Chapter 144 : Seat?

Sarutobi Hiruzen felt a sense of powerlessness as he gazed at Danzo, who maintained a resolute expression.

He was aware that what Danzo said held truth; his clan had pushed the boundaries over the years. Recalling the Danzo and Shimura clans, there were only a few remaining members now—like kittens and puppies. Many had joined the Anbu directly and perished in various missions.

Regret lingered within him because, at the time, his compassion failed to rein in his clan members. In an instant, the anger that had consumed Sarutobi Hiruzen gave way to a deep sigh, and he lowered himself into the seat.

Despite his fury, he felt directionless because he knew Danzo spoke the truth. For the sake of Konoha, Danzo would stop at nothing, even if it meant eliminating a few Sarutobi clan members. The same ruthlessness extended to the Shimura clan; no mercy would be shown.

Sarutobi Hiruzen felt a sense of injustice. Though anger surged within him, there was no outlet. He gritted his teeth, momentarily forgetting the unhealed stab wound on his face, causing a sharp pain.

His thoughts shifted to Kazuhiko, the instigator of all this chaos. The disdain in his heart grew as he pondered how since Kazuhiko arrived in Konoha, nothing positive occurred—only his own injury and the death of the clan members. 

Observing Sarutobi Hiruzen's clenched teeth, Danzo understood he couldn't press too hard. After all, Sarutobi was the Third Hokage, and attention needed to be diverted.

Danzo gazed at Sarutobi Hiruzen, appearing as if he sought understanding. He spoke directly, "Kazuhiko's words imply that the Uchiha clan did not invite him solely to express gratitude for sparing them."

"In my view, the Uchiha clan must have other ties with him."

Upon uttering these words, Danzo's eyes became pensive, contemplating something. "Regardless, if the Uchiha clan dares to harm Konoha, even as one of the village's founding clans, they will pay the price!"

As Danzo concluded, his face and eyes grew stern, revealing a plan that was both the best and worst option.

Sarutobi Hiruzen was diverted by Danzo's expression. He grasped the underlying meaning—that of genocide!

The Uchiha were unpopular in the village, and few major clans held a favorable view. The Second Hokage labeled them the Konoha Police Force, and their impartial law enforcement position naturally alienated many. Even the villagers below did not favor them. Therefore, if Konoha carefully orchestrated an action against the Uchiha, the repercussions would be minimal.

Shaking his head, Sarutobi Hiruzen voiced his disagreement, "Danzo, your approach is too extreme. That should be a last resort."

"At this point, everything is mere speculation, far from necessitating such measures."

Danzo fell silent, acknowledging that the Uchiha clan might not be as problematic as he implied. Nevertheless, he had laid out his final stance—when deemed necessary, he believed the Uchiha's existence already posed a threat to Konoha's interests.

Then he will administer the final treatment on the Uchiha!

"Don't worry, Hiruzen. I'll keep a close watch. I understand it's not the right time."

As for the Uchiha's past contributions to Konoha, those are all ancient history, ignored by everyone.

No one has explained how it's determined that the Uchiha will harm Konoha's interests.

Some simply feel it's damaged, or others believe the Uchiha are undermining Konoha's well-being.

But if the Uchiha are deemed unnecessary, a clan that has endured for thousands of years could be eradicated by them...

At this moment, the Uchiha clan was unaware that Danzo, one of Konoha's current executives, harbored the idea of exterminating their clan.

Currently, their attention was focused on Kazuhiko standing before them.

Upon entering, Kazuhiko surveyed the surroundings. This humble hut concealed a universe within; outwardly, it seemed an ordinary dwelling.

Inside, it was evident that the Uchiha elders were scattered about. In front of him sat the Uchiha clan head, alongside a young man with short black hair and a dark blue robe.

Though they had never met, Kazuhiko, being the head of the Uchiha clan, had familiarized himself with their profiles before his arrival.

Kazuhiko recognized the current Uchiha Clan Head, Ryūshō, and his son, Uchiha Fugaku, the prospective future clan, father to the two son, and Itachi's father.

Despite his contemplation, Kazuhiko maintained a composed demeanor. He casually walked toward Ryūshō, lightly caressing the sword at his waist, and remarked, "During the meeting with the Third Hokage, we were seated together. Where is the seat Uchiha has reserved for me?"

Kazuhiko's words were straightforward. Since he and the Third Hokage shared a table, should the Uchiha not provide him with the next seat?

Uchiha Ryūshō closely observed Kazuhiko, impressed by the young man's imposing presence.

Internally, he sighed, acknowledging the heroism before him but regretful that it did not stem from the Uchiha clan...

Upon hearing Kazuhiko's words, the elders on the side were already incensed and eager to respond.

However, Ryūshō promptly waved his hand and smiled, "Haha, what a clan head of the Uzumaki clan. Fugaku, you may step aside for now."

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