Fugaku Uchiha

Uchiha Gray was surprised.

He had considered the possibility that Uzuki Yugao might protect him, but he never expected her to be so resolute, willing to defect from the village alongside him.

One had to understand that once a ninja became a rogue, they were effectively stripped of all protection throughout the shinobi world.

Assassinations and surprise attacks would become a daily occurrence.

It was akin to being a lone boat adrift on the vast ocean.

Yet, Uzuki Yugao was willing to defect for his sake.

Uchiha Gray had underestimated Uzuki Yugao's determination.

But how could he let Uzuki Yugao worry about him?

"There's no need for that. From now on, you will stay with me in the Uchiha clan compound. I will resolve this matter very soon!"

Uchiha Gray's expression was gentle.

With a wife like this, what more could a man ask for?

Danzo Shimura watched the scene of Uchiha Gray killing Gekko Hayate with eyes full of rage.

"Do you see it now, Sarutobi Hiruzen?"

Danzo Shimura's voice was icy, his wrinkled face resembling tree bark.

"I told you long ago that this brat would eventually slip out of your control and become the Leaf's greatest enemy!"

"Therefore... we must begin the Uchiha clan extermination plan right now."

Cold light flickered in Danzo Shimura's eyes.

"If we don't wipe out the Uchiha clan as soon as possible, then sooner or later, they will be the ones to strike at us first."

There was no sense of the village's "greater good" in Danzo Shimura's eyes at all.

From beginning to end, Danzo Shimura only ever wanted to be an iron-fisted leader; he craved fear and submission, never mere reverence.

That was why he looked down on Sarutobi Hiruzen, who waited for the Uchiha clan to make the first move for the sake of the village's so-called greater good.

Like a coward!

"Danzo, we can take action against Uchiha Gray because he has now killed Gekko Hayate; any ninja who kills within the village must face sanctions."

"However, we cannot easily move against the rest of the Uchiha clan just yet."

Sarutobi Hiruzen said calmly.

His voice carried an unquestionable tone.

Danzo's face darkened; he hated this tone of voice from Sarutobi Hiruzen more than anything.

It was as if he were forever destined to be his subordinate.

No, he was the one who was meant to become Hokage!

"Hmph! Hiruzen, if you don't do this, you will regret it sooner or later."

Having said that, Danzo Shimura said no more and turned to leave.

Since Sarutobi Hiruzen was so cowardly, there was no need to discuss this matter with him any further!

Sarutobi Hiruzen watched Danzo Shimura's retreating figure, a sharp glint flashing in the depths of his eyes.

This was, of course, his reverse psychology at work.

How could a Hokage ever allow his reputation to be stained?

This was a problem Danzo Shimura would never understand, which was why he would never be able to become Hokage.

"Danzo, I leave this matter to you."

A sharp light flickered in Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes.

Just then, Uchiha Shisui suddenly flashed into existence beside him.

"You heard everything that just happened; what are your thoughts?" Sarutobi Hiruzen asked calmly.

Uchiha Shisui's eyes were filled with grief, indignation, and hostility.

"How could Uchiha Gray do such a thing?"

"We are all Leaf ninja, we are supposed to be comrades; how could he dare to commit such an act of treason?"

Uchiha Shisui trembled all over, as if he couldn't wait to lash out at Uchiha Gray on the spot.

"Uchiha Gray is still young; it is very likely he was led astray," Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed and said calmly.

"Even so, I still want to help him turn over a new leaf." Sarutobi Hiruzen's face was full of benevolence, as if he truly had Uchiha Gray's best interests at heart.

Uchiha Shisui's face was instantly filled with admiration. "Your Excellency is truly benevolent."

"Then I shall go and persuade Uchiha Gray shortly, and strive to have him come and admit his mistakes."

Sarutobi Hiruzen shook his head slightly. "No, Uchiha Gray is like a piece of wood riddled with borers; his body has already been eroded by parasites."

"It is difficult to change him through mere persuasion alone."

Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed.

"How about this: you attempt to persuade Uchiha Gray. If you can successfully sway him, that would be for the best. But if you cannot convince him, then use Kotoamatsukami. Make him loyal to me."

In the end, Sarutobi Hiruzen finally revealed his true objective.

Upon hearing these words, Uchiha Shisui felt a chill run through his heart.

Heh, how truly hypocritical!

Yet, Uchiha Shisui's expression remained as respectful as ever.

"Very well, Lord Hokage. It would be Uchiha Gray's honor to be loyal to you."

Watching Uchiha Shisui's deferential demeanor, Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded in satisfaction.

Do you see this, Danzo Shimura?

This is the difference between you and me.

While you think only of how to eliminate an enemy, I am considering how to turn an opponent into a loyal subordinate.

Sarutobi Hiruzen's face was filled with smugness.

In less than half a day, the news had spread throughout the entire Leaf, and everyone in the village was filled with curiosity.

Nine-year-old Uchiha Gray had killed Gekko Hayate, a Jonin!

No matter how one looked at it, this was explosive news.

First, nine-year-old Uchiha Gray possessed the strength of a Jonin.

Second, Uchiha Gray had taken action within the village and actually killed Gekko Hayate!

Internal strife was strictly forbidden within the village!

Once internal fighting or murder occurred, the perpetrator was required to pay with their life!

"Uchiha Gray, the Clan Head wants to see you."

A member of the Uchiha clan from the Police Force came to find Uchiha Gray.

There was not a hint of the hostility shown by other Leaf villagers in his expression.

On the contrary, his eyes were filled with fervor.

He couldn't help but whisper, "Well done, brother. If it were me, I wouldn't have been able to hold back against trash like that either."

"To dare to snatch your woman right in front of you—killing him was getting off easy!"

The words of this ninja were enough to reflect the attitude of Fugaku Uchiha.

Uchiha Gray chuckled softly.

This was the Uchiha clan: protective of their own, and without reason.

Such a thing would be absolutely impossible to happen within the Hyuga Clan.

"Gray." Uzuki Yugao gripped Uchiha Gray's hands tightly.

Her pretty face was etched with worry.

"It's alright." Uchiha Gray wore a gentle expression.

As long as Fugaku Uchiha wasn't a fool, he wouldn't do anything to him.

Given all the strength and talent he had displayed, Fugaku Uchiha should be heaping praise upon him instead.

Perhaps, because of him, the clan might even begin their rebellion against the village ahead of schedule!

Before long, he arrived once again at the residence of Fugaku Uchiha.

Just like last time, Fugaku Uchiha stood with his back to him, leaving only a silhouette that appeared both mysterious and powerful.

"I have arrived, Clan Head."

Uchiha Gray bowed, waiting for Fugaku Uchiha to speak.

Fugaku Uchiha possessed the Mangekyou Sharingan capable of seeing the future; was it possible he had already seen his own end?

Uchiha Gray was somewhat curious.

However, he figured that even if he had seen it, it would only be a glimpse of the future, which could change at any moment based on the actions taken now.

"Uchiha Gray, do you know what you have done wrong!" Fugaku Uchiha turned around abruptly, his voice cold and stern.

Moreover, a pair of Mangekyou Sharingan appeared in his eyes.

Crimson and eerie.

Spinning madly!