"Sigh… let's hope that kind of thing doesn't really happen."
Fugaku looked up at the darkening sky and murmured to himself.
In a dimly lit room.
A low table sat in the center, with a single candle flickering at its center, casting soft shadows across the room. The only light came from that tiny flame.
Across the table, Sarutobi Hiruzen and Hyuga Hiashi sat face to face.
"Now then, Hiashi," the Third Hokage said in his gravelly voice.
"You said you had something important to discuss with me."
"This room is completely secure," he added.
"No one else will know what we speak of here. You may speak freely."
Hiashi took a deep breath. His expression turned cold and solemn. His voice was filled with hatred.
"About what you mentioned last time—I accept."
"From this moment forward, the Hyuga Clan officially joins the Uchiha extermination plan."
Hiruzen's old, wrinkled face split into a pleased, flower-like smile.
Yes, he had suffered a blow to his prestige earlier that day, but he had gained a powerful ally.
Over a month ago, he had subtly approached the Hyuga with the plan, but at the time, Hiashi had refused—insisting on neutrality.
But now, here he was, offering his full support.
And it was all thanks to that arrogant Uchiha brat.
I really should thank that little monster, Hiruzen mused.
"Hiashi, I welcome the Hyuga Clan's participation."
"But… this is no small matter. Shouldn't you consult with your clan elders first before making such a major decision?"
If they were to go through with this, the alliance had to be solid.
The last thing he wanted was for Hyuga elders to object mid-operation.
Hiashi waved it off.
"Don't worry, Hokage-sama. After today's humiliation, I guarantee no one in the clan would object."
And if they did… I'll silence them myself.
He added silently, his eyes flashing coldly.
"Good! Excellent!"
Hiruzen nodded in satisfaction.
"It's the right decision. I see now that you truly understand the evil nature of the Uchiha."
"Yes. The Uchiha are inherently wicked.
Their destruction is the only way to restore peace and justice to Konoha!"
Hiashi declared with righteous fury.
Oh, please.
So now you posture as a noble man of justice?
Hiruzen scoffed inwardly.
We both know you're just out for revenge.
But he said nothing. A shrewd politician knew when to hold his tongue—especially with a new ally.
"So tell me, Hokage-sama," Hiashi asked with eagerness in his eyes.
"When exactly do we strike? I hope it's as soon as possible!"
Hiruzen stroked his beard and smiled faintly.
"Originally, I had planned to move in five days…"
"But things have changed. That monster, Uchiha Rukawa, has upset the balance."
His expression hardened.
"So, the plan is now… we strike tonight."
"What?! Tonight?!"
Hiashi's eyes widened.
"But we haven't made any preparations yet!"
"I know. I would've preferred more time too," Hiruzen said, shaking his head.
"But I fear if we wait any longer, even worse changes might happen."
"Changes? You mean aside from Uchiha Rukawa?"
Hiashi narrowed his eyes.
Hiruzen's voice dropped into a whisper.
"Uchiha Itachi."
"That name… I've heard it before," Hiashi said thoughtfully.
"A ten-year-old Chuunin. Gifted, yes—but not as monstrous as his younger brother."
He waved it off.
But Hiruzen fixed him with a serious look.
"You still don't fully understand. Itachi, at thirteen, has awakened the legendary Mangekyō Sharingan."
"The Uchiha truly are a cradle of prodigies," Hiruzen murmured.
Hiashi was stunned.
"What?! The Mangekyō Sharingan?! The eye said to be held only by Uchiha Madara himself?!"
"This complicates things… If we're to wipe them out, we'll suffer heavy casualties."
He thought a moment, then offered a suggestion.
"Perhaps we should delay and call in Jiraiya and Tsunade. That way, we can ensure success."
But Hiruzen shook his head.
"No need. As powerful as Itachi is, he is still an inheritor of the Will of Fire."
"He is on our side—for now. He will help us destroy the Uchiha."
Hiashi exhaled in relief.
But in his heart, a new fear took root.
This man's ability to brainwash is terrifying.
He even made the Uchiha heir turn on his own family.
Better keep our young ones far away from this old fox.
"You're amazing, Hokage-sama," Hiashi said aloud, though his praise was hollow.
Hiruzen shook his head gravely.
"Even so, Itachi is still a variable."
"He doesn't know yet about his brother's sudden surge in power.
If he finds out, he may hesitate.
He may even switch sides."
He paused. Then his tone turned ice-cold.
"That's why we must move before Itachi knows anything. We can't afford to lose our top assassin."
Hiashi nodded, finally understanding the urgency behind tonight's assault.