Chapter .18 Traitor

The elders were caught off guard by Uzume's confident words. Before they could react, a commanding voice echoed through the room, "There will be no discussion about the cursed seal. A new seal will be implemented in a few years. Too much change in too short a time can be detrimental, not beneficial. This is not a request, it's an order." As she spoke, Uzume cast a dense aura around Hyuga, emphasizing the gravity of her words.

They all knelt with a deep understanding, unable to speak or even breathe in the heavy atmosphere. She then addressed the members of the meeting, "Significant changes are on the horizon. It may take a few years, but they have already begun with the unification of clans. These changes will continue to evolve, bringing forth new opportunities and power that will be granted only to the loyal and hard-working individuals."

The room was filled with a sense of anticipation and excitement as the members hung on her every word. They understood that this marked the beginning of a new era, one that would challenge their dedication and loyalty. "The Uchiha and Hyuga clans will be bestowed with new and powerful Doujutsu. It is imperative that you fully master your clan's ocular abilities," Fugaku and Hiashi looked at Uzume with eager anticipation, while she couldn't help but notice Danzo's reaction to the new Doujutsu. "I will be implementing a Merit system, similar to wartime but adapted for our current circumstances. The more merit you accumulate, the more opportunities for advancement within the divisions. And as long as you are prepared to use what you request, it will be granted, pending verification."

"So let it be known to the whole Konoha what was discussed here," Uzume said while addressing every member of the meeting. The members nodded in understanding, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead. They knew that their abilities would be put to the test, and they were prepared to prove their worth. With a renewed sense of determination, they were ready to embark on this new chapter, fully committed to mastering their clan's powers and earning merit within the organization. This was the beginning of a new era, and they were eager to embrace it with open arms.

Now is the time for change, and anyone who tries to oppose it, whether openly or secretly, will be discovered and face severe consequences." Uzume surveyed the room, met the gaze of the Hyuga elder, and continued, "Change is unavoidable, so adapt to the times. If you attempt to limit the clan in any manner, your fate will be more agonizing than death. Death will be a welcome release from your torment, but if you support the clan in embracing new changes, as I have mentioned, you may wield a much greater power than you can currently imagine.

The elders in the room shifted uncomfortably as Uzume's words hung in the air. She could see the fear and uncertainty in their eyes, but she also saw the glimmer of hope and curiosity. She knew that change would not come easy for the Hyuga clan, but it was necessary for their survival.

"We stand at a crossroads," Uzume continued, her voice firm and unwavering. "The choice is yours. Embrace the winds of change, or be left behind as relics of the past. The future of the clan depends on it."

Danzo was relieved that he had decided to stay. The promise of new powers tempted him, and he was eager to learn more about the kind of power she was referring to, even though she didn't hint at any ocular abilities. He was confident he would eventually uncover the truth. If the power proved to be valuable, he was determined to obtain it by any means necessary, utilizing his extensive spy network.

As he sat in contemplation, his mind raced with possibilities. What could this new power be? And who else was vying for it? Danzo knew he had to act quickly and discreetly if he was to have any chance of claiming it for himself. With a steely determination, he set about devising a plan to gather more information and make his move. His years of experience as a shinobi had taught him that patience and cunning were often as valuable as raw strength. And with that in mind, he began to lay the groundwork for his next steps in the pursuit of this mysterious power.

While Danzo was constructing his Plains, Uzame's voice reached him, "Allow me to clarify what I meant by punishing traitors worse than death." With a snap of her fingers, a barrier abruptly emerged around Danzo. The sudden action surprised everyone present. Curiosity rose among the onlookers as they eagerly sought to understand the situation. However, Danzo, more than anyone else, felt compelled to find out what was happening. "What is the meaning of this? I demand to know why you would imprison an elder of Konoha," he spoke.

Uzame looked at Danzo with a cold expression and replied, "Manipulating events to maintain control and power within Konoha, often at the expense of other's well-being."

"Experimenting on children, including subjecting them to harsh training methods and implanting them with Sharingan eyes against their will." hearing this Uchihas were raging.

"Consistently undermining the authority of the Hokage, he plotted to become Hokage himself and worked behind the scenes to control the village's affairs." Though the Hokage was aware of this, he lacked the evidence to take action, leaving him feeling powerless.

"Advocating for extreme measures, even at the cost of innocent lives, in the pursuit of peace and stability is a questionable approach." Uzame continued to list his crimes, one by one.

As she spoke, every clan and council member stood at a distance, visibly uncomfortable with what they were hearing. While some questioned his methods, they felt unable to challenge the village's elders.

"Finally," Uzume continued, her expression turning cold, "You're considering using Izanagi to alter reality and cheat death in my presence." With a snap of her fingers, she released the seal on Danzo's arm, causing the bandages to vanish and revealing all the Sharingans he had been concealing.