Thus, the discussion targeting the Uchiha ultimately ended without resolution.
As he left, Danzō could not resist throwing out a few harsh words.
"The Uchiha problem cannot be tolerated!"
"If there's truly no way to solve it, I'll have Root eliminate the culprit."
The "culprit" he referred to was, of course, Akihito.
The two Uchiha prodigies—"Flame Oni" Akihito and "Shunshin no Shisui"—had both been placed on his assassination list.
Hiruzen offered no response to Danzō's bluster.
If things went well, the credit would belong to him, the Hokage.
If things went poorly?
The blame would naturally fall on Danzō.
Time flew, and soon it was Konoha Year 51.
In just half a year, under Uchiha Akihito's leadership, public perception of the Uchiha had improved dramatically.
Resentment had been successfully redirected outward. Within the village, far fewer people muttered curses about the clan behind closed doors.
The Uchiha still carried themselves proudly, but any instance of abusing their authority was now severely punished by the clan head himself.
To drive the point home, Akihito had even staged a little performance with Masato and Tetsuya—playing out a "disciplinary drama" to make an example.
The Uchiha's reputation steadily rose.
When people mentioned Clan Head Akihito, many could not help but sigh in admiration.
"If one must have a son, let him be like Lord Akihito!"
Konoha's main streets bustled with joy.
The prolonged conflict had ended.
A diplomatic delegation from Kumogakure had arrived to negotiate a formal peace treaty.
Hokage Tower.
To show respect, Konoha's leadership and the heads of major clans were all present.
Akihito attended as well.
The meeting proceeded without incident.
During the previous war, Kumo and Konoha had not clashed directly on a large scale.
With no deep blood feud, negotiations were smooth.
As the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi and the Kumo delegation leader signed their names, the treaty officially took effect.
Relief spread across the room.
After years of war, who would not crave a few peaceful days?
"Lord Hokage, I bring greetings from the Raikage," the Kumo leader said with a smile.
"At your age, still working tirelessly for your village—I truly admire you."
Polite on the surface.
But between the lines lay mockery: an aging Hokage still clinging to power, with no worthy successor.
Hiruzen's smile stiffened—then quickly recovered.
"Hardly. How could I compare to Ōnoki of Iwagakure? I'm merely an old man with one foot in the grave. He is the one truly vigorous in old age."
Everyone knew the Third Raikage had died in battle against Iwa.
A wound that still stung Kumo to this day.
You mock me? I reopen your scar.
The Kumo leader's expression soured.
"Hmph. We're leaving."
Without further courtesy, he strode out.
Hiruzen was unconcerned.
This was Konoha's home ground.
What could a small delegation possibly attempt here?
He smiled warmly and dismissed the assembly.
"The war is over. We must restore Konoha's prosperity."
"Return home. Tomorrow, we continue our efforts."
Cheers erupted.
"Konoha banzai! Long live the Third Hokage!"
Hiruzen was praised to the heavens.
Akihito folded his arms, a faint trace of ridicule flickering in his eyes.
"Heh…"
Did anyone truly believe Kumogakure respected written treaties?
The last alliance with Kumo had cost Konoha the life of the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju.
The lesson should have been clear.
Yet the village seemed to have forgotten.
That night, a Kumo shinobi infiltrated the Hyūga compound.
The script was eerily familiar to the kidnapping attempt against Kushina years ago.
Unfortunately for him, his execution was sloppy.
He had barely made it beyond the compound with young Hinata when Hyūga Hiashi intercepted him and killed him on the spot.
ANBU quickly sealed off the scene.
Hiruzen rushed over.
When he saw the lifeless Kumo shinobi, his expression darkened immediately.
"Hiashi. Explain exactly what happened."
Holding the genjutsu-affected Hinata in his arms, Hiashi spoke truthfully, though fury simmered beneath his calm.
"The intruder abducted my daughter. When I confronted him, he attacked. During the fight… I killed him. Only after removing his mask did I realize he was from Kumogakure."
Hiashi clenched his fists.
The pride of the Hyūga had been humiliated.
An outsider had infiltrated their compound and nearly kidnapped the clan heir.
If word spread, the clan would be a laughingstock.
Hiruzen exhaled quietly.
Kumo was clearly at fault.
If he soothed the Hyūga, perhaps the matter could be quietly resolved.
Seeking justice for the Hyūga?
That thought never crossed his mind.
A treaty had just been signed.
He would not tear it up over this.
The next day, the Hokage Tower convened once more.
The festive mood was gone.
Tension hung in the air.
Hiruzen had expected Kumogakure to soften its stance, having committed wrongdoing.
Instead—
They struck first.
Kumo accused Konoha of deliberate provocation and demanded that the "culprit" be handed over.
The situation escalated instantly.
War clouds gathered once more over Konoha.
Kumogakure's position was clear and uncompromising:
Hand over the killer—
Or prepare for war.
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