"Fugaku, what do you think about today's matter?"
Looking at Uchiha Fugaku, Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't bring up what had just happened at all.
Instead—
He threw the question straight at him.
Caught completely off guard, Fugaku froze.
He had already prepared himself to apologize… maybe even offer compensation.
But now—
This question completely threw him off.
"Uh… well…"
After a brief pause, Fugaku forced a smile.
"It was just a spar between classmates."
"And… no one was hurt, right?"
In his view, since both children were fine, it shouldn't be a big deal.
But—
Fugaku had forgotten something.
This wasn't just Hiruzen present.
There was also Danzō—
Who had always regarded the Uchiha clan as a thorn in his side.
"Hmph."
Danzō let out a cold snort.
"Ninjutsu. Kunai."
"And if I remember correctly—both aimed at vital points."
"Do you know who that was?"
"That's my precious grandson!"
"What? You think you can just brush this off?"
Fugaku's expression stiffened.
He immediately understood—
This wouldn't end easily.
Forcing a bitter smile, he said:
"Then… what does Lord Danzō suggest?"
Danzō didn't answer.
Instead—
He turned to Sarutobi Hakuto, who had been casually watching the whole thing.
"Sarutobi Hakuto, you decide."
At the same time—
Hiruzen also looked at Sarutobi Hakuto with a warm smile.
The meaning was clear:
Don't worry—we've got your back.
Everyone nearby felt a surge of envy.
But for Fugaku—
It was pure bitterness.
The head of the Uchiha clan…
Reduced to bowing before a child the same age as his son.
"Let me think…"
Sarutobi Hakuto glanced at Fugaku.
Then—
His gaze shifted.
Not far away, an ANBU was comforting Sasuke.
Uchiha Itachi…
A thought flashed through his mind.
And instantly—
He had an idea.
"I want to change my attendant."
"Ever since I was young, all my attendants have been rough men."
"It's honestly bad for my mood."
Then—
He looked straight at Fugaku and grinned.
"I heard there's someone in the Uchiha clan named Izumi."
"She's about my age."
"How about you send her to be my personal attendant?"
"What do you think… Clan Head Fugaku?"
The moment those words fell—
Itachi, who had been comforting Sasuke, stiffened.
His eyes snapped toward Sarutobi Hakuto.
Then—
Shifted to his father.
But Fugaku didn't notice.
He was already calculating in his mind.
Yes, Izumi liked Itachi.
But right now—
If he sent her to serve Sarutobi Hakuto…
It could greatly ease the relationship between the Uchiha clan and the Hokage's faction.
After all—
Sarutobi Hakuto was the Third Hokage's grandson.
And Danzō's grandson.
If Izumi could gain his favor…
And influence him to speak for the Uchiha—
Their situation might completely change.
The more he thought—
The more excited he became.
He could almost see hope for reconciliation.
As for whether Izumi was willing?
That didn't matter.
"Hahaha! So that's all?"
"Don't worry, Young Master Sarutobi Hakuto!"
"I'll notify Izumi immediately!"
"She'll report to the Sarutobi residence."
"Tomorrow? No—tonight! How about that?"
Seeing how eager Fugaku was—
Even Sarutobi Hakuto was a bit amused.
But he still nodded.
Fugaku then looked at Hiruzen and Danzō.
Both of them were smiling.
No objections at all.
After all—
Their grandson's request had been satisfied.
Fugaku quickly took his leave.
Unaware—
That the moment he agreed…
Something in Itachi's heart quietly broke.
Soon, the incident at the academy spread throughout the village.
Inside the Uchiha Clan
Izumi knelt respectfully before Fugaku.
For once—
The usually stern clan head had a faint smile.
"Izumi, how is your mother, Hazuki?"
Caught off guard, Izumi quickly replied:
"Ah—she's doing well, Clan Head!"
"Good."
"There's a mission for you."
"Prepare yourself."
Hearing it was a mission—
Izumi immediately became serious.
But—
Fugaku's next words froze her in place.
"Pack your things."
"You'll report to the Sarutobi clan."
"From today onward…"
"You are Sarutobi Hakuto's personal attendant."
Izumi's eyes widened.
She couldn't understand.
"But… Clan Head, didn't you say I shouldn't give up on—"
"Enough!"
Fugaku's expression turned cold instantly.
"Do not entertain any fantasies about Itachi."
"Your priority now is to report to the Sarutobi clan."
"And don't forget your mother."
Those words hit hard.
Izumi immediately dropped to her knees.
Even though her heart was full of grievance—
She understood.
This wasn't something she could refuse.
"I understand, Clan Head…"
"I'll prepare immediately."
Fugaku waved her off.
No further explanation.
As Izumi left—
She ran into Itachi.
She wanted to say something.
But—
Fugaku had appeared behind her.
And Itachi…
Didn't even look at her.
He walked past—
As if she didn't exist.
"…Heh."
With a bitter smile—
Izumi left alone.
Nightfall
Under the dim light—
Dressed in a purple cheongsam—
Uchiha Izumi arrived at the gates of the Sarutobi clan.
She took a breath.
Then spoke—
"Izumi Uchiha