Chapter 54: Chapter 53 The Stage is Set Bonus Chapter
Back in Konoha, as Naruto and Sarutobi continued their game of deception, news of Konoha's downfall spread across the ninja world, igniting ambition and fear in every corner.
Naruto remained resolute. Kaito, I understand now. I will never let them manipulate me again. The real fight is only beginning.
***
Onoki hesitated, unsure whether to take the opportunity to attack Konoha!
At the end of the Third Ninja World War, he used 10,000 Iwa ninjas to kill the Third Raikage!
However, Iwagakure was also greatly damaged by this, and it was only in recent years that it had begun to recover.
At this time, if Konoha were attacked, Iwagakure would naturally have the power to fight, but it would involve mostly the younger generation of Iwa ninjas!
If something were to happen to them, the future of Iwagakure would be in jeopardy...
Thinking of this, Onoki couldn't help but sigh and said secretly: "When other ninja villages take action, we'll judge whether to send troops according to the situation!"
"Boom!"
At this moment, there was an explosion in the distance of Iwagakure!
"What happened?!"
Onoki suddenly changed his expression and stood up, alarmed by the disturbance in his village!
Kurotsuchi frowned and said, "It must be Deidara again!"
"Damn!"
Onoki's face twitched as he thought of his troublesome disciple. He quickly jumped out of the window and flew towards the source of the explosion!
Seeing this, Kurotsuchi couldn't help but smile with amusement. "Deidara is going to be in trouble again!"
…
At this time, several other Shinobi villages also received news that Konoha had been destroyed.
After much consideration, Rasa, the Fourth Kazekage of Sunagakure, decided to stay on the sidelines, similar to Onoki.
After all, Sunagakure was struggling under the burden of the Wind Country's demands, and the entire village was living on a tight budget.
Even Rasa, as Kazekage, had to oversee various emergency measures and make tough decisions each month just to keep Sunagakure afloat amidst its ongoing economic difficulties.
Such a village was incapable of confronting Konoha head-on!
Thus, remaining behind the scenes was their best option...
However, the Fourth Raikage A of Kumogakure smashed the table in front of him with an excited punch!
He immediately gathered his soldiers, clamoring to attack Konoha!
Not only him, but the entire Kumogakure was also brimming with fighting spirit!
As for Kirigakure…
Mizukage Yagura, who was under the control of external forces, chose to suppress the matter, as he had not received instructions from Obito regarding an attack.
The entire Kirigakure was in a state of uncertainty, with only a few loyal Anbu aware of the situation.
Soon, other large and small villages learned of Konoha's destruction.
After all, the news of Konoha's downfall was spreading fast, and Sarutobi Hiruzen and the others couldn't stop it!
At this time, Kaito also reunited with Uchiha Izumi and others at the border of the Fire Country!
In a hidden chamber, surrounded by hundreds of Uchihas on high alert, Kaito sat on the ground with several key clan members, discussing their path forward after the fall of Uchiha.
"Kaito, now that you are the new patriarch of the Uchiha clan, what is our next step? We are all here to listen to your guidance!"
The speaker was Uchiha Sestsuna, the esteemed Great Elder of the original Uchiha clan, known for his advanced age and high prestige among the followers of Kaito.
Among those present were Uchiha Tekka and Uchiha Izumi, both formidable members of the clan. Uchiha Izumi's presence was especially notable, a prodigy who had awakened her Sharingan at the age of thirteen—a remarkable feat that commanded respect and agreement from the assembled leaders.
Kaito glanced around at the faces of his clansmen, their eyes full of admiration and respect. At this moment, he had clearly become their anchor, the one they relied upon.
It was evident that if Kaito asked them to undertake a perilous task, they would do so without hesitation. Seeing their unwavering support, Kaito felt a deep sense of gratitude. These people had chosen to stand by him during his weakest moments and against the five major villages, and he was determined not to disappoint them.
Kaito then pulled out a black scroll from his robes, a reward for completing a system task. However, he did not reveal the scroll immediately but chose to present his plan first.
Kaito began, "Since the day I was born, the Uchiha have been among the most powerful clans in the ninja world."
"During the Warring States Period, we allied with the Senju to establish what is now Konoha, and it has been nearly 60 years since then."
"We helped create Konoha and naturally, we have a deep connection to this village."
"But since the era of the Second Hokage, the Uchiha have been persistently targeted by Konoha. From the top down, even the villagers have treated us with disdain!"
"Now, Sarutobi Hiruzen is intent on eradicating our clan!"
"So, we have no reason to cling to a village that seeks our destruction!"
Uchiha Setsuna rose angrily, "Indeed! Konoha has turned against us, and we have no need to endure this any longer!"
Uchiha Setsuna , having witnessed the rise and fall of Konoha since its establishment, was well aware of the trials the Uchiha had faced. Under Kaito's leadership, the Uchiha were poised to reclaim their former glory, and despite his age, Setsuna's enthusiasm remained undiminished.
Kaito nodded solemnly, "Not only have we been wronged by Konoha, but as the founders of the village, we have the right to see it dissolve!"
"In four years, I will ensure that Konoha becomes a mere memory in the ninja world!"
Kaito, knowing the plot from his system, was aware that during the Chunin Exams four years from now, both the Sand and Sound villages would launch an attack on Konoha. This presented a perfect opportunity to strike at both Konoha and Sunagakure simultaneously.
Uchiha Tekka responded, "Under your leadership, Kaito, we will not fear Konoha and will follow you to its destruction!"
"No!" Kaito corrected sharply, "It is not a matter of you following me, but of the Uchiha clan uniting to obliterate Konoha!"
He continued, "Since the Warring States Period, our clan has stood at the pinnacle of the ninja world with our unmatched strength."
"But with the establishment of Konoha, we have merely been living off the remnants of our past glory, doing nothing to maintain it."
"And now, they dare to plan our destruction!"
"Whose fault is that? It is our own!"
"If I had not stepped forward, the Uchiha would have truly become a thing of the past!"
The assembled clansmen bowed their heads in silence, acknowledging the truth in Kaito's words. Their survival was thanks to his presence.
Kaito went on, "The glory we enjoy today was earned by our ancestors through blood and sacrifice!"
"In the past 60 years, when the ninja world thinks of the Uchiha, they first remember Madara Uchiha and the strong men of the Warring States Period."
"I do not see this as an honor."
As Kaito spoke, the group's shame grew palpable. He concluded, "I hope that one day, when the ninja world mentions the Uchiha, they will think of our deeds, not just the past glories of our ancestors."
"Otherwise, we, the unworthy descendants, will only tarnish the legacy built by those who came before us!"
After this powerful declaration, Kaito fell silent, allowing his words to sink in. The members of the clan were akin to the original Sasuke—boasting about Uchiha's past glory without the strength to maintain it. If Kaito was to lead them to success, their mindset had to change.
Uchiha Setsuna sighed, "Kaito is right. Our current generation seems to have turned the glory of our ancestors into a joke."
"When Konoha was established, we Uchiha stood unchallenged, even against the combined forces of the other clans. Now, to see ourselves on equal footing with those who once feared us is indeed ironic!"
"And our proud Sharingan has become something coveted by opportunists!"
Setsuna then stood and bowed respectfully to Kaito.
Kaito, moved by Setsuna's gesture, quickly rose to support him. As an elder who had been a source of support and inspiration to Kaito, Setsuna's actions were deeply appreciated.
Unexpectedly, Setsuna took Kaito's arms in a firm, resolute grip and said, "You are not only a formidable force but also wise enough to see beyond fleeting illusions of glory
"I believe that under your leadership, the Uchiha will restore their past glory!"
"Though I am old, I am still willing to dedicate myself to the Uchiha cause!"
"I will oversee these clansmen, and should they falter, I will discipline them!"
Kaito grasped Setsuna's intentions immediately. While the clansmen were currently loyal, the passage of time could sow seeds of doubt about his leadership. Setsuna's role was to use his deep-rooted prestige to bolster Kaito's authority and safeguard his position against any future challenges.
With the magical scroll from the system ensuring his position, Kaito felt confident about the future. Yet, Setsuna's unwavering dedication and commitment deeply touched him. Turning to address the gathered clan, Kaito spoke with a mix of gratitude and resolve:
"Since Elder Setsuna is committed to continuing his service to the Uchiha, he will henceforth serve as the Law Enforcement Elder!"
"Elder Setsuna will establish the clan rules and hold the authority to reward or punish all clansmen!"
"Do any of you have objections?"
"No!"
the clan members shouted in unison.
Elder Setsuna, over 60 years old, was ready to stand at the forefront once again, and the others were equally resolved to follow suit. The recent near-destruction of the clan had made them understand the necessity of the changes Kaito was advocating.