For a time, the Uchiha clan was thrown into complete chaos.
In stark contrast, the Hyuga clan was busy and enthusiastic, carefully preparing Hinata's dowry.
Although Hinata was still too young for a formal wedding, the Hyuga made sure to clearly display their stance and sincerity.
This matter had already been discussed with the Third Hokage by Hiashi Hyuga,
which was why he hurriedly sent Hinata over.
It was, in essence, a way to ease relations with the Hokage faction.
Before long, the news that Hinata Hyuga had been betrothed to Aiden Sarutobi spread throughout the village.
After all, the Hyuga were a major clan—
naturally, they wanted Hinata to marry in a dignified and high-profile manner.
"Tsk, looks like the Hyuga really grabbed onto a big thigh this time."
"No kidding."
"At this rate, who the number one dōjutsu clan in Konoha is might not be so clear anymore."
"So what's the Uchiha clan going to do now?"
For a while, discussions broke out among the various clans of Konoha.
Although both clans had secured advisor seats,
it was obvious that the Hyuga clan now held the upper hand.
As for the Uchiha—
they were already unpopular within the village.
Even with an advisor position, what could they really change?
Inside the Uchiha clan, at the clan head's residence.
Seeing Izumi Uchiha arrive, Fugaku warmly received her together with Mikoto.
After a lavish banquet, Fugaku finally spoke.
"Izumi," he said gently,
"just stay by Aiden's side with peace of mind."
"Your mother, Hazuki—
the clan will take extra care of her."
"I'll also have Mikoto visit her regularly."
"So when it comes to Aiden, Izumi… you must put your heart into it."
"The future of the Uchiha clan rests on you."
Izumi naturally understood what Fugaku meant.
But now, she had already seen through his intentions.
More importantly—
Aiden Sarutobi had long since taken root in her heart.
Still, on the surface, Izumi nodded solemnly.
After she left,
Fugaku sat alone in the room, drinking in silence.
The more he thought about Hiashi Hyuga's smug face, the angrier he became.
Just then—
his second son ran in, full of excitement.
"Father! Big brother taught me the Phoenix Flower Jutsu again today!"
"Once I master it, I'll definitely stomp Aiden Sarutobi into the ground!"
The moment Fugaku heard that—
his anger exploded.
Bang!
One kick sent Sasuke flying.
Before Sasuke could even react, Fugaku stepped on him hard.
"You useless piece of trash!"
"If it weren't for you, would I have needed to bow my head to a ten-year-old brat?!"
"Why weren't you born a girl back then?!"
"At least you could've been used for a marriage alliance!"
"Absolutely worthless!"
After venting his rage, Fugaku felt much better.
He didn't even spare Sasuke another glance before turning around and heading back to his room.
Sasuke was left lying on the floor, crying in confusion.
Even now, he couldn't understand—
he hadn't done anything wrong.
Yet he'd been beaten for no reason.
Recalling his father's words,
Sasuke's hatred found a new target.
"Damn you, Aiden Sarutobi!"
"Once I fully master the Phoenix Flower Jutsu, I'll make you pay!"
Within the Sarutobi clan.
With Hinata's arrival, and to show just how much they valued her,
a large area was directly set aside for new construction.
It was to be Aiden and Hinata's future residence.
At the same time, several Hyuga clansmen were left behind to help care for Hinata.
From this alone, it was clear—
Hiashi Hyuga was a shrewd man.
On the surface, they were "caretakers."
In reality, it was a subtle way of handing over part of the Hyuga manpower—
a quiet form of intermarriage and alliance.
What the Uchiha could do,
the Hyuga could do as well.
They simply did it more discreetly,
giving the clan elders no grounds to object.
At present, everything was developing exactly as planned.
Both sides were satisfied.
As for little Hinata—
she had already fainted in her room.
Looking at Hinata lying there, with faint wisps of steam practically rising from her head,
Aiden could only sigh helplessly.
All he had done was hold her hand—
and she had immediately demonstrated:
You dare hold my hand, I'll faint for you to see.
It left even Aiden speechless.
With no other choice, he gently carried Hinata back to her room and settled her down.
"Tsk…"
To think he was playing a raising-simulation game in the Naruto world.
The thought alone made him oddly excited.
Not long after,
the five Uchiha jōnin sent by the Uchiha clan arrived before Aiden, led by Izumi.
As for these five—
Aiden had already made plans.
"Take them to my grandfather," he said calmly.
"Once they're handed over to him, he'll know what to do."
After relaying the instructions, Izumi led the five men straight to the Shimura clan.
When Danzo Shimura learned that Aiden had sent him five Uchiha jōnin,
he nearly laughed himself silly.
He immediately ordered Root to take them in.
"Hahaha! Good, very good!"
"Go back and tell Aiden—
his grandfather won't take this for free!"
"In some time, I'll give him five absolutely loyal Uchiha."
Hearing this, Izumi said nothing more and turned to leave.
Only then did the five Uchiha jōnin realize something was terribly wrong.
Weren't they supposed to serve Aiden Sarutobi?
What was Shimura Danzo doing here?!
"Wait—this isn't right!"
"What's going on?!"
"Run! Go back and report to the clan head!"
Five Uchiha jōnin working together were terrifyingly strong.
On the battlefield:
One-on-one against an Uchiha — wait for deathOne-on-two — runOne-on-three — barely manageable
That was the reputation of the Uchiha.
But when it came to dealing with the Uchiha—
Danzo was a professional.
A disciple of the Second Hokage,
he practically had "the evil Uchiha" engraved in his bones.
"Relax," Danzo said coldly.
"We won't do anything to you."
"After all, you're my great-grandson's guards."
With a wave of his hand, Root moved in.
The five were quickly suppressed with sealing techniques and dragged into Root headquarters.
When they emerged—
they would no longer be Uchiha jōnin.
They would be Aiden Sarutobi's most loyal guards.
Advance Chapters available on Patreon
patreon.com/MythArcStudio