Chapter 124: Conflict Has Become Unavoidable!
Hearing Oborotsuki's warning, Mikoto's entire body trembled.
She stood with her back to him in silence.
Her heart felt like a seasoning bottle had been knocked over—five flavors mixed chaotically inside.
"Think carefully. Do you really want to watch your two sons be exposed to mortal danger?"
"You wouldn't want little Sasuke to be hunted down by Konoha's ANBU while fleeing, would you?"
Oborotsuki watched the silent Mikoto and immediately added fuel to the fire.
This only intensified the already frantic, helpless anxiety in Mikoto's heart.
But what could she do?
This wasn't a decision she could make alone. Her husband—the clan head—had already decided to lead the Uchiha in rebellion.
By now they had probably already begun taking action.
The only thing she could do was follow Fugaku's instructions: take young Itachi and baby Sasuke, and escape together with the other women and children of the clan…
"Please don't say any more."
"The other clan members will be back soon. You should leave now."
Mikoto let out a deep sigh, lifted her tearful eyes to look gratefully at Oborotsuki, then turned back and continued packing.
There wasn't actually much left to pack.
After all, this wasn't a vacation or a move—they were fleeing. How much could they really take?
Mikoto was just trying to keep herself busy, to distract her mind from spiraling thoughts.
More than that, she wanted to savor every last moment in this house.
Because after tonight, she might never have the chance to return.
So reluctant…
Looking at the familiar room, mist gathered in Mikoto's eyes.
She couldn't bear to leave the Uchiha homeland, couldn't bear to leave her husband, couldn't bear to leave the clan…
"How about this—you find a way to bring Fugaku back right now. Let me talk to him."
"Maybe I can change his mind."
Oborotsuki looked at the heartbroken, devastated Mikoto and couldn't help but suggest.
Hearing this, Mikoto wiped her tears, turned around, and shook her head:
"It's useless. I've already tried to persuade him several times. I've said everything that needed to be said."
"Just like you commented earlier… the Uchiha clan really is this proud and stubborn."
"Besides, if Fugaku sees you, he'll probably only misunderstand even more…"
Mikoto spoke up to this point, then shyly lowered her head again and turned sideways to avoid facing Oborotsuki directly.
In truth, Oborotsuki had heard every word of her earlier conversation with Fugaku.
After all, he had left a special Flying Thunder God seal on her body.
Not only did he know Fugaku had completely rejected his suggestion and refused to take the Uchiha clan to Kirigakure,
He also knew that the moment Fugaku learned of his existence, he immediately became suspicious of Mikoto.
Fugaku had even sternly questioned why Mikoto hadn't told him immediately about a strange man repeatedly coming to their home.
So yes—Mikoto was right.
If Oborotsuki and Fugaku met here tonight, no one could predict what would happen.
But one thing was certain: if not for more urgent matters to attend to,
Fugaku would absolutely not let Oborotsuki off easily.
After all, what kind of man could stay friendly toward someone who repeatedly visited his home while he was away and had long private talks with his wife?
Not suspecting something was going on in his own backyard would already count as exceptionally open-minded and magnanimous!
Looking at Mikoto turning away, her face full of melancholy and confusion, Oborotsuki gave a soft smile and said no more.
But he also didn't leave.
At a moment like this, staying by Mikoto's and little Sasuke's side was the best way to show his sincerity…
…
While the Uchiha clan was secretly plotting to launch a coup tonight,
At the same time, in the Hokage's office.
Hiruzen Sarutobi had summoned the two advisors and Danzō Shimura for an emergency meeting to discuss countermeasures.
They had received intelligence indicating that the Uchiha clan was highly likely to make a move.
"The latest report just came in: Uchiha Fugaku is deeply dissatisfied with Sunagakure's demands and has already begun gathering all clan members."
"He has also made arrangements for the evacuation of the Uchiha clan's elderly, women, and children."
"The intent is obvious."
"The Uchiha clan is now plotting rebellion!"
The one speaking at this moment was Danzō.
As the leader of Root, he had always protected Konoha from the shadows.
Though his methods were rarely honorable, they were often highly effective.
As Hokage advisor, Hiruzen had naturally already received this intelligence.
Right now, both he and Danzō were waiting to hear the opinions of the two advisors.
"If the intelligence is accurate, we must act immediately!"
"I've already sent word to the clan heads of all major families to assemble for a meeting. This operation will be conducted in secret—it won't alarm the rest of the village."
"I only hope the Uchiha clan doesn't notice our movements…"
Mitokado Homura's brows were tightly furrowed.
That the Uchiha clan would actually plan a coup against the village was completely unexpected.
He had originally thought Fugaku would simply vent his anger for a while and then calm down.
After all, that man had always been mild-tempered and generous.
"The man who once obeyed the village without question has finally bared his fangs. As expected—the Uchiha clan really cannot be trusted…"
Koharu Utatane shook her head with a disappointed sigh.
Hearing this, everyone else in the office fell silent.
Hiruzen took several puffs from his pipe before slowly speaking:
"I've already ordered the ANBU to monitor the Uchiha clan's latest movements."
"Until the final moment arrives, no matter what happens, I hope everyone will consider the overall good of Konoha and think from the big picture."
"The village has already suffered severe losses to its combat strength. We truly cannot afford internal conflict at this time…"
Hiruzen's words were clearly directed at Danzō.
Because right now, he was watching Danzō's every move.
Danzō's face remained expressionless—no hint of joy or sorrow. He gave no visible reaction to Hiruzen's words.
At that moment, the clan heads who had received the summons began to arrive one after another.
With a calm expression, Hiruzen explained the reason he had called them here.
Upon learning that the Uchiha clan intended to rebel, the clan heads showed no great surprise.
"Ever since the Nine-Tails incident, it's been clear that the Uchiha clan's dissatisfaction with the village has been growing."
"I just never imagined they would actually take it this far…"
"Lord Third, we have lived in Konoha for generations. Anyone who seeks to destroy the village's peace and stability is our enemy. We will obey your orders."
"…"
The clan heads of Konoha's great families expressed their stance one after another.
A great battle now appeared unavoidable.
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