In the conference room.
As Shinji finished speaking, every gaze turned to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
The aging Hokage's expression stiffened.
He was trapped between two impossible choices.
A long moment passed.
Hiruzen's lips moved a few times.
He looked at Shinji Uchiha with a gaze that was almost an outright demand for an explanation.
He truly could not understand...
Why?
That morning, he had been offering Shinji the Hokage Position. Yet that afternoon, Shinji had gone so far as to disregard his dignity entirely, acting as if he did not exist.
But Shinji did not meet his gaze. Like a leader handling official business, he had put a question to his subordinate that cut straight to the heart of the matter.
Under Shinji's solemn gaze,
Hiruzen opened his mouth. He... seemed to have been backed into a corner once again!
Was this the result of yielding step by step since the end of last year?
Boiling a Frog Slowly?
So... I was the one being boiled?
"Uchiha Clan Head..."
Under everyone's gaze, Hiruzen was about to speak.
Suddenly...
"Lord Hokage, the Sarutobi Clan has amassed enormous strength over the years. It has grown powerful enough to contend with bloodline clans like the Hyuga and Uchiha..."
Hyuga Hiashi cut him off coldly.
"That means the Sarutobi Clan's ninja forces must number at least three or four thousand, does it not?"
"Hyuga Hiashi, you—!"
Mitokado Homura whipped his head toward Hiashi.
"Shut up, you old dog!"
Hiashi slammed his palm on the table and stood shoulder to shoulder with Shinji Uchiha.
"Mitokado, Utatane, you two are Hokage Advisors with powerful clans behind you! With Konoha under attack by four nations and four villages, do you think you can simply stand by and do nothing?!"
Hiashi's pale eyes widened. His stern expression was terrifying.