None of the Shinobi Clan leaders who had made it this far were truly fools. Even if they still could not tell exactly what had happened within the Uchiha, they could already see something unusually deliberate about this split.
Still, it did not directly concern them, and none of them wanted to get involved.
Before long, the sprawling Setsuna's Mansion fell quiet. Only Hiruzen Sarutobi, the two Elders Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, and two or three ANBU members remained.
Aside from them, there was Shisui and the group of Uchiha he had brought.
Shisui was still pale, a trace of regret lurking in his eyes. He turned slightly and said quietly to Hiruzen Sarutobi, "Lord Hokage, I didn't think this through. I'm truly sorry."
"I never imagined Yan Uchiha would take things this far."
"I gathered the people who were dissatisfied with Yan Uchiha simply so everyone could meet. Besides, I had your permission for this in the first place. I never intended to challenge Jin Uchiha for power."
He paused, his voice growing more bitter.
"Who knew Yan Uchiha wouldn't even give us a chance to talk? He gathered the entire Uchiha clan and came charging in, clearly intending to wipe us all out in one battle."
"I was too careless. And as far as strength goes, I'm genuinely no match for Jin Uchiha right now."
"We originally gathered seven hundred and eighty-seven people. Now Elder Setsuna is dead, Elder Yashiro is gravely wounded, and I'm badly injured myself. If you hadn't come in person, Lord Hokage, I doubt a single person here would have survived today."
At that, Shisui solemnly bowed his head. "First, let me thank you for saving our lives, Lord Hokage."
"But we've now been completely expelled from the Uchiha. I honestly have no