Uchiha Han stood there, watching Yoru's departing figure, lost in thought.
Originally, he had already begun to give up.
The clan leader's faction was simply too powerful. If they continued resisting, it would only lead to meaningless sacrifices. The best option had seemed to be outward compliance while secretly waiting for an opportunity.
But three years ago—
Yoru appeared.
A peerless genius of Konoha.
A future pillar of the Hokage faction.
The disciple of Tsunade.
The sworn brother of Nawaki, the future heir of the Senju clan.
And that speech he gave after becoming top graduate…
It had earned him immense prestige among Konoha's civilians.
All of this meant one thing—
Yoru was destined to hold great influence in Konoha… perhaps even become Hokage one day.
Telling Yoru everything had two purposes.
First, because of Mikoto—he could trust him, at least for now.
Second… it was a test.
Although their conversation earlier had been filled with killing intent beneath the surface, nothing concrete had actually been said.
And Yoru had clearly understood that.
That's why his final question had been:
"Are you willing to clash with your own clan?"
If Yoru had bluntly said, "Should we eliminate them?"—
Uchiha Han would have turned and left immediately.
And afterward, he would've restrained Mikoto from getting any closer to him.
Because a man without brains—no matter how strong—dies the fastest.
Now…
Yoru had passed the first test.
He was, at the very least, someone who could be trusted—for now.
As for cooperating with the Senju…
Uchiha Han's faction had always loved the village, treating Konoha as their home.
Working with the Senju was not impossible.
Everything would have to be planned carefully.
After all…
If there were another way, no one would want to spill the blood of their own clan.
Meanwhile—
On the streets of Konoha.
"Hey! Isn't that Yoru?"
"He's back from the battlefield?"
"Good thing he's safe! Haha!"
"Oh my god! It's Yoru-sama! He's so handsome!"
As Yoru walked through the village, he was quickly recognized.
His fanbase had long expanded beyond the Ninja Academy—ordinary girls now admired him as well, drawn to his iron will and heroic image.
Yoru smiled warmly, greeting the villagers as he walked.
But beneath that calm expression…
His thoughts were racing.
Originally, his plan had been simple:
Gain absolute support from the Senju clan…
Then gradually seize control of Konoha.
And so far—
Everything was proceeding exactly as planned.
But today's meeting with Uchiha Han had opened up a new possibility:
The Uchiha clan.
Of course…
The clan leader's faction had to be eliminated.
That group was nothing more than arrogant parasites—ungrateful, prideful, and blind to reality.
They bullied civilians, looked down on others, and carried themselves as if the world revolved around them.
Taking in such people would only hinder his future rule.
But Uchiha Han's faction…
Was different.
They truly loved Konoha.
Which meant—
They were loyal to Konoha.
And once his plan succeeded…
Konoha would belong to him.
So their loyalty to the village…
Would become loyalty to him.
If he could secure both the Senju and Uchiha—
The two founding clans—
Then his influence in Konoha would reach terrifying levels.
Even now, both clans still had many allied families under their influence.
Though the Uchiha had lost some support due to their arrogance…
There were always those willing to cling to power.
Even gaining half of that influence…
Would be enough.
And then there was public opinion.
Yoru had already built the image of a model hero among civilians.
If he continued to make a name for himself in the Second Great Ninja War—
Public support would naturally gather around him.
At that point…
He could finally stand on equal footing with Hiruzen Sarutobi.
A sharp glint flashed in his eyes.
As for the great Third Hokage?
Well…
Isn't it about time he retired peacefully and spent time raising his child?
After all—
This era should belong to the younger generation.
But all of this…
Depended on one crucial condition:
Absolute support from the Senju clan.
Yoru's path forward was clear.
And yet—
On the outside, he remained the same.
Wearing a bright smile, greeting villagers warmly as he walked home.
Behind him, the people continued chatting happily.
"Yoru has really become someone important."
"Yeah, but he's still the same as before."
"What a good kid."
"Ahh! Yoru-sama greeted me!"
"One day, I'll become a ninja like Yoru-sama!"
The village was filled with warmth and admiration.
A peaceful, harmonious scene.
…for now.
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