Sarutobi Hiruzen's Distress, the Uchiha Clan Becomes a Scapegoat

"Hiruzen, when those at the top set a bad example, those below will naturally follow suit. Where is the Senju Clan even left? Haven't they long since been assimilated into Konoha?" Shimura Danzo raised an eyebrow, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

He had no intention of continuing to be the scapegoat, and Hiruzen's opening remark had alerted him to the danger. It was highly likely that he and his Shimura Clan were being groomed to replace the Senju as the expendable fodder for this war. Once Sarutobi Hiruzen decided to pin the blame on him, he would not hesitate to bring out that corpse and fight back with everything he had. Senju Nawaki's actions in the City of Wood had successfully sown seeds of suspicion in Danzo's mind regarding Hiruzen; the seeds were planted, and he was simply waiting for them to bloom. The relationship between the two could never be as harmonious as it once was.

Danzo's rigid stance left Sarutobi Hiruzen frozen in place. He realized that this time, Danzo would not be taking the fall for him. Without the lure of sufficient profit, people's hearts had scattered, and the team was becoming difficult to lead. More and more matters were slipping out of his control.

"Let us part on good terms; consider it Konoha's final act of tolerance toward the Senju Clan. However, even if the Senju have rendered great service to Konoha, Senju Nawaki's actions have plunged the village into a vortex of war. I hereby issue an order: Senju Nawaki is forbidden from stepping foot into Konoha ever again." Sarutobi Hiruzen gritted his teeth and spoke with forced helplessness, his gaze sweeping over the assembled ninjas, not daring to pursue the matter further. He could only grant Nawaki a punishment that was essentially toothless.

His eyes flickered toward those who kept their heads bowed or wore strange expressions; it was clear they had done the exact same things he had. His Sarutobi Family had only used legal means to seize the majority of the Senju Clan's assets, a slow process of boiling a frog in water to keep the Senju hopeful. Yet, the moment he let his guard down, someone had snatched the pot away entirely. The awakening of the Senju Clan had caught him completely off guard. In his heart, he cursed these people for ruining his plans. His own actions, and those of the other Konoha clans, were now exposed to the Ninja World, painting them as the very definition of ingratitude. No matter how he tried to whitewash it, there was no justification for continuing to strike at the Senju.

What worried him most now was his son, who remained missing to this day. He still could not understand where his plan had gone wrong, or what had caused such a drastic transformation in Senju Nawaki. The trouble was growing, his original plans were in ruins, but no matter what, he had to become the greatest Hokage. He had to surpass his teacher, Senju Tobirama, and surpass the God of Shinobi, Senju Hashirama. These two predecessors were the nightmares that haunted his dreams, and the secret reason he had intentionally or unintentionally targeted the Senju Clan all these years. With the Senju gone, the expendable fodder for this battle would have to be drawn from the other Konoha clans, a thought that gave him a splitting headache.

"Forbidden from entering?" This order from Sarutobi Hiruzen left many feeling bewildered. They looked at the white Hokage robe, but the light in their eyes had changed; it was no longer as pure as before, now tainted by the color of Sarutobi Hiruzen. They hadn't believed the rumors circulating from the Senju Clan initially, but now, it seemed they needed to reconsider. Did Sarutobi Hiruzen truly harbor such ambitions? Had he attempted to assassinate Senju Nawaki multiple times, plotting against the heir of a ninja clan? This touched upon their own interests; they did not want their own clan heirs to die in some conspiracy while on the battlefield. The Senju Clan's reputation was too sterling, and the rumors of Nawaki's incompetence were too absurd; no one believed this was a fabrication by Nawaki himself. Was such a Hokage even qualified to continue leading them?

Sarutobi Hiruzen sensed the change in their gazes, noting that the respect was fading. He swept his eyes over them, attempting to use his long-standing prestige to suppress the rebellious thoughts brewing in their hearts. He turned his gaze toward the Ino-Shika-Cho clans, who were absolutely loyal to him, and gave them a look—the problem had to be solved. He realized that war was imminent; it was a crisis, but also an opportunity. Konoha had to win this war for him to maintain his position as Hokage. If they were defeated, he would no longer be able to suppress these ninja clans, and the reputation and family influence he valued most would suffer a fatal blow.

"Lord Hokage, there is another disturbance on the front lines in the Land of Rain. We have already lost several outposts, and the flames of war will soon reach the borders of the Land of Fire. We must assemble a ninja force to provide support." Nara Meikyu, head of the Nara Clan, noticed Hiruzen's gaze and spoke up. He sighed inwardly; their Ino-Shika-Cho clans had long since boarded the Sarutobi ship—they would rise and fall together. Over the years, their clans had indeed seen leap-and-bound development. There was no turning back now; they could only continue down the path Sarutobi Hiruzen had laid out for them.

The conference room fell into a heavy silence.

Everyone wore an indifferent expression, pretending they hadn't heard a thing.

The fate of the Senju Clan had taught them that only by hoarding their own family's power could they secure their own interests within the collective of Konoha.

"Danzo, what is your take on this?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyebrows drooped, his heart filled with disappointment.

I have sacrificed so much for Konoha, so why can I not gain their recognition? Why can these people not understand my good intentions?

"My take? Naturally, I listen to the Hokage; you are the leader of this village."

Shimura Danzo's mouth parted slightly, his heart simmering with resentment.

When there is something good to be had, you tell me to step back, but when it comes to offending others, you put me at the forefront.

He saw Sarutobi Hiruzen's true colors even more clearly now.

"Hiruzen, you are the Hokage. Konoha is currently facing a dire predicament, and we all support your vision."

Utatane Koharu frowned, feeling perplexed, yet she still sought to ease the atmosphere and state her position, offering her support to Sarutobi Hiruzen.

"This is already war; every ninja must obey your orders."

Nara Meikyu's voice was firm, echoing throughout the conference room.

The others were moved.

These words awakened those present; regardless of anything else, Sarutobi Hiruzen was the Hokage, and in the current climate—especially during wartime—they were bound to follow the Hokage's commands.

The group couldn't help but straighten their postures.

Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded, his confidence returning. In wartime, no matter how great a mistake he might make, no one could strip him of his supreme status; this was his final opportunity.

His gaze swept across everyone in the room, eventually landing on the young Uchiha Fugaku, who stood with Uchiha Kagami behind him.

[Uchiha Fugaku is five years older than Senju Nawaki, and the Uchiha Clan is known for their early maturity.]