Itachi frowned.
Though still young, he could sense how dire things had become. His eyes turned anxiously toward Uchiha Kai.
Kai's expression was calm. His brow furrowed for just a moment before he returned to serenity.
Yes—he was a little stunned too.
He had expected that once this move was made, the Hokage faction and the clans alike would be thrown into panic. Some maneuvering, some pushback—that was normal.
But this was too fast.
He had only posted the notice that afternoon. By evening, the Hokage's side was already convening in secret?
What did they intend to do?
Anyone with a brain could guess. But why now?
After all, the village was still technically at war!
Still, even with his surprise, Kai could not afford to show panic. As the acting head of the Uchiha now, if he faltered, Fugaku would be the first to collapse.
"Kai-kun, think of something quickly," Fugaku urged. "It looks like the Hokage's faction has truly resolved to wipe us out.
We must prepare immediately—either for direct confrontation or for escape. The time left to us is short.
And running… with so many Uchiha, it's impossible. For shinobi maybe, but what of all our civilians?"
The others broke into noisy debate, throwing out proposals one after another.
"Nothing left to say—we fight." Uchiha Setsuna spoke coldly. "That Hokage lot won't leave us alive anyway.
I may hate Kai to death, but this isn't the time for infighting.
That can wait. Right now, unity comes first."
Fugaku's face was grim. He scanned the group, then finally turned toward Kai.
Yes, this move of Kai's had stirred trouble. It hadn't achieved the intended results.
But Fugaku still trusted in his ability.
"Kai-kun. What's your decision?"
At that, every gaze turned to Kai. Their eyes were conflicted.
They might not like him, but they couldn't deny the results he'd achieved recently. They recognized his talent—though they still thought him too young, too reckless.
No one voiced those thoughts. He was still an Uchiha, and in this crisis, they needed him.
Kai narrowed his eyes slightly, scanning the crowd. Inside, he felt some relief.
Despite their bickering and factionalism, when faced with extinction, even Setsuna could set aside grudges and stand together.
The Uchiha were not hopeless.
After a pause, Kai finally spoke.
"Everyone, calm yourselves. The enemy hasn't attacked yet—why are you already in chaos?
I promise, nothing will happen tonight. I'll handle this.
But we must prepare for both best and worst outcomes.
If the Hokage faction has truly resolved to destroy us, then yes—we will lose. That much is certain.
So before death comes, we must ensure Konoha pays dearly.
Mobilize every Jounin in the clan. Secretly infiltrate the various clan compounds—Sarutobi's especially. Fugaku, you'll lead that strike.
If the village moves against us, you all immediately strike at the clans.
Primary targets: their prodigies. Secondary: the families of the village leadership—especially their children.
We cannot protect every Uchiha woman and child. So abandon that hope.
Better to use that time to kill enemy families.
Once the slaughter is done, escape the village at once. Whoever survives, scatter and vanishes as rogue shinobi. From the shadows, we'll exact revenge.
As for the clan gathered here—leave them to me.
I'll hold off the village leadership myself, and take as many of their strongmen as I can with me. Then I'll escape too."
Kai's tone was light, but the killing intent behind his words was enough to chill the blood.
Gasps echoed around the courtyard.
The plan was brutal. It meant abandoning the clan as a whole, but dragging down the seeds of other clans with them.
"I agree." Setsuna nodded. "We're dead anyway.
Meeting them head-on won't hurt them much. But if we slaughter their prodigies, their high-ranking kin—
Even if Uchiha dies, at least they'll bleed for it."
Yes—Setsuna despised Kai, and would even kill him if he could.
But against outsiders, he was an Uchiha first.
The others nodded slowly. Kai's method was ruthless, but in the end, it was the best revenge.
Even Fugaku inclined his head.
"Very well. I agree."
Consensus was reached.
Kai then wrote a letter, handing it to Tekka.
"Tekka, run this to our dear Hokage. I believe he'll make the correct choice. Be quick."
Tekka blinked in surprise.
Writing to Hiruzen? At this stage?
It made no sense—but he bowed.
"Yes, my lord."
Taking the letter, he vanished into the night.
"Kai-kun," Fugaku asked, unable to hold back, "what did you write to Hiruzen?"
The others leaned forward, curious.
Why write at all, when things had already reached the point of no return?
Kai only smiled, shaking his head, and said easily:
"Nothing much. Just a threat.
I'm borrowing the way of our ancestor, Uchiha Madara.
If the village agrees to peace, fine. But if Hiruzen refuses—then I'll defect tonight.
With my Mangekyo, I'll kill as many Konoha shinobi as I can. And before leaving, I'll strike the Sarutobi clan.
I won't fight head-on. Shoot and vanish, strike and run.
Let's see how Hiruzen responds.
That's all.
Now—plan for the worst. Dispatch our Jounin to infiltrate the other clans. Fugaku and I will head for the Sarutobi.
If the Hokage dares move—then the Sarutobi will be exterminated to accompany us to the grave."
Hiss!
The crowd collectively drew in a sharp breath.
This was savage. To hold the Sarutobi clan itself hostage against Hiruzen!
Despicable perhaps. But undeniably effective.
Without another word, they scattered to prepare.
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