Fugaku, upon hearing this answer, was shaken. To think that within the ninja world there still existed such formidable enemies—fortunately, none of them were Ryosuke's match.
If even he could not handle such foes, then there was no way Fugaku could hope to face them. Even if he unleashed his Mangekyō Sharingan, it would likely be of little use. Better to do as Ryosuke said, and devote himself to properly managing the village.
At that moment, Uchiha Yatsushiro pushed open the door, stepping inside just in time to see Fugaku and Ryosuke together. He had originally come seeking Fugaku, intending to discuss persuading Ryosuke to retract his earlier words about sparing the Sarutobi and Shimura clans.
For those two clans had once inflicted unbearable humiliation and a blood-deep hatred upon the Uchiha, a debt that must be repaid a hundredfold. Perhaps Ryosuke had some profound reasoning, but Yatsushiro was unwilling to accept it.
He spoke out at once.
"Ryosuke, are you truly going to let the Sarutobi and Shimura clans go free? Back then they left us in such misery. Danzō not only targeted our clan—he even murdered our kin and tore the eyes from their sockets. How can we ever forget such a grudge?"
Fugaku immediately barked out,
"Elder Yatsushiro! Do you mean to question Ryosuke's decision? He has already given his word, and that word must be kept. Otherwise, we will be seen as oath-breakers. The image the Uchiha have built will collapse. If the village believes we cannot be trusted, why would they ever submit to us?"
Yatsushiro only snorted coldly.
"Of course I know this. But what of such a blood feud? Are we not to avenge it? That cannot be! Our Uchiha have always repaid hatred with vengeance."
Fugaku knew well Yatsushiro's temper. Once, he himself had also felt this same suffocating resentment. But now the main culprits, Shimura Danzō and Sarutobi Hiruzen, were both dead.
It was clear he could not persuade the elder, so only Ryosuke could.
Ryosuke now spoke.
"I agree with you—hatred must be avenged. But the true culprits are already slain. Unless you find others from those clans who directly struck against our Uchiha, then deal with them as you wish. But do not target ordinary people. Times are not what they were. Our position in the village is not yet firm. There is no need to spread fear throughout the populace. After all, this is where we live—why should we make everyone dread us?"
Seeing Ryosuke's stance, Fugaku quickly supported him.
"If your heart still feels unbalanced, then follow Ryosuke's words. Hunt down those who joined Danzō and Hiruzen in slaughtering our kin. At present, Root is under the oversight of the Four Noble Clans and the Hyūga. Go seek their cooperation. Surely, they will not oppose you. In this way, you will even hold the righteous cause."
Yatsushiro, though still dissatisfied, could not argue further. In his heart, what he desired was more than just the killing of those who had murdered their kin—he wished to see the Sarutobi and Shimura clans crushed and reduced from middling houses to the lowest of small clans.
But Ryosuke and Fugaku's reasoning was not without sense. There was no need to sacrifice the greater for the lesser. Eliminating those Root shinobi and the other killers would at least let him vent some of his fury.
To kill the accomplices would be a fitting tribute to the slain of their clan, and his heart would find some peace. This way, the upcoming council of clan heads for the Hokage election would not be disrupted.
"Very well. I shall take my leave."
At once, he departed for the other two Guard Division headquarters.
The Four Noble Clans and the Hyūga, who now held control over Root, naturally cooperated with Yatsushiro's actions. With his reasoning, they had no grounds to oppose.
The Yamanaka even used their mind-reading arts to identify the Root members and Shimura clansmen who had taken part in slaughtering the Uchiha. As for the Anbu, none were found involved—surely these matters had not been carried out under the Third Hokage's direct orders.
Yatsushiro's mood soared.
Not many days later, the news of the Third Hokage's suicide in guilt spread across the Land of Fire, and even throughout the shinobi world.
The Land of Fire's Southwestern Border — Tanzaku Town.
Within a bustling casino, the air was alive with noise.
At the center of the gambling table sat a woman with pale-golden hair and a full, striking figure. At this moment, her attention was wholly fixed upon the game before her.
Her heart smoldered with frustration. Once again, she had lost. She could not remember when it began, but ill luck clung to her like a curse. She had not won a single round.
Across from her sat a gathering of greedy gamblers, eyes glittering with stars. Yet what they coveted was not the beauty of the woman before them—though she was indeed beautiful, none of them dared entertain such thoughts.
For across from them was none other than Tsunade of the Legendary Sannin, granddaughter of Senju Hashirama, princess of the Hidden Leaf. To make a move on her would be to provoke the entire village of Konoha. Any who wished to die quickly might attempt it, but the rest would never dare.
What they coveted, of course, was Tsunade's money.
Though her strength was unmatched, her luck was abysmal. Every gambler who faced her would walk away with a fortune. For this, she had earned her infamous nickname: the Fat Sheep.
In their hearts, joy bloomed. Tonight, once again, they would earn a bountiful profit.