One after another, over a dozen minor clan leaders stood up to voice their support for Danzo's proposal — opposing the Uchiha Clan's continued control over the Konoha Police Force.
Some had been won over by Danzo, while others simply bore long-standing grudges against the Uchiha.
Fugaku's face darkened as he watched so many clans side with Danzo. He scoffed inwardly — so what if Danzo had rallied support? Did he really think that would be enough?
"The authority over the Konoha Police Force was granted to our Uchiha Clan by the Second Hokage himself! Do you intend to go against your own teacher's decree?" he challenged.
Danzo, as always, remained dismissive.
"While that may be true, times have changed. And reality has proven that the Uchiha are no longer suitable to manage the Police Force. Rescinding the appointment is the logical step. Lord Third, esteemed advisors — what say you?"
The three most powerful figures in the village — Hiruzen Sarutobi, Homura Mitokado, and Koharu Utatane — were the only ones with the authority to enact such a decision.
Fugaku's expression was cold. He'd seen this exact situation play out before. Back then, he had foolishly believed the Hokage and his advisors would speak up against Danzo's scheming. But they'd sided with him instead.
He suspected they'd already reached a backroom agreement. This meeting, then, was just a formality — a staged political performance.
Hiruzen glanced across the room, then turned to his two longtime advisors.
"Homura, Koharu — your thoughts?"
Of course, Danzo had already spoken to them beforehand. The plan was to strip the Uchiha of the Police Force and divide its power among the upper echelons — giving each of them a slice of the pie. A mutually beneficial power grab.
"I agree with Danzo," said Homura.
"So do I," added Koharu.
Hiruzen nodded slowly, as if regretful but resolute.
"If both advisors are in agreement, then I too must support the proposal."
Those words struck like a hammer.
Even some of the clans loyal to the Hokage were visibly shaken by the implications. But they quickly adjusted, voicing their own support to avoid being seen as dissenters.
"We support the Hokage's decision," said the Inuzuka Clan Head.
"We too are in agreement," echoed the Aburame Clan Head.
Among the Ino-Shika-Cho alliance, Choza Akimichi looked stunned.
Why would the Hokage, of all people, support such an action against the Uchiha? They had just returned victorious from defeating the Hidden Cloud's invasion forces. And now — this?
Sure, the Uchiha could be prideful, even overbearing at times. But their law enforcement had brought stability to the village. Things weren't nearly as chaotic as before.
Even Shikaku Nara looked troubled. This move reeked of internal power struggles — not justice.
Inoichi Yamanaka turned to Shikaku as well. Though not unintelligent himself, he always deferred to Shikaku's wisdom in these matters.
Shikaku looked grim. The high-ranking leadership had clearly decided to begin a political purge — starting with the Uchiha. The timing, however, was suspicious. The Uchiha were at their strongest right now. They wouldn't take this lying down.
"I agree with the Hokage's decision," Shikaku finally said, meeting Hiruzen's eyes.
There was no choice. Refusing to fall in line would only bring consequences down on their own clans.
"I agree as well," said Inoichi.
Even Choza, who remained the most confused and hesitant, had to fall in line.
"Same here…"
Hiruzen didn't look pleased with the delay. While he appreciated loyalty, the hesitation from the Ino-Shika-Cho trio left a sour taste. Were they still wavering?
Most of the influential clans had now voiced support. Only one remained — the Hyuga.
Hiruzen's expression darkened slightly. They still hadn't spoken. How troublesome.
Hiashi's younger brother, Hizashi, leaned closer and whispered,
"Brother, what now?"
Hiashi met his gaze silently. The inner workings of Konoha's leadership were now laid bare before him — ugly and cruel. Could he really turn a blind eye to this political farce?
After a long breath, Hiashi stood.
"I oppose the proposal. Canceling the Uchiha's authority based solely on a stack of complaint letters is laughable. This is a gross overreaction."
He continued,
"Furthermore, the Uchiha Clan just defended our village from an invasion. And this is how we repay them? This is disgraceful. It sends a terrible message — that service and sacrifice earn you suspicion, not gratitude."
Gasps and murmurs filled the room.
The Hyuga Clan — actually speaking out against the Hokage and his advisors?
Many saw this as reckless, even suicidal. To stand against not just Danzo, but all four top leaders of the village was practically inviting ruin.
Even some of the more principled clans felt a chill — brave as it was, Hiashi's statement might bring the Hyuga unwanted attention.
The Ino-Shika-Cho trio were quietly impressed. So this was a true noble clan, one that still held to its ideals.
Unfortunately, their own clans were too deeply tied to the Hokage's faction to do the same.
Fugaku was taken aback. He hadn't expected the Hyuga to stand with them — not openly. A warmth rose in his chest; it had been so long since someone in Konoha had voiced support for the Uchiha.
He looked at Hiashi and nodded respectfully.
Perhaps… not all of Konoha had turned against them.
Then Fugaku's eyes drifted to the figure beside him — Uchiha Ryosuke.
Still calm. Still unmoved. Still utterly composed, as though the entire village weren't conspiring against them.
Fugaku felt the weight in his chest lighten just slightly. Perhaps… just perhaps… Ryosuke had a plan.
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