You'll Regret This-I Am the Hokage

Meanwhile, at the Hokage Building.

The argument over Genya Uchiha dragged on well past midnight.

Danzo listed Genya's "crimes" that day one by one.

Openly approaching and attempting to "win over" the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, Naruto Uzumaki.

Trespassing in the Hyuga Clan Compound, seriously injuring Neji, the Hyuga Branch Family's prodigy, and clashing fiercely with Clan Leader Hiashi, causing extensive damage.

Using honeyed words before the Hokage and the Advisors, invoking the "Will of Fire" to justify himself-his intentions were unforgivable.

And, most alarming of all, his monstrous talent: awakening the Three-Tomoe Sharingan at only six years old!

"If we don't eliminate this boy, he will become a grave threat!"

"He is clearly testing the village's limits! Winning over the Jinchūriki, provoking the Hyuga Clan-what comes next? Joining forces with other clans to plot against us?"

"Hiruzen, your indecision will only nurture a threat! We must act immediately! Restrict him, monitor him, and eliminate him if necessary!"

Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura looked grave. Though they thought Danzo was being somewhat too extreme.

The strength Genya had displayed, and how difficult he was to control, had indeed unsettled them.

Hiruzen Sarutobi wearily puffed on his pipe.

How could he not recognize Genya's unusual nature and the danger he might pose?

But the fallout from the Hyuga Incident had yet to settle, and the Uchiha Clan's internal situation remained unclear.

Taking harsh measures now against Sosuke Uchiha's son-a child with terrifying talent who had, on the surface, been "protecting his companions"-could trigger unpredictable repercussions.

Especially since Genya's remarks about the "Will of Fire" had already given him something of the moral high ground.

"Danzo, I'll say it again. Calm down!"

"Genya Uchiha's situation must be handled carefully. We can increase surveillance, but we must not act rashly and inflame tensions! Relations between the Uchiha Clan and the village are already sensitive enough!"

"Carefully?! By the time your so-called caution brings disaster upon us, it'll be too late!"

Danzo slammed his cane against the floor.

"Hiruzen, you'll regret your weakness today!"

"Danzo!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi abruptly rose, radiating the authority of a man who had held power for years.

"Remember your position and watch your words! I have my own considerations for handling the Uchiha issue!"

"I am the Hokage!"

"You... Hmph!"

Danzo's chest heaved.

"Fine! Very well! Hiruzen, let's hope you'll still be sitting in that chair when the time comes to say those words again!"

Bang!

Danzo slammed the office's wooden door behind him.

The next morning, at the Uchiha Clan Compound.

Sosuke Uchiha and Izumi brought Genya to Clan Leader Uchiha Fugaku's home right on time.

When they arrived, Fugaku's family had just finished breakfast.

Fugaku had changed into formal, dark-colored clan attire, his expression composed.

Uchiha Mikoto was gently wiping grains of rice from the corner of her younger son Sasuke's mouth.

Uchiha Itachi sat nearby in ordinary black shinobi clothes, seemingly already prepared.

As Genya's family entered, several gazes turned toward them at once, each carrying a different meaning.

Genya looked at the black-haired boy who was puffing out his cheeks and stealing glances at him. He smiled and raised a hand in greeting.

"Hey, Sasuke. Good morning."

At the sight of Genya, Sasuke Uchiha recalled the vague rumors he had heard about this fellow causing havoc at the Hyuga Clan. His little face tightened, and he sharply turned his head away.

"Hmph!"

He looked every bit the sulky child declaring, "I don't want to talk to you."

Genya paid it no mind. He turned to Fugaku, who had risen to his feet, and bowed.

"Clan Leader Fugaku, we're ready. We can set out."

Then he looked at Uchiha Itachi.

"Itachi, will you be accompanying us on today's visit?"

It was merely a polite question, but to a certain someone, it struck like thunder!

"What?!"

Sasuke, who had been looking away, whipped his head around, his eyes wide, and rushed to Itachi's side.

He grabbed his older brother's arm, his little face full of anxiety and reluctance, his tone both pleading and demanding.

"Brother! You can't go with him! Where are you going? I won't let you!"

He shot Genya a hostile glare, as though Genya were a villain trying to steal his brother away.

Uchiha Itachi clearly hadn't expected such a strong reaction from his younger brother.

He reached out with his free hand and gently tapped Sasuke's forehead, his voice mild.

"Sasuke, don't make a fuss. This is clan business. I have to go."

"No! Not even for clan business! You have to train with me!"

Sasuke refused to give in, clinging tightly to Itachi's arm.

"Mother."

Itachi looked up at his mother, signaling for help.

Uchiha Mikoto stepped forward and "peeled" her younger son off her elder son, soothing him gently.

"Be good, Sasuke. Your brother has something important to do. How about I practice shuriken throwing with you today?"

Though Sasuke was unwilling, faced with his mother's gentle insistence and his brother's mild yet unyielding gaze...

He pouted and let go, looking at Genya with even greater resentment.

Having watched the entire scene, Genya curled his lips into a smile.

He turned to his father and mother and spread his hands, wearing a smile that said, "See? Wasn't I right?"

Look, isn't Itachi's weakness, his greatest attachment, and the very core of what drives his actions laid out right here?

Am I supposed to tell him, "Itachi, you wouldn't want Sasuke to grow up without his parents, would you?"

Sosuke Uchiha's expression remained unchanged, but understanding showed in his eyes.

Uchiha Izumi froze for a moment, then recalled her son's analysis on their way home the night before.

Her gaze toward Genya grew more complicated, holding both pride and an even deeper heartache.

Her son not only had to contend with overt enemies, but also put so much effort into grasping the emotional entanglements deep within these pivotal figures.

"All right, Sasuke. Be good."

Fugaku straightened his collar and nodded to Sosuke and Genya.

"Let's go. Itachi, you come too. The Hyuga Clan has many formalities. Having another person along will help us look out for one another."

Uchiha Itachi silently nodded and walked to his father's side.

The five of them

Headed toward the Hyuga Clan.

This was not merely a visit to apologize. It was a crucial step for the Uchiha Clan in establishing its diplomatic stance, displaying internal unity, and testing the waters for its future strategy.

Sasuke stood in the doorway, watching his brother's retreating figure. He stamped his foot hard, his "dislike" of Genya deepening yet again.