Thus, another discussion targeting the Uchiha ultimately ended without resolution.
As he left, Danzo did not forget to throw out a few harsh words.
"The Uchiha problem cannot be tolerated."
"If there's truly no solution, Root will find an opportunity to eliminate the source."
The "source" he referred to was, of course, Yusuke.
The two Uchiha prodigies—Blazing Demon Yusuke and Shisui of the Body Flicker—had already been placed on his assassination list.
Hiruzen remained silent in the face of Danzo's bluster.
If things were handled well, the credit would belong to him, the Hokage.
If they failed?
The blame would fall squarely on Danzo.
Time flew, and soon it was Konoha Year 51.
Over the past half year, under Yusuke's leadership, public perception of the Uchiha had improved dramatically.
Resentment had been successfully redirected.
Within Konoha, it had become rare to hear people curse the Uchiha in secret.
The clan still stood proud and lofty—
But any act of bullying or abuse of power was severely punished by the Clan Head.
To drive the lesson home, Yusuke had even staged a disciplinary example with Inabi and Tekka.
The Uchiha's reputation rose steadily.
At the mention of Clan Head Yusuke, many villagers couldn't help but sigh in admiration.
"May my son grow up to be like Lord Yusuke!"
Konoha's main street bustled with joy.
The long, exhausting conflicts had finally ended.
A diplomatic delegation from Kumogakure had arrived to negotiate a formal peace treaty.
Hokage Tower.
To show respect, Konoha's leadership and the heads of the major clans attended collectively.
Yusuke was naturally present.
The meeting proceeded without incident.
In the previous war, Kumogakure and Konoha had not clashed directly on a large scale.
There was little deep-seated hatred.
Few irreconcilable issues.
As the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi and the Hidden Cloud delegation leader signed the document—
The peace treaty officially took effect.
The matter settled, relief spread throughout the room.
After years of war, who wouldn't want a few peaceful days?
"Hokage-sama, I bring greetings from the Raikage."
"At your age, still laboring tirelessly for your village—I deeply admire you."
The Hidden Cloud leader smiled as he offered the compliment.
On the surface, polite.
Between the lines, however, was mockery—
An old man still clinging to power. Does Konoha have no successors?
Hiruzen's smile stiffened briefly, then recovered.
"Not at all. How could I compare to Ōnoki of Iwagakure? I'm but an old man with one foot in the grave. He's the one truly vigorous in his later years."
Everyone knew the Third Raikage had died at Iwagakure's hands.
A wound that never healed for the Cloud.
You insult me indirectly?
I'll tear open your scar directly.
The Third Raikage had fought alone for three days and nights before falling from exhaustion.
A hero of the Hidden Cloud.
Not to be mocked.
The Cloud envoy's expression darkened.
"Hmph. We're leaving."
Without further courtesy, he turned and exited.
Hiruzen wasn't worried in the slightest.
This was Konoha's home ground.
Did they dare cause trouble here?
He smiled warmly and dismissed the assembly.
"The war is over. Let us restore Konoha's prosperity."
"Return home. Tomorrow we continue our efforts."
Signing peace with Kumogakure was a tremendous event.
Everyone wanted to celebrate.
"We can finally rest easy."
"The war is over—thanks to the wise leadership of the Third Hokage!"
"Konoha banzai! Hokage-sama banzai!"
Joy filled the air, lifting Hiruzen high on waves of praise.
Yusuke crossed his arms and surveyed the leadership and clan heads.
A faint trace of mockery flashed in his eyes.
His lips curved into a cold smile.
"Heh…"
Were the Cloud truly here for peace?
Since when had that militant nation ever honored paper agreements?
The last alliance with Kumogakure had cost Konoha the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju.
The lesson was carved in blood—
Yet Konoha seemed to have forgotten.
That night.
A Hidden Cloud shinobi quietly infiltrated the Hyūga compound.
It was eerily reminiscent of the past attempt to abduct the Nine-Tails jinchūriki, Kushina Uzumaki.
Unfortunately for him—
His execution was sloppy.
He barely made it out of the compound with young Hinata before being intercepted by Hiashi Hyūga.
Hiashi killed him on the spot.
ANBU quickly sealed the scene.
Hiruzen arrived shortly thereafter.
When he saw the lifeless body of the Hidden Cloud ninja, his expression turned grim.
"Hiashi. Explain clearly what happened. How did this shinobi die?"
Hiashi, holding his daughter—still under genjutsu—did not conceal anything.
His face was dark with anger and humiliation.
The Hyūga, pride of Konoha—
Had allowed an outsider to infiltrate their estate and nearly abduct the clan heir.
If this spread, it would be a laughingstock.
Suppressing his fury, Hiashi spoke:
"Late last night, I discovered my daughter Hinata missing. I searched immediately and found this man fleeing with her. I intercepted him. He attacked. During the fight, I accidentally killed him. When I removed his mask… I realized he was a Hidden Cloud shinobi."
His fists tightened.
He knew the political implications—
But as a father, he wanted justice.
Hiruzen, however, quietly exhaled in relief.
The Cloud was clearly at fault.
If he soothed the Hyūga's emotions, the matter could be downplayed.
As for demanding justice from the Hidden Cloud?
That thought never even crossed his mind.
They had just signed a peace treaty.
He would not tear it apart over the Hyūga.
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