"You don't get to decide here. I'm apologizing to you—and I hope you can forgive the old man for what just happened."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's apology sounded sincere, but Uchiha Hikaru only sneered in response, which made Mito Uzumaki even more disappointed.
If you've already made a mistake, then as someone in power, it's better to carry that mistake to the end with conviction.
A ruler who clings stubbornly to their views regardless of right or wrong is a tyrant. But one who wavers and changes course under pressure? That's a fool.
If Hiruzen Sarutobi had stood his ground under Mito Uzumaki's watchful gaze and still supported Danzo's stance—taking action against Uchiha Hikaru—it would've meant that the Uchiha problem might never be resolved… but at least people would see decisiveness in him. He could've barely passed as a qualified leader.
But this—this behavior of lacking resolve and letting others sway his will—
It made even Mito Uzumaki feel a twinge of regret. She began to question whether her original decision had been the right one.
Though that thought was quickly suppressed, it had already taken root like a seed in her heart—waiting to sprout.
Actually, Uchiha Hikaru had known from the moment Mito Uzumaki entered the Hokage building.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have acted so aggressively—what if he'd gone too far?
This time, not only had he met Hiruzen Sarutobi, but also Shimura Danzo.
And his objective had been achieved.
Although the surprise attack wasn't something he could have predicted, it gave him a perfect opportunity to glimpse the Third Hokage's attitude toward the Uchiha clan.
It was more or less the same as in the future: laced with prejudice.
And with Danzo's influence, he would undoubtedly move further along the path of excluding the Uchiha.
That much became clear to Hikaru—they couldn't coexist.
Right now, Mito Uzumaki could still keep him in check, but one day he would become just like in the history books.
So rather than wait until Hiruzen had a blade at his throat, it'd be better to take him out first.
Once he understood that, Hikaru began his maneuvering.
First, provoke Danzo—push him into acting irrationally.
When people get angry, they do things without thinking.
And just as Hikaru expected, despite Hiruzen's scolding, Danzo went ahead and labeled his actions today as a threat.
And since there was no hiding the Three-Tomoe Sharingan he used to fend off the attacker, he figured he might as well use it to make a statement—give Danzo a taste of fear.
Everything after that—Hiruzen and Danzo's reactions, Mito Uzumaki's stance—it all played out exactly as he had predicted.
A simple scheme to sow division. Hiruzen played along so perfectly, Hikaru felt like giving him an award.
Now that all of his objectives were complete, only one thing remained.
"It's fine. But actually, the reason I asked Sister Mito to come here today is something else."
Uchiha Hikaru responded to Hiruzen's words, then jogged over to Mito Uzumaki's side.
"Sister Mito, my house was destroyed today… so can I stay with you tonight?"
That affectionate address made everyone present stifle a laugh, and the tense atmosphere that had filled the room dissolved with Hikaru's lighthearted tone.
'Sister... Mito?'
Both the Third and Danzo had to admit—it was the kind of thing Mito Uzumaki would actually let slide.
But having someone who could be Hikaru's grandmother called sister? Just picturing it made them want to laugh.
Even someone like Mito Uzumaki couldn't help but feel a little flustered in front of so many people.
She quickly stepped forward, changing the subject.
"Since Hikaru has nowhere to stay, and everyone's here already, let's go ahead and take care of tomorrow's business today."
"I'll be adopting this child. He doesn't need to change his name—he can keep it. From now on, he'll keep Tsunade company."
Her words were light, but to Hiruzen and Danzo, they hit like a mountain.
They were both seasoned political veterans—they knew exactly what this meant.
Mito Uzumaki adopting Uchiha Hikaru was a clear political signal—a demand for them to change their policy.
They had been openly and subtly targeting the Uchiha clan. Now they were being asked to completely reverse that position. Doing so would cost them their credibility.
But since the one making the move was Mito Uzumaki, they had no choice but to swallow this bitter pill.
Seeing the two stay silent, Mito Uzumaki didn't care.
Once she made a decision, she followed through.
To her, adopting Hikaru was a strategic move—one that could help resolve the Uchiha issue and prevent future civil unrest.
Just like how Hashirama Senju once raised his sword against his close friend Madara Uchiha.
Anyone who threatened the village—no matter who—Mito Uzumaki would not hesitate to eliminate them.
If Hiruzen and the others wanted to stop her, they'd better have a better solution. Otherwise, she'd simply appoint a new Hokage.
The incompetent only held the village back.
"Since no one objects, it's settled."
With that, she didn't wait for a response. She took Hikaru's hand and left.
A few moments after they were gone, a loud bang echoed through the office.
"Hiruzen, you saw it!"
"That brat is going to be a disaster someday. Give him to me—I'll eliminate him for you!"
Hiruzen held his pipe but didn't smoke. He quietly considered Danzo's words.
"No. He's already been adopted by Lady Mito. That makes him a bridge. Anyone who harms him is going against Lady Mito herself."
"And not all Uchihas are bad. Kagami is one of them, and he inherited the Will of Fire."
The truth was, Hiruzen knew: Uchiha Hikaru was untouchable now.
He was the bridge between the Uchiha and the village. If anyone tried to destroy that bridge, Mito Uzumaki would personally destroy them.
But Danzo didn't care. He only heard Hiruzen's refusal and burst out in rage:
"You'll regret this, Hiruzen!!"
Hiruzen responded coolly:
"Danzo, I am the Hokage."
Furious, Danzo slammed the door and stormed out.
Hiruzen picked up his pipe again, taking a slow drag.
For a while, the smoke veiled his face—hiding what he was really thinking.
Rewind to just ten minutes earlier, at the Uchiha compound—residence of Uchiha Setsuna, the clan's elder.
Uchiha En, disheveled and flustered, knocked urgently on the door.
"Who is it?"
"It's me, Uchiha En. I have an urgent matter for the Elder!"
The door swung open immediately, revealing a butler-like man.
"In that case, follow me."
He turned and led En through the compound to where Uchiha Setsuna sat.
At that moment, Setsuna was calmly sipping tea. Seeing En's disordered state, his brows creased with displeasure.
"What is it?"
Uchiha En dropped to one knee and said solemnly:
"Lord Setsuna, I've discovered a genius—a truly one-of-a-kind genius!"
Setsuna had thought it was something serious—something important enough for En to show up uninvited and ignore protocol. But it turned out to be just this?
A genius?
The Uchiha clan was full of geniuses.
Seeing the elder's indifferent expression, En threw etiquette aside and stepped right up to Setsuna, insisting:
"That kid looks only six or seven years old—but he's already awakened the Three-Tomoe Sharingan!"
Setsuna shot to his feet, knocking over the tea without a second thought, and grabbed En by the arm.
"What did you say?"