"How generous… no, this is a full-on bloodletting."
After leaving the Hokage Tower, Yuhara couldn't help but shake his head with a smile. Today, he'd witnessed Hiruzen Sarutobi bleed power like never before.
Hiruzen had invited every department to investigate Danzō's infiltration—a clear concession.
The departments he named were tightly controlled by him. There was no way Danzō could've gotten in without his knowledge.
The Medical Corps, Mission Division, and Education Department—these were core to village life, tied to every shinobi.
These institutions, built during Hiruzen's long reign, were the foundation of the so-called "Sarutobi Faction."
But because of one ambush—and one man, Danzō—Hiruzen had to open the doors. He had no choice.
"I underestimated the cunning of the clan heads and department leaders. They hit back hard."
Opening departments wasn't enough to calm the storm. Danzō's exposure had shaken everything.
Even if Hiruzen didn't directly order anything, everyone knew exactly what kind of man Danzō was.
The clan heads and department leaders seized the moment, stripping Hiruzen of considerable influence.
Some even proposed purging their own departments to prevent Danzō's loyalists from hiding within.
But that wasn't about Danzō. It was a thinly veiled move to remove Hiruzen's loyalists from key positions.
The meeting only lasted two hours, but it left a deep impression on Yuhara.
Especially the way Hiruzen sat there, humiliated and speechless—if phones with cameras existed in this world, Yuhara would've filmed the whole thing.
Still, he didn't fight for anything during the meeting—not because he didn't want to, but because he didn't have the manpower.
The Uchiha clan was still rebuilding. Sending their untrained members into high positions would only embarrass them.
Besides, Yuhara had gained enough already. No need to stir more envy.
"This chapter's over. Time to focus on strengthening my clan—and myself."
He was a bit disappointed no one stepped up to impeach Hiruzen outright. He would've loved to see the old man scramble.
But it was fine. Yuhara wasn't planning to kick him out just yet.
The priority was clear: grow the clan, gain strength—everything else could wait.
"Hm?"
As he walked, Yuhara spotted a man waiting up ahead—Nara Shikaku.
"Shikaku-san. Fancy seeing you here."
Yuhara was a bit surprised to see him alone—no Inoichi, no Chōza.
Still, since they met, he naturally greeted him. After all, the Nara clan had offered subtle support, even if it didn't amount to much.
"We just finished the same meeting. Running into each other isn't that strange."
Shikaku smiled at Yuhara, and seeing his young face made him reflect.
"To think the Uchiha could change so drastically… Seeing a clan leader this young makes me feel ancient."
"You're not old, Shikaku-san. The Uchiha just have their own way. Maybe my youth will bring them a fresh path."
Yuhara smiled, then grew a bit more serious.
"I've been meaning to thank you, actually. Just never had the chance."
"Thank me? For what? I think we've only met once before, outside of your time with Kotoba's team."
Shikaku blinked innocently, playing dumb.
But as a seasoned Konoha leader, Shikaku was an expert at this game. Pretending not to know was a ninja skill in itself.
Yuhara didn't press it—some things were best left unspoken.
"But it's you we should thank, honestly."
Shikaku's smile turned meaningful. Yuhara instantly understood—he'd been waiting here on purpose.
Whether that thanks was for avenging their clansman by killing Danzō, or for exposing Danzō and helping them gain leverage against Hiruzen, was unclear.
"None of us wanted things to come to this. But we were forced to act."
Yuhara sighed, playing along.
"Yeah… acting like this within the village causes a mess. But without overwhelming deterrence, how could we protect ourselves?
People only fear a raised hand when they've felt the pain of its swing."
Shikaku nodded seriously.
He agreed—what Yuhara did was extreme, but necessary. Without action, the Uchiha would've been wiped out.
"You've done more than enough, Clan Leader Yuhara."
Shikaku looked genuinely impressed.
"Few have the strength, courage, and tactical control to pull this off.
The Uchiha not only had power, but they also held the moral high ground.
Like you said, the world knows how painful your hand can be now.
And no one wants to feel it again—unless they have to."
Yuhara appreciated that deeply. It confirmed what he already knew.
"No one will dare strike again—unless the right conditions appear."
He was certain Hiruzen and his allies were furious. Right now, they lacked the means to retaliate.
But one day? They'd come for him.
Then again, when that day comes… maybe he'll be the one settling the score. Yuhara never forgets a grudge.
(End of Chapter)