My Words Are Evidence! (Seeking Follow-ups!)

The entire crowd was in an uproar!

As Uchiha Jin's words spilled out, a sense of bizarre absurdity gripped everyone present—from the stoic Anbu who had seen countless deaths, to the elite elders of Konoha's various clans, and even the civilian ninjas drawn by the massive commotion.

Why would the Hokage commit treason?

Yet, as that feeling of absurdity rapidly faded, a sense of extreme tension instantly flooded every heart.

The Uchiha's attitude was far too aggressive; something truly major was going to happen tonight!

Regardless of the outcome, the existing power structure of Konoha, and even the balance of power across the entire Ninja World, would inevitably be reshuffled.

Under the shadow of blood and fire, those who had already begun to contemplate the future felt their hearts grow increasingly heavy and complex.

Uchiha Jin...

After a brief moment of shock, the first thing that rose in Sarutobi Hiruzen's heart was not anger, but an inexplicable fear!

Once again, the timing, the terrain, and the people were not in his favor. Moreover, the gaze of this Uchiha elder—who was young to an excessive degree—was burning with a fanaticism that truly craved war and blood.

They were currently standing not far from the Uchiha compound, where the vast majority of the Uchiha Clan's combat power was gathered.

Compared to them, the Hokage's faction was not exactly weak, but even with the reinforcements from the other Konoha clans, their strength was only about fifty percent greater than the Uchiha's.

While they appeared to have the overall advantage, if both sides were to engage in a true life-or-death struggle, Sarutobi Hiruzen would inevitably face unacceptable losses, even if he could rely on a steady stream of reinforcements.

Most importantly...

Sarutobi Hiruzen's gaze slowly shifted away from Uchiha Jin's handsome face, finally finding the composure to observe the remnants of the battlefield.

Hmm...

The "Root" members had suffered heavy losses. Those marks looked like they were made by an Uchiha's Susanoo, and that familiar chakra from earlier belonged to Shisui!

Recalling the green giant that had suddenly risen from the ground, the chakra signature that was so similar to Shisui's, and the corpse nearby that was now missing an eye...

Danzō, you damn bastard!

Sarutobi Hiruzen truly could not imagine what was going on in that dog's head. He had clearly devised a foolproof, brilliant plan.

Even if Shisui had failed to control Uchiha Fugaku, their Hokage faction would have still gained a Mangekyo user completely abandoned by the Uchiha, providing them with more leverage for future battles or negotiations.

But that dog Danzō had chosen this exact moment to strike at Shisui, and was stupid enough to get caught by the Uchiha Clan...

"Danzō!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen shot a hateful glare at Shimura Danzō, who was still surrounded by the Uchiha and looking incredibly wretched under the protection of the remaining "Root" ninjas.

"Sarutobi, the Uchiha Clan has rebelled! Kill them all—"

Sensing Sarutobi Hiruzen's gaze, Danzō, who had finally managed to catch his breath, shouted in response.

"Shut up!"

Before Danzō could finish, Sarutobi Hiruzen cut him off sharply. His aura suddenly retracted, turning gentle as he turned back to face Uchiha Jin, who was blocking his path.

"Jin..."

Details of the scene flashed through Sarutobi Hiruzen's mind, but his concern for his old friend ultimately led him to make a decision against his better judgment.

Thinking this, Sarutobi Hiruzen waved his hand to signal those behind him not to act rashly, then stepped forward alone and bowed deeply toward the Uchiha group.

"There must be some misunderstanding here! After today, I will strictly punish Danzō. I hope the Uchiha Clan will remain calm and not do anything to damage the harmony and stability of our Konoha."

Hiss...

Seeing Sarutobi Hiruzen adopt such a posture, not only the Anbu and Sarutobi Clan ninjas behind him, but even Fugaku, the Uchiha Clan head, felt it was inconceivable.

The Third Hokage of Konoha, the leader of the village, was actually bowing and apologizing to the Uchiha, whom they had always been at odds with?

Whoosh!

The response to this bow was a side kick as swift as thunder. But clearly, Sarutobi Hiruzen was not as naive as Shisui or Danzō; staying vigilant, he retreated lightly, perfectly dodging the strike, which had lacked any real killing intent.

However, this sudden turn of events made everyone's heart skip a beat. Even Uchiha Fugaku, standing not far away, felt sweat dampen his back.

Sharing the same sentiment were the high-ranking members of various clans, including Uchiha Setsuna. It was precisely because of this that Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, relying on their keen political instincts, were the first to step forward.

"Uchiha Jin, you have openly attacked a vital department of Konoha and slaughtered Konoha ninjas! Are you now going to strike at the Hokage himself?"

"Is the Uchiha Clan openly rebelling?"

Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu spoke rapidly, eager to pin charges on Jin and the Uchiha Clan to pave the way for securing reinforcements for Konoha.

"Don't talk to me about a mere acting Hokage..."

Uchiha Jin, who had never expected his surprise attack to succeed, was not discouraged. Instead, he nonchalantly flicked the dust off his pant leg.

"Anyone who dares to obstruct me and the Police Force from executing traitors—even if it's the Mitokado Clan or the Utatane Clan where the Hokage Assistants hail from—I will wipe them out today just the same!"

Uchiha Jin's murderous words echoed throughout the area. As he spoke, he locked his gaze onto Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, looking at them as if they were already dead men.

(Mitokado Homura's thoughts: I am from the Mitokado Clan...)

"Uchiha!"

Seeing his old friends being threatened, Sarutobi Hiruzen could not help but step forward again, his powerful aura surging forth along with his vast chakra.

"Danzō is, after all, a former Hokage Assistant. What evidence do you have to justify judging him!"

As Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke those words, the Anbu members and the ninjas of the Sarutobi Clan behind him raised their kunai, assuming a confrontational stance against the Uchiha Clan.

Negotiation did not mean backing down; understanding the rules of the game, Sarutobi Hiruzen naturally knew the importance of flexing one's muscles. Surely, no one would truly want a mutual destruction... right?

Yet, even though Sarutobi Hiruzen projected an imposing aura, the faint bead of cold sweat on his temple betrayed the nervousness he felt inside.

"Evidence?"

Uchiha Jin let out a dry, mocking laugh at the question. He scanned the scene with a look of boredom, even casting a teasing glance at the bandaged right hand that Danzo was clutching tightly.

Evidence was something he could produce as much as he wanted, wasn't it?

But was it even necessary?

Looking once more at the "strongest Hokage" before him, who was clearly drumming with anxiety, the mockery in Uchiha Jin's eyes grew even more intense. He suddenly took another full, heavy step forward and roared, pointing a finger directly at Sarutobi Hiruzen's nose.

"My word is the evidence!"