In the Hokage's office, Sarutobi Hiruzen stood alone by the window, puffing steadily on his pipe, his expression somewhat complex.
Not long ago, Shizuka Yuhi had given him a detailed report of her mission activities. Combined with the intelligence from Shikaku Nara, he had a rough understanding of what had occurred on the frontline.
Sarutobi Hiruzen hadn't imagined Mirai Uchiha's talent would be this extraordinary. In just one year since graduating from the ninja academy, he'd already gained the ability to face S-rank opponents directly.
Although according to the report, Mirai Uchiha had temporarily enhanced his strength using a secret technique like [Eight Gates], and was barely holding on under Rasa's attacks, nearly dying in his hands, it was still enough to prove his potential.
Even back then, compared with someone like Kyouran, Mirai Uchiha was clearly superior.
Yet unlike previous cases where he always kept close watch on ninja from the Uchiha Clan, this time Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't have any special concerns toward Mirai Uchiha.
Thinking about how he sacrificed himself during the crisis to ensure his teammates escaped safely, this act especially pleased Sarutobi Hiruzen.
In his eyes, Mirai Uchiha had completely inherited the legacy of the Will of Fire. Such a ninja, no matter how strong, could be guided effectively.
Just at this moment, the office door suddenly burst open.
Hearing the hurried footsteps, Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't need to turn around to know who had arrived—it must be his old friend. Only he would dare barge into the Hokage's office so recklessly.
"Hiruzen, Mirai Uchiha has already returned to the village. I request permission to deploy Root ninja to monitor him," Danzo Shimura stated bluntly.
Upon hearing this, Sarutobi Hiruzen turned around, tapping his pipe against the desk a few times before speaking slowly, "Danzo, I've already told you—Mirai is a ninja I personally support. His personality isn't suited for Root."
"Hmm. It seems your judgment is slipping," Danzo coldly replied. "Are you willing to risk repeating the Madara Uchiha tragedy?"
"Danzo, don't try to frighten me with baseless fears," Sarutobi countered. "I understand exactly what you're thinking."
"No matter how strong Mirai Uchiha becomes, without awakening the Mangekyo Sharingan, he poses no real threat."
Immediately, Danzo pressed forward, "What if he awakens the Mangekyo Sharingan?"
Sarutobi took a puff of his pipe, smiling lightly. "Even if he does awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan, it'll still be fine."
"According to historical records, the Mangekyo Sharingan is a cursed eye. Every Uchiha who possesses it eventually loses their eyesight."
"Now that the village is under our control, a pair of Mangekyo Sharingan doesn't amount to much."
A powerful aura radiated from Hiruzen Sarutobi.
As the "Sage of Shinobi," he was confident in maintaining full control over everything.
Mirai Uchiha had no siblings, making it impossible for him to inherit eyes like Madara's.
He already led many elite warriors,
including Orochimaru, Jiraiya, Tsunade, Minato Namikaze, and numerous powerful shinobi clans as well as elite Anbu members.
Combined with his own strength,
who in Konoha could stand against him?
After hearing Hiruzen's words, Danzo Shimura asked with some confusion, "Hiruzen, there's clearly a more straightforward way to maintain control. Why take the roundabout approach?"
"Danzo, you only need to carry out your duties. There's no need to ask further questions."
"Hiruzen, sooner or later you will regret this decision."
"You've said that many times already."
"Hmph!"
Danzo stormed off angrily while Hiruzen half-closed his eyes and took a sip of tea from the cup on his desk.
His longtime friend was still too shortsighted.
The Uchiha Clan could remain silent and obedient for now, but if the day came when they refused to be treated as tools anymore, the village would inevitably turn against them.
After all, the Uchiha were one of Konoha's founding clans, so taking action against them would surely draw heavy condemnation upon him.
However, it would be different if the actions were carried out by the Uchiha shinobi themselves.
Mirai Uchiha, who possessed extraordinary talent and inherited the Will of Fire, was the perfect candidate for this plan.
Once the war ended, he'd have Mirai Uchiha join the Anbu.
...
Late at night,
outside a barbecue restaurant,
Shizuka Yuhi waved goodbye to Mirai Uchiha and his companions alongside Kurenai Yuhi: "Everyone should relax properly these days, but don't slack off on training."
"Got it."
"Then see you later."
Shizuka Yuhi let out a slight burp from alcohol and left, followed by a reluctant Kurenai Yuhi disappearing into the darkness.
After both figures faded from sight, Asuma Sarutobi finally turned away: "I'm off too."
With those words, he immediately activated [Body Flicker Technique] and vanished on the spot, as if not wanting to stay around Mirai Uchiha even for a second longer.
Seeing this, Mirai Uchiha shook his head and didn't dwell on it.
Maybe it was better this way.
He was fated to confront the Sarutobi Clan eventually, possibly even kill Asuma Sarutobi himself. So it wasn't necessarily a bad thing for their relationship to grow more distant now.
Walking toward the clan compound, there were fewer and fewer pedestrians on the streets.
When passing through a dark and secluded alley, Mirai Uchiha suddenly stopped in his tracks.
In front and behind him,
two masked ninjas surrounded him.
"Mirai Uchiha, Danzo Shimura has ordered you to come with us."
Mirai Uchiha shook his head. "Danzo Shimura? Never heard of him."
"Lord Danzo is an advisor to the Hokage. All Root operatives must obey his orders."
A Root ninja said coldly, "Would you defy the village and brand yourself a rogue ninja?"
"Throwing around accusations like that," Mirai Uchiha scoffed disdainfully.
The next second, a pair of crimson eyes lit up in the darkness.
"Watch out! He's making his move!"
Seeing Mirai Uchiha's Sharingan, the two Root ninjas were taken aback.
They had always acted with impunity within the village, so they never expected their target to attack without hesitation.
By the time they realized something was wrong, it was already too late.
The Sharingan's genjutsu momentarily dazed them, and when they came back to their senses, a long katana had already pierced through their chests.
The Root ninja widened their eyes in disbelief.
They never imagined this teenager could be so ruthless—his attacks were deadly strikes without any hesitation or mercy.
"Mirai Uchiha, Lord Danzo will never let you go..."
"Don't worry, I have no intention of letting him go either."
[Ding! Congratulations, Master! Successfully looted rewards: Secret Art – Shadow Imitation Technique!]
[Ding! Congratulations, Master! Successfully looted rewards: Secret Art – Partial Expansion Jutsu!]
Hearing the system's prompt sound in his mind, Mirai Uchiha slightly lifted the corner of his mouth. Using a mental extraction technique, he retrieved valuable intelligence about Root from the fallen ninja's mind.
To avoid constant harassment from Danzo Shimura, Mirai Uchiha decided to give the other side some trouble.
After disposing of the dead Root ninjas' bodies, Mirai Uchiha infiltrated a temporary Root base.
According to the memories he acquired, two Root ninja teams were on duty inside, and the highest-ranked among them were two Tokubetsu Jonin.
After confirming that he hadn't been discovered, Mirai Uchiha formed hand seals and used the Transformation Jutsu to disguise himself.
At the same time, he created a Shadow Clone, and together they stormed the Root base from both sides.
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