When the footage began, the entire crowd fell silent. Though it had no sound, the images alone were enough to convey everything.
The moment everyone saw Uchiha Itachi meeting with a mysterious figure outside the Uchiha compound—especially the close-up of the man's eyes—they immediately understood: this was the Uchiha Yuhara had spoken of, the same one from eight years ago.
When ANBU-clad figures began surrounding the Uchiha clan in the footage, people started to believe Yuhara's story.
And the clan ninja? They knew instantly—those were Danzō's Root operatives.
The footage continued: the chaos inside the compound, the escape of the two intruders, and Yuhara being ambushed outside, only to turn the tables and eliminate everyone.
By the end, most present believed Yuhara and the Uchiha clan had done what they had to. In their position, who wouldn't fight back?
And those who'd seen Yuhara face off against Danzō a few months ago now started putting the pieces together.
But once the truth set in, every gaze slowly turned to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
None of them could believe it—Konoha had truly tried to destroy one of its own founding clans.
"So, you've all seen it, haven't you?" Yuhara said before Hiruzen could speak.
"Our clan was holding a celebration tonight—one the Hokage's office was officially notified of.
And yet this very celebration became their chosen time to strike.
If not for changing our sentries and installing surveillance gear, we'd have been massacred tonight.
Danzō, Uchiha Itachi, and the mysterious Uchiha behind the Nine-Tails attack joined forces to assault us.
Lord Hokage, was I wrong to avenge my clan?
Was I wrong to eliminate traitors and threats within the village?
Or is it, perhaps, that this entire operation had your backing?"
He fell silent, and Hiruzen's face turned dark. He didn't answer.
But now, even he had to admit the footage was real. He never imagined there was another Uchiha involved in the Nine-Tails incident.
That Uchiha not only killed the Fourth and Lady Biwako—his own wife—but even recruited Itachi as an accomplice.
Danzō was ruined. The footage clearly showed coordination. No one would believe they weren't working together.
And Danzō was his own advisor—Hiruzen himself was now in serious trouble.
"Uchiha Itachi…"
Hiruzen's fury had reached a boiling point.
Before, he might've just wanted to kill Itachi. Now, he wanted him shredded into pieces.
Everything—this whole disaster—was because of that man. How could he not hate him?
"I understand now. But let me be clear: this matter had nothing to do with me directly, though I won't deny my failure to restrain Danzō."
He exhaled deeply, then opened his eyes. He looked as if he'd aged ten years.
"I was unaware of the conspiracy. My leniency toward Danzō was a grave mistake.
Therefore, I officially declare that the actions taken by the Uchiha tonight were done for the sake of Konoha.
Danzō must be thoroughly investigated. As a high-ranking official, he betrayed the village—he is now a missing-nin.
As for Uchiha Itachi, whether alive or dead, he is now Konoha's most wanted traitor—reviled and exiled by the village.
Any shinobi, at any time or place, has permission to abandon their mission and eliminate him on sight!
In addition, due to my mistakes that caused such great harm to Konoha, I will convene a meeting with clan heads and department leaders tomorrow afternoon for discussion and accountability.
Clan Leader Yuhara, if you have questions or wish to discuss details, we can talk after this.
Is this decision acceptable to you?"
"Clan leader?"
The moment Hiruzen said those words, everyone once again looked to Yuhara.
When did he become the head of the Uchiha clan?
Civilian ninjas were baffled. Even the clan shinobi found it hard to believe.
But seeing Fugaku's calm demeanor, they realized—big changes had happened within the Uchiha.
"I think there are a few details worth discussing."
Yuhara nodded after thinking for a moment.
The other clan ninja clearly understood that the real political reckoning would happen at tomorrow's meeting—no one pushed further.
"Since the Hokage has business to discuss, we'll take our leave," said Nara Shikaku, stepping forward.
No need to linger tonight—everything important would be addressed tomorrow.
He gave Yuhara a subtle glance and nodded slightly, then left without a word.
As for investigating Danzō right now?
Did anyone really believe they could topple a Hokage who's ruled for decades with a surprise attack and zero prep?
Once Shikaku left, the other clan ninja followed. The Hyūga, however, wore complicated expressions.
Hiashi stared at Yuhara for a long while before offering a quiet nod and departing.
The civilian ninja, while worried about Hiruzen's safety given Yuhara's terrifying power, eventually left too.
What they'd witnessed tonight was surreal.
They never expected there was a whole second ANBU. Or that the village wasn't as harmonious as they believed.
When everyone was gone, Hiruzen turned to Yuhara calmly.
"Clan Leader Yuhara, shall we speak privately?"
"No problem, Lord Hokage."
Yuhara nodded and stepped forward. Hiruzen followed.
They walked to a corner of the area, leaving ANBU and Uchiha members to wait behind.
"Let's hear it—what do you want? Just don't go overboard. I still reserve the right to say no."
Hiruzen stared at the young man's excessively youthful face and finally spoke.
"Of course. You are the Hokage, after all."
Yuhara nodded slightly, his expression becoming serious—it was time for the final negotiations. No mistakes now.
"Our demands aren't many. First: fairness. Not everything the Second Hokage left behind is good.
The Uchiha must be treated fairly. You must cease all suppression and fully assist in restoring our clan's reputation in Konoha.
Second: the Police Force must expand. I'll tell you upfront—the Uchiha have always been part of Konoha. The Police Force should include other Konoha shinobi too.
Both clan and civilian ninja—this must happen. I believe you understand, Lord Hokage."
The first demand was manageable. But the second—was pushing it. Hiruzen's face darkened.
After a long pause, he finally nodded.
"I'll agree to that. But don't push your luck."
Yuhara looked at him strangely. What was the big deal? Expanding the Police Force to include others wasn't a massive ask.
Why did the guy act like Yuhara had just carved off a chunk of his flesh?
"Very well. Then the third and final demand."
Yuhara shook his head and kept smiling. The first two were just appetizers—this last one was the main course.
"Third: Naruto's true identity must be made public.
Also, we want a backup of Root's internal records. It's insurance—if you go back on your word, those records will never surface!
These are the Uchiha's only three demands. Do you agree?"