In the Hokage's office, Sarutobi Hiruzen's fingers tightly gripped the reply from the daimyo of the Land of Fire.
On the letter paper, the emblem of the Land of Fire stood clear and dignified: "Permission is granted for the Sarutobi, Utatane, Mito, and Shimura clans to relocate to the Daimyo Residence. From this day forth, they shall be under the direct protection of the Land of Fire."
Sarutobi Hiruzen let out a long breath, and his tense shoulders finally relaxed.
He looked up and gazed out the window. Tens of thousands of villagers had surrounded the Hokage Building, pressing down on him until he could hardly breathe.
He called in a deep voice, "Someone. Go invite Uchiha Fugaku, the clan heads of Ino-Shika-Cho, Hyuga Hiashi, Clan Head Kurama... Have them come to the Hokage Building for a meeting at once."
Inside the meeting room of the Hokage Building.
Uchiha Fugaku sat upright on one side of the long table, with Uchiha Sanpo and Uchiha Yashiro standing behind him.
Opposite him were the clan heads of the three Ino-Shika-Cho clans: Nara Shikaku, Yamanaka Inoichi, and Akimichi Choza.
Beside them sat Hyuga Hiashi, Clan Head Kurama, and the others.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's face looked haggard, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes deeper than before. "Everyone, I invited you here today for the future of Konoha."
The room fell silent. Everyone's eyes focused on him.
Sarutobi Hiruzen took a deep breath, then suddenly bowed deeply. "First, I must apologize to all the ninja and villagers of Konoha... During the Third Shinobi World War, the Sarutobi, Utatane, Mito, and Shimura clans... failed to fulfill their proper responsibilities, and even harmed the village's interests for selfish gain. As Hokage, I cannot shirk the blame."
Everyone's expressions varied, but no one interrupted.
Sarutobi Hiruzen straightened