Old Man Third's Decision! [First Update, Request for Full Subscription]

"It's unnecessary. Let them go."

The Third Hokage sighed. In the span of a single night, he seemed to have aged several more years, the silver-white in his hair becoming even more pronounced.

After this entire day, the Third Hokage had been utterly exhausted in both body and mind. Noon tomorrow was the deadline Hiko had given. If this matter could not be resolved properly, Konoha would be in serious trouble. Compared to that, did the Shimura Clan secretly fleeing really matter more?

It was not more serious, but it still dealt the Third Hokage a heavy blow. I wanted so badly to protect you, yet you disregarded everything and slipped away in secret, afraid that I would ultimately choose Uchiha Hiko.

What the Shimura clansmen had done was no different from carving two cuts into the Third Hokage's heart with a knife.

"Nara, do you think my choice was wrong? From your perspective, which clan is more important to the village, the Uchiha or the Shimura?"

The Nara Clan Head looked at the weary-faced Third Hokage. He opened his mouth, then answered helplessly, "In Lord Hokage's heart, they are the same. Both are important to the village, both are part of Konoha. Although Danzo..."

Mentioning Danzo, the Nara Clan Head paused before continuing, "But at present, the Uchiha are more important. After what happened, regardless of whether Captain Uchiha Hiko takes action against the Shimura Clan, the Shimura Clan is destined to decline. Without Danzo, coupled with the aftermath he left behind, they will be targeted by the major clans and many villagers."

"The Uchiha are different. The current Uchiha are flourishing, and under Captain Uchiha Hiko's leadership, they will only grow stronger. Losing the Shimura Clan will hurt Konoha, but losing the Uchiha will deal Konoha a devastating