Uchiha's Victory (3)

"Danzo, even now, don't you have a shred of remorse?" Chiho stepped forward and suddenly smiled. "That's right. If you successfully seize Shisui's Mangekyō Sharingan, you'll have the opportunity to completely annihilate the Uchiha Clan. Not only that, you can also use the Kotoamatsukami technique to control the Third Hokage, forcing him to abdicate and recommend you to become the Fifth Hokage, right?"

"So, Danzo's only regret is probably not attacking us Uchiha, but that he didn't succeed!" Uchiha Issei continued.

"The Uchiha Clan has a history of Betrayal of the Village, and Uchiha Madara was the culprit who killed the First Hokage! Now Shisui possesses Dōjutsu that can freely alter the will of others. How can I guarantee that he won't use this Dōjutsu on us? This is all for the sake of the village!"

Danzo said in a deep voice, making a final, desperate struggle. Since he could no longer deny it, he could only admit part of the truth and elevate his personal grudges to the fate of Konoha.

"Uchiha Madara betrayed Konoha; he only represented himself! Not a single member of the Uchiha clan followed Madara out of Konoha; that's a fact," said Uchiha Issei. "And it's also a fact that Shisui voluntarily revealed his use of the Mangekyou Sharingan."

Even without evidence that the Uchiha would definitely rebel or that Shisui would definitely plot something, your attempt to attack your fellow villagers and steal Shisui's Mangekyō Sharingan remains a fact.

All I saw was a despicable person who, for his own selfish gain, kept saying he was acting in Konoha's name but was actually going against the Will of Fire and trying to kill his comrades!

"Danzo, even if you possess the Kotoamatsukami technique, you won't gain the approval of the people and will never become Hokage!"

The crowd was abuzz with discussion. Indeed, facts spoke louder than words compared to Danzo's subjective conjecture.

The conflict between the Uchiha Clan and Konoha can actually be divided into two levels.

This is something that many Ninja Clan are well aware of, but they see through it but choose not to say it.

The first aspect is the conflict between the Uchiha and the current Konoha High-Level, or more precisely, the conflict between the Shimura Danzō and the leadership led by Hiruzen Uchiha Sarutobi Hiruzen, Mitokado Homura, and Utatane Koharu.

This can be traced back to the time of the Second Hokage. Due to Madara's betrayal and the Uchiha Clan's own issues, the Second Hokage established Military Police Force to bring the Uchiha Clan together. This would facilitate surveillance and management, and also prevent the Uchiha from clashing with other Konoha Ninja.

This judgment is based on the Second Hokage's research on the Uchiha Clan.

At least it was a response taken from a fair perspective.

Among the disciples of the Second Hokage was Kagami Uchiha, a member of the Uchiha.

The Second Hokage's disciples inherited his attitude and policies toward Second Hokage Uchiha, but compared to the Second Hokage, they struggled to maintain the right balance and were unable to treat the Uchiha Clan truly fairly.

After all, even the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, one of the Five Kage of the Era and known as the "Ninja Hero," did not have the strength of the Second Hokage Tobirama Senju, let alone the other high-ranking officials.

The second level concerns the conflicts between the Uchiha and various Konoha families, as well as minor conflicts with ordinary people.

This conflict stemmed from a dispute over interests. The Uchiha was the most active Ninja Clan in all the Ninja World War. Even when they were sent to Kirigakure during the Third Shinobi World War to deal with the village that was most skilled in Water Style, and even though the village's Hidden Mist Technique was very effective against the Sharingan, they still managed to defeat Kirigakure's numerous attacks despite being outnumbered.

However, the Uchiha, as the strongest Ninja Clan in Konoha, fulfilled their obligations as members of Konoha, but did not enjoy the rights that were equal to them.

The higher-ups suppressed and marginalized the Uchiha Clan to other Ninja Clan. Those Ninja Clan that became beneficiaries, even if they did not join the higher-ups in suppressing the Uchiha, would never stand up for the Uchiha, much less befriend Uchiha, because they had taken what should have belonged to the Uchiha Clan.

As for the conflict between the Uchiha and civilians, it was due to the higher-ups intentionally manipulating public opinion.

The Uchiha Clan, who control the Konoha Military Police Force, bear the responsibility of maintaining Konoha's security. To put it bluntly, they are Konoha's urban management officers. The arrogant Uchiha are naturally not very friendly towards civilians who have no power. Most importantly, even if they enforce the law impartially, being an urban management officer will inevitably offend people. Good or bad attitude only affects the degree to which they are disliked, and cannot solve the problem in essence.

The deeds of the Uchiha Clan, who risked their lives on the battlefield and turned the tide of battle, were not publicized. Instead, trivial conflicts were widely publicized, creating the impression that public resentment was boiling over.

"You!" Danzo's face darkened, speechless at the questioning, or rather, it was that statement that he could never become Hokage that broke his defenses!

Seeing the situation was dire, Sarutobi Hiruzen finally made a decision and ordered, "Men, take Danzo away and lock him in the Anbu's cell to await trial!"

"Yes!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen's direct Anbu stepped forward to take Danzo.

"Wait!" Uchiha Issei shouted, stopping the Anbu from acting.

The event was about to reach its climax, about to reach a fever pitch, how could it suddenly end in just five seconds!

The real show has only just begun!

"Lord Third Hokage, are you really just going to take Danzo away like this and let this matter drop?" Chiho questioned.

Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression changed slightly, and he said in a deep voice, "Chiho, even if Danzo made a mistake, shouldn't we at least thoroughly investigate the matter before putting him on trial? Are you not even going to give him a chance to defend himself? Or do you intend to execute him on the spot?"

His words were a strategic retreat, making it seem as if the Uchiha Clan was eager to force Danzo.

After all, they had been companions for decades. Danzo's position in Sarutobi Hiruzen's heart was no less than that of his wife and son, and perhaps even more so.

"Yes, Danzo has made great contributions to the village. He should at least be given a chance to defend himself!"

"That's right, we can't make a decision so hastily before we've fully figured things out!"

"Danzo was only confused for the sake of the village; his crime does not warrant death."

"Danzo's merits outweigh his demerits, so let's consider their merits and demerits cancel each other out!"

Some Jōnin who were closely associated with Danzo chimed in with their opinions.

Danzo's popularity Jōnin Konoha's Jonin wasn't great, but that's only in comparison to people like Sarutobi Hiruzen, Minato Namikaze, Jiraiya, and Tsunade. It's not that he was really unpopular.

Especially now, with most Jōnin remaining silent, even if a small number of people plead for Danzo, it seems as if Danzo has suffered a great injustice, and the Uchiha Clan has become the perpetrator.

Originally, the Uchiha Clan wanted Sarutobi Hiruzen them justice, but now it has turned into the Uchiha Clan being aggressive and unforgiving.

Most Jōnin have their own clans and clan interests behind them. Even if their interests are not closely related to the four high-ranking members, their interests have even less to do with the Uchiha Clan.

You can speak the truth anytime, but to do so now would be tantamount to siding with the Uchiha.

Be careful!

"Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!"

Uchiha Issei laughed loudly, his unrestrained laughter completely drowning out the voices of the Jōnin who were pleading for Danzo.

"Uchiha Issei, what's your attitude?!"

"What's so funny!"

"That's outrageous!"

The Jōnin Danzo seemed to have been humiliated and spoke out indignantly.

"Issei, what do you mean?" Sarutobi Hiruzen also frowned.

Upon hearing this, "Uchiha Issei" stopped laughing, clapped his hands, and revealed a mocking smile, saying:

"I'm laughing at you, I'm Uchiha Clan, and I'm laughing at the Will of Fire!"

Where leaves dance in the air, the fire burns ever brighter. Its Firelight will continue to illuminate the village and allow new leaves to sprout.

"Caring for one's comrades and sacrificing oneself. That's absolutely hilarious!"

"Uchiha Issei, you're insane!" Upon hearing "Uchiha Issei" mock the Will of Fire left behind by the First Hokage when he founded the village, a ninja was immediately enraged.

"It's not me who's crazy, it's you!" Uchiha Issei looked around and stared intently at everyone. "No matter how much Danzo has done for Konoha, can it be more than what our Uchiha Clan has done?"

Open your eyes and see how many members of our Uchiha lie in the Konoha Cemetery!

They also have brothers and sisters, parents and relatives!

Danzo's achievements are merits, but aren't the achievements of our Uchiha Clan merits too?

Isn't it ridiculous enough that the Will of Fire can make an exception for someone?!

If the First Hokage knew that his Will of Fire had been trampled on like this, he'd probably crawl out of his grave in anger!

Uchiha Issei's words moved many people, not because they empathized with him, but because they thought of themselves. Today, the Will of Fire has double standards because Danzo made an exception for it. Could the Uchiha Clan's present situation be their future?

"Yes!"

"Aren't the contributions of our Uchiha Clan contributions?!"

"Danzo's life is a life, but aren't our Uchiha too?!"

Why should we endure this humiliation?!

Uchiha Issei's words resonated with the Uchiha Clan, who had suffered countless injustices at the hands of the higher-ups over the years.

Seeing her clansmen filled with grief and indignation, Chiho shouted, "Everyone, calm down! Today, our Uchiha Clan can use force to solve this problem, but we want to persuade them with reason and expose the true colors of the higher-ups!"

With that, Chiho stood in front of Sarutobi Hiruzen, pointed at his nose, and said:

"Danzo hateful! But the most hateful one is you, Third Hokage!"

You have allowed Danzo to act recklessly and disregarded the contributions of our Uchiha Clan to Konoha.

Indecisive and hesitant in doing things!

Before the Fourth Hokage was seriously injured and fell into a coma, he had almost reached a reconciliation with our Uchiha Clan. They had already shown you a clear path, so why did you turn a blind eye?

He holds the position of Hokage, yet he doesn't do what Hokage should do.

What right do you have to stay in this position?!

Faced with the Kumogakure's aggressive actions, you allowed the Hyuga Branch Family's Jōnin, Hizashi, to die unjustly. You're afraid of war, but isn't the Kumogakure afraid too?

Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression changed. Danzo hadn't been saved yet, and now the fire had spread to him. Faced with Chiho's accusation, he didn't refute it, but instead said with a look of shame, "Chiho, you're right. These are all my faults as the Third Hokage. It's my dereliction of duty."

"Chiho, what right do you have to criticize the Third Hokage like that!"

"Lord Third Hokage have dedicated decades to the village; you have no right to speak of him like that."

"The affairs of our Hyuga clan are none of the Uchiha Clan's business."

The Jōnin from the Third Hokage Hokage's faction all spoke up in rebuttal, and even the Jōnin from the Hyuga clan couldn't help but speak up.

"That's true. Your Hyuga clan are all cowards. It really shouldn't be mentioned." Chiho nodded.

"What did you say?!" The Hyuga clan ninjas glared angrily.

At this moment, "Uchiha Issei" said loudly, "Everyone, you may not know the inside story yet, right? The Kumogakure Delegation went to Konoha under the pretext of deepening the alliance, but their leader sneaked into the Hyuga Clan Leader's mansion in the middle of the night and attempted to kidnap Hinata. As a result, he was killed on the spot by Hiashi."

However, the ninjas of Kumogakure turned the tables and threatened war, demanding that Konoha hand over Hiashi.

The Hyuga clan and our Third Hokage compromised with the Kumogakure, whose strength was inferior to ours, because they were afraid of war, and sent Hiashi's twin brother, Hizashi.

"A village like this has long lost the Will of Fire!"

The Jōnin, unaware of the situation, looked astonished.

"What?!"

"Hizashi died like this?"

"Is that so?"

Even if this is an internal matter of the Hyuga clan, it is still a matter of Konoha. Doing this is truly disheartening!

Hizashi was a member of the Hyuga Branch Family, but he was also Jōnin of Konoha!

No wonder Uchiha Issei made sarcastic remarks about the Will of Fire.

"I regret what happened to Hizashi. The village can no longer endure war." Sarutobi Hiruzen's face showed even deeper remorse.

"Everyone, since the Uchiha Clan has already broken ties with the higher-ups today, let's go all the way," Chiho said. "The Third Hokage! He is no longer fit to be Hokage!"

No sooner had Chiho finished speaking than a Jōnin in the crowd retorted, "The Third Hokage wasn't qualified to be Hokage, so do you think you are? Your Uchiha Clan has been coveting the Hokage position for quite some time now!"

"Why are they not qualified? Anyone who is recognized can become Hokage. This is the will of the First Hokage and one of the core elements of the Will of Fire. But have you seen the reality?"

Even wanting to become Hokage is a covetous thought, so you all know that unless you're a member of the Senju lineage, you have absolutely no chance of becoming Hokage, right?!

Chiho countered with a question.

"Uchiha Issei continued, "After the First Shinobi World War with Iwagakure, the Third Hokage resigned, and who succeeded him? The Fourth Hokage!"

Our Uchiha Clan has no objection to him Hokage, because the Fourth Hokage was known for his fairness.

But don't forget, the reason why the Fourth Hokage became Hokage from a commoner was not only because of his character and strength, but more importantly because he was the grand-disciple of the Third Hokage and a disciple of Jiraiya, one of the Three Ninja.

Even if the Third Hokage were to abdicate again now, who would be the successor?

They'll probably choose from Jiraiya, Tsunade, or their disciples, right?

Do the rest of us have a chance?

No!

This is the essence of the succession of the Hokage position!

To become Hokage, you don't need everyone's approval; you need to join the Hokage's faction and gain the Hokage's approval!

Uchiha Issei's words resonated with many ninjas.

Many people did not support Minato Namikaze when he first took office, but he was able to become Hokage position thanks to the strong support of the Third Hokage.

Apart from Minato Namikaze, there weren't many people qualified to be Hokage in terms of seniority, battle achievements, and strength, but you could definitely find a few from other Ninja Clan. The reason why Minato Namikaze successfully rose to the position was exactly as Uchiha Issei said.

"After all that talk, isn't it just that your Uchiha Clan wants more power?" This time, someone still objected, but the vast majority remained silent.

"You underestimate the ambition of the Uchiha Clan!" Chiho said coldly. "Back then, the Uchiha Clan and Senju Clan joined hands to establish Konoha in order to create a peaceful and harmonious family. Now, the nature of that family has changed."

We, the Uchiha Clan, can't outmaneuver you in political games!

Therefore, we, the Uchiha Clan, will not be entertaining you any longer!

"In my capacity as the Uchiha Clan Head, I hereby declare the Uchiha Clan's withdrawal from the Konoha Ninja Clan Alliance!"

As soon as Chiho finished speaking, everyone was shocked and panicked.

"What?!"

"Leave Konoha?"

"Did I hear that right?"

"It can't be that bad, can it?"

"Chiho, calm down."

"If there's any conflict, let's sit down and talk it over calmly. It doesn't have to escalate like this!"

Konoha has nearly 20,000 regular ninjas, and even after the Third Shinobi World War, the number of ninjas has remained at around 10,000.

However, the vast majority of them are Genin and Chunin.

Jōnin are only four or five hundred Jonin, a high-level combat force, and the Uchiha Clan alone accounts for about one-tenth of the Jōnin combat force.

Moreover, the Uchiha Clan produces a constant stream of geniuses in each generation.

Konoha can suppress the Uchiha, can exclude the Uchiha, but it absolutely cannot do without the Uchiha.

The Uchiha Clan's defection from Konoha was a devastating blow to the Konoha.

Thousands of the Uchiha Clan and over a hundred Uchiha, whether they establish their own ninja village or join another, will become Konoha's rivals.

With this shift in power, Konoha absolutely cannot afford it.

Even the clan leaders of the various Ninja Clan who had been watching coldly were now panicked.

Without the Uchiha, what will happen in the next Ninja World War?

Konoha can live without the Third Hokage and Danzo, but it absolutely cannot live without the Uchiha Clan!