Qianyu understood Fugaku's and Shisui's concerns perfectly.
They feared his extremism would prematurely ignite the conflict between the Uchiha clan and the village leadership—leading to open war.
But no one understood better than Qianyu that—
For the Uchiha clan, that outcome would be far better than the one already waiting.
Which was why he did not fear it.
In fact, he was subtly pushing things in that direction.
"The Sarutobi clan…"
"What exactly happened?"
Aoki and Yamabuki exchanged looks.
"…A Sarutobi ninja killed someone."
"A civilian."
"Who?"
Yamabuki's voice trembled.
"The clan head's second son…"
"Sarutobi Jirō."
Qianyu's eyes narrowed slightly.
Sarutobi Hiruzen was the nominal clan head—but family affairs were handled by his cousin, Sarutobi Hiyū.
Sarutobi Jirō was Hiruzen's nephew.
Qianyu said nothing—only increased his speed.
"Captain—wait for us!"
"Shouldn't we report to the Clan Head first—"
Qianyu was already far ahead.
Sarutobi Clan Compound
"You can't leave—don't leave!"
Several villagers clung together, blocking Sarutobi Jirō's path.
Some grabbed his legs.
Others formed a human wall.
More people gathered.
Jirō's rage exploded.
"Are you tired of living?!"
An elderly woman trembled forward on a cane.
"You monster… you killed my granddaughter…"
"I'll fight you!"
She swung her cane—
Missed—
And fell, smashing her head against a stone.
Blood poured down her face.
"Mom!"
Her son rushed forward, desperately trying to stop the bleeding.
"You bastard!" he screamed.
"You killed my daughter—now you want to kill my mother too?!"
Jirō sneered.
"She fell on her own. What does it have to do with me?"
"She attacked me first."
The crowd erupted.
"She was burned alive…"
"She was only eleven…"
At that moment—
"Enough."
A man stepped forward, forcing the crowd back.
It was Sarutobi Hiyū.
Before anyone could react—
Smack!
He slapped Jirō to the ground.
"You animal!"
"You killed someone, didn't you?!"
The crowd erupted in cheers.
But then—
Hiyū turned back to his son.
"According to what you said…"
"You didn't know there was a person in the bushes?"
"So it was… an accident?"
Jirō's eyes widened.
The crowd understood instantly.
This was all an act.
He was protecting his son.
The truth was clear.
And justice—
Was about to be buried.