Chapter 84: The Duel Officially Begins
In the world of shinobi, strength is often the symbol of status.
Everything else is merely a byproduct born from that foundation of strength.
Uchiha Dali didn't let a single "Lord Dali" from a fellow clansman go to his head.
Of course, he also had no intention of wasting more time discussing such matters.
"In short, if the Uchiha clan wants to rule Konoha in the long term and use the village as a springboard to ultimately dominate the entire shinobi world, then everyone here must show your stance—train hard and restrain yourselves."
That single sentence from Uchiha Dali instantly changed everyone's expressions. They looked at each other, completely stunned.
"What? The Uchiha clan wants to rule the shinobi world? How come I never heard about this?"
"That's Lord Dali's ambition, isn't it? So his goal isn't just Konoha after all…"
"Is that even possible? Wouldn't that lead to another war?"
"Probably not a short-term goal. Right now, neither the Uchiha clan nor Konoha has the capacity to start another large-scale war…"
"Still, could the Uchiha really become rulers of the shinobi world?"
"..."
Their reactions to the Uchiha clan becoming rulers of Konoha were different.
When the clansmen heard Uchiha Dali say he intended to lead the Uchiha to the pinnacle of the shinobi world, nearly everyone responded with worry and doubt.
Even Uchiha Fugaku looked shocked, glancing frequently at Dali.
Uchiha Dali didn't bother explaining too much.
"This isn't a short-term goal."
"Anyway, what we need now is to consolidate power in Konoha. Things have settled for the moment, so just act naturally. Do what you're supposed to. You're dismissed."
With that, Uchiha Dali didn't pay them any further attention. After casting a glance at Uchiha Fugaku, he headed toward his home.
"Lord Dali."
Fugaku suddenly called out from behind him.
The words made Dali pause, a hint of joy flashing in his heart.
He turned back calmly and looked at Fugaku. "I haven't even gone through the official inauguration ceremony. There's no need to be so formal within the clan."
"No, this isn't about formality. Regardless of the ceremony, you are already, in every practical sense, the Fourth Hokage. In terms of status, I am now your subordinate."
"So I will continue to address you this way. Please accept it."
As he finished, Uchiha Fugaku gave a perfect ninety-degree bow to Dali.
"..."
Seeing his insistence, Dali waved a hand. "Suit yourself."
"Get some rest early. I have a task for you tomorrow—come see me at the office."
...
The night passed quietly.
At dawn the next day, the entire Konoha Village was already stirring with excitement.
"I heard Lord Minato and Lord Dali are going to duel today! Do you know where it's happening?"
"No idea, no official word."
"Seems like they're not letting ordinary people near the site—worried about stray attacks, maybe?"
"But even the shinobi aren't really talking about it…"
"..."
All over the village, people filled the streets early in the morning, whispering to each other.
Meanwhile, at Training Ground Thirty just outside the village—
Konoha's top brass—Hiruzen Sarutobi, Koharu Utatane, Homura Mitokado, and Danzo Shimura—had already arrived, waiting in silence.
In addition to them, a large number of Anbu members and elite jōnin from the village had gathered as well.
Naturally, they were all waiting for Uchiha Dali and Namikaze Minato.
Up in the viewing platform reserved for the senior officials—
Danzo's voice was gravelly as he turned to Hiruzen beside him and asked, "Why would you agree to something like this?"
"You already know the answer, don't you, Danzo?" Hiruzen replied with a question of his own.
"Putting someone from the Uchiha clan in the Hokage seat will only drag the village into a dark abyss. I didn't expect you to be the one to allow this, Hiruzen. I guess you really are getting old."
"You don't honestly believe that letting Minato and Dali put on a little show for everyone will make the whole village accept this, do you?"
"How naive."
Danzo scoffed coldly.
"If the Uchiha clan becomes Konoha's ruling power, then yes—someday, that may very well plunge the village into the depths of war. But if we reject them now, Konoha will immediately descend into internal chaos."
"I understand better than you do what the right choice is, Danzo."
"And let me give you a piece of advice—don't try anything underhanded. I haven't called you out yet for secretly downplaying the Uchiha clan's contributions and misleading the villagers."
"But if you're still planning to play dirty tricks in the shadows, then even I won't be able to protect you."
Hiruzen's tone remained calm.
It was a sincere warning from one old comrade to another.
Though they had long been rivals, Hiruzen didn't believe Danzo's actions over the years warranted death.
He also believed that Danzo would be able to understand his reasoning.
Unfortunately, in this moment, Danzo only found those words deeply grating.
He even briefly thought that Hiruzen had already taken the Uchiha clan's side.
Startled, Danzo turned to stare at Hiruzen, a look of disbelief in his eyes.
Just then, two figures appeared simultaneously in the training ground, instantly drawing everyone's attention.
A ripple of excitement swept through the crowd surrounding the field.
Danzo withdrew his stunned gaze and casually turned back to the training ground. Uchiha Dali and Namikaze Minato now stood face to face.
"I won't be holding back."
"So you'd better give it everything you've got."
Minato smiled confidently at Dali, giving another reminder.
"Then by all means."
Dali gestured toward him with a beckoning wave.
That simple motion immediately stirred another wave of murmurs among the observing shinobi.
"They're finally about to fight!"
"Yeah… Even though we can be pretty sure Uchiha Dali is the Fourth Hokage now, I'm still curious—who's actually stronger, him or Minato?"
"We'll find out soon enough. After all, he's the Yellow Flash! If it's Minato, he could end it in a flash."
"Don't be so sure—Dali's a genius from the Uchiha. His battle record is just as impressive, maybe even more brilliant!"
"I'm betting on a draw!"
"..."
While the crowd murmured among themselves, Uchiha Dali and Minato suddenly moved at the same time.
Two kunai flew from their hands, each heading for the other.
Clang!
The kunai collided in midair, throwing off a shower of sparks.
And in the very next instant, both of them vanished.
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