The outcome of the negotiations largely aligned with Sasuke's initial demands.
Konoha naturally couldn't afford to let the Uchiha Clan truly secede.
Just the power Fugaku had displayed, if revealed to other major nations, would be disastrous. Konoha becoming a laughingstock was minor; other nations using it as a pretext to attack was the real threat.
Therefore, the Third Hokage and the two senior advisors made significant concessions.
As for Danzo, he had no say here.
Until he cleared himself of suspicion regarding his unauthorized actions, this matter was solely decided by Hiruzen and the two advisors.
Several major clans within the village also made their positions clear.
Even the Hyuga Clan, which had always competed with the Uchiha for the title of [Konoha's Premier Clan], expressed a desire to maintain stability.
They were stubborn, not stupid.
If Konoha were invaded, what good outcome could the Hyuga Clan expect?
Just look at all the forces coveting their Byakugan!
In the end, the Uchiha Clan did not leave Konoha.
In exchange, the Uchiha Clan could relocate their compound to the central area of Konoha Village.
Additionally, several major clans transferred portions of their business interests and real estate holdings to the Uchiha.
This was the core tether binding the Uchiha to Konoha.
In the past, mentioning the Uchiha Clan evoked thoughts of arrogance and aloofness. More crucially, their absence wouldn't significantly impact daily life for most.
Now it was different.
Weaponry, food service, daily necessities, even the entertainment industry… the Uchiha Clan acquired shares in numerous sectors.
These weren't gifts, of course, but purchased with real money.
However, the Uchiha Clan had plenty of money, if nothing else.
Individually, the shares in each industry weren't large, but collectively, the volume was substantial.
This was a concession from the entire Konoha Village.
It was the greatest sincerity the higher-ups and other interest groups could muster in a short time.
Fugaku clearly understood the immense benefits involved… not just tangible profits, but also the bonds that would reconnect the Uchiha Clan with Konoha Village.
If you eat and shop primarily at Uchiha-run establishments, can you still readily ostracize the Uchiha Clan's members in your own squad?
Even if the effect isn't immediate, it would gradually pull the Uchiha Clan back from their isolated position.
Despite his tough talk, Fugaku was fundamentally part of the faction that maintained Konoha's stability, otherwise, he wouldn't have willingly faced death in the other timeline.
Of course, the Uchiha's negotiation victory relied not only on controlling the narrative but also on their undeniable combat prowess.
If a minor clan dared do this-
Their clan head would likely die from 'kunai suicide via backstab' before the next month, followed by mysterious clan members' deaths.
…
The atmosphere within the Uchiha Clan's compound was fervent and boisterous.
Everyone was elated.
Even the old-timers who had consistently opposed Fugaku.
Nothing moves hearts more than tangible benefits. Even they had to admit that, in this instance, Fugaku's decision was more appropriate.
However, unlike the lively atmosphere outside, the mood in the clan head's private room was grave.
"For now, the sword hanging over the Uchiha Clan's head has been temporarily removed. But the true threat is only now emerging."
Sasuke, his hood removed, looked at everyone in the room, his tone extremely serious.
Fugaku, Yuzu, and Shizuka wore similar expressions.
They knew Sasuke's words weren't baseless fear.
In those memories, they had clearly seen that the true mastermind remained unaddressed.
"They won't sit idly by and watch the Uchiha reintegrate with the village."
"Therefore, an attack will come soon, possibly even tonight."
If someone wanted to sabotage this, now was the best time.
After all, the agreements reached today weren't fully implemented yet. If the Uchiha Clan were wiped out tonight, all previous promises would vanish like smoke.
Presumably, the clans that had conceded assets wouldn't react too extremely to a fait accompli.
Currently, just listening to the noise outside made it clear the Uchiha Clan's vigilance was at its lowest.
Coupled with their resignation from Konoha's police duties, there weren't even night patrols now.
The entire compound was immersed in a celebratory rhythm.
And this was precisely the trap Sasuke had set for the masked individual and Danzo!
"Fugaku... Head, you need to go out and join the celebration with them."
Hesitating for a second, Sasuke still couldn't bring himself to directly say 'Father'.
After all, while they looked the same, this man wasn't his deceased father.
He continued,
"Shizuka, you too. Although I'm unsure of the exact method, there's no doubt the masked man has a way to gather intelligence on the Uchiha Clan's compound."
"He is also an Uchiha clansman and is very familiar with the environment here."
"Therefore, we only have one chance to catch him."
"Success or failure rests on tonight."
After Sasuke finished speaking, the room fell into brief silence.
Fugaku was the first to respond.
"I understand-"
He nodded, his gaze shifting between Yuzu and Sasuke, then added almost involuntarily,
"But you must also be careful. Based on the intelligence you provided, that individual's methods are unpredictable..."
Hearing this, Sasuke simply smiled faintly.
"Don't worry, I'm not weaker than any of you."
Of course, saying this, Sasuke felt some frustration inwardly.
Why had both Mangekyo abilities awakened, yet his own Susanoo showed no signs of manifesting?
It wasn't that he absolutely needed that 'piloting a mech' ability, but if he could awaken that power and use the giant to execute his Hasshoken-
Even Naruto would have to take him seriously.
Truth be told, in Sasuke's current view, the only opponent who truly qualified as a powerful enemy was probably Naruto.
Even the masked man, in Sasuke's eyes, was just a rat relying on that intangibility ability to scurry around.
Being able to run didn't mean being able to fight.
The plan was quickly set in motion.
Not only Fugaku, but also Shizuka, the Uchiha Clan's prodigy who had already revealed her Susanoo's power, needed to appear 'drunk'.
Even Yuzu couldn't be an exception.
Because Yuzu was actually the key figure the enemy valued for implementing the clan extermination plan.
Seeing the clan head, his daughter, and the clan's super genius willing to drink and celebrate with them, the clansmen felt honored, and the atmosphere grew even more fervent.
After Fugaku's actions and Yuzu's public support, the previous doubts about Yuzu within the clan did a complete reversal.
Now, the clansmen, loving the house and its crow, transferred some of their 'the Head is awesome' sentiment to Yuzu as well.
All of this was observed by a White Zetsu hiding in the shadows.
...
"What are you still hesitating for? If you miss tonight, the opportunity will be gone forever."
"Moreover, given the Uchiha's current scale, if you let them continue developing, the likelihood of that Uchiha Fugaku succeeding as the next Hokage is quite high."
The masked individual's casual words struck the core of Danzo's concerns.
The man gritted his teeth with a sinister expression, looking at the figure across from him.
"You'd better not be lying to me."
As he spoke, several Root's members subtly moved closer.
"Heh, I'm alone. What do you have to fear?"
"Our reasons are the same."
"A world without the Uchiha Clan is important to both of us."
Just then, a White Zetsu emerged from the ground and reported the news to the masked individual.
"The opportunity has arrived. Prepare to move."
With that, her figure quickly vanished into a swirling vortex.
Danzo watched this, his eyes narrowing slightly.
'Sharingan...'
His greed for the Sharingan rose alongside his killing intent.
"Assemble. We move in the latter half of the night."
"For Konoha's future!"
"Yes!"