Chapter 65: 63: A Family's Reflection
The following day, around noon.
"Investigations are complete, Hiruzen."
Inside the conference room at the Hokage Building, Homura and Koharu, the senior advisors, sighed lightly after going through the scroll's contents. Their frown indicated their shared discomfort.
The scroll contained information relayed by Konoha's frontline commander, Orochimaru. The report exposed discrepancies between the mission to attack Suna supply point and the actual situation. This error led to severe dispersion of Sakumo's team's combat strength and placed them on the brink of annihilation within Suna's encirclement.
While the root's involvement was not explicitly stated, as seasoned advisors, they recognized the subtext.
All arrows pointed to another esteemed Konoha elder, Shimura Danzo.
The root ninja had used deception to incriminate Sakumo's team. They had even infiltrated Hokage's Anbu, contributing to the debacle.
"What is your take on this matter?" Hiruzen, said to them expressionlessly.
While Homura and Koharu may have aimed to exonerate Danzo and shift the blame to Sunagakure, the others weren't na?ve. Such a strategy would only exacerbate the already grim situation.
"Danzo has gone too far this time..."
"Is 'too far' even an adequate description?"
Hiruzen's expression darkened abruptly. Placing an agent within the Hokage's Anbu was a transgression he could bear.
However, his stance represented his own views, not those of the Uchiha clan.
This aspect truly complicated the issue.
Assigning Uchiha Ruri to Sakumo's team for training had been a negotiation between him and Uchiha's top echelons.
Now, with the team barely initiated, a catastrophic incident had occurred. How would Uchiha's leadership perceive their Hokage?
"How do you plan to handle this situation? He is, after all, a senior figure in the village, one who has contributed extensively over the years, countering numerous threats to the village..."
Listening to Homura appeal on behalf of Danzo, Hiruzen irritably waved his hand, silencing him.
"Where is Danzo presently?"
"In the Land of Grass."
"And his response?"
"He claims everything is proceeding as usual, except..."
"Except what?"
"His four subordinates were on a covert mission in the Land of Rivers. For unknown reasons, they've vanished, presumably met their death."
Hiruzen nodded upon hearing this explanation. "I've got a grasp of the situation. I'll discuss matters with the Uchiha. You establish contact with Danzo. Urge him to be forthright and cease these unnecessary actions. Deciding how to address Uchiha remains my responsibility as Hokage. Root interference is unwarranted."
Danzo's audacious behavior could likely be attributed to Hokage's recent leniency towards the Uchiha—a potentially dangerous signal for the radical faction of the root.
The Uchiha's status within Konoha was complicated. While not fully assimilated into the village, they weren't entirely detached either.
Much like Konoha's governing body comprised both conservatives and radicals, the Uchiha community mirrored these divisions.
Regardless of their political leaning, The Uchiha's overarching ambitions was clear.
They sought increased influence in Konoha, a voice in village matters, and some even harbored aspirations of becoming Hokage, overthrowing the Senju clan.
Once the objective was clear, Hiruzen surmised that handling the rest would be straightforward.
Barring the Danzo incident, he might have managed to mend relations between Uchiha and the village before the next Hokage assumed control. This could have alleviated some of the tensions.
"I trust this lesson will prompt Danzo's restraint..."
Hiruzen sometimes found dealing with Danzo was confusing. With a sigh, he hoped that the man's character would evolve towards greater moderation.
Homura and Koharu remained silent. Danzo didn't attain his leadership position by being straightforward.
"Let's visit the Hyuga clan to explain the situation. While you plan to address Uchiha singlehandedly, entrust others with the task. However, remember, regardless of how you seek to placate Uchiha, never place complete trust in this clan. Among them, many ninjas harbor the same dangerous sentiments as that individual."
Casting Hiruzen a searching glance, Homura concluded and exited the conference room with Koharu.
"Uchiha Madara... his Mangekyou Sharingan..."
Hiruzen sat contemplatively, murmuring to himself.
Uchiha Madara's clash with the First Hokage at the Valley of the End had left an indelible mark on Konoha.
Though Uchiha Madara emerged as the loser, the First Hokage's following death upon returning to the village marked the onset of an era unrestrained by restraint. Within a few years, the First Great Ninja War erupted.
Madara Uchiha's notoriety stemmed from his mastery of the Mangekyou Sharingan—a pinnacle of dark, unknown power documented in Uchiha history.
Tobirama Senju, his teacher, repeatedly asserted that those who awakened the Mangekyou Sharingan descended into an abyss of darkness, forfeiting their humanity.
Arrogance, extremism, madness—they'd commit actions defying common sense and unsuitable for the ordinary.
Swift intervention was imperative to forestall a Konoha catastrophe.
Presently, Hiruzen's concerns didn't lie there.
Since Madara Uchiha's demise, the Uchiha clan had yet to produce another Mangekyou Sharingan user.
No matter how gifted, Uchiha ninjas could only attain the Sharingan's third tomoe at best. These three-tomoe Sharingan eyes didn't pose too much threat to a Hokage of Hiruzen's stature.
......
Three in the afternoon.
In the company of the team, Shiraishi, Ruri, and Ayane returned to the village of Konoha after several days spent away.
The peaceful and serene scene here stood in stark contrast to the tense and somber atmosphere on the front lines. This peace had been hard-won, the result of countless ninja sacrificing their lives.
"Then, I suppose it's time to part ways here."
At a fork in the road, Ayane suggested their separation.
Neither Shiraishi nor Ruri objected. Now wasn't the time to delve into personal matters.
The Uchiha clan's quarters appeared much as usual—neither bustling nor deserted. A group of children donning attire embroidered with the clan's emblem played on the streets within the Uchiha territory.
They belonged to the new generation of the Uchiha clan, and they all seemed familiar with Ruri, the prodigious figure of the clan. They greeted her with a chorus of "Ruri-sama" in sweet, youthful voices.
Ruri, in turn, shared some candy with the children, cautioning them to play safely.
"I'll head to the elders to gather information about the village's current situation. You should head back first."
Ruri watched the departing children, then turned her gaze to Shiraishi and relayed her intentions.
"Understood. I'll just go back quietly, like the transparent person I am."
Shiraishi had no qualms about that role, and Ruri acknowledged his sentiment with a nod. His contentment in this role had been a constant throughout his life—whether he was scorned or disregarded by others, he retained an air of indifference.
"While I doubt the resolution of this matter will leave you entirely satisfied..."
Shiraishi interjected once more before leaving.
Ruri's brows knitted in response, but before she could respond, Shiraishi had already walked away. He waved back at her and called out a "see you later."
After bidding farewell to Shiraishi, Ruri set out alone for the Naka Shrine.
Upon arrival, she found Uchiha Sora, the elderly Uchiha, already waiting for her. Seated beside him was a young man, Uchiha Fugaku.
Fugaku greeted Ruri with a faint smile and nod, acknowledging her presence.
Ruri returned the gesture with her own nod and greeting.
Frankly, while both she and Fugaku were contenders for the Uchiha clan's heir, Ruri didn't enjoy interacting with him. Not because Fugaku was weak—being a candidate for clan head necessitated strong Jōnin prowess, and his Sharingan had even evolved to the three tomoe.
It was Fugaku's conservative and gentle approach that irked Ruri. This was precisely the quality she found distasteful.
Though she respected his formidable strength, she doubted whether his character was suited for the weighty responsibilities of a patriarch.
After all, the Uchiha clan wasn't an ordinary ninja clan. A cautious and conservative approach would be akin to a slow-acting poison. This was Ruri's own perspective on the matter.
Taking her seat, Ruri inclined her head respectfully towards the four Uchiha elders to express her deference.
"Elder Sora, regarding this recent incident..."
Before she could delve further, Elder Sora raised a hand to halt her, his tone less impulsive than she had anticipated.
"I've been told of the situation by Hokage."
"Indeed?" Ruri responded in hushed tones, continuing her inquiry, "So, what decisions have been made by the clan?"
Elder Sora refrained from disclosing their arrangements, instead inquiring about Ruri's stance on the matter.
"What are your thoughts, Ruri?"
Elder Sora didn't outline the clan's plan, opting to seek Ruri's perspective on the issue.
"I recall, Elder Sora, you once informed me that Shimura Danzo, leader of the root, was a disciple of the second Hokage, closely associated with him and a member of the Shimura clan."
"That's correct."
"Given the strict organizational structure, subordinates wouldn't act without their superior's directive. I believe the other two team members weren't targets; the root's focus is either on me, the Uchiha. This entire scheme is orchestrated by Shimura Danzo, aimed at the Uchiha clan. Furthermore, this amounts to an unjustifiable act of murder against a fellow comrade. I propose he be imprisoned in Konoha's detention facility to atone for his actions."
By incarcerating the mastermind behind this scheme, any past accomplishments would be rendered meaningless. Political capital would evaporate, leaving him an impotent figure with no influence over the village.
This was Ruri's envisioned retribution for the senior Konoha operative.
As she spoke, Ruri produced a scroll, placing it before the Elder.
This scroll held irrefutable evidence—a tangible manifestation of the root's subterfuge against their fellow ninja.
Identifying this evidence would inevitably implicate the root, with the ringleaders inevitably exposed.
Elder Sora let out a sigh; he knew Ruri's response would be like this. Having watched Ruri grow up, he was well-acquainted with her retaliatory nature.
"It won't work. Did you kill the four root ninjas? Without proof of their deaths, as long as Danzo refuses to admit it, he can deny any involvement. Besides, the Senju clan is currently engaged in a major event, so it will take some time to process," he explained.
Elder Sora was likely concerned that Ruri might present the corpses of the root ninjas to the Yamanaka clan for identification. Whether this was a directive from Hokage himself or another high-ranking official, it underscored the Yamanaka clan's dedication to the task.
She wasn't surprised; she had expected this response.
Consequently, Shiraishi's careful treatment of the four root ninja corpses had been in vain.
"After the war, the Hokage will rein in the root and promise that such incidents won't recur. If Danzo acts against this, he'll face sanctions. Furthermore, Hokage permits you to revisit the Book of Seals and select one ninjutsu from it."
"That's certainly generous. But that's not what I desire, Elder Sora," Ruri retorted.
Raising her gaze, her eyes, a mix of black and white, fixed upon the Four Elders unflinchingly.
"Not these?" the Elder assumed Ruri's demand would cease here. After all, having another opportunity to consult the Book of Seals and select a potent ninjutsu practice from it was a privilege most Jōnin could only dream of. It was undoubtedly advantageous for Uchiha as well.
But this matter had not been addressed within the clan's confines; it had been discussed in secrecy with Hokage.
"No matter how formidable the sealed book's ninjutsu may be, it won't quell my anger. I seek the clans power. Also, with all due respect, individuals like Shimura Danzo are exceedingly perilous. People like him will eventually bring disaster upon us Uchiha. We must seize this opportunity to expose him, even if it means compromising the vitality of Uchiha..."
Ruri's demeanor was icy, and a strong intent to kill emanated from her eyes.
Fugaku appeared hesitant on the side, seemingly keen on diffusing the tension.
The Four Elders, instead of being affronted by Ruri's strong words, wore disdainful smiles. "Ruri, you're overestimating Shimura Danzo. The Shimura family and the root are unworthy adversaries for Uchiha. Danzo, the covert mouse, can only engage in manipulation and subterfuge behind the scenes. In the face of Uchiha's overwhelming might, these petty tactics are futile."
Their implication was that handling people like Shimura Danzo would be a waste of Uchiha's energy.
"Keep this evidence for now. I can promise that the next time Danzo attempts such a scheme, we'll act according to your plan. But I doubt Danzo will have the courage to continue targeting us Uchiha."
The Four Elders exuded unwavering confidence in Uchiha's power as they spoke.
Ruri glanced at Elder Sora's self-assured expression, her head bowing slightly.
"I understand, Elder. I'll follow your guidance," she conceded, her clenched fists and fluctuating chakra aura betraying her inner turmoil.
Elder Sora comfortingly patted Ruri's shoulder. He knew her reluctance and offered reassurance, "Ruri, you still have much to learn. Politics involves continual compromise between conflicting parties. While your talent surpasses Fuyue's, in this aspect, it remains a glaring weakness."
"Is this all for the Hokage position?" Ruri's voice turned cold.
Elder Sora smiled with understanding. "The Uchiha will strive for the position of the Fourth Hokage. Now that you understand this, think about it."
With that, he rose from his seat, and Fugaku followed suit.
As they departed, Ruri remained seated, her gaze fixed on the floor.
A somber and heavy atmosphere lingered in the room.
"This is truly tedious," she murmured.
Though she recognized the Elders' deliberation, their decision was far from what she desired. She vehemently disagreed with their stance.
Uchiha wielded considerable power, but it shouldn't serve as a pretext for disdain. In this world, staying vigilant for a thousand days only to be thwarted by a thief for one day was nonsensical.
She stood up slowly, turned, and peered out of the room.
The retreating figures of the Four Elders and Fuyue were still visible.
"Elder Sora, I don't oppose your choice, but I hadn't anticipated you'd misunderstand me from the outset."
It was vexing. More than that, it was disheartening.
Coming here had been a waste of her time. She'd have been better off returning for some rest.
Ultimately, strength determined everything, whether for a clan head or Hokage.
Similar to ninjas, absent the pretense of power, no matter how eloquent one's words, they'd fall on deaf ears.
Should the Uchiha clan adopt the Senju clan's path to Hokage, would that mean they surpassed the Senju?
It was self-deception. The moment the First Hokage fell, the Uchiha had already failed.
Most of the Uchiha's present agitation stemmed from their pride in co-founding Konoha with the Senju.
However, unlike the Senju clan, no Uchiha ninja had ever become the Hokage.
Unwillingness and envy had given way to obsession for the elder Uchiha, like the other eders.
Ruri hoped this intense obsession of Hokage's would not take root in the Uchiha.
"Without power, no matter how lofty a dream, it's but an illusion. A Hokage who doesn't punish those who frame comrades isn't worth believing in. I must find like-minded comrades within the clan..."
In an instant, her pupils turned crimson, and within her red irises, three inky black tomoe manifested one by one.
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