When Danzo spoke, Uchiha Fugaku's expression darkened. He realized something was off.
Danzo, with his cunning ways, was clearly plotting against the Uchiha clan. Fugaku wasn't easily fooled. After a moment of thought, he retorted, "Danzo, are you trying to suppress Konoha's heroes or are you seeking revenge and planning on turning Sogetsu into another White Fang?"
The mention of "White Fang" was like a bombshell, grabbing everyone's attention. While the details might be unknown to some, the people here were all key figures and could understand the implication.
Fugaku's words were a direct accusation against Danzo. No matter the truth, Danzo couldn't easily refute the stigma attached to his name.
The situation seemed to shift instantly from unfavorable to the Uchiha clan to being disadvantageous for Danzo. If Danzo couldn't provide a satisfactory explanation, the leaders present might act accordingly.
"Clan Head Fugaku, I don't deny the contributions made," Danzo said with a sneer, pausing his drumming of fingers on the table. "But from the village's perspective, Uchiha Sogetsu's actions, like killing the Mizukage and the Raikage, only sped up the Ninja World War. Clearly, the drawbacks outweighed the benefits."
Before Fugaku could respond, Danzo cut him off, "Of course, Uchiha Sogetsu still has merits that can't be ignored. That's why I suggest putting the punishment on hold and letting the Uchiha clan handle it. This way, everyone benefits."
"And what if I refuse?" Fugaku asked, his face dark. He wasn't naive.
Among the five major ninja villages, Cloud Village was second only to Konoha in strength and was now driven by a desire for revenge, making them a formidable opponent.
The Uchiha clan has been asked to stop the Cloud Ninja attack. Even if they can manage it, the cost will be enormous. After the battle, it's feared that the Uchiha clan, with all its years of strength and the young, powerful second and third-generation members, might lose at least 80% of its people. This is almost like genocide!
Danzo's plan is extremely devious.
"Clan Head Fugaku, don't forget that the Uchiha are also members of Konoha," Danzo said calmly. "Right now, Konoha is in a crisis, and everyone must contribute their strength."
"Don't think you're the only one under pressure. Other battlefields are also facing severe stress."
"The Nara, Yamanaka, and Akimichi clans are dealing with the Sand Ninjas, Hyuga, Sarutobi, and Orochimaru are facing the Rock Ninjas, and the rest are handling the Mist Ninjas. Everyone has a tough job, so don't think I'm singling you out."
"Of course, you can refuse," he added meaningfully. "But don't blame me later. I might choose to negotiate with the Cloud Ninjas to pause their attack on the condition to hand over Uchiha Sogetsu."
"Danzo, you're abusing your authority as Hokage!" Fugaku's eyes burned with anger, his fists clenched, almost ready to punch Danzo.
"If you think I'm abusing my authority, you can report it to Hiruzen later," Danzo said with a cold smile. "But for now, as I'm temporarily holding the Hokage's power, I must think about the village's safety."
What choice does Fugaku have? Sacrifice the young and middle-aged Uchiha, or give up Uchiha Sogetsu?
These were the only options Danzo offered.
For a moment, Fugaku thought about rebelling. But reason stopped him, and he stared coldly at Danzo.
At this point, a member of the Hyuga clan spoke up. Seeing the tension, he said, "I think Danzo's point is valid. But it's unrealistic to expect the Uchiha clan to stop the Kumo Ninjas alone. Let's discuss and find a solution that works for everyone."
"Alright," Fugaku said, taking a deep breath. He knew he couldn't afford to be hostile. "The Uchiha clan is loyal to Konoha, but we don't want to be sacrificed for some other purpose!"
"Hehe~"
Danzo smiled, not bothered by the sarcasm.
The tension in the room eased a bit.
Danzo raised his eyebrows, looking amused. "So, what does the Hyuga clan suggest we do?"
Konoha is currently at war with the four major ninja villages, so they can't send more forces. After a moment of silence, the Hyuga clan member suggested, "Why not have the Uchiha clan hold off the Kumo (Cloud) ninjas for now? Once we resolve one front, we can send reinforcements immediately."
Uchiha Fugaku's eyes widened in surprise at the Hyuga clan's suggestion.
"Great idea!"
Before anyone else could respond, Danzo slammed the table and said, "The Hyuga clan's suggestion is excellent. It'll reduce the Uchiha clan's losses and allow us to concentrate our strength!"
"Haha, Clan Head Fugaku, what do you think of my proposal?" The Hyuga clan member smiled slightly.
"Wow."
Uchiha Fugaku realized that Danzo and the Hyuga clan had teamed up to trap him.
"Clan Head Fugaku, you're not going to refuse again, are you?"
Danzo narrowed his eyes, a dangerous glint in them. "This is the most perilous time for Konoha. Every clan must sacrifice and contribute, even the Sarutobi clan. You're still trying to conserve your strength? Do you have other plans?"
Danzo flipped the situation, putting the blame on Fugaku.
Fugaku was now under intense pressure, his face reddening with anger, his Sharingan flickering. He clenched his teeth in frustration.
"Speak up, Clan Leader Fugaku." Danzo pressed on relentlessly. He stood up with the support of the table and said authoritatively, "You just claimed the Uchiha clan is loyal to Konoha. Now, it's time to prove it."
Should I choose Uchiha Sogetsu or my clan?
Fugaku's mind was torn between two choices, each with completely different outcomes. He suddenly realized that the root of this problem was the fear that other clans had of a powerful Uchiha like "Madara" appearing again.
At just sixteen, Uchiha Sogetsu had already shown tremendous strength. Who knows how much stronger he could become?
To Danzo, the Hyuga clan, the Sarutobi clan, and others, as long as Uchiha Sogetsu lived, he was a threat to their authority. With the Uchiha clan's support, Sogetsu could easily rise to become Hokage.
The thought of an Uchiha becoming Hokage was terrifying to them. That's why the current situation has developed. Everyone knew it was wrong, but they still supported Danzo in pressuring the Uchiha clan to make a choice.
Fugaku had to decide between giving up Uchiha Sogetsu or sacrificing the younger and middle-aged members of his clan. Either choice would cause great damage to the Uchiha clan.
After a moment of painful silence, Fugaku, under the pressure from Danzo and the other clans, felt drained. He sank into a chair, holding his head in agony, his eyes red and teeth clenched. "Uchiha Sogetsu... I'll leave it to you," he said with a heavy heart.
Even though Sogetsu was powerful, Fugaku couldn't risk the entire clan's safety. If things went wrong, the Uchiha clan would be lost. But at least there was Itachi, who was just as talented as Sogetsu. Fugaku reassured himself that as long as his clan was alive, there was hope for the future.
"Haha~ Congratulations, Clan Head Fugaku, on making the wise choice."
Danzo sat down, crossing his legs, and with a charming smile, he said, "Clan Head Fugaku, the Cloud Ninja battlefield is now under your control. I'll send Root to assist you. You just need to hold on for ten days. Does that sound good?"
Fugaku nodded in pain. What other choice did he have?
Though the outcome wasn't ideal, he had secured a future for the Uchiha clan. The young blood he preserved would ensure their survival.
"I'm sorry, Sogetsu," Fugaku thought sadly, apologizing in his heart.
********
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