Konoha Village, Uchiha Compound
At this moment, Natsuhane Uchiha was enjoying the joy of his wedding with his first and second wives. The celebrations were in full swing.
At the entrance of the Uchiha compound, Sasuke was happily setting off fireworks alone, lost in his own world of fun.
Before long, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, arrived, accompanied by a group of masked ANBU operatives.
"Huh? Lord Hokage, you're here..." Sasuke quickly set down the fireworks and ran towards the Hokage.
Hiruzen gently ruffled Sasuke's hair and asked kindly, "Sasuke, where is your brother Natsuhane?"
"He's having kids!"
"Hmm? I thought he was getting married?"
"Yes, but getting married and having kids can happen at the same time, you know. They don't interfere with each other."
"Uh..." This was clearly beyond Hiruzen's understanding. It took him a moment to process this information, sighing inwardly, "Kids these days..."
After a moment of envy, Hiruzen said to Sasuke, "Sasuke, since Natsuhane is busy, I can't go in myself. Could you call him out for me? I have urgent matters to discuss."
"Sure." Sasuke agreed without hesitation and ran back inside the compound.
A short while later, Sasuke returned with Natsuhane, who appeared slightly disheveled, his clothes wrinkled and askew.
"Lord Hokage, I wasn't expecting you. Please forgive the lack of proper hospitality," Natsuhane greeted, hastily tidying his clothes.
Hiruzen smiled faintly, "No problem, Natsuhane. I can see you've been quite busy, even on your wedding day..."
"Time is precious. To restore the Uchiha clan to its former glory as quickly as possible, I'm willing to work myself to the bone!"
"Good attitude."
"Thank you. But compared to your hard work, my efforts are nothing..."
"..."
After a few more pleasantries, Hiruzen got to the point.
"Natsuhane, last night... Danzo took his own life in shame."
"Yes, I know. My wives mentioned it this morning."
"I have uncovered the truth."
"Oh?" Natsuhane raised an eyebrow. "Really?"
"Yes..." Hiruzen nodded and proceeded to detail all of Danzo's crimes to Natsuhane.
The crimes were all genuine, and Natsuhane acknowledged them. However, Hiruzen's name was conspicuously absent from these sins.
Natsuhane refrained from questioning further. Who would voluntarily admit their own guilt?
Instead, he was curious about Hiruzen's true intentions behind this visit.
"Natsuhane, knowing these truths has pained me deeply. Because of Danzo, the Uchiha clan has endured so much suffering. I believe it's necessary to compensate your clan."
Oh?
Natsuhane was taken aback.
Why would this old fox be so kind? What's his real game?
Natsuhane neither accepted nor declined, opting to listen further.
Looking around the flourishing Uchiha compound, Hiruzen sighed.
"Money, I assume, is not something the Uchiha are short of. So, I want to compensate you with something more practical."
"Lord Hokage, what do you mean...?"
"Power. I want to give you real authority."
... Natsuhane was taken aback once more.
Before he could speak, Hiruzen addressed the ANBU behind him, "Show your respect."
"Yes!"
The ANBU operatives knelt on one knee, bowing respectfully to Natsuhane, loudly proclaiming, "Lord!"
What the...?
What's going on? Am I supposed to lead the ANBU?
Natsuhane was increasingly confused about Hiruzen's intentions.
"Lord Hokage, this won't do! The ANBU is your direct subordinate unit. How could I..."
"No, these people are not ANBU. They are members of the Root organization," Hiruzen explained, taking a deep drag from his pipe. "With Danzo dead, the Root is leaderless. I want you to become the new leader of the Root."
"Additionally, there is a vacant position among my high-level advisors. Natsuhane, you have the strength, and other aspects can be cultivated over time. If you are willing, I want you to take over Danzo's responsibilities."
"This generous compensation should satisfy you. Starting tomorrow, you will officially join Konoha's leadership. Even Fugaku Uchiha never had such treatment."
"Natsuhane, this is my show of trust in the Uchiha clan..."
...
This might fool others, but it would never fool Natsuhane.
Natsuhane finally understood Hiruzen's objective.
"Ah, so you want me to be the next scapegoat, huh?" he mused, inwardly admiring Hiruzen's cunning.
He wrapped this proposal in such a grandiose manner, labeling it a "generous compensation"!
Indeed, to others, this compensation would appear incredibly generous!
A position as a high-level advisor in Konoha represented supreme honor, power, and prestige. Achieving it at Natsuhane's age meant skipping over at least twenty years of effort.
But the true significance of this position, who could understand it?
Perhaps only Hiruzen and Natsuhane could.
Natsuhane couldn't help but smirk inwardly.
Hehe...
Hiruzen, your move is quite interesting...
Natsuhane initially intended to refuse, but on second thought, greater power would help him overthrow Hiruzen more swiftly and expose his true face to everyone.
A scapegoat, huh?
I'll take it!
Who will end up as the real scapegoat remains to be seen!
Natsuhane immediately agreed, "Lord Hokage, becoming an advisor to the village is an immense honor. However... since you trust me, I am willing to challenge my limits."
"Excellent, excellent!" Hiruzen nodded in satisfaction
, patting Natsuhane's shoulder lightly. "I knew you could do it! Well then, the Root is yours to command..."
"Thank you, Lord Hokage..."
"Mm..."
After exchanging a few more words, Hiruzen left. His plans were now in motion, and he saw no need to linger.
As Hiruzen's silhouette faded away, Natsuhane turned to face the kneeling Root members.
"Rise."
"Yes!"
"You are free to go about your activities unless there are specific orders. Dismissed for now."
Despite his dismissal, the Root members remained in place, unmoving.
Natsuhane was puzzled. "Why are you still here?"
The leading Root member removed his mask and extended his tongue, revealing the absence of the curse seal.
"Lord Natsuhane, please apply the sealing technique to us. With Danzo dead, the seals on our tongues have vanished. We need you to reapply them."
"Stop! We'll deal with the sealing technique later. For now, just put your tongues away. It's unsettling seeing a grown man like that..."