"Someone... give him the key and the documents..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen's body shuddered violently.
His voice was hoarse and dry. Those few words seemed to drain all his strength.
Clatter.
Soon, the Hokage Secretary and an attendant retrieved a metal cabinet from the ruins.
Though the blast had sent it flying, its exterior had somehow remained intact.
"Third Hokage, you know what's good for you."
Jin nodded, but didn't move.
Behind him, Fugaku immediately understood.
He stepped forward, appearing beside the metal cabinet in an instant. After taking the key, he opened it.
Clatter.
Soon, he took out a thick stack of ledgers, several antique-looking seals, and—a scroll covered in glowing Sealing Runes.
After glancing through the items, he took them straight to Jin.
"They're genuine."
"Mm."
Jin didn't look. He simply nodded again, then turned his attention to the many clan leaders behind him and said softly,
"Hyuga Clan Head."
Hearing his title called so suddenly, Hyuga Hiashi tensed.
But he immediately stepped forward. "Jin."
"Sorry for the trouble. You, the Nara Clan Head, the Akimichi Clan Head, the Yamanaka Clan Head..."
Jin's gaze slowly swept over the most influential clan leaders.
"Please bear witness together."
"Effective immediately, the Uchiha Clan will take control of Konoha's finances."
"The accounts, seals, and key have all been handed over."
He spoke in a calm, matter-of-fact tone, but his words carried an irresistible pressure.
The clan leaders he had named all felt the weight of it.
Even Nara Shikaku, whose clan had been staunchly loyal to the Third Hokage, could only exchange glances with the others before silently nodding.
At this point, there was no meaning in objecting. It would only bring destruction.
Even the Third Hokage had fallen in line. What could they possibly do?
Replace him?
The Uchiha Clan had become