With the deaths of Sarutobi Hiruzen, Mitokado Homura, and Utatane Koharu, the entire high command of Konohagakure was eradicated in one stroke.
Yet, despite this seismic upheaval, there wasn't a trace of chaos throughout the village.
On the contrary, with the decay at the top finally cleansed, a sense of relief and revitalization swept through Konoha. From civilians to shinobi, many couldn't help but feel an unspoken joy bloom across their faces.
Especially among the lower strata of Konoha, where resentment toward the corrupt leadership had long festered, the atmosphere brimmed with silent celebration and optimism.
However, while the common folk rejoiced, the remaining figures of Konoha's power structure—clan heads, veteran Jōnin, and prominent civilians—were gripped by apprehension.
Just moments prior, elite Uchiha shinobi had delivered a direct summons, instructing them to assemble for a pivotal council meeting to decide the future direction of Konoha under new leadership.
Given the overwhelming might displayed by the Uchiha clan—especially Uchiha Yue's domination of the Third Hokage and his towering, ethereal Susanoo—the summoned had no illusions about the weight behind the invitation. It was clear this wasn't a discussion to be taken lightly.
"Shikaku, are you absolutely sure about your analysis?" Yamanaka Inoichi asked in a hushed, uneasy tone. The flicker of tension in his voice betrayed his calm exterior. "Facing Uchiha Yue head-on… if he's displeased, who knows what could happen."
Inside the council chamber built atop the Nara-Akimichi-Yamanaka compound, the trio of longtime comrades convened. Even the ever-stoic Akimichi Chōza seemed restless—his snacks untouched for once.
"Relax. It'll be fine," Shikaku replied, exhaling slowly as he glanced sideways at his fidgeting friends. "We've lived through two wars and seen enough to know how to read a situation."
But even Shikaku's trademark confidence rang hollow in the tense silence.
After all, Uchiha Yue's strength was unfathomable—his Susanoo had dwarfed buildings and his hand had single-handedly ended Sarutobi's era. And worse, Yue's rhetoric had reshaped the entire perception of the Uchiha Clan from traitorous to righteous. He wasn't merely powerful—he was convincing.
With such might and charisma, it was impossible not to imagine Yue as a force beyond reason—a shadow of Madara reborn. The fear of being summoned to face him directly weighed heavily on everyone in attendance.
And it wasn't just the Ino-Shika-Chō trio—throughout the chamber, murmurs and stifled tension revealed that many others were equally unnerved.
Fortunately, they weren't made to wait long. With the large chamber doors creaking open, Uchiha Yue entered, flanked by Uchiha Tianyin—his trusted confidante and rumored shadow hand.
"Everyone, there's no need for me to introduce myself," Yue said casually, strolling to the central seat at the head of the table and settling in with the natural dominance of a man in control.
"A man of your stature who purged the rot festering within Konoha and delivered justice to the very top… such a savior needs no introduction," Nara Shikaku said as he abruptly stood up. His tone, though measured, held unambiguous respect.
"In recognition of your contribution, and for the future of this village, I—Nara Shikaku—on behalf of the Ino-Shika-Chō alliance, formally pledge our support for you, Lord Yue, to assume the title of Fifth Hokage."
The chamber fell silent as Shikaku's words echoed. A heartbeat later, the silence cracked.
"For someone who defeated the Third Hokage without hesitation and protected the Will of Fire more genuinely than those who preached it, Lord Yue is the most fitting successor. The Inuzuka Clan fully supports his ascension!" Inuzuka Tsume declared, her voice firm.
"That's right! No other has such merit and power. I, Murakami Ryōta, as a civilian Jōnin, also support Lord Yue as Fifth Hokage," another voice joined in.
Suddenly, the tide turned. The once-tense atmosphere shifted as clan head after clan head, Jōnin after Jōnin, voiced their allegiance. The chamber that had moments ago bristled with fear now echoed with declarations of loyalty.
Uchiha Yue blinked, taken aback. This wasn't the resistance he had prepared for. If anything, he had expected a power struggle, some harsh words, or even an attempt at defiance. Perhaps he'd even prepared himself to eliminate a few thorns in the side.
But not this.
Even among the most vocal supporters, he noticed shinobi bearing the insignias of the Sarutobi and Mito clans. The sheer suddenness of their submission was unsettling.
After all, the bodies of Sarutobi Hiruzen, Homura, and Koharu had barely grown cold—how could their kin surrender so eagerly?
"Silence, all of you!" Yue snapped, his voice imbued with cold authority. His aura, sharp and unrelenting, swept across the room like a physical wave, halting all noise instantly.
"You… Sarutobi, Mito, and Reizan clansmen. You're related to those I executed just days ago. Yet you're so quick to stand with me? Why?"
Fixing his gaze on three specific individuals, Yue let the weight of his scrutiny bear down.
The Sarutobi representative stood, bowing respectfully. "Lord Yue, while we carry the name of Sarutobi, we are from distant branch families with no real stake in the former Hokage's actions. In truth, many of us disagreed with their choices—choices that nearly ruined this village."
"We never approved of Hiruzen's blind tolerance, Homura's backroom dealings, or Koharu's iron grip. Had we the power, we would've removed them ourselves," added the Mito clan Jōnin with equal conviction.
"We saw your justice, and we welcome it. We pledge ourselves to your cause sincerely and without duplicity."
"Oh? Is that so?" Yue murmured, his tone dismissive. "Let's assume your words are true."
Though his voice carried no warmth, Yue didn't push the matter further. These minor players weren't worth personal interrogation. If they were hiding ulterior motives, Tianyin's sharp eyes and deeper network would uncover it soon enough.
That was the purpose of cultivating competent aides—so he wouldn't need to micromanage every detail.
"And the rest of you?" he said, his eyes sweeping across the now-still conference hall. "Have you all made your choice?"
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