Chapter 19. Aftermath

Root Base.

Danzo looked through the report in his hand.

The report detailed the extensive damage caused to the Uchiha clan this time.

"Are you suggesting that Fugaku and Itachi alone caused this much destruction?"

The Root confirmed, "Yes, Danzo-sama, most of the buildings in the clan have been destroyed. The scene resembles a battle involving several shadow-level masters."

Why is the sharingan so powerful?

Danzo paced back and forth; Shisui had only informed him about this before. Even if Susanoo had been revealed during the pursuit, he wouldn't possess such power.

Naturally, he wasn't aware that Uchiha's Susanoo had several stages. Moreover, Shisui's condition wasn't good at the time, and his fighting spirit wasn't strong, so he used Susano very conservatively.

"How many people did Itachi take?"

"Sir, the specific data hasn't been released yet, and the Uchiha side isn't cooperating. Initial estimates suggest there are hundreds of people."

"What did the Third Hokage say?" Danzo lowered his eyes, with no trace of happiness or anger evident in the shadows.

Genbe replied, "The Third Hokage stated that tonight will only involve an escape, not a coup."

Upon hearing this, Danzo struck the ground hard with his cane.

"Hmph, Hiruzen, you're growing old after all."

"Uchihas are ambitious people, and yet you still defend them like this."

"Send our people to spread the news throughout the village tomorrow. Capitalize on the incompetence of the Third Hokage, and announce that Uchiha Itachi and Uchiha Shisui have defected."

"Yes, sir!"

After they left, Danzo walked into the shadows, his eyes faintly glowing with greed.

'Sharingan...'

...

Hyuga's clan, led by Hiashi, Hizashi, and other elders, reviewed the investigation report in their hands.

The devastation within the Uchiha clan appeared as if it had been ravaged by tailed beasts. Could the Hyuga clan achieve such destruction?

As one of the powerful clans in Konoha, the Hyuga clan had always been in a rivalry with the Uchiha clan. During the Third Ninja War, they were evenly matched. Although they might lag behind in terms of numbers, the Byakugan's investigative ability was equally remarkable.

The Hyuga clan's pride swelled whenever they observed Kirigakure with their all-seeing white eyes. The Byakugan, too, possessed substantial strength.

However, recent events revealed that the Uchiha clan had produced two formidable individuals with the sharingan, one of them being the clan leader, Uchiha Fugaku. The other, even more astonishingly, was an eleven-year-old Itachi.

The future potential of these Uchiha seemed boundless.

"Clan leader, Uchiha delivered this report earlier today."

Hiashi opened the letter, revealing a recommendation from Fugaku. It indicated that Fugaku, due to his injuries, was unable to continue overseeing the police force, and he had elected Hizashi as the new captain. The letter also contained Fugaku's well-thought-out development suggestions and plans for the garrison.

Upon reading it, it became apparent that Fugaku intended to completely withdraw from Konoha's power system. While he had hinted at this before, the suddenness and decisiveness of the move surprised everyone.

The destruction of the Uchiha clan seemed intentional, especially considering that the houses were mostly empty, with minimal casualties. A genuine battle wouldn't involve evacuating personnel beforehand.

"I feel like Uchiha Fugaku has become a different person since Uchiha Natsuki came back," Hizashi remarked.

The others nodded in agreement. They had observed the changes in Fugaku's behavior and decisions since Natsuki's return.

Hiashi shared his thoughts, "Regardless, Uchiha has now completely relinquished its former rights, and Itachi has taken away a significant number of people. There is no reason for the village to target them anymore."

"Fugaku gave us such a great gift before leaving, and we in the Hyuga family can't lose our etiquette," Hiashi stated, appreciating the gesture.

He paused and then instructed, "There are still a small number of Uchiha people in the police force. Let them continue managing their own neighborhoods and double their remuneration."

His tone changed, and he turned to Hiashi, inquiring about the other students in the same batch as Hinata. Hiashi listed the names, including Neji, Sasuke, Naruto, Shikamaru, and Choji.

As a large and influential clan, the Hyuga clan proactively investigated the backgrounds of students attending the Ninja School in the same batch as their children. This practice aimed to establish good relationships early on, setting the groundwork for future interactions.

Hiashi nodded and issued an order, "Let Neji and Sasuke develop a good relationship."

"Understood!"

Hiashi read through the list of notable names and the Hyuga clan planned to nurture relationships with these promising young talents.

He concluded, contemplating Sarutobi Hiruzen, 'I wonder if you will regret it?'

...

He regrets it.

The Third Hokage already has some regrets.

He witnessed the devastating aftermath with his own eyes, realizing the destructive power of the Uchiha clan. While relieved that there was no full-scale conflict, he also felt a pang of annoyance for not treating the Uchiha better.

Now, the Uchiha clan has distanced itself from him.

Early in the morning, Uchiha Fugaku submitted his resignation and a letter of recommendation. In the resignation letter, he admitted failure as a clan leader, acknowledging that disagreements with Itachi led to the latter's departure from Konoha.

Fugaku took responsibility, resigning and recommending Hizashi as his successor. He cited daily differences as the reason for his departure.

Additionally, the letter explained the Uchiha migration. Due to the extensive damage to clan land, the Uchiha decided to relocate the entire clan five kilometers outside of Konoha Village and rebuild.

The choice of distance is interesting—exactly the maximum range of the detection barrier outside Konoha. The Uchiha's message is clear: they will take charge of their own safety, signaling a break from relying on Konoha's protection.

But don't come and spy on us; we can manage our affairs independently. Since you don't categorize Itachi as a rogue ninja, we Uchiha still consider ourselves part of Konoha Village. We've simply chosen to live farther away.

Hiruzen gazed at the stack of papers before him. It felt more exhausting than a day's work in government affairs. Not only had Fugaku resigned, but several other high-ranking officials in the police force had also stepped down simultaneously.

Among them were the third elder, Uchiha Takuya, who followed Itachi out of the village, the fourth elder and not a single Uchiha member in management. Only a few Uchiha with a more moderate stance remained, mostly at the lower levels, handling their own responsibilities.

In the past, the Third Hokage had used various means to suppress the Uchiha clan in the police force. He had orchestrated public opinion to create mistrust among the majority of villagers. He feared that the Uchiha might become too powerful, gain more rights, and even aspire to the position of Hokage.

Now, however, the situation had changed. The Uchiha had decided to disengage. If the Hokage didn't permit the Uchiha to wield authority, they had no interest in pursuing it any longer.

Furthermore, whether Itachi's departure was Fugaku's order or Natsuki's idea remained uncertain.

This move was a direct stab at Konoha's vulnerable spot.

First, the Uchiha's public claim was that someone was attempting to steal their Sharingan, prompting their decision to leave.

Second, they showcased the power of the sharingan to the entire ninja clans, making everyone reconsider the consequences of targeting the Uchiha.

Third, they removed the threat. Itachi's departure took away a significant number of Uchiha elites. With fewer people in the Uchiha clan, any attempt to utilize them again could be justified by claiming a shortage of manpower.

Fourth, if Konoha decided to use force against the Uchiha, they would be facing three pairs of Mangekyō Sharingan and the unpredictable appearance of Itachi. The element of surprise would be in Uchiha's favor.

Finally, considering the ongoing peace negotiations between Konoha and Kumogakure, any move to hunt down the Uchiha at this critical juncture would jeopardize the stability of the Hokage's regime.

The blame for this situation fell on Danzo. If he hadn't taken the initiative to gouge out Shisui's eyes, the events might have unfolded differently.

It's worth noting that both Itachi and Shisui were initially close to the village.