Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn't suppress the hatred simmering in his chest—not when he thought of Uchiha Yoru's methods, nor when he remembered the death of his nephew, Sarutobi Jirou.
But what truly unsettled him was this:
Jirou's execution might have improved Yoru's reputation in the eyes of the villagers.
That foolish father-son duo had been universally despised. Even if Yoru's approach was extreme, the so-called victims and onlookers likely saw it as justice served.
The fallout from this incident would be a headache for Hiruzen.
Yet what he said to Uchiha Shisui was far more measured:
"Shisui… I understand why those people admire Yoru."
"He helped them. Eliminated a threat. Punished the wicked. But—"
His voice hardened.
"If everyone acted like him—killing without trial, judging guilt based on their own 'justice'—what would become of this village? Of this world?"
"Today, a gambler deserves death. Tomorrow, a thief. Then what?"
"Today, an accidental killer. Tomorrow, an innocent falsely accused. Where does it end?"
"Do not worship a man who plays judge, jury, and executioner."
"Do not idolize lone wolves who answer to no one."
"Respect those who uphold justice… through justice itself."
Shisui's eyes flickered with realization.
"Lord Hokage… I see now."
"I was too naive. Let myself be swayed by Uchiha Yoru's words…"
"Thank you for guiding me past that confusion."
Hiruzen smiled warmly. "I'm glad you understand."
"You and Itachi… you're the bridge between the village and the Uchiha."
"Which is why…"
He exhaled smoke.
"I have a request."
Shisui knelt lower. "Your orders, Lord Hokage?"
"Do everything in your power… to suppress the Uchiha's rising bloodlust."
Shisui's breath hitched.
This was the first time Hiruzen had spoken so bluntly. A sign of trust—and a crushing weight of responsibility.
Pride swelled in Shisui's chest.
"I swear it. I'll dedicate my life to this mission."
"Good…"
Hiruzen's smoke curled through the room, thick with the scent of decay.
[Patrol Duty]
"Captain Yoru…"
Uchiha Aoki hesitated before asking:
"If… one day, Yamakaze or I broke the law… would you kill us without hesitation?"
"Yes."
Yoru's answer was absolute.
Aoki and Yamakaze exchanged a wry glance.
"Harsh…"
"Does 'justice' really mean nothing else to you?"
"There is one thing."
"What?"
"The strength to enforce it."
"…"
"Then what about comrades? Friends? Clan?"
Yoru's gaze swept over Konoha like a vulture's—scanning for rot, for prey.
"The clan's opinions don't matter."
"We're police first, Uchiha second."
"Prioritize 'family' over duty… and corruption takes root."
The two fell silent, digesting his words.
"I get your point, Captain… but we're human. Cutting all emotional ties… that's impossible."
"Which is why this world needs me."
Yamakaze sighed. "Captain, you're like a machine of justice…"
"What do we even mean to you?"
Yoru stopped mid-step.
When they caught up, he turned—eyes sharp yet oddly calm.
"Not just subordinates. Not just 'little brothers.'"
"You're… successors."
"Ones who might carry my will forward."
A beat.
"Though that may be wishful thinking."
"This world's soil breeds different ideals. But if I can sway you, even slightly…"
"There's hope."
Aoki frowned. "Your methods are extreme, Captain. Doesn't that bother you?"
"Of course they are." Yoru's voice was steel. "But to straighten a bent tree… you must bend it further the opposite way."
Yamakaze clenched his fists. "…I'll follow you, Captain. A world scrubbed clean of evil—I'll help build it."
"Me too," Aoki added.
Yoru gave a faint nod.
His ways were radical, but not without followers. And like him, once awakened, their fervor burned bright.
To Yoru, this flicker of light was enough—
A spark that could set the world ablaze.
[Sarutobi Compound]
"Clan Leader… we've prepared Jirou-sama's body for burial. When should we—?"
Sarutobi Hiyoshi's gaze fell on the corpse beneath the bloodstained shroud. The severed head had been reattached, but the seam still wept crimson.
His fists shook.
"No burial."
"Not until Uchiha Yoru rots in hell beside him!"
The Sarutobi clansmen paled.
"Clan Leader, you can't mean—!"
"Lord Hokage strictly forbade retaliation! If we provoke the Uchiha now—!"
"ENOUGH!" Hiyoshi roared. "You think losing my title means you can lecture me?!"
"Since when do Sarutobi bow to outsiders?!"
"Jirou had flaws, but since when do Uchiha have the right to execute without trial?!"
"Today it's Jirou. Tomorrow, all of us!"
His words ignited the room.
"He's right!"
"The Uchiha need to learn their place!"
"Make them hand over the killer—or burn their arrogance to the ground!"
Hiyoshi, though no longer officially clan leader, still commanded loyalty. Twenty-odd fervent clansmen followed him as he stormed toward Uchiha territory—
Katana in hand, visions of Yoru's severed neck flashing in his mind.
"Just wait, Jirou…"
"That bastard will join you soon."
(＾• ω •＾)