Chapter 16 - Hiruzen Sarutobi Digs His Own Grave! (Please keep reading)
"You are simply preposterous!! How could this old man ever do anything to harm Konoha!!!"
Danzo was almost spitting blood from anger. This guy's ability to lie through his teeth was far greater than anyone he had ever met before.
He had originally thought that by presenting these two points, Bai Ye would surely find no reason to refute them.
But who would have thought that Bai Ye was even more capable of twisting black into white than him.
"Have you done too little? How did White Fang die? Don't you know?"
Bai Ye smiled at Danzo, but in Danzo's eyes, that smile gave him a chill down his spine.
Of course, he knew how White Fang died; wasn't he forced to his death by himself?
At that time, White Fang's prestige in the Village was simply too high.
At that time, Danzo still harbored a glimmer of hope: that after the Third Hokage abdicated, he could smoothly take over and become the Fourth Hokage.
But he didn't expect that White Fang's sudden appearance directly led to the failure of his plan.
However, persistence paid off. An opportunity presented itself to him. Originally, he only wanted to undermine White Fang's prestige, but he never expected that White Fang would commit suicide because of it.
Subsequently, the Three Sannin also all stood in his way.
Danzo also began to target them one by one, but then he didn't expect that Minato Namikaze's appearance completely disrupted Danzo's plan.
It was evident that the other party becoming Hokage was a foregone conclusion.
As a result, not long after he had just taken office, the Nine-Tails' Chaos occurred.
At that time, Danzo was practically grinning from ear to ear.
With the thought that if Minato died, he would reap the benefits, he didn't show up at all.
Moreover, the most crucial point was that many people at that time saw the Sharingan in the Nine-Tailed's eyes.
That brought Danzo a great advantage in recent years.
Because of the Nine-Tails' Chaos, the Uchiha Clan's reputation plummeted. Although they were arrogant before, everyone tolerated it.
But after the Nine-Tails' Chaos concluded, he found that the Village already had a feeling of rejection towards the Uchiha Clan, and then he used his previous methods of guiding public opinion.
He also pushed the Uchiha Clan to the opposite side. He originally thought that if Fugaku remained as clan leader, the Uchiha Clan would surely be eliminated by his hand, and he would have completed the Second Hokage's 'last wish'.
This would also prove that he was more powerful than Hiruzen Sarutobi and more suitable to be Hokage.
"Ahem, Bai Ye, I feel there's no need for us to be like this. We are all part of Konoha, so why quarrel? Aren't we also working to improve the relationship between the Village and the Uchiha?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi lightly coughed, clearly knowing that this matter naturally couldn't be discussed.
Everyone knew it well.
"And, Danzo, don't mention the Nine-Tails' Chaos again. The Fourth Hokage also told me about this once; it was a guy wearing a mask."
Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't want to continue discussing this matter; in his opinion, there was no outcome.
Should he really say it was the Uchiha Clan, and then cause internal strife?
Anyway, whether it was someone from inside the Uchiha Clan or a rogue Uchiha, Hiruzen Sarutobi just pretended it wasn't.
"Hokage-sama, we Uchiha also want to improve the relationship with Konoha, but before that, shouldn't you show us your sincerity first?"
Bai Ye smiled at Hiruzen Sarutobi, seeing his expression, how could he not know that he was starting to play the good cop again?
Speaking of which, compared to a true villain like Danzo, a hypocrite like Hiruzen Sarutobi was the most disgusting.
Many things, without his nod or tacit approval, Danzo would never dare to do them.
Yet he still pretended to be an innocent white lotus.
Those who didn't know would think he was so innocent.
"Good, you say it!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes lit up. He didn't expect Bai Ye to be so easy to talk to. Was it just a display of power earlier?
If so, then it seemed quite easy to control.
Danzo, who was beside them, saw that Bai Ye was no longer pretending, and he couldn't help but curl his lip. He then thought of what Uchiha Fugaku had demanded earlier.
It's probably the same as Uchiha Fugaku, right?
If so, then why replace Uchiha Fugaku?
Indeed, it was no longer the Uchiha Clan of yesteryear; now it was just a dying Uchiha.
However, Uchiha Setsuna's face changed upon hearing that Bai Ye was going to negotiate with Hiruzen Sarutobi, and a forgotten memory suddenly attacked him.
It seemed that Uchiha Fugaku had also been quite firm in negotiating with Konoha at first.
But then there was nothing more.
Could Bai Ye also end up like this?
He had finally seen hope in Bai Ye; he wouldn't let him down like this, would he?
"First, return the land that belonged to the Uchiha Clan during the Nine-Tails' Chaos!"
""
No!?
You're going big right from the start?
Hiruzen Sarutobi's originally kind face instantly stiffened.
He had thought Bai Ye would at most ask him to improve relations with the villagers.
At worst, he would ask for money or status, but who would have thought Bai Ye would ask for land right away?
Could that be given?
The Uchiha's former location was right in the very center of Konoha!
Who was it given to?
Sarutobi and the Shimura clan took a portion, Utatane Koharu and Homura Mitokado also took a portion there.
Then some were given to Ino–Shika–Chō and the Hyuga Clan.
Currently, that piece of land has already been divided. So now they want it back from them. How can it be taken back?
"You go and ask the Hyuga and Ino–Shika–Chō!"
Danzo directly dropped a sentence, a sneer flashing across his face.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was too embarrassed to say it, so he said it.
"Danzo, how dare you speak like that!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi's face changed, and he quickly shouted.
Danzo, on the other hand, was indifferent. He knew this was just Hiruzen Sarutobi's pretense anyway.
"Ino–Shika–Chō and the Hyuga took at most a quarter. The remaining half was taken by Sarutobi and the Shimura clan. The other half was taken by the families of Utatane Koharu and Homura Mitokado. What? Being an elder gives you special privileges, does it? Besides, who told you I wouldn't ask them to return it?"
Bai Ye raised his head, a cold sneer flashing across his face.
With the Mangekyo, he had confidence. At worst, he would lead the clan members in rebellion. If he could turn Shisui, then he wouldn't fear anyone in Konoha.
Turning Shisui, two pairs of Mangekyo, then persuading Fugaku with reason and emotion, that would be three pairs.
He didn't believe that three pairs of Mangekyo couldn't solve the problem between Konoha and the Uchiha.
Bai Ye wouldn't touch Ino–Shika–Chō and the Hyuga for now, but he wouldn't give up on these Konoha F4.
"Then, once you get those back, my Shimura clan will return all the land to you!"
Danzo also smiled. You have the guts to go find the Hyuga. He still didn't believe the Hyuga would return the land to the Uchiha.
Anyway, as long as the Hyuga didn't return it, he wouldn't either.
"I agree. If the Hyuga and Ino–Shika–Chō are willing to return the land to your Uchiha Clan, then there's no problem with an exchange."
Utatane Koharu and Homura Mitokado also agreed. Both of them also didn't believe the Hyuga Clan would yield to the Uchiha Clan.
These two families had always been in open competition; asking the Hyuga to return the land was clearly impossible.
"Bai Ye, if you think taking back the land can improve things, then I can now exchange the Sarutobi clan's land with the current Uchiha's. Of course, if you also want to deal with the Hyuga Clan and take everything back, I can do that too."
Hiruzen Sarutobi said feignedly. Their Sarutobi clan was in the very center. The Uchiha Clan taking back that place was too small and couldn't accommodate everyone. And right next to it was the Hyuga Clan, so they had to take down the other party to establish themselves. So the problem circled back to the Hyuga Clan.
This was also the reason Hiruzen Sarutobi said he could give it to Bai Ye in advance.
"You're wrong. This doesn't belong to your family; it belongs to Konoha. When Konoha was founded, this land was taken by our ancestor, Uchiha Madara. So, if we have to count, it belongs to our Uchiha Clan, not your Sarutobi clan. Furthermore, as you said, if I deal with the Hyuga Clan, I will take back the land that belongs to our Uchiha Clan!"
Can't handle the Hyuga?
Just kidding!
He had originally thought it wouldn't be so simple to get it back, but he didn't expect Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others to actually dig a pit for him.
"Then, let's make a written agreement!"
"This!?"
"Sign it! If you can't get it back from the Hyuga and Ino–Shika–Chō, then you can't bother us about this matter anymore!"
Danzo quickly said.
The Hyuga themselves were at odds with the Uchiha Clan, and Ino–Shika–Chō were on the Hokage's side, so it was clearly impossible for the other party to get it back.
That's why Danzo thought about making a written agreement; this might be a key to dealing with the Uchiha Clan in the future.
Thus, the few people signed a written agreement and established it.
"Then, Bai Ye, is there anything else your Uchiha Clan needs to resolve?"
"No need to rush, we'll deal with them one by one. Since there's nothing else, I'll leave first. Just make sure Hokage-sama doesn't go back on his word later. The Anbu issue can start after our internal reform is complete. Hokage-sama, it'll be troublesome for you to resolve the Village's issues yourselves these days. After all, you're the Hokage; you can't just dump everything on the Anbu, can you?"
Bai Ye didn't want to bring up too many issues at once. These could all be resolved one by one. First, he would reclaim the land that originally belonged to the Uchiha!
"I understand. I'll take over during this period. I hope you hurry."
Hiruzen Sarutobi lowered his head, a hint of gloom flashing in his eyes.
He knew that even if he refused Bai Ye at this moment, the other party would still do it, it was meaningless. He could only start from this matter. Once Bai Ye failed to reclaim the Uchiha's original land, and completely extinguished all hope for the Uchiha, then Bai Ye would definitely be kicked out.
Looking at the backs of the four, Hiruzen Sarutobi also had a plan in mind. He subtly glanced at Danzo, then turned his head, and Danzo understood.
After leaving, Uchiha Setsuna frowned and looked at Bai Ye, asking, "Are you sure the Hyuga will return the land to us? We are mortal enemies!"
Bai Ye had been too hasty just now.
Although Uchiha Setsuna had always wanted to reclaim the original clan land, it seemed almost impossible.
It had all been taken by the other side; would they really spit it back out?
"They currently hold power, so we need to gradually dismantle their prestige before we can make a move. The Uchiha Clan needs a victory. The clan is too suppressed right now. I will handle the Hyuga and Ino–Shika–Chō. I won't make promises I can't keep!"
Bai Ye had two plans: first, if he could persuade or defeat Hyuga Hiashi, then it would be over. If not, then he could only persuade Shisui. After his last talk with Shisui, it was clear that Shisui was somewhat wavering. If he gave him another strong dose, he would directly rebel. But Bai Ye preferred not to mention this matter if possible, after all, Danzo's arm was his trump card for defeating the Konoha F4!
"Do you need Uchiha's help?"
Uchiha Setsuna's eyes lit up. Bai Ye's words made perfect sense.
At this time, the Uchiha desperately needed a victory. The clan members were currently pessimistic, and various emotions were spreading. If they could reclaim their original land, it would be a great victory for the Uchiha Clan!
"Not for now. As the clan leader, I will handle it myself. Also, tell everyone in the clan that I intend to reclaim all the land."
"Isn't that too risky?"
Uchiha Tetsu was stunned. You haven't even gotten it back yet.
Why are you so eager to tell everyone?
"Even if I don't say it, Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others will spread the news. It's their old trick. Why don't you just announce it directly? We can still maintain the initiative!"
"I understand."
The three remained silent for a moment, then agreed, because they also knew that Bai Ye was right.
Speaking of which, from Bai Ye, the three seemed to see something that Uchiha Fugaku had lacked before.
And as the news spread.
The Uchiha Clan, the Hyuga, and everyone in Konoha knew that the Uchiha Clan intended to reclaim their original central territory within the Village.
"Shisui, what do you think he's planning? If he can't get it back, then our Uchiha Clan will become the laughingstock of all Konoha!"
Although Uchiha Itachi always hated the Uchiha's constant talk of 'clan, clan'.
But Bai Ye's approach was clearly ill-considered. If he failed to get it back, how would Konoha view them?
"Itachi, trust Bai Ye. Although I'm reluctant to admit it, he truly sees further than we do. Look at the smiles and confidence on the faces of our clan members; it seems we were all wrong."
After Shisui finished speaking, he closed his eyes and began to recall how long it had been since he had seen such expressions on the faces of his clan members.
He once thought he was helping the Uchiha Clan, but the clan members would only misunderstand them. Yet Bai Ye truly seemed to have given the clan members hope.
The Uchiha Clan had been suppressed for too long.