THE EVIL OF UCHIHA BYAKUYA

Sarutobi Hiruzen was well aware that today would end in humiliation.

The real question now was how to save face.

And yet, Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane kept pushing forward, as if they didn't think things were already embarrassing enough.

Of course, Hiruzen also wanted to handle Byakuya—but the reality was that Byakuya's strength was overwhelming. Recklessly ordering the Anbu to attack wouldn't just fail—it would make Konoha look even weaker.

"Sarutobi!... We understand…"

Feeling Hiruzen's gaze, the two elders, though clearly unwilling, followed the Anbu out of the Hokage's office.

Though they were part of the ruling council, they usually deferred to Hiruzen. And right now, Hiruzen had decided it was best to de-escalate.

As the door shut behind them, an oppressive silence fell over the room.

Everything that had happened today was unbelievable—unthinkable.

Byakuya had walked into the Hokage building, humiliated two village elders, and claimed authority in the meeting without consequence.

And what shocked everyone most: Sarutobi Hiruzen—The Professor, the God of Shinobi—hadn't stopped him.

"Oi… why is everyone silent?"

"Weren't we supposed to be having a combat meeting?"

"Hiruzen, you're the Hokage, right? Why aren't you saying anything?"

Byakuya's voice cut through the silence.

"You…" Hiruzen's brow twitched. The disrespect was palpable.

Are you the Hokage or am I?

But Hiruzen forced himself to remain calm. He had prepared for this moment.

"I'm sure you've all heard the news," he began solemnly.

"Just days ago, Sunagakure launched a surprise attack near our borders."

"Konoha will not stand idly by. We will respond with the full force of the Will of Fire."

His tone was dignified, passionate, but the room was heavy with tension.

He went on to summarize the skirmishes near the Land of Rivers, the growing evidence of an organized campaign by the Sand Village, and the necessity of immediate mobilization.

What this really meant, of course, was that each clan would be expected to contribute troops.

In the past, no one dared refuse Hiruzen's calls—even when it was obvious he used these wars to chip away at powerful clans.

Even if they understood it was a political maneuver, the clan heads still complied. It was war. Refusal would be seen as treason.

Seeing their conflicted expressions, Hiruzen allowed a faint smile to show.

Yes… just like the old days. Still in control.

But this time, his target wasn't the usual families. It was the Uchiha.

He had already resolved: when the time came, the Uchiha would be placed on the front lines—dangerous assignments, little backup. He would let enemy villages do the dirty work of weakening them.

Just like he had once done to the Senju clan.

It had worked before. It would work again.

"Hokage-sama, such stirring words! So, in that case," Byakuya suddenly interrupted, "you'll personally lead the Sarutobi clan into battle, yes?"

"What…!?"

Hiruzen stiffened, caught completely off-guard.

That's not how this was supposed to go…

"Hokage-sama, is something the matter?" Byakuya pressed.

"Wasn't that the Will of Fire you were preaching just now?"

"You are Konoha's strongest Hokage, and the Sarutobi clan is among the strongest left in the village."

"Shouldn't you be setting an example for the rest of us?"

Hiruzen's expression faltered. Byakuya's tone was calm, but there was venom behind every word.

As a time traveler, Byakuya could see through Hiruzen's every move.

"This war concerns all of Konoha," Hiruzen said cautiously. "The Sarutobi clan cannot alone face the forces of Sunagakure—"

"What's this? Is the Hokage afraid?" Byakuya shot back sharply.

"I am the Hokage. The safety of the entire Konoha Village rests on my shoulders..."

Sarutobi Hiruzen said solemnly, his voice echoing through the conference room.

"It seems even the Hokage knows fear."

Byakuya's voice was calm, but the mockery in his tone was unmistakable.

"So the great Hiruzen Sarutobi can also be timid at times..."

"Watch your mouth, Uchiha Byakuya!"

Hiruzen snapped, his expression darkening.

While he didn't want to admit it, there was truth in Byakuya's words. He was cautious—perhaps too cautious.

The battlefield was unpredictable. Even the strongest shinobi could fall under the right circumstances.

The Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, was a prime example. Despite his overwhelming strength, he died during a mission, sacrificing himself so his squad—including Hiruzen—could escape.

That fear of an unexpected death, of being cornered and overwhelmed, haunted Hiruzen.

Sending the Sarutobi clan to the front lines? That was unthinkable. His clan had worked for decades to earn their place in Konoha; risking them in open war was out of the question.

But, of course, Hiruzen could never say that aloud.

Byakuya smirked. "Oh, I'm listening, Hokage-sama. I'm just surprised. I never thought the leader of the village would let fear decide for him."

"You—!"

Hiruzen gritted his teeth, but the room was already shifting. Whispers spread among the clan leaders gathered.

"In that case," Byakuya continued, his Sharingan briefly flashing as he stood, "Lord Hokage should remain here and safeguard the village."

"As for facing the invaders… the Uchiha clan will handle it."

He turned to leave but paused at the door. His gaze swept the assembly of clan heads.

"And if the other noble clans of Konoha are as afraid as the Hokage, you're welcome to stay hidden within the village walls."

"But those willing to stand and fight—follow us to the battlefield."

With that, Byakuya left the Hokage Building, leaving behind a room full of stunned silence and uneasy glances.

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