His ability to defeat Hanzo meant his strength had undoubtedly reached the same level as the Third Hokage's.
Moreover, the report highlighted one crucial detail.
"The Mangekyō Sharingan?"
The Third Hokage's heart grew heavy.
He did not know Uchiha Xia Le's temperament, nor could he judge his attitude toward Konoha or the Uchiha Clan now that he had gained such power.
If any ulterior ambitions took root in his heart, it would undoubtedly spell disaster for Konoha.
"The Uchiha Clan must be delighted right now!"
The Anbu ninja spoke sourly.
The Third Hokage had just lit his pipe, and the hand holding it abruptly froze.
A light flickered in his eyes, as though a shadow had passed through them.
But the newly appointed Hokage soon regained his composure.
Still, at that moment, he felt rather melancholy.
He had only just taken office. Though the external threats were about to subside, internal tensions were already plain to see.
At the Uchiha Clan compound.
The once-quiet courtyard suddenly came alive.
Fugaku Uchiha, seated cross-legged in the place of honor, had yet to react when figures hurried inside, joy written across their faces.
"Hahaha, have you heard, Fugaku?"
"Our Uchiha Clan has produced a genius!"
"The Mangekyō! At last, after Madara, another member of our clan has awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan!"
Excited, impassioned voices rang through the Uchiha courtyard, making Fugaku narrow his eyes.
For a moment, he was still bewildered, unsure what had happened within the clan.
The first figure to arrive, in particular, made him frown.
Setsuna Uchiha!
An uncompromising member of the clan's Hawk Faction, with a vast number of supporters.
Several other elders had also come forward and taken their seats on either side.
In the blink of an eye, every seat was filled.
Just then, someone hurried