As the group entered the Uchiha clan's district, the atmosphere subtly but unmistakably changed.
Though it was still within Konoha, the lively, festive energy of the village vanished entirely here, replaced by a cold, desolate quiet—as if they had stepped into a different world altogether.
Uchiha clan members lining both sides of the street cast undisguised, wary gazes at Ruichi and his large group of "outsiders."
If not for Itachi and Izumi clearing the way ahead, they would likely have been stopped long ago.
Teuchi and Ayame's smiles grew stiff. Tayuya's body tensed, while Qin subconsciously edged closer to Ruichi.
By contrast, Kaede followed at the rear with a solemn expression—but she was actually the most on edge, one hand resting near her ninja tool pouch.
This feels like walking into a military restricted zone…
Ruichi complained inwardly. All he wanted was to get this over with and go home to lie down.
Naka Shrine itself wasn't large, but it carried an air of ancient solemnity.
Several Uchiha stood beneath the torii gate at the entrance, their vigilant gazes stabbing into the group like needles.
Ayame couldn't help but murmur softly, "The atmosphere here… it's so oppressive."
Qin folded her arms slightly and replied in a near-whisper, "Everyone looks so grim."
Guided by Itachi, the group entered to pay their respects.
Ruichi merely went through the motions—clapped his hands, bowed, and left without making a wish. He knew exactly what kind of "gods" these self-proclaimed immortals were, and he had no intention of relying on them.
He found a quiet corner to wait, planning to leave as soon as Teuchi and the others were done.
Itachi clearly had no intention of letting him off so easily and sat down right beside him.
"Say it," Ruichi said without even opening his eyes. "You dragged me here on purpose."
Itachi didn't waste time. "Last time… you mentioned 'other options.' But every answer leads to the same conclusion—there's no solution."
"I've spoken with my father. I've tried to talk to other clan members." Itachi lowered his head, his eyes dim. "But… they won't listen."
Ruichi finally opened his eyes and glanced at him. "I have a few questions. You don't have to answer them."
"First—Third Hokage, Danzo, and your father, Fugaku Uchiha. Do you really understand what each of them says versus what they actually want? Have you figured out their true bottom lines?"
"Second—I told you to find help. Have you? How many people are truly willing to stand with you right now? Or do you think you're the savior who has to shoulder everything alone?"
"Third—do you really believe the ones shouting the loudest about a coup represent the entire Uchiha clan?"
"In sociology, the loudest voices are often a minority. What about the silent majority? Have you ever tried to understand them?"
Ruichi pointed ahead.
Tayuya was squatting nearby, cheerfully selling pancakes to an elderly woman.
"In my view," Ruichi said, "that old woman doesn't care one bit about the conflict between Konoha and the Uchiha."
Then he pointed to a little girl in a kimono, happily bouncing a ball beneath a tree.
"And that child probably doesn't even know what's going on between Konoha and the Uchiha."
"You say no one listens. Let me ask you—are you only talking to the loudest people?"
Itachi's breathing quickened. "I—"
"You don't need to explain it to me," Ruichi cut him off, waving a hand. "I'm not your superior, and you're not reporting to me. Nothing you're doing is for my sake."
"I can only tell you how to think about a problem. What you choose to do is up to you."
Just then, Izumi returned with Ayame and the others.
"Brother Ruichi, we should head back now."
"Alright. Let's go."
Ruichi stood, brushed off his clothes, and prepared to leave.
Seeing this, Itachi could no longer hold back. He stood up hurriedly. "Ruichi… I…"
He wanted to ask something, but hesitated, his hand hanging awkwardly in midair.
"Heh… fine. One last piece of advice."
"Go read the history books. Talk to the elders. See if anyone in the past faced a situation like this. There's nothing new under the sun—your Uchiha problem definitely has precedents."
"Study how others succeeded, and how they failed. Don't trap yourself in your own thoughts and walk straight into a dead end."
With that, Ruichi left without looking back.
Itachi remained standing before Naka Shrine, staring at their retreating figures for a long time, lost in thought.
…
As soon as the group returned to Ruichi's detached house with its small courtyard, two figures blocked their path.
Gray standard armor and animal-patterned masks—at first glance, they looked like Anbu.
"Taketori Kaede. Ruichi. Come with us."
But that arrogant tone, and the musty stench clinging to them, could belong only to one group—Danzo's Root.
Seeing that neither of them moved, the leader frowned and emphasized, "This is Hokage-sama's order."
At the word Hokage, Teuchi's expression eased slightly, and he was about to step forward—only for Ruichi to subtly reach back and stop him.
"Hokage-sama had dinner at my place a few days ago," Ruichi said calmly. "And now he wants to have tea with me?"
"We're only following orders. Come with us."
"Fine. But you don't need to escort me—I know the way to the Hokage Building myself. If you're worried, you can follow."
Clearly unwilling to waste more words, the leader reached out to grab Ruichi, while the other lunged straight for Kaede.
Making a move? Right in front of Teuchi and Ayame?
Ruichi had already drawn a shuriken, chakra surging through his body. From the corner of his eye, he saw Kaede also readying herself.
We have to end this fast—
Just as the tension peaked, on the verge of bloodshed in the streets of Konoha—
"Stop."
An Anbu wearing a cat-faced mask appeared instantly between them.
"You've crossed the line."
The Root ninja froze, withdrew his hand, and said grimly, "This is—"
"This is Hokage-sama's order," the Anbu interrupted coldly, his hand already resting on the sword at his back. "Or has 'Root' stopped obeying Hokage-sama altogether?"
The two Root operatives exchanged glances, snorted, and leapt backward, vanishing into the shadows.
Ruichi let out a long breath. The murderous tension evaporated, and he reverted instantly to his usual lazy ramen-shop demeanor.
Looks like this guy's job isn't just surveillance and eavesdropping…
"Thank you, 'Uncle,'" Ruichi said sincerely. No matter what, the man had helped them.
"These are troubled times. Try to stay home as much as possible. I'll report this to Hokage-sama."
With a brief warning, the cat-masked Anbu vanished.
Watching the direction he disappeared in, Ruichi stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"Next time he comes for ramen… I'll bury two extra slices of meat at the bottom of his bowl."
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