Hiruzen Sarutobi seemed to have had all the life drained from him. Slumped in his chair, he had become a truly decrepit old man.
Uchiha Yao paid him no heed.
A loser was not worth looking at.
Uchiha Yao walked to the head of the conference table.
"From this day onward, I will serve as Acting Hokage."
"All jonin are to carry out their respective duties and maintain stability within the village."
"Shikaku Nara."
"Present."
Much of Shikaku's lazy demeanor vanished as he straightened up.
"You will temporarily serve as Hokage Assistant, coordinating all village affairs until a new appointment is made."
"Yes, Lord Yao."
Shikaku wisely corrected himself.
Uchiha Yao nodded in satisfaction, then turned his gaze toward Kakashi.
"Kakashi."
"Present."
The confusion had vanished from Kakashi's eyes, leaving only the resolve that came after a burden had been lifted.
"You will take temporary command of the ANBU. I do not wish to hear any discordant voices."
"Understood."
Kakashi's response was crisp and decisive.
"Good."
Uchiha Yao's arrangements were methodical and orderly.
Three days later.
At Konoha's gates.
Thirty Uchiha jonin stood in neat formation, clad in matching black combat attire.
The overwhelming pressure and killing intent rising into the sky made every Konoha ninja who had come to see them off tremble from the depths of their souls.
They were too strong.
Was this the Uchiha of today?
Thirty jonin alone were enough to rival a small army.
Uchiha Yao stood at the very front of the formation, dressed in a simple black robe.
By convention, a new Hokage required the Daimyo's formal appointment.
The envoy he had dispatched had already departed two days ago.
And he would personally travel to the capital to "persuade" that lofty Daimyo.
"Teacher..."
A timid voice came from beside him.
It