The entire crowd erupted in an uproar!
As Uchiha Jin’s words echoed through the air, an overwhelming sense of absurdity washed over everyone present. Whether they were the usually silent and stoic Anbu members, the elite elders from Konoha’s major ninja clans, or even some civilians drawn by the commotion, they all felt an uncanny, almost ridiculous sensation.
Why would the Hokage commit treason?
However, as this absurd feeling quickly faded, intense tension gripped everyone’s hearts. The Uchiha’s stance was overwhelmingly aggressive. Something monumental was about to happen tonight!
Regardless of the outcome, tonight’s events would inevitably reshape the current power dynamics in Konoha and potentially the entire ninja world. Under the looming shadows of blood and fire, those contemplating the future couldn’t help but feel an increasing sense of heaviness and complexity.
Uchiha Jin…
After a moment of shock, Hiruzen Sarutobi felt an unexpected wave of fear rather than anger. Once again, the heavens, the earth, and human fortune did not favor him. The young Uchiha elder before him, eyes ablaze with enthusiasm, genuinely thirsted for war and bloodshed.
Moreover, they were just a short distance from the Uchiha clan compound, where almost all of the Uchiha’s combat power was gathered. In comparison, the Hokage faction’s forces, while not weak and even with the support of other Konoha clans arriving, only marginally outnumbered the Uchiha.
Though the overall strength seemed significantly superior, if the two sides fought to the death, Hiruzen knew they would face unacceptable losses even with reinforcements.
Most crucially…
Hiruzen’s gaze shifted from Jin’s handsome face to the battlefield’s remnants. The heavy losses among the Root members indicated that Uchiha’s Susanoo was involved. That familiar chakra belonged to Shisui!
Recalling the green giant that rose earlier, with chakra identical to Shisui’s, and now seeing the body missing an eye…
Danzo, you damned fool!
Hiruzen couldn’t fathom what went through Danzo’s mind. They had crafted a foolproof plan. Even if Shisui failed to control Fugaku, the Hokage faction would still gain a discarded Mangekyou user, strengthening their negotiation position.
But Danzo’s rash move against Shisui at this critical moment and his stupidity in getting caught by the Uchiha…
“Danzo!”
Hiruzen glared at the surrounded and embattled Danzo with the remaining Root members protecting him. Danzo, sensing Hiruzen’s gaze, shouted back despite his exhaustion.
“Hiruzen, the Uchiha have rebelled! Kill them all…”
“Silence!”
Before Danzo could finish, Hiruzen interrupted him harshly. He calmed his aura and turned to face Jin and the Uchiha clan.
“Jin…”
Flashes of the battlefield’s details crossed Hiruzen’s mind, but his loyalty to his old friend made him decide against his better judgment. He signaled his followers to hold their positions and stepped forward alone, bowing deeply toward the Uchiha.
“There must be a misunderstanding here. I will severely punish Danzo after tonight. I urge the Uchiha to stay calm and avoid actions that would harm Konoha’s harmony and stability.”
Hiss…
Hiruzen’s stance shocked his followers and Fugaku, the head of the Uchiha clan. Was the Third Hokage of Konoha bowing in apology to the Uchiha?
Whoosh!
A swift sidekick shot towards Hiruzen, who deftly dodged it, anticipating an attack. This sudden change in the atmosphere made everyone’s hearts skip a beat, including Fugaku’s, whose back was now sweat-drenched.
Sharing Fugaku’s sentiment were other high-ranking members from various clans, prompting Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, with their sharp political senses, to step forward.
“Uchiha Jin, you openly attack a vital part of Konoha and slaughter its ninjas. Do you now dare to assault the Hokage?”
“Is the Uchiha clan committing open rebellion?”
Their quick words aimed to pin guilt on Jin and the Uchiha, setting the stage for support from Konoha’s forces.
“Not just the acting Hokage…”
Unfazed by his failed attack, Jin brushed off his pants and looked at Homura and Koharu with deadly intent.
“Anyone obstructing the Uchiha and the Police Force from executing traitors will be dealt with, even if it’s the Mitokado and Utatane clans!”
Jin’s words filled the air with murderous intent, locking eyes with Homura and Koharu, who had just spoken out.
(Homura’s inner thoughts: I’m from the Mitokado clan…)
“Uchiha!”
Seeing his comrades threatened, Hiruzen stepped forward again, his immense chakra surging.
“Danzo was the former Hokage’s advisor. What evidence do you have to judge him?”
With Hiruzen’s words, his followers raised their weapons, ready to face off against the Uchiha. Negotiation did not mean backing down, and Hiruzen knew the importance of displaying strength. Indeed, no one wanted mutual destruction… right?
Despite his confident demeanor, the cold sweat on Hiruzen’s temple betrayed his inner tension.
“Evidence?”
Jin laughed dryly, glancing around and noting Danzo clutching his bandaged hand.
Evidence was abundant, but was it necessary?
Facing the anxious “strongest Hokage,” Jin’s gaze filled with disdain. He took a bold step forward, pointing at Hiruzen.
“My word is proof!”
…
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