"Alright, everyone, it's getting late. Let's end things here."
After observing the reactions of the Konoha high council one by one, Homura Mitokado understood that his intentions had been fully grasped.
No one objected.
That silence was approval.
Satisfied, Homura Mitokado nodded, dismissed the meeting, and sent everyone on their way. The officials returned home as if nothing had happened.
Homura Mitokado himself slipped into a secluded area, released his Transformation Jutsu, and quietly returned to his residence.
A conspiracy to exterminate an entire clan had been set in motion without a single open declaration.
Unfortunately for him, none of it escaped Uchiha Ryūjin's notice.
"So he wants to use Kotoamatsukami to control me and wipe out the Uchiha Clan," Ryūjin muttered, putting away the crystal ball in his hand. A cold smirk formed on his lips.
"This guy barely mattered in the original story, and now he's pulling something like this. Figures. Anyone who climbs that high in Konoha isn't simple."
Ever since he killed Hiruzen Sarutobi, coexistence between him and Konoha had already become impossible. Conflict was no longer a question of if, but when.
And that time was close.
"I should visit Kurenai's family tomorrow. If things explode with Konoha, showing up afterward would just make it awkward."
At a moment like this, that was what he was thinking about.
The next day, he received news from Yuhi Kurenai.
"Ryūjin, I told my parents about us, and I mentioned that you wanted to visit my father," she said, hesitating slightly.
"Let me guess, there's a 'but' coming," Ryūjin replied.
Kurenai gave a small nod. "My father refused. He doesn't want to see you right now."
She quickly added, "It's not about you personally. The Fourth Hokage was deeply respected, and his death is still recent. That's all."
"I get it," Ryūjin said, unfazed.
Shinku Yuhi's reaction was exactly what he expected. The tension between the Uchiha and the village had not eased at all.
"It's not all bad," Kurenai continued. "He didn't oppose our relationship. He said I'm old enough to decide for myself, as long as I've thought it through."
Ryūjin let out a quiet breath and gave a small nod.
"Your parents are reasonable."
"Come on," he added, taking her hand. "Let's get something to eat."
They walked into the streets together.
He already knew that winning over Shinku Yuhi before conflict broke out was unlikely. Still, in this world, ninja had more freedom in their personal lives. Parents rarely interfered too much.
So their relationship was not in danger.
Except for one stubborn father.
"Yeah, we'll deal with it when we get there," Ryūjin said, brushing the thought aside as he continued walking with Kurenai.
Over the next few days, just as he expected, "Hiruzen Sarutobi" remained occupied with negotiations involving the Kumogakure delegation, as if the Uchiha issue had been forgotten entirely.
Half a month later, the negotiations concluded.
Konoha and Kumogakure signed a ceasefire agreement.
The news spread quickly, and the entire village erupted in celebration.
At the village gate, "Hiruzen Sarutobi" personally led the high council to see off the delegation.
"Rinkawa, send my regards to the Raikage."
"I will. Please take care, Hokage-sama."
Under the watchful eyes of the villagers, the delegation departed, gradually disappearing into the distance.
"Let's head back," "Hiruzen Sarutobi" said, turning toward the village.
The council members followed, exchanging subtle glances. Each of them sensed it.
The delegation's departure marked the beginning of something else.
"A storm might arrive tonight," Homura Mitokado said casually as he walked. "Don't forget to bring in your laundry."
The meaning was obvious.
Tonight, the Uchiha Clan's so called internal strife would begin.
The expressions of the high-ranking officials turned serious, but no one spoke.
In this world, people at their level did not hesitate when it came to bloodshed. Even those who felt uneasy chose silence.
Night fell.
Nara Shikaku, Yamanaka Inoichi, Akimichi Choza, Hyuga Hiashi, and Jiraiya gathered outside the Hokage Building.
Their eyes drifted toward the Hokage's office.
The lights were still on.
That confirmed everything.
"If internal conflict breaks out within the Uchiha Clan, things could spiral out of control," Shikaku said quietly.
"Some individuals might retaliate against the village or attack civilians. If that happens, we step in and protect the village."
Everyone nodded.
This would be handled in the shadows. No official orders, no records.
That was why they were here.
At that moment, a figure appeared in a blur, arriving with the Body Flicker Technique.
It was Uchiha Shisui.
Inside the office, Shisui knelt on one knee.
"Hokage-sama."
"Stand," Homura Mitokado said, setting aside his pipe.
He circled slowly, then stopped in front of Shisui.
"Tell me, are you loyal to the village?"
"Absolutely," Shisui answered without hesitation.
"If the village and the Uchiha Clan cannot coexist, which will you choose?"
Shisui froze for a brief moment.
"You only need to answer," Homura Mitokado said.
Silence lingered before Shisui spoke again.
"The Uchiha Clan is part of the village. The village comes first."
"If they cannot coexist, I will choose the village."
His voice was firm.
"And if the village requires your life?"
"I will give it."
Homura Mitokado nodded.
"Good. Go bring Ryūjin here."
Shisui obeyed.
Not long after, he returned with Ryūjin.
Outside, the watching officials tensed the moment they saw him arrive.
Inside, both Ryūjin and Shisui bowed.
"Hokage-sama."
"Stand," Homura Mitokado said.
Though he appeared relaxed, he remained on guard. Root operatives surrounded the building, ready to act at the slightest sign of danger.
"Ryūjin," he said, "I have an order for you."
"Go on," Ryūjin replied, his tone steady, though inwardly he was already mocking the situation.
"I want you to kill Uchiha Shisui. Right now."
For a brief moment, even Ryūjin was surprised.
So that was the test.
Beside him, Shisui's expression changed completely.
"Hokage-sama…" he began, only to be cut off.
"You said you would give your life for the village. This is that moment."
Shisui's face turned pale.
He could not accept it.
But he did not understand. If the Uchiha Clan was to be wiped out, there was no reason to leave him alive. No one would leave behind someone capable of revenge.
And his Mangekyō Sharingan was too dangerous.
Homura Mitokado wanted him gone.
"Understood, Hokage-sama," Ryūjin said without hesitation.
His Sharingan activated instantly.
"Kamui."
Space twisted.
In the next instant, Shisui's head was severed cleanly, blood spraying into the air.
His body collapsed to the floor.
Ryūjin stood there, expression unchanged, his eyes cold.
"Good," Homura Mitokado said, satisfaction clear in his voice.
Any lingering doubt vanished.
He stepped forward and looked directly at Ryūjin.
"I have another mission for you."
"Speak."
"I want you to eliminate the Uchiha Clan. Every single one."
Ryūjin's gaze did not shift.
"Everyone?"
"Everyone. Ninja and civilians alike."
Homura Mitokado's tone remained steady, as if discussing something trivial.