Though their expressions varied, none showed excessive emotion.
After a long pause, perhaps unable to bear the silence any longer, Shikaku Nara, the Clan Head of the Nara family, asked a question that had been on everyone's mind-
"Is the power of the Mangekyo Sharingan truly that formidable?"
After all, the Uchiha Clan was Konoha's strongest. They weren't helpless prey; many were Jonin-level ninja. Yet Itachi had slaughtered them all in a single night.
Shikaku's question drew the attention of most present.
Hiruzen, however, offered only a terse response.
"That's unclear. Last night, the only person Itachi came into contact with was his younger brother, Sasuke. But Sasuke is still in the hospital, suffering from severe psychological trauma and hasn't woken up yet. So we can't get any details from him."
At this point, Danzo, the one-eyed man, couldn't hold back. His narrowed eyes swept across the room before settling on Hiashi, whose face remained impassive.
"Discussing what's already happened is pointless," Danzo said. "We need to focus on the impact of the Uchiha Clan's annihilation on our village. This news will inevitably spread. If other villages find out, they might harbor ulterior motives—or even declare war."
His words drew frowns from most present, though not from those like Danzo who had prepared for this.
But there were some things that couldn't be said by them. Fortunately, everything had been rehearsed beforehand.
"What are your thoughts, gentlemen?" Hiruzen asked.
At this cue, Hiashi knew it was his turn to speak. Though there was an unspoken agreement involved, as the undisputed head of Konoha's foremost clan, he was indeed qualified to voice his opinion.
"I think you're all overthinking this," Hiashi said, his voice drawing everyone's attention.
Over the past eight years, everyone had witnessed the remarkable transformation of the Hyuga Clan. They couldn't afford to underestimate Hiashi, the man whose bold and decisive actions had brought about these changes.
In fact, many now considered Hiashi to be on par with the Hokage and Danzo, the two figures who represented the village's highest authority.
"While this might be disrespectful to the departed, you all know that since the Great Ninja Wars began, it's been you and your fathers who have secured Konoha's repeated victories. So even if war comes, Konoha will remain fearless before any village or power."
Hiashi's words resonated with the assembled crowd, leaving no room for objection. After all, his praise for their generation and their fathers was unambiguous and undeniable.
Moreover, his statement held truth. Ever since the Second Hokage established the Konoha Military Police and bound the Uchiha Clan's power firmly to the village, battlefield victories had indeed become largely independent of the Uchiha Clan's efforts.
Of course, the Uchiha Clan had produced some war heroes, such as Kagami, Obito, and Shisui. However, compared to the sacrifices made by other clans and ninja in the village, their contributions seemed rather insignificant, especially when compared to the near-annihilated Senju Clan.
"Moreover, even without the Uchiha, Konoha still has the Hyuga. The Hyuga Clan will wholeheartedly support Lord Hokage, protect the village's safety, and resist external threats."
Hiashi's words, though simple, carried a profound meaning that drew sidelong glances from everyone present.
It's important to understand that while Konoha is called a village, it's more accurately a military alliance of various clans. This alliance, however, has never truly merged into a cohesive whole. Each clan retains its own agenda, with most prioritizing clan interests over those of the village, reluctant to share their resources or power.
This is especially true for bloodline clans like the Uchiha and Hyuga.
Otherwise, the Uchiha wouldn't have met such a tragic fate.
But Hiashi's declaration showed more than mere compromise; it was a complete surrender of pride.
"Is this a warning to the Hyuga Clan from the Uchiha's downfall?"
Some people simply agreed, while others had more complex thoughts, but this didn't hinder their collective expression of loyalty.
After all, even the Hyuga Clan, the foremost clan in Konoha, had taken this stance. If they didn't express their support now, it would be considered utterly disrespectful.
"Our Nara Clan also..."
"And our Akimichi Clan..."
"..."
Hiruzen was also moved. Since becoming Hokage, this was the first time he had received such widespread support.
In the past, especially when the Senju, Uchiha, and Hyuga Clans coexisted, his position as Hokage had been exceedingly difficult. To maintain his authority and prevent the three great clans from undermining his power, he had employed every means at his disposal. Yet even then, he could only manage to maintain a precarious balance between the factions. Now, however, he faced a united front of overwhelming support.
"Thank you all. With your support, what in Konoha could we possibly fear?"
Having spoken these words, Hiruzen didn't forget the promise he had made earlier.
He turned to Hiashi and said, "Hiashi, I intend to entrust the Garrison to your Hyuga Clan. The Garrison is currently depleted, and after this incident, I fear the village will soon be crawling with spies. Only your clan can rapidly fill the ranks and protect the village. Who else could cover such a vast area?"
"Thank you for your trust, Lord Hokage. The Hyuga Clan is honor-bound to serve!"
Only then did the assembled clan leaders realize the extent of the Hyuga Clan's arrangement with the Hokage. No wonder...
Their jealousy quickly faded, however, as the discussion shifted to the distribution of the Uchiha Clan's assets. With the entire clan wiped out, their vast lands, wealth, supplies, and properties couldn't be allowed to go to waste.
The debate stretched throughout the morning, culminating in a provisional plan for the Uchiha inheritance.
After setting aside funds and a residence for the sole surviving Uchiha heir, Sasuke Uchiha, the remainder was divided among the major clans and the Hokage.
Though they had gathered to discuss the Uchiha Clan's downfall, the assembled leaders now wore satisfied smiles.
Except for one.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, observed the expressions of everyone present. He noticed Hiashi's impassive gaze.
Assuming dissatisfaction, Hiruzen asked, "What's wrong, Hiashi? Do you have any further thoughts?"
Hiashi shook his head and turned his gaze toward the massive floor-to-ceiling window behind him.
Beyond the glass stood the Hokage Rock, where the statues of the four Hokage stood in solemn vigil.
"That child..."
Everyone followed Hiashi's gaze to the Hokage Rock, where a little boy with golden hair and wearing goggles was boldly drawing on the heads of the Lord Hokage statues.
Everyone froze...
The assembled group consisted of the village's highest-ranking officials.
Though Hiruzen had deliberately kept it quiet, everyone knew the truth.
The boy's striking resemblance to the Fourth Hokage, combined with his unmistakable manner of speaking, identical to Kushina's—the Fourth's wife—left no doubt as to his identity.
Even without confirmation, everyone understood, though they all tacitly avoided mentioning it.
Yet now, faced with Hiashi's declaration, they found themselves at a loss for words, simply following his gaze.
Unexpectedly, Hiashi spoke-
"Regardless of circumstances, he is the Fourth Hokage's child, the son of a hero. The village should still give him the care he deserves."
Hiashi's words sent shockwaves through the room, especially Danzo, who roared furiously-
"Hiashi, do you understand what you're saying?"
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