Naruto: The Fall of the Uchiha - Chapter 52
Come on!
Under the unified protection of the Uchiha, Uchiha Jin’s eyes burned with an intense flame, his battle intent almost tangible as it pressured Hiruzen Sarutobi.
That’s right.
Uchiha Jin felt slightly inflated right now, but he believed it was justified!
Three years had passed, and for anyone else, this would be the time of their triumphant return or long-awaited revenge.
After dealing with Shisui Uchiha, who had worried him for three years, Uchiha Jin finally possessed the power of the Mangekyo Sharingan.
While this might not make him invincible in the vast world of ninjas, it certainly allowed Uchiha Jin to move freely and boast a power that rivaled most kage.
“Breaking free from the jade cage, the phoenix flies; shedding the golden lock, the dragon soars!”
At this moment, not only did Jin have the strength to defy the rules, but even the usually indecisive Fugaku Uchiha had toughened up. Jin had heaven, earth, and people on his side, boosting his confidence.
Thus, Jin’s heart was incredibly calm while his battle intent reached its peak. What could be more empowering if he didn’t have the right to feel confident now?
I want to be reckless so that I will be. I want to be stubborn so I can be. Let’s see who can stop me!
I refuse to be lost or confused. What can be more empowering?
Oh-la-li-la-i-di, ai-i-ai-la-woo, la-i-di-ai-i, ai-la-woo-woo &…#…%&?……%&……%%……&?#……?#……
Uchiha Jin would have loved to point at Sarutobi’s nose and roar out a Yordle tune to express his inner joy if it weren’t for his tone-deafness.
Come, fight!
Before the Uchiha clan is wiped out, if I, Uchiha Jin, even frown, I am your grandfather!
Compared to the unrestrained Jin, Hiruzen Sarutobi’s face grew increasingly grim…
Besides Shisui, the Uchiha clan had another Mangekyo Sharingan wielder, and it was none other than the most underestimated, indecisive Fugaku Uchiha!
Hiruzen Sarutobi felt a chill run through his body, and his mind and spirit were filled with dread.
How long had Fugaku been hiding this?
If he hid the Mangekyo for so long, could there be some sinister, peculiar power behind it?
Shisui’s Mangekyo could control others’ wills, so could Fugaku have used a similar power on him, Hiruzen Sarutobi?
Question after question struck Hiruzen’s mind. He might have found it hard to stand if not for his years in power.
Shisui’s battle scars were still fresh, and knowing Danzo, he must have used some method to ambush Shisui, yet the scene was still so devastating.
In other words.
The mere appearance of a Mangekyo Sharingan nullified Hiruzen’s strategic advantage.
If they were to start a war with the Uchiha now, without the continuous reinforcement of additional troops, Hiruzen would have no confidence in victory.
Of course!
This development made the situation critical but not hopeless. After all, Hiruzen had spent over a decade meticulously managing Konoha, and he had some assurances.
While Fugaku’s possession of a Mangekyo was shocking, given the conditions for awakening it and Fugaku’s actions over the years, this Mangekyo probably wasn’t an instant death threat.
What truly worried Hiruzen was, besides Shisui and Fugaku, how many more Mangekyo users were among the Uchiha?
When did Mangekyo Sharingans become so common?
During the Nine-Tails’ attack, one appeared, Shisui had one, and now even Fugaku…
What about Uchiha Setsuna? Or Uchiha Jin?
If suddenly seven or eight Mangekyo Sharingans appeared, Hiruzen felt there’d be no point in resisting. They could talk things out.
But even if Fugaku was the only Mangekyo user, Hiruzen still had to face a problem he’d avoided for over ten years.
The Uchiha were backed into a corner…
United and determined!
Hiruzen Sarutobi dreaded this sight the most. If war broke out, the “gain of love” and “loss of love” would spread throughout the Uchiha…
This might not necessarily produce more Mangekyo users, but the risk was something Hiruzen could not accept.
How could he gamble the village, his clan, and his lifelong honor?
They needed to be divided through various means to deal with the Uchiha. Ideally, someone who believed in the Will of Fire would betray them.
Poison, ambushes, restrictions, sealing arrays… every possible devious method…
All needed to be executed by someone the Uchiha wouldn’t suspect. If that person had a Mangekyo, it would be perfect.
It was well-known that the Uchiha just needed a good beating. Once subdued, even if outwardly defiant, they’d secretly acknowledge strength.
If this person were an Uchiha, they’d be even more trustworthy to their kin…
“But where would we find such a person…”
Hiruzen sighed deeply, feeling a sense of defeat creeping in despite his years of experience.
His “closest friend” was in danger, and countless heroes hiding in the shadows for Konoha awaited their fate. For the Will of Fire, Hiruzen had to make a difficult decision.
“Danzo…”
Hiruzen avoided Jin’s burning gaze, glancing at the still-encircled Danzo.
With one eye gouged out, covered in wounds, his clothes tattered with cuts, yet seemingly not fatally injured…
Sigh…
Hiruzen couldn’t help but sigh again. It seemed Danzo had to suffer more…
“Jin!”
Hiruzen faced Jin, maintaining a calm tone.
“I understand Danzo has done many wrongs, but considering his past contributions to the village, I hope the Uchiha can give him some dignity.”
“Sarutobi!”
Before Jin could respond, Danzo, eagerly awaiting rescue, shouted in dismay.
But now…
Sarutobi, how could you abandon me?
…
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