussions.
Kurogane, sitting below, grew restless, feeling as though the cushion beneath him was on fire. He couldn't understand why no one had broached the main topic yet. He eagerly awaited the moment Kazuhiko would discuss the Uchiha clan's plight and propose solutions.
Kurogane looked around at the still-drinking crowd. Unable to sit still, he considered the possibility that too much alcohol might hinder the conversation.
He believed it was time to get down to business and address the Uchiha clan's challenges. Impatient, he was about to speak when an elder covered his mouth, shaking his head.
"Don't worry, someone will speak," the elder reassured him, lowering his hand afterward. Kurogane, in a low voice, asked, "Is this how everyone behaves when they grow old?"
Uchiha shook his head, offering wisdom. "You're too young to understand. The one who speaks first often weakens their position later."
Satisfied with the younger Kurogane, Uchiha turned to impart some advice when a voice broke the silence.
"Kazuhiko, why are you sitting in my seat?!" Uchiha Fugaku angrily confronted Kazuhiko.
********
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