Chapter 72 – A Storm is Brewing
Minato Namikaze and Hiruzen Sarutobi had returned.
The news caused Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane to tense up involuntarily.
What came next would be a direct confrontation between the Uchiha clan and the forces aligned with the Third Hokage.
Minato Namikaze was Jiraiya's disciple and the most prominent candidate for the Fourth Hokage—one might even say he was the designated successor. And Jiraiya himself was Hiruzen Sarutobi's disciple.
Naturally, Minato would stand on Hiruzen's side.
If this matter were handled poorly, it could easily spiral into an intense internal conflict that might lead to bloodshed and further weaken the village.
But at this point, all Homura and Koharu could do was brace themselves and quietly await the unfolding events.
What would become of the Hidden Leaf Village—neither of them could foresee.
Uchiha Dali glanced at the two advisors, then at the Anbu squad leader present. A faint smile crossed his face.
"Since the Hokage is back, let's wait for them in the office."
With that, he turned and left the conference room, heading toward the Hokage's office.
…
At the underground headquarters of the Root organization.
Orochimaru stood with arms crossed, leaning against a stone pillar, silently watching as a half-kneeling Anbu squad leader gave his report to Danzo Shimura.
The man had just reported the whereabouts of Hiruzen Sarutobi and Minato Namikaze.
The two had returned from the capital of the Land of Fire and were now at the village gates.
"Lord Danzo, are we really not taking action?"
"Now that the Third Hokage and Minato Namikaze are back, they're likely to clash with the Uchiha."
"After all, Uchiha Dali has pretty much trampled all over the Third Hokage's authority…"
The squad leader, wearing a tactical vest and a painted mask, asked in a low voice.
Danzo responded with composed calm, "Directly intervening in this conflict would be the worst possible move."
"What we truly need to do… is wait."
"The Uchiha clan think too highly of themselves. They believe that just because they produced a genius, they can run roughshod over the village. Arrogant and blind to reason. In that case, let the future Fourth Hokage teach them a lesson."
As he said this, Danzo couldn't help but smirk inwardly.
Minato Namikaze was also a genius ninja.
The name "Yellow Flash" struck terror into enemy forces, making them flee at the mere sight of him.
Now that he was here to anchor the situation, combined with Hiruzen's loyal forces, even if they couldn't achieve total victory against the Uchiha, they could certainly inflict devastating losses.
Once both sides were exhausted and wounded, Danzo could then deploy his own men to suppress what would be labeled a Uchiha rebellion.
And then, all the credit would go to him.
At that point, he would either become Hokage himself, or install one of his trusted subordinates in the position.
In either case, supreme power in the Hidden Leaf would fall into his hands.
With that thought, Danzo glanced sideways at Orochimaru.
"You've had contact with that kid, haven't you?"
Danzo's words snapped Orochimaru out of his thoughts. His eyes sharpened, but his expression remained unreadable as he looked back at Danzo.
However, his tone lacked its usual lightness. "That boy's strength… can only be described as unfathomable."
"This time, with the Uchiha aiming to seize power, I fear it may plunge the village into a storm of blood and chaos."
"Heh… your plan and your goal—chances are, they'll succeed."
As he finished speaking, Orochimaru let out a sinister smile—his trademark smirk, laced with wicked delight.
The Yellow Flash versus the Uchiha's genius.
He too wanted to see which of the two would come out on top.
…
News of Hiruzen Sarutobi and Minato Namikaze's return to the village quickly reached Uchiha Shisui, who had been keeping a close watch on the village's situation.
At that moment, he had already left the Uchiha compound and was no longer following Danzo Shimura's orders to monitor his clan.
Instead, he headed straight for Hiruzen and Minato.
The two were making their way toward the Hokage's office when they were intercepted on a secluded path by Shisui.
"Shisui?"
Hiruzen slightly lifted the brim of his hat and saw the young man standing ahead of them.
"Lord Third. Lord Minato."
Shisui greeted them politely, but the grave look on his face revealed all his inner turmoil.
Minato could tell something was wrong at a glance.
"What is it, Shisui?"
He asked.
"During the time you and Lord Third were away from the village, a number of things happened. Before you meet with Elder Dali, I want to give you a rundown of the situation."
"I hope to avoid any unnecessary developments."
His tone was heavy and serious. Minato and Hiruzen instinctively exchanged glances.
Hiruzen's brow furrowed slightly.
"So… what we feared has indeed come to pass…"
He muttered.
Shisui's eyes flickered. "Lord Third, please allow me to explain everything from the beginning…"
He then proceeded to describe in detail how the Uchiha clan had discovered that the village treated them differently from other celebrated ninja families; how Danzo Shimura had deliberately concealed their contributions; and how Uchiha Dali now intended to become Hokage.
After hearing Shisui's account, Minato and Hiruzen exchanged another long, silent glance.
Neither said a word, but they both clearly understood the possible consequences if this was not handled properly.
"Lord Minato, Elder Dali's current demand is that you honor your promise to give up the position of Hokage."
Since neither of them responded, Shisui turned directly to Minato. Then he looked at Hiruzen as well.
Hiruzen met his gaze immediately.
This was another of the Uchiha's genius ninja—powerful and capable.
Just he and Uchiha Dali alone were enough to plunge the village into utter chaos.
"Shisui, do you support Uchiha Dali's actions?"
Hiruzen asked seriously, locking eyes with him.
"Lord Third, I've always stood with the village. Preserving the village's peace and stability is my duty. I also do not wish to see internal strife break out…"
"I understand. So you intend to remain neutral. If that's the case, why haven't you stepped forward to stop Uchiha Dali?"
"I already recommended Minato for the Fourth Hokage position in front of the Daimyō of the Land of Fire. He's returned with the official letter of appointment."
"The man standing before you is already, in effect, the Fourth Hokage. All that remains is to complete the succession process. Which means, from this day forward, your allegiance must lie with Minato."
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