"How is that possible!"
At this moment, Uchiha Shisui's face was filled with disbelief, "Even if it's the Third Hokage, how could he be so greedy!"
An old man in his sixties hogging the position of Hokage and not giving young people a chance, what kind of reasoning is that? Clinging to power, has the once great village deteriorated to this extent?
Although Shisui had long recognized the corruption among the high ranks of Konoha, he never thought it would be to this extent.
Could it be that the Third Hokage plans to hold onto his position until death? Seeing Shisui's shock, Uchiha Yoru suddenly broke the tension with a laugh, waving his hand and saying with a smile, "Look at how scared you are, it's just a guess of mine. Maybe it's because I'm now too close to that position, and my ambition wants to move forward, so I have such a guess."
Uchiha Yoru did not hide his ambition at all. For his own people, there was nothing to hide. Having reached this position, to say he had no thoughts about it would be nonsense.
"Prepare for the worst, what if your guess is true!"
For the Third Hokage, the current Hatake Kakashi harbors the greatest darkness. In his heart, the Third Hokage is the greatest conspirator.
However, Shisui believed that no matter how corrupt or scheming one might be, how old could they get? In the shinobi world, living to sixty is already a long life, let alone holding onto power at that age.
Shouldn't he start planning for his own future? Finding a young and new leader for Konoha, then retiring to the background while the Third Hokage's lineage continues their schemes.
In Shisui's view, the current Hokage higher-ups, at the very least, loves the village. After retiring, their power shouldn't affect their own schemes.
Moreover, there's no such thing as a perfect plan. In case of failure, isn't there a new Hokage? The older generation takes the blame, and the new generation continues to strive, minimizing the damage to the village.
This was Shisui's understanding.
As for Uchiha Yoru, seeing what Kakashi said, if it were true, a complex expression appeared in his eyes.
"Maybe we can try it. The death of Shinzō has completely dispelled the original plan of Konoha's higher-ups, and they can only choose between Jiraiya and Tsunade."
"Neither of them are useless like Shinzō, who needs others to pave the way for them. So, if the Third Hokage really has this intention, he will probably elect the Fifth Hokage soon."
As Uchiha Yoru spoke, the corners of his mouth slowly curled up, and he said with a smile to the two, "No matter who it is, with the reputation of the Sannin, the succession of the Fifth Hokage can not only stabilize the people's hearts but also form a deterrence both internally and externally."
Externally, there's no need to say more. Internally, Uchiha Yoru was actually referring to himself.
"That's right, Yoru, what you said makes sense. Selecting a new Hokage is indeed the fastest way to stabilize people's hearts."
Kakashi also nodded gravely. After three wars, wasn't it the rapid stabilization of people's hearts with the appointment of the Fourth Hokage?
It's not just about a Hokage, but about a person with enough prestige to take on the role.
This is something even Uchiha Yoru cannot achieve, regardless of power, but rather years of accumulated reputation.
"Half a year! Half a year is enough time for the village to start considering a new Hokage."
Uchiha Yoru sighed deeply, and his words also resonated with Shisui and Kakashi.
As long as the village is considering it, they will inevitably release some hints. As for when the results will come out, it doesn't matter, at most they can drag it on for a year and a half.
Just the rumor of it is enough.
"If after half a year, there's still no hint of consideration for the Fifth Hokage in the village!"
Kakashi Hatake lifted his head, showing a serious expression, while Uchiha Yoru looked calmly at Kakashi.
"If after half a year there's still no result, I'm willing to give the corrupt higher-ups of the village one last chance! You, Kakashi, will secretly spread the news that the village is selecting the Fifth Hokage."
Under Uchiha Yoru's calm tone, Kakashi fell silent. "Yoru, you mean to force the village to make a decision."
"If the village remains indifferent!" As he said this, Uchiha Yoru's calm face showed a fierce smile, his eyes gleaming with the light of ambition.
"If it comes to that, it proves that the village's corrupt higher-ups are rotten to the core, beyond redemption! From then on, I'll have no more illusions. I will do whatever it takes to take back the village founded by the Uchiha and rebuild the true will of fire."
Uchiha Yoru's eyes, filled with naked ambition, stared firmly at Kakashi. Shisui, standing nearby, seemed to sense something and grew tense.
"What do you need me to do!"
Kakashi understood that this was not only the other's last fantasy about the village but also his own. It was also a warning from his comrade. When that time comes, anyone who dares to stop him will be an enemy.
"I need the reputation of the White Fang!"
Boom! At that moment, Kakashi's pupils contracted, clearly understanding the implication of these words.
The village had appointed Namikaze Minato as his team leader in the past not only because of his genius but also to leverage his background.
So, there was also a relationship of interest between him and Namikaze Minato.
But even so, Kakashi always represented himself and never did anything in the name of his father.
During the three wars, White Fang was at his peak, his influence so great that most ninjas in Konoha already saw him as the next Hokage.
This shows how much network White Fang had established, and his tarnished reputation and subsequent suicide were a source of regret for many.
White Fang was of the same generation as the Sannin, which means the ninjas of that era are now the mainstay of Konoha.
Uchiha Yoru's intention was clear: once he makes his move, he intends to use White Fang's prestige to enhance his own.
As for the means, Kakashi already had an idea in mind. He looked down and said in a cold voice, "My father had no regrets about his decision, and I don't want anyone to disturb him."
White Fang is gone; let him fade away with time into the annals of history.
"No regrets? Victors are kings, losers are villains; naturally, there are no regrets, but now it's different."
Uchiha Yoru made no effort to hide his intentions. He wanted not only Kakashi as his assistant but also the entire Uchiha clan aboard his warship, and to capitalize on the fame left behind by the White Fang.
Though it was less than a tenth of its glory days, for him, even a mosquito's leg is meat.
Moreover, this was a weapon. In life, the White Fang was a sharp blade, and in death, he remained the same.
The Konoha had experienced much, with each major clan having their own supporters and some being neutral, usually smaller clans that naturally took a neutral stance.
They didn't partake in the ninja power struggles, simply developing themselves quietly. While there was no risk and benefit correlation, these families were the most stable.
"Good."
The silent Kakashi thought that if the village's higher-ups were indeed corrupt to this extent, he was willing to risk everything, not for personal gain, but to ignite the true Will of Fire.
Not for the decaying, aged higher-ups to greedily enjoy everything while children bled on the battlefield.
"Ha ha, this is youth, isn't it? No matter the difficulties ahead, we must strive to overcome them, even at the cost of our lives. But at least it leaves proof that a man has lived."
Just then, the person guarding the door opened it. Leading the way was Might Guy in green clothes, gesturing with his thumb and flashing his signature bright white smile.
This scene made Uchiha Yoru somewhat embarrassed, but seeing the people who continuously entered, he smiled.
Might Guy, Shiranui Genma, Raidō, Iwashi, Hyuga Hixashi, Kurenai Yuhi, Uzuki Yugao, and Mitarashi Anko appeared.
Along with Kakashi, Shisui, and himself inside, now only Uchiha Itachi was missing from his close members.
Thinking of Itachi, Uchiha Yoru glanced at Shisui subtly, feeling relieved. With Shisui there, he wasn't worried about the message not being delivered properly.
Everyone remained silent, but the determination in their eyes said it all.
Even Kurenai Yuhi and Uzuki Yugao had secretly made up their minds. This was also their last chance with the village elders.
As Uchiha Yoru had just said, if things had come to this point and the aged higher-ups were still greedily clinging to power without concern, they were indeed irredeemably corrupt. They wouldn't feel any guilt or hesitation.
All of this was for the village! For the true Will of Fire.
…
"Lord Yoru."
With a childlike voice, a young girl with beautiful long black hair, a teardrop mole under her right eye, and dressed in a purple outfit respectfully enters. The forehead protector on her head marks her as a ninja, and she begins tidying up the room with practiced ease.
"Uchiha Izumi, remember to allocate more time for your training," Yoru advises the girl with a friendly nod. Uchiha Izumi respectfully acknowledges, assuring, "Don't worry, Lord Yoru, I won't neglect my training."
The clan emblem on her back reveals her identity as Uchiha Izumi. As a member of a clan that values bloodline abilities, Izumi, though only nine, has not only graduated from the Ninja Academy but has also awakened her Sharingan.
When the clan head Fugaku was assassinated, one of Izumi's relatives, her only kin, was killed. This news triggered the awakening of her eyes. Her talent is undoubtedly among the top of the female ninjas in the Uchiha clan, as evidenced by her opening the three-tomoe Sharingan at the age of thirteen during the clan massacre in the original story.
Eighteen-year-old Uchiha Yoru, as the only exposed possessor of the Mangekyo Sharingan in the clan, is naturally given more attention. Bloodline ninja with stronger awakenings are believed to give birth to offspring with greater potential—a well-established fact in the ninja world.
To ensure the continuation of the sole awakened Mangekyo bloodline, the clan's elder, Uchiha Setsuna, went to great lengths to arrange a child bride for him. Such practices are common in large clans.
"Your cleaning is almost done; you can go back now."
"Yes!"
Although Uchiha Izumi hides it well, a hint of fervor can still be seen in her eyes, which Yoru interprets as admiration. He is troubled by the situation—a nine-year-old girl in a feudal society, though he is fond of her, he finds her too young and decides to let her mature.
Walking towards the Uchiha clan area, Yoru greets acquaintances with a smile, accompanied by hidden guards. As his personal assistant, Uchiha Izumi follows closely.
Watching the figure ahead, a fierce determination flickers in Izumi's eyes. The status of Lord Yoru is noble, and his bloodline supreme. Moreover, only he can avenge her father's death. This, combined with the hatred for her father's murderer, the responsibility towards her clan, and the gratitude for being saved during the Nine-Tails incident in her childhood, all solidify Izumi's resolve.
The strength of a ninja is closely tied to their chakra, which is a product of the body and spirit. That's why the ninja world often speaks of a firm ninja way.
The firm path of ninja endurance is essentially about mental willpower. The stronger the mental willpower, the more solid, resilient, and powerful the chakra becomes, and similarly, the stronger the ninja's abilities.
This is why, after losing his fighting spirit, the demi-god Hanzo's combat power drastically weakened, and many ninjas in their later stages suffered a decline in power due to confusion about their ninja path.
A common trait among the strong in the ninja world is having a firm will, a will that persists throughout their lives.
Upon returning to the newly built, impressive three-story building in the Uchiha clan area, Uchiha Yoru felt somewhat embarrassed but still bravely entered.
"Lord Yoru."
"Brother Yoru."
Inside, Uchiha Yoru coincidentally encountered two awkward figures, Uchiha Itachi and Uchiha Mikoto.
At that moment, Shisui had come to see Itachi. Seeing Yoru's return, he respectfully bowed, as proper etiquette in front of the clan head was essential.
Uchiha Mikoto, sitting on her knees, also respectfully bowed, while Uchiha Itachi appeared somewhat awkward.
Uchiha Yoru, noticing Itachi's discomfort, feigned a casual smile and nodded to Shisui, "Shisui, Itachi's chakra has improved recently. Train him well."
"Yes, I won't disappoint you, Brother Yoru."
Uchiha Shisui, sensing something, awkwardly left the room with Itachi.
"Lord Yoru, Lady Mikoto, I'll take Sasuke out to the yard to play."
As a personal assistant, and personally arranged by Elder Setsuna, Uchiha Izumi also lived there. She tactfully took Sasuke, who was starting to understand things, to the yard.
Sasuke, now aware of many things, looked innocently at his mother and the new clan head inside the house. He seemed to know his father had died and that this man, who looked a lot like him, was the new clan head.
The precocious Sasuke in the ninja world had even heard rumors, some even saying he was the illegitimate child of the new clan head.
Inside the house, Uchiha Yoru and Uchiha Mikoto silently ate their meal without speaking.
Elder Setsuna was cunning. To prevent turmoil in the clan from a change in power, and to protect the previous clan head's offspring, the new clan head inherited everything from the former, including concubines and all property, which wasn't considered inappropriate in that era.
After all, the powerful and noble were envied yet aspired to by commoners, and some things were tacitly understood.
A clan head is like an emperor.
Another reason for Uchiha Yoru's silent and lowered head was his awareness of Elder Setsuna's intentions. From the moment Uchiha Mikoto entered the house, she also ensured the safety of Sasuke and Itachi.
Both humans and animals are alike; when one becomes king, the offspring of the previous king are seen as threats, to be eliminated.
Yet, tolerance has its advantages, like directly winning hearts and stabilizing one's rule.
~~~
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