The simultaneous appearance of three Susanoo—red, green, and blue—inside the hall was nothing short of a visual spectacle.
Uchiha Ran spoke calmly, "Everyone, pause for a moment."
Uchiha Itachi and Uchiha Shisui dismissed their Susanoo and took up positions by the entrance. One hand rested on the hilts of their swords, their gazes sweeping over everyone present, faint smiles lingering on their faces.
Ran turned his eyes to Shikaku Nara, who was grinding his teeth. She understood—she understood everything now.
If Ran uttered even a single openly rebellious word today and they refused to go along with it, there was a very real chance they would never leave this hall alive.
It was a perfectly open, perfectly legitimate scheme.
Sure enough, Ran's next words made Shikaku's head spin.
"Strategist Shikaku," Ran said with a smile, "tell me—what is the best way to purge the court of corrupt officials and quell the nation's crisis at the lowest possible cost?"
"In recent years, the Third Hokage has made far too many disastrous decisions. First ceding territory and paying reparations, then the rumors surrounding Sakumo Hatake, the human experimentation scandals, and finally the death of Hyuga Hizashi."
"I don't believe any of this was Hokage-sama's true intent. There must be villains lurking at his side—despicable people stirring chaos from the shadows."
"Therefore, for the sake of Konoha, and for the safety of every villager's life and property, the Uchiha Clan has decided to lead ninja to the Hokage Tower and purge these corrupt officials. I will personally eliminate every last one of them."
"Please enlighten me, Shikaku."
A chill ran straight down Shikaku Nara's spine.
If she spoke now, she would be boarding Ran's ship—with no way back.
If she refused… she might die right here.
After a long silence, Shikaku finally let out a breath and followed her instincts.
"I already have a plan."
"First, Shisui will surround Root and incite public outrage by exposing all of the shameful and evil deeds Danzo Shimura has committed over the years."
"When the time comes, the ninja clans and the people will rise up against Root together. Shisui's only task will be to keep Danzo under watch and prevent his escape. If necessary—kill him on the spot."
"Second, we must seize control of Utatane Koharu and Homura Mitokado. Those two hold Konoha's medical system and finances in their hands. The livelihood of millions of villagers depends on them."
"Even after eliminating the corrupt officials, we'll still need funds to stabilize the village. Those two must be controlled, no matter what."
"Third, regarding ANBU—we need to win over Kakashi Hatake. This can be entrusted to Itachi. Kakashi is his direct superior and easy to approach."
"Once Itachi tells him the truth about Sakumo Hatake's death, Kakashi will understand exactly who was responsible."
"Finally, Ran—you will lead the elite forces of the Uchiha headquarters directly to the Hokage Tower. Defeat Hiruzen Sarutobi and place him under control."
"After that, we contact the Fire Daimyō and obtain an official decree granting the title of Hokage."
Shikaku's thoughts raced as she spoke. Ran listened intently, then nodded with satisfaction.
"As expected of you," he said. "You arranged everything so quickly."
"Well done. Truly worthy of the chief strategist of the Third Great Ninja War. Your reactions and planning are flawless."
Shikaku smiled bitterly. She had no choice but to swallow her suffering. Without the three Susanoo standing here, she would never have submitted so easily.
In her heart, she cursed Hyuga Hiashi—that bastard dragged us all in just to get us killed.
She shot Hiashi a fierce glare, making him feel as though he might vomit blood. He had only found out about all this himself not long ago!
"Don't look at me like that!" Hiashi snapped. "I'm innocent!"
Seeing Shikaku yield, Akimichi Chōza and Yamanaka Inoichi immediately stood and raised their cups.
"The Akimichi Clan is at Lord Ran's command!"
"The Yamanaka Clan is at Lord Ran's command!"
Shikaku stepped forward and knelt before Ran. Chōza and Inoichi followed suit.
"From this day onward," Shikaku said carefully, "the Ino–Shika–Chō Trio will follow Lord Ran alone."
The wording was deliberate. The three clans pledged loyalty to Ran himself—not to the Uchiha Clan as a whole. If ordinary Uchiha ever oppressed them in the future, they would still have room to resist.
Ran instantly understood and quickly helped them up.
"If anyone in the Uchiha Clan ever bullies you, report it to me," he said solemnly. "I will punish them severely. If I break this oath, may heaven and earth strike me down."
In an age steeped in superstition, those words carried weight. The three clan heads exchanged glances and nodded.
"We are willing to follow you."
"Ding! Congratulations to the host for subduing the Ino–Shika–Chō Trio. Reward: Five-Element Chakra."
A surge of warmth spread through Ran's body as the reward settled in. After stabilizing himself, he personally helped the three clan heads to their feet.
"With the support of the Hyuga Clan and the three of you," Ran said with a faint smile, "victory is assured."
Shikaku straightened and asked, "In that case, Lord Ran—when will we raise our forces? So we can prepare in advance."
"Eight days," Ran replied. "We strike at dawn. Until then, lie low and quietly build strength. When the time comes, we act decisively."
"Yes!"
The atmosphere relaxed slightly, and everyone returned to eating and drinking. With so many clan heads gathered at the Hyuga compound, it was impossible for ANBU not to notice.
As long as everyone appeared drunk, suspicion would be minimal.
Midway through the feast, Ran's ears twitched. He glanced toward the door and gave Itachi a look.
Itachi understood immediately. He opened the door—and found the Hyuga Clan's Grand Elder collapsed inside.
The expressions of everyone present darkened, especially Hiashi Hyuga, whose fury flared instantly.
Realizing he had been exposed, the Grand Elder stood up stiffly. "Clan Head… gentlemen… I didn't hear anything. I'll take my leave."
Before he could move, Itachi closed the door again, blocking his escape. No matter how the Grand Elder pleaded, Itachi did not budge.
All eyes turned to Hiashi. He turned his head away.
Then everyone looked at Ran.
"Kill him," Ran said calmly.
His voice was soft—but every person in the room heard it clearly.
The Grand Elder's pupils shrank as he tried to resist. A flash of steel cut through the air—and his head fell.
It was Itachi who struck.
Trained by the Uchiha Clan and tempered in ANBU, he understood one principle perfectly: when striking a snake, sever the head.
Afterward, Hiashi ordered his men to remove the corpse's eyes. The body was buried in a random location, and a few days later, the Grand Elder was officially declared dead—killed during a mission.
Only then did everyone finally breathe a sigh of relief.
If what had just been discussed leaked out, they would all be branded traitors. Even if they eventually won, Konoha would suffer catastrophic losses.
With that, the feast ended early. No one had any appetite left, and everyone took their leave.
Hiashi Hyuga, however, was seething with rage.
Tonight, he would deal with every member of the Grand Elder's faction.
How dare they spy on such a meeting?
They had gone far too far.
(A/N)
Guys we have officially reached 100 power stones.
Thank you to all of you handsome men and beautiful girls for this and please continue to support it further.
Bonus Chapter will be uploaded soon just as promised.