"If Danzo had even half your reason and restraint, Konoha would have far fewer worries."
Sarutobi Hiruzen let out a soft sigh, setting his pipe down with a crisp sound.
"In times like these, Konoha needs the Uchiha's strength."
The two advisors exchanged a glance and nodded.
Mitokado Homura adjusted his glasses, a complicated look flickering behind the lenses.
"Five Kage-level Uchiha. Over fifty with three-tomoe Sharingan. Dozens of jōnin. More than two hundred chūnin."
"That level of power… it's no wonder Tobirama-sensei kept them suppressed."
"If not for the Ninja Academy producing a large number of capable shinobi…"
"…it's hard to say who would truly be in control of Konoha today."
He paused briefly.
"Assigning them to the Police Force was meant to keep them under watch."
Utatane Koharu turned to Hiruzen.
"This time, allowing the Uchiha to leave the village is a risky move."
"Let's just hope none of those deployed awaken… those cursed eyes."
"Then we must end this war quickly," Hiruzen said, eyes fixed on the map.
"It cannot be allowed to drag on."
His finger traced along the border of Sunagakure.
"Our priority is to destabilize the other four villages—to prevent a true one-against-four situation."
"Orochimaru will move first in secret, coordinating with Jiraiya to eliminate the weakest—Sunagakure."
"At the same time, ANBU will disguise themselves as Iwagakure and strike at Kumogakure."
"The details will adapt with the battlefield."
"Excellent."
The two advisors nodded in agreement.
—
Moonlight flowed like water across the Uchiha district.
When Uchiha Ren and Uchiha Mikoto returned side by side from the training forest—
Two familiar figures were already waiting at the entrance.
Uchiha Setsuna, smiling with narrowed eyes.
And Uchiha Hokaku, wearing a helpless expression.
"Grandfather Hokaku!"
Mikoto's cheeks were still flushed from earlier.
Under the soft moonlight, her beauty seemed almost unreal.
The moment she noticed the elders' gazes—
She startled like a frightened deer, quickly pulling her hand free from Ren's.
She hurried to Hokaku's side, lowering her head slightly, trying to hide her embarrassment.
She didn't care about the looks from others.
But these two—
Were different.
"Now the entire clan knows about you two, and now you're shy?"
Hokaku looked at his granddaughter, her face blooming like spring flowers, and felt both amused and strangely melancholic.
He had known there was something between her and Setsuna's grandson.
But he never expected—
That once revealed, it would be this direct.
This open.
Earlier that afternoon, he had been chatting with Setsuna about the past and the future.
By evening, when Uchiha Hazuki reported the outcome of the clan meeting—and this matter—
He had nearly thought he misheard.
As for Setsuna—
The old man had burst into laughter on the spot, dragging him straight to the entrance to wait for the two of them.
And now—
Seeing them walk back hand in hand—
Hokaku had already accepted it in his heart.
But still…
The thought that his carefully raised granddaughter had been quietly "taken away" by that old rival's grandson—
Left a strange, lingering discomfort.
"Grandfather…"
Mikoto called softly, then politely greeted, "Grandfather Setsuna."
Her sweet voice seemed to carry a strange charm.
Enough to make even the fearsome elder of the hawks beam with delight.
Grandfather Setsuna? You only have one grandfather!
Hokaku glared, feeling an urge to punch that grinning old face beside him.
"Good child."
Setsuna's laughter rang out clearly in the night.
"If Ren ever dares to bully you, come tell me. I'll break his legs myself."
"He wouldn't bully me."
Mikoto smiled brightly, sweetness spilling from her expression.
Hokaku opened his mouth—
Only to see Ren stepping closer.
He snorted, turning away with his hands behind his back.
"Mikoto, come. We're going home. I have something to discuss with you."
"Yes, Grandfather."
She waved lightly.
Before leaving, she cast Ren a playful glance.
Moonlight followed her retreating figure, shimmering across her long hair.
Watching her disappear into the distance—
Setsuna turned to Ren, his expression turning serious.
"Mikoto is a good child. We've watched her grow."
"She'll make a fine, gentle wife."
"You'd better treat her well. Don't betray her feelings."
Moonlight fell across Ren's face.
His gaze was steady.
"Don't worry, Grandfather."
"I'll take care of her for the rest of my life."
"Good."
"Then go eat by yourself. I won't keep you."
Setsuna turned and left, humming off-key, clearly in a good mood.
Ren stood there for a moment, then shook his head with a faint smile.
The night breeze brushed past him, lifting strands of his hair.
Warmth lingered in his eyes.
Then he turned and headed home.
—
Meanwhile—
Hokaku brought Mikoto back to their residence.
Under his firm, expectant gaze—
She sat at the table, initially stammering, then explaining everything in a roundabout way.
It left him both amused and exasperated.
In the end, he waved his hand.
"I already gave you permission during the clan meeting."
"I had my suspicions."
Seeing the joy bloom in her eyes, Hokaku secretly clenched his teeth.
He wanted to tease her a bit more—
But fearing he might upset her, he forced himself to remain stern.
"Your relationship with Ren… is your decision."
"But…"
Before he could finish—
Mikoto had already leapt up, her face bright with happiness.
"Thank you, Grandfather!"
Her feelings for Ren had already been made known to everyone.
But deep down, she had still worried—
That the conflict between factions might prevent her family from accepting it.
Now—
Hearing his approval directly—
The weight in her heart finally lifted.
Joy surged like a spring.
"Sit down. Let me finish."
Hokaku sighed.
Then, narrowing his eyes slightly—
"How many things are you still hiding from me?"
"For example…"
"A few years ago—why did you suddenly start supporting that orphanage?"
◇ BONUS & SUPPORT ◇
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 10 reviews — drop a comment!
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ Read chapters ahead on Patreon → patreon.com/c/CrimsonHub