Conspiracy

"Though the Third Hokage targets our Uchiha clan at every turn, he is still the Hokage, the village's leader. With so many people watching, you gave him no face at all. From now on, our Uchiha clan's position in Konoha will likely become even more difficult!"

On the way back to the clan grounds, Fugaku finally voiced his concerns to Sasuke after struggling with them for a long time.

This time, he had learned his lesson and spoke in an extremely tactful tone.

He did not angrily rebuke Sasuke for going too far and dragging the entire Uchiha clan down with him.

He also lowered his voice, speaking softly enough that only the two of them could hear.

"Heh! Do you think that without what I did today, that old bastard the Third Hokage would spare the Uchiha clan?"

Sasuke glanced sideways at Fugaku and said disdainfully,

"Stop taking things for granted. Even without today's incident, the Third Hokage would still wipe out the Uchiha clan. It is only a matter of sooner or later."

Fugaku fell silent, clearly unconvinced.

He believed that if the Third Hokage truly carried out the Uchiha Clan Extermination Plan, it would definitely be because of the fake Sasuke before him.

"Ah... troubled times! Troubled times indeed!"

Fugaku sighed toward the sky.

"Stop sighing here. Instead of wasting your time on that, you should make preparations to deal with the threat of clan extermination."

Sasuke rubbed his chin and spoke after pondering for a moment.

"After I humiliated that old thing so badly earlier, he might act against the Uchiha clan tonight out of anger and humiliation!"

So you do know just how terrible your actions were... Fugaku thought to himself.

After pondering for a while longer, Sasuke nodded and said with certainty,

"Mm! There's a very high chance of that. Tonight will be the night of the Uchiha clan's extermination!"

The moment those words came out, the Uchiha following behind them erupted.

"What!? The Third Hokage is going to wipe out our Uchiha clan tonight!?"

"That can't be true, right? Even if that guy, the Third Hokage, is detestable, I still don't think he would exterminate an entire clan!"

"Hmph! What do you mean, not true? I think there's a very good chance the Third Hokage will attack us. I saw through that old bastard's intention to wipe out our Uchiha clan long ago!"

"..."

Sasuke ignored the noisy Uchiha behind him and turned to instruct Fugaku beside him.

"While it's not too late yet, hurry up and make preparations! Don't wait until you become fish on the chopping block in the Third Hokage's hands!"

"This... isn't that a bit exaggerated?"

Fugaku still did not believe it. Though the Third Hokage had suffered a tremendous loss of face today, surely he would not destroy an entire clan over something like this?

"How many times have I told you? The Third Hokage had long planned to wipe out the Uchiha clan. What I did today merely gave that plan a push!"

"Forget it! Believe it or not, it's up to you. You're the clan head, not me. Someone will act when the time comes anyway. But when that happens, ordinary clan members will likely suffer heavy casualties from the fighting!"

Sasuke looked utterly unconcerned. After taking a few steps, he turned back to Fugaku again.

"If you believe me, hurry up and organize the clansmen to take refuge. If you don't... heh heh!"

Watching Sasuke's departing back, Fugaku's indecisiveness flared up again.

Should he believe him or not?

Could the Third Hokage really launch an attack on the Uchiha clan tonight?

Should he organize the clansmen to take refuge first?

But the process would be extremely troublesome, and if the Third Hokage did not attack tonight, how was he supposed to explain it to the clansmen?

Fugaku was deeply conflicted.

Huff!

After a long while, he finally let out a long breath and made his decision.

"Yakumi!"

Fugaku called out a name in a deep voice. Before long, a stern-faced Uchiha stepped forward.

"Clan Head, what are your orders?"

Uchiha Yakumi spoke in a rigid, measured manner.

"Go! Immediately gather every ninja in the clan. I have a matter concerning the clan's survival to discuss with everyone!"

Fugaku ordered in a deep voice.

"Yes!"

Uchiha Yakumi wasted no words. After receiving the order, he used the Body Flicker Technique and vanished from the spot.

"This... Clan Head, are we really going to believe that, uh... Young Master Sasuke?"

An Uchiha asked hesitantly.

"I will judge whether to believe him or not. Whether the Third Hokage comes tonight or not, being prepared is better than being unprepared!"

Fugaku said gravely.

Though he did not intend to organize the clansmen to take refuge, he was preparing to gather all the clan's ninjas.

If anything truly happened, the ninjas could arrange for the civilians within the clan to take refuge!

"Ah... I only hope something like that does not happen."

Fugaku looked up at the gradually darkening sky and murmured to himself.

In a dim room somewhere.

A low table stood in the center of the room, with a lit candle positioned at its very center.

The entire room was illuminated only by the faint candlelight.

At that moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi and Hiashi Hyuga sat facing each other across the low table.

"Tell me, Hiashi. What important matter did you wish to discuss with me?"

The Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi's low, hoarse voice slowly rang out.

"This place is absolutely secure. No third party will learn of our conversation, so speak freely!"

Hiashi Hyuga took a deep breath and spoke solemnly.

"I have agreed to the matter you mentioned to me last time!"

At that moment, his eyes brimmed with intense hatred.

"My Hyuga clan will officially join the Uchiha Clan Extermination Plan from this day forward!"

Upon hearing this, the Third Hokage once again broke into a smile like an old chrysanthemum.

Though his authority as Hokage had been severely challenged today, he had gained a powerful ally.

More than a month ago, he had personally visited the Hyuga clan and subtly brought up the Uchiha Clan Extermination Plan.

But Hiashi Hyuga's stance at the time had been clear: remain neutral and help neither side.

Yet now, Hiashi Hyuga had chosen to deal with the Uchiha clan.

And who had brought about such a result if not the Uchiha themselves?

Come to think of it, I should thank that arrogant Uchiha brat... Hiruzen Sarutobi thought delightedly.

"Hiashi, this old man greatly welcomes the Hyuga clan's participation. But for such a major matter, should you not return and discuss it with your clan elders before making a decision?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi asked seriously.

For something as significant as exterminating a clan, everyone on his side had to share the same stance.

It would be troublesome if they began carrying out the plan only for opposition to suddenly arise within their own camp.

Therefore, he had to confirm the attitude of the other Hyuga clan leaders.

"Third Hokage, please rest assured on that point. After the clan has suffered such a grave humiliation, I do not believe anyone in the clan would raise objections."

If anyone does, I'll kill him on the spot! Hiashi added inwardly.

"Good, good!"

Seeing how resolute Hiashi Hyuga was, Hiruzen Sarutobi finally nodded in satisfaction.

"Very good! A correct decision. It seems that, Hiashi, you have finally recognized the Uchiha clan's evil!"

"That's right! The Uchiha clan is evil through and through. Such an evil clan should be eliminated, so that Konoha may once more know clear skies!"

Hiashi Hyuga wore an expression of righteous indignation.

If that were really the case, why didn't you agree when I came to invite you before?

You merely chose to retaliate because of the clan's interests!

Hiruzen Sarutobi sneered inwardly. As a seasoned old politician, he saw through the essence of the matter at a glance.

Of course, he would never voice what he was thinking. He could not drive away an ally who had only just joined them!

"Then, Third Hokage, when exactly will we act against the Uchiha clan? I hope we can act as soon as possible!"

Expectation gleamed in Hiashi's eyes, and he looked as though he could not wait any longer.

"Heh heh heh! According to the original plan, this old man intended to act five days from now. But circumstances have changed. For some reason, a freak has suddenly appeared among the Uchiha clan!"

"So,"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression turned solemn as he enunciated each word.

"We act tonight!"