Akichi's POV
"Heh, that Uchiha brat is clearly an idiot.
Who spends five hundred ryo just because he feels his mother will scold? If it were me, I'd have taken the whole thousand — even if my mother scold me to death."
Akichi grinned to himself as he walked down the sunlit streets of Konoha, hands tucked smugly behind his head. The evening breeze danced through his hair as he daydreamed.
"One thousand ryo from Hokage-sama… ah, the possibilities," he murmured. "Ramen at Ichiraku, a new scarf, maybe even that shuriken set..."
Then he suddenly stopped mid-step.
"Wait— a thousand ryo?" His smile faded as realization dawned. "I have to give five hundred ryo to that Uchiha brat…"
He scowled.
"Heh, who cares. I'll complain to Hokage-grandpa about this. That brat did nothing and still gets half. Unfair! I did all the work. Clearly, the Hokage will see my brilliance."
Satisfied with his "intelligent" thinking, Akichi puffed up his chest once again and continued walking toward the central part of Konoha. Before long, the tall, imposing building of the Elders Council came into view.
The Council building stood three floors high, not far from the Hokage's office — perhaps a few hundred meters. Within its walls resided four positions: the Hokage himself, and the three Elders — Danzo Shimura, Homura Mitokado, and Koharu Utatane. The structure radiated old authority and power, a symbol of the village's backbone.
Akichi stared at it for a moment, pretending to analyze its importance — though in truth, he was imagining what kind of tea the Elders drank and how much it cost.
Just as he approached the entrance, a masked ninja appeared from the shadows, raising a hand.
"This is the Elders Council building," the guard said sternly. "All people/items must be investigated before you can enter."
Akechi froze, blinking twice. Then his face twisted into indignation.
"Do you even know who I am?" he snapped, voice rising. "I'm from the Sarutobi clan — the Sarutobi Elder, Sarutobi Mitarashi son Sarutobi Akichi ! My father works directly under Hokage-sama himself. Who are you to stop me?"
He jabbed a finger at the guard's chest.
"If you interfere again, I'll make sure Hokage-sama personally removes you from duty. You should know who to stop — and who not to."
The guard's eyes narrowed in anger, but he kept his composure. "You cannot take that box inside. It contains unknown materials. Protocol forbids it."
Akechi's temper flared. "Unknown materials? This is a gift! You're just making things difficult for me!"
Before the argument could escalate further, another ninja appeared, resting a hand on the first guard's shoulder. He bowed slightly to Akichi.
"Apologies, Sarutobi-sama. You may proceed. I'll handle this."
Akichi smirked, satisfied. "It's fine," he said smugly. "Just make sure he understands the consequences of defying a Sarutobi next time."
The guard's glare followed him as Akichi strutted past the gate, clutching the gift box as though it were a royal decree.
Inside, he climbed the stairs to the second floor and entered a long corridor lined with doors. At the end stood a larger door, its frame decorated with old wooden carvings of the Leaf's symbol. He knocked twice.
For a few seconds, there was silence. Then a calm but firm voice answered, "Come in."
Akechi entered and immediately bowed. "Good evening, Elder Homura."
Homura Mitokado sat behind his desk, papers neatly stacked before him. Though he was not as old as the rumors suggested, streaks of gray threaded through his hair. His posture was strict, almost military-like, yet his presence lacked the sharpness of a battlefield warrior. Instead, he carried the quiet authority of a man who had ruled from the shadows for decades.
Homura's gaze shifted to the box in Akechi's hands. He seemed momentarily puzzled but said nothing.
"This," Akechi began formally, setting the box on the table, "was given to me by Hokage-sama. He said it's his apology for that… incident the day before yesterday."
Homura's brows furrowed. For a moment, he seemed uncertain — until understanding flickered in his eyes.
The day before yesterday… The meeting.
Konoha's F4 — the four highest advisors — had gathered to discuss the Uchiha clan. Danzo had pressed for preemptive measures. Homura had quietly supported him. And Sarutobi Hiruzen, had argued for peace — a resolution that avoided bloodshed. The discussion had turned heated, even bitter.
Homura exhaled through his nose. His gaze softened slightly as he looked at the box again.
"That guy… can't even come himself," Homura murmured, though his gaze softened. "Still the same sentimental fool…"
His tone was stern, but Akichi could sense the hidden fondness beneath. With a respectful bow, Akechi placed the box carefully on the table.
Homura didn't open it immediately. Instead, he leaned back in his chair and asked, "How is your father these days?"
"He's well," Akichi replied quickly. "Currently at the clan estate, fulfilling his duties as always."
Homura nodded with faint approval, and for a few moments, the two exchanged polite conversation — light talk about the weather, missions, and the next ninja gathering.
Just as Homura was about to dismiss him, something in his expression changed. His eyes narrowed sharply, his hand twitching toward the box.
Akichi frowned. "Elder Homura?"
Akichi's voice faltered. For the first time, he noticed something wrong
And then—
Before another word could be said, the world detonated.
A blinding flash engulfed the room — then sound. An explosion so violent it felt like the heavens themselves had split open. The entire building shuddered as though struck by a thunder god's hammer.
The walls, the ceiling, the floor — all disintegrated in a storm of fire, smoke, and shattered stone. The force swallowed everything, erasing life, sound, and form. When it ended, nothing remained but ruins, blood splatter, and fragments of memory.
The explosion's roar echoed across Konoha, through forests and streets, shaking the village to its core. Birds scattered. Windows shattered.
Within seconds, ANBU operatives, security ninjas, and the Uchiha clan police dashed toward the site. But when they arrived and saw what lay before them — the smoldering wreck of the Elders Council building — their faces turned pale.
The heart of Konoha's leadership had been torn apart in an instant.
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