In an instant, nearly every minor clan fell to their knees before Kaede, begging for mercy. Their posture was utterly humble. They knew that before Kaede, they were ants—snuffed out with a casual pinch—and, crucially, they had no way to avenge themselves. Against power like his, not a spark of vengeance could rise in their hearts—only despair. Overwhelming despair.
The gulf between them was like fireflies and the sun: one gives off a faint flicker, the other blazes across the entire sky, illuminating the whole world. How could such things compare? To resist would be a mantis trying to stop a carriage—ignorance of one's own limits.
Kaede did not answer their pleas. He had already offered them a chance; they had failed to grasp it. Now, there was nothing more to say.
The meteor continued to descend.
The Sarutobi clustered together, heads tilted back to the falling star. It wasn't fast; by their reckoning, it would take five more minutes to reach the ground. Everyone knew those five minutes could be the last of their lives.
"Brother, let's get the clan to flee—now," Sasuke said, swallowing hard. There was still time… perhaps a little time.
"No," Yang shook his head. "Look at its size—it blots out the sky. Even if we run for a few minutes, how far can we go? It's useless. And you must realize it—no ninjutsu will affect that meteor. None can harm it."
"Brother, are we going to just watch the clan die?" Sasuke wouldn't give up. If even one person could escape, then the bloodline might survive. Even if those future descendants were far removed from the present clan… at least the name would endure.
Yang fell silent, then opened his eyes as if he had reached a decision. He turned to his younger brother.
"Sasuke, I have an idea. You must live—lead the clan onward. And never take revenge. If they accept you, then live for them with all your strength. That way, the Sarutobi can continue, and our people will live."
"Brother… are you insane?" Sasuke stared, unable to understand.
"Trust me," Yang said softly.
He then walked calmly to stand before Kaede. "My lord, what has happened is our fault. We should not have resisted, and we should have heeded your warning. The disaster today is the result of our own choices. We take full responsibility and won't make excuses. I know that, with your power, erasing us would be effortless. But I beg you to spare those who remain. I know a price must be paid for our mistakes—so I will pay it."
Kaede arched a brow. He wanted to see what this man would do.
Yang looked back at his people one last time—then, without hesitation, drove a blade straight into his own chest. Blood sprayed across the earth.
Behind him, several Sarutobi stepped forward and did the same. Kunai pierced their hearts; blood fountained; bodies fell; breaths ceased. These were elite ninja—the backbone of the clan. With their suicides, the Sarutobi's strength was crippled; they would not be able to rise in arms again.
"Brother!" Sasuke cried, eyes burning. His kin had died—to preserve those who remained, to let the survivors live. His heart throbbed with pain. So many dead, just to save them… but he couldn't betray his brother's will. Otherwise, those deaths would be meaningless.
Forcing down his grief, Sasuke crawled forward and knelt before Kaede. "My lord, please spare us. The Sarutobi swear loyalty to the Uchiha."
Kaede regarded them quietly, then swept his gaze to the other clans: the Shimura, the Koharu, the Mito. Under his eyes, their strongest trembled—and, one after another, chose as Yang had. A number of leaders took their own lives to buy a future for their people.
Soon, dozens more bodies lay upon the earth. Those left alive all knelt, waiting in terror for the final moment—would they live, or would the meteor crush them when it fell?
"Madara, come here," Kaede said, without looking—just a gesture of his hand.
"Sensei." Madara stepped forward, gazing up at Kaede standing in the air.
"Madara, as my disciple, your strength must grow—enough to meet the expectations placed upon you."
"Yes, sensei. When we return, I will train with everything you've taught me. I won't bring shame to you." Madara's reply was firm; every word from Kaede was etched into his heart.
"Good. But remember this as well: leading the Uchiha is not done by strength alone. Day to day, you must win the clan's absolute loyalty—ensure there are those who will carry out your orders without hesitation. Cultivate trusted right hands who are loyal to you. Don't let overwhelming power estrange you from your own people.
"When the village is founded, many things will happen. When possible, rely on your clansmen. As for these families who have chosen to submit—if they truly prove loyal, you may give them resources to cultivate."
Madara bowed his head, taking the lesson deep within.
(End of Chapter)
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