Naruto: The Fall of the Uchiha - Chapter 53

“Sarutobi, don’t be intimidated by the evil Uchiha!”

Danzo Shimura had always been highly confident. Whether it was ordering assassinations on Hiruzen Sarutobi in the past or launching a surprise attack on Shisui Uchiha recently, he always believed he could control everything. Even now, surrounded by the Uchiha clan, he still believed in his ability to turn the tide.

As long as Hiruzen, the “Strongest Hokage,” was still there, Danzo believed he could rally Konoha’s other clans and ninjas to eliminate the Uchiha. He saw the inevitable cost to Konoha as worthwhile if it meant eradicating the Uchiha clan.

The Sharingan of the entire Uchiha clan, and especially the two newly revealed Mangekyo Sharingan, were incredibly tempting. If Danzo could harness their power, he believed he could lead Konoha to true dominance in the ninja world, even if facing another ninja war.

But all of this hinged on one condition: Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn’t abandon him…

**”Trust me, I will resolve everything!”**

Danzo’s voice was filled with enthusiasm and confidence, his eyes gleaming with determination.

**”Yes, trust Danzo…”**

Before Hiruzen could respond, Uchiha Jin couldn’t help but feel a grudging admiration for Danzo. After all, what stood between the Uchiha and Konoha was the spark needed to ignite a full-scale conflict.

Jin had expected Hiruzen to give in slowly. Wasn’t Danzo his closest ally?

Ready to abandon him already?
Now more inflated than ever, Jin wanted to scream at Hiruzen Sarutobi. He nearly stepped in to answer Danzo’s plea for help, eager to see an all-out war between the Uchiha and Konoha.

With the Uchiha united and determined, fighting against injustice and tyranny, Jin believed this was potentially the perfect environment to awaken several new Mangekyo Sharingan. If this didn’t happen, Jin would seriously suspect some hidden force was tampering with the Uchiha’s fate.

There better not be some divine planner behind all this!
Jin had full support from the Uchiha and their battle intent, but he knew that didn’t mean he could lead them to storm Konoha.

**Yes!**

Jin gained significant recognition and prestige by showcasing his strength in the arena, leading the Uchiha to pressure the Hokage and crushing Danzo’s forces.

But what truly ignited the Uchiha’s fury was Danzo!

If Hiruzen Sarutobi backed down and allowed the Uchiha to deal with Danzo, that alone would be enough to appease most of the clan.

Not everyone had Jin’s “Uchiha’s Savior” system. If the village showed goodwill and compromise, even radicals like Uchiha Setsuna wouldn’t choose a self-destructive path.

Curse those moderates and layabouts, and they were a bunch of spineless fools.
Jin believed he could influence some of the Uchiha, but not to the extent of inciting a full-scale war with Konoha.

So!

Come on, let’s fight!
**”I… I’m saying if the acting Hokage truly trusts Danzo, then we Uchiha will never back down. We will fight to the last man…”**

Jin quickly corrected himself, his eyes blazing as he stared down Hiruzen Sarutobi.

**”To the death!”**

A real man faces his enemies head-on!

I’ve said everything: if you have the guts, then fight!

Jin’s eyes were full of provocation, even mouthing “coward” at Sarutobi.

Damn it!
Hiruzen Sarutobi’s mindset was collapsing. With his political acumen, he immediately saw through Jin’s true intentions.

Was there such a madman willing to gamble his entire clan’s fate just to drag him down?

If it weren’t for the current circumstances, Hiruzen would have used every means to eliminate this dangerous individual.

But… there was no chance now.

No matter the outcome tonight, a significant rift would form between the Uchiha and Konoha, with Jin becoming taboo.

To get rid of Jin in the future, Hiruzen would need an ironclad plan executed in absolute secrecy, a task that could only be accomplished slowly.

Hiruzen exhaled slowly, forcing his blood pressure down, his mind racing to assess the situation.

Danzo couldn’t be saved!

But considering Danzo’s hidden schemes and cautious nature, Hiruzen held onto a sliver of hope and addressed the enraged Uchiha.

**”Danzo attacked fellow villagers and sought to steal the Uchiha’s bloodline power. As the Third Hokage, I hereby declare that Danzo is no longer a part of Konoha!”**

With this declaration, Hiruzen seemed to lose his strength, retreating weakly as he leaned on Mitokado Homura and Koharu Utatane for support.

**”Danzo is yours to deal with, Uchiha. The Police Force will handle this matter fully!”**

With Hiruzen’s short speech, the Uchiha erupted in cheers, their eyes filled with pride and hunger as they looked at the trapped Danzo.

Fugaku and Setsuna shared a smile, tears glistening as they realized the honor the Uchiha had finally achieved.

**”Protect Lord Danzo!”**

Aburame Ryoma shouted, leading the remaining Root members to form a defensive line around Danzo.

But, feeling utterly betrayed, Danzo couldn’t comprehend that his lifelong ally, Hiruzen, had abandoned him…

**”Sarutobi, you will regret this!”**

**”Sorry, but I am the Hokage!”**

Hiruzen muttered silently, knowing he had more important tasks ahead.

**”Danzo’s crimes are unforgivable, but the Root members were merely following orders, many of them from various Konoha clans. Therefore…”**

Hiruzen spoke calmly, his eyes regaining their confident gleam as he turned to Jin with a final plea.

**”Can you spare the Root members?”**

Yes!

Danzo was Danzo, and Root was Root!

Without Danzo, Root could return to the light, becoming a valuable asset for Hiruzen and the village.

Hiruzen understood Jin’s awkward position. Jin couldn’t incite a full-scale war with Konoha, so planning for the future was crucial.

The Root members, recruited from various clans, were the perfect pieces to rebuild with.

After tonight’s events, with enough support from the Konoha clans, Hiruzen was confident he could still deal with the Uchiha…

Hiruzen glared at Jin, the cause of his painful decision, with a hint of satisfaction.

What can you do now?

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