Rokuro's words calmed Uchiha Setsuna down.
Rokuro continued, "I assume, Great Elder, you've already heard about what happened yesterday?"
Setsuna gave a slight nod before replying,
"You've heard it too? Our esteemed Hokage has already issued a gag order over that disgraceful affair."
Rokuro chuckled softly. "No need to test me, Great Elder. If I can craft a headpiece like this, I can naturally make other ninja tools as well. As for learning about major events within the village—let's just say I have my own ways."
Setsuna understood and did not press further.
"Our Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi—he was once a hero among shinobi, and his clan isn't without status. The Sarutobi are a decent ninja family, but compared to whom? Against the Uchiha, they're nothing but dust! If it weren't for Tobirama Senju's blatant favoritism, there's no way Hiruzen would've ever become Hokage."
Setsuna smiled.
"It seems you've read quite a few history scrolls. You're right—Hiruzen's promotion was forcibly pushed by Tobirama. In terms of renown and influence, he never had the qualifications. Even in sheer strength, he was far beneath Uchiha Kagami of our clan. To say nothing of us— even the Hyūga clan far outshines the Sarutobi."
Rokuro went on, "That's precisely why Hiruzen's rise to power was built on shaky ground. In his youth, he managed to balance things through a mix of personal strength and political skill, securing his position. But as he aged and his strength declined, all he had left to maintain power was politics."
"Think carefully, Great Elder—wasn't it right around the time Hiruzen began to grow old that the Uchiha started to face suppression?"
Setsuna had never thought about it that way before. But as Rokuro pointed out, he realized—indeed, the village's oppression of the Uchiha began not long after Hiruzen turned fifty.
And no matter how well a shinobi takes care of himself, once he reaches fifty, his physical capabilities inevitably decline sharply.
Whether taijutsu or ninjutsu, it's impossible to match one's younger self. The only thing that might improve with age is genjutsu—after all, genjutsu is rooted in yin-style chakra, and mental power is less affected by aging.
Even so, while Hiruzen was called the "Professor of Shinobi," mastering all five chakra natures and transformations, in genjutsu he was merely proficient—nowhere near the level of an Uchiha.
Thus, as his years advanced, his decline became increasingly evident.
"Yesterday's battle exposed Hiruzen's frailty once again," Rokuro said. "That will only deepen his subconscious sense of inferiority. And if he learns that the Uchiha possess a way to awaken Sharingan in every clansman—what do you think he'll do?"
Setsuna's expression hardened. The Uchiha were proud—but not fools. They had disdained politics in the past, but after hearing this, even a fool would begin to see where things were headed.
"What are you suggesting?"
"My suggestion," Rokuro said, "is to only grant this awakening method to those we can absolutely trust—our promising younger generation and mid-level elites. Once they're strong enough, then we can extend it to the entire clan. Until then, no one outside must know. Not even the clan head, if possible."
He then took out a scroll.
"In fact, I recommend that everyone who learns of this technique should have a sealing curse placed upon their tongue—to prevent accidental leaks. After all, there are still soft-hearted and spineless types within the Uchiha. Some might, out of misplaced loyalty or pity, betray this secret."
Setsuna accepted the scroll.
"Is such an extreme measure really necessary? Would they truly betray their own clan?"
Rokuro sneered. "Oh, they would—especially that group led by Uchiha Shisui. If it were up to me, I'd expel them from the clan registry altogether! A proud Uchiha, wagging his tail for Hiruzen Sarutobi—how disgraceful!"
Feeling the venom in Rokuro's words, Setsuna actually felt pleased. As the leader of the hawkish faction, he too despised those pacifist fools.
But as Rokuro said, until they possessed overwhelming power, all they could do for now was endure.
"Leave this matter to me," Setsuna said. "Though I'm old, there are still plenty who'll listen when I speak. I'll make full use of this tool you've made. And Rokuro—your contributions to the Uchiha will never be forgotten. In time—"
Rokuro waved his hand. "No need for words of thanks, Great Elder. I'm doing this for one reason only—to keep the Uchiha from walking toward annihilation."
"Annihilation?" Setsuna's eyes narrowed. "In your eyes, you truly believe Hiruzen would one day destroy us?"
Rokuro's expression turned grim.
"The older Hiruzen grows, the weaker he becomes—and the more desperate he'll be to hold onto power. The Uchiha will never be his dogs, and our eyes alone make us too dangerous in his view. Even an average Uchiha with a one-tomoe eye can fight at a chūnin's level. Those with three tomoe are at least jōnin-tier."
"With such a powerful and unyielding clan, do you really think Hiruzen will leave us be?"
Setsuna took a deep breath.
"I see now… having a genius like you born among us, Rokuro—it must be our ancestors' blessing."
After saying all that needed to be said, Rokuro took his leave. Before he left, Setsuna gifted him ten kilograms of chakra metal—a rare treasure—which Rokuro accepted without hesitation.
On the other side of the village, something unusual occurred: Danzō Shimura personally visited Hiruzen Sarutobi.
When he saw Hiruzen wrapped in bandages, his body reeking of medicine, a faint smirk tugged at Danzō's lips.
"Hiruzen, rest well. I'll handle the village's affairs for the time being."
At that, Hiruzen sat up straight in bed.
"Danzō! Don't think I don't know what you've done. Those corpses—you were the one who had them buried, weren't you?"
"Does it matter anymore?" Danzō said coldly. "Plenty of ANBU saw Orochimaru experimenting on Konoha's own ninja. What more needs to be said?"
Bang!
Hiruzen slammed his fist onto the bedside table. "So it was you! Do you have any idea what you've done? Orochimaru was one of our village's greatest assets!"
Danzō remained unmoved.
"Regardless, he's a missing-ninja now. I'll dispatch Root to hunt him down."
"That won't be necessary," Hiruzen shot back. "Focus on tracking down the assassin posing as one of your Root agents. If you can't even do that, then Root's budget will be cut in half. Why waste funds on a unit that fails its missions?"
"What? You're cutting Root's funding?!"
Danzō's face darkened in rage, but Hiruzen only snorted.
"I'm still the Hokage, Danzō. All departmental budgets are mine to allocate. Do you have an objection?"
"Damn you, Hiruzen—you'll regret this!"
With a furious shout, Danzō stormed out, leaving Hiruzen to sink back into bed with a weary sigh.
"These are truly troubled times… Just who was that assassin? Was he really sent by Kumogakure? If so… things will only get worse."
END OF CHAPTER
35 CHAPTERS AHEAD!!
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