Uzuki Yugao gave a simple hum and followed behind Nanaya.
"By the way, Nanaya, how did you escape that catastrophe last night?"
Only then did Yugao realize the importance of this issue.
You must know that there were many powerful ninjas in the Uchiha clan, even the clan leader and other elite members. Yet, they all perished at Itachi's hands. It was hard to imagine how Nanaya could have survived such a massacre.
"Oh, that... I happened to be away from the clan last night. Maybe it was divine favor that allowed me to escape this tragedy."
Indeed, escaping from Itachi's assault seemed like an incredible stroke of luck.
Nanaya had anticipated the genocide event, carefully calculating when and how to avoid it. If he'd had enough strength, he wouldn't have needed to escape—he would have confronted Itachi directly. But without that strength, he relied on the foreknowledge of future events to avoid the massacre.
Hearing Nanaya's explanation, Yugao nodded in relief. It seemed plausible.
"Listen, Nanaya, Lord Third Hokage may question you about this. When he does, just tell the truth."
"Okay, I understand."
Nanaya was well-prepared for any questioning by the Third Hokage.
The truth behind the Uchiha clan's annihilation was much more complex. While the Third Hokage had appeared to seek a peaceful resolution, he ultimately acquiesced to the plan devised by Danzo and the elders, assigning Itachi the grim task.
In reality, Danzo was simply the fall guy for the Third Hokage's agenda. One played the role of a villain while the other maintained the guise of a benevolent leader.
Nanaya knew the intricacies of this plan. If he hadn't acted quickly and strategically, he would have met the same fate as the rest of the Uchiha clan.
Meanwhile, in Konoha's Council Room
The high-ranking officials of Konoha—Sarutobi Hiruzen, Danzo Shimura, Homura Mitokado, and Koharu Utatane—gathered to discuss the aftermath of the Uchiha massacre.
Danzo gave the Third Hokage a smug look.
"Hiruzen, I was right. Eliminating the Uchiha clan was the only way to save Konoha."
Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned. "Danzo, you understand how crucial the Uchiha clan's power was to the village. Their strength was unmatched among the clans."
Without the Uchiha, the Fire Nation's military prowess would be severely diminished, threatening Konoha's status as the largest ninja village.
Danzo dismissed Hiruzen's concerns with a wave. "Hiruzen, you're far too naïve. Power that the village cannot control is a liability. Left unchecked, it would have turned against us eventually. The Uchiha's destruction was necessary."
In Danzo's eyes, the Uchiha were a ticking time bomb. Allowing them to exist would have jeopardized Konoha's stability.
Moreover, Danzo stood to gain personally from their downfall. He had already secured multiple Sharingan for himself and was continuing his research on the First Hokage's cells. His long-term goal extended beyond Konoha—he sought control of the entire ninja world.
Homura and Koharu, the Third Hokage's advisors, sided with Danzo.
"Third Hokage, Danzo's decision was correct. Konoha's survival depended on this action," Homura argued.
Koharu nodded in agreement. "This incident has cemented Konoha's authority. Other clans won't dare to rebel now."
Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed heavily. He had no choice but to go along with the council's consensus.
The Unexpected Survivor
Danzo cleared his throat. "Speaking of the Uchiha incident, there is an issue that requires immediate attention. Aside from Uchiha Sasuke, another Uchiha has survived."
This revelation caught the room's attention.
"Another survivor? Who is it?" Koharu asked, narrowing her eyes.
Danzo produced a dossier and placed it on the table. "His name is Uchiha Nanaya. According to our investigation, he is an ordinary clan member with no significant ninja talent. He has failed to graduate from the academy multiple times and doesn't even possess the Sharingan."
Homura raised an eyebrow. "How could someone like him survive Itachi's purge? Are you suggesting Itachi spared him intentionally?"
Danzo shook his head. "There's no evidence to suggest a connection between Itachi and Nanaya. It appears his survival was a mere coincidence."
Despite the lack of evidence, Danzo's suspicious nature couldn't let the matter rest. "Hiruzen, we promised Itachi that only Sasuke would live. Allowing this Nanaya to survive creates an unnecessary complication."
Danzo drew his finger across his neck in a slicing motion.
Sarutobi Hiruzen scowled and removed his pipe. "No, Danzo. You must not harm Uchiha Nanaya. Not now."
Danzo's eyes narrowed. "Why? He's a loose end—"
Hiruzen interrupted him. "We will not jeopardize the village's image further. For now, Nanaya is no threat. Monitor him, but do not act rashly."
The Third Hokage's words carried an air of finality, though it was clear Danzo wasn't entirely convinced.