Eight sets of three-tomoe Sharingan. Among the Uchiha clan, possessing a three-tomoe Sharingan was equivalent to the rank of jōnin. Even the weakest Uchiha jōnin could take on two opponents at once. Let alone those like Rēn and Shisui—individuals capable of fighting five, ten, or even more enemies at once.
In other words,
Including Rēn and Shisui, the eight Uchiha gathered here would take at least twenty to thirty jōnin working together to be evenly matched.
Unless there were more shinobi on the level of the Third Hokage, the number of jōnin needed couldn't be lowered. Unfortunately, Konoha's current talent pool was drying up. The village leadership was filled with elderly men and women. The Hokage building could honestly be renamed the Senior Citizen Club.
The death of the Fourth Hokage cost the village not just a powerful leader.
It left a gap that was filled by the old generation. The Third resumed his position, and decision-making continued under the familiar group—Homura, Koharu, and Danzō among them. There was no succession plan nor preparation for future generations outside of their direct control. Just a return to what was already known.
With a group of elders gripping power, the entire village had fallen into stagnation. Orochimaru's defection shattered the balance of the Sannin. The growing tensions with the Uchiha clan had cast a heavy shadow of internal conflict. Right now, if the Uchiha were excluded, there were barely any outstanding young talents left in Konoha.
Counting them all, the only one who stood out was Kakashi.
"Shisui, calm down. Placing the blame for this incident on Rēn isn't appropriate," the Third Hokage finally broke the ice-cold silence that had made everyone feel like they were standing in the middle of a freezing winter. "No one could have predicted the Mist would launch such a bold ambush on Rēn. The real fault lies with the ANBU, who were too lax and let enemy spies do as they pleased in the village."
"Homura, Koharu, you're being too harsh. Young people need understanding and patience. They still need time to grow."
After much hesitation, the Third finally gave his conclusion.
He reassured Rēn, defended the two elders, and quietly smoothed over the hostile confrontation. His ability to defuse tension was near perfection.
Rēn understood clearly—this wasn't because the old man was open-minded. He simply didn't want to break with the Uchiha at this time. What the elders really wanted was to quietly eliminate the disobedient Uchiha with minimal cost, not spark a direct conflict that would leave both sides wounded.
Especially Rēn and Shisui. As the two most famous names in the clan right now, they were the brightest symbols of the Uchiha.
To make a move on either of them was no different from declaring war on the Uchiha.
Not to mention the firm support from people like Ranzan. That left the Third no choice but to settle things this way.
"Hmph."
Koharu said nothing more but kept her face cold, showing Rēn no kindness. Mitokado remained expressionless. His poker face revealed nothing.
At that moment, one of the medical-nin attending Naruto came rushing over, visibly excited.
"Hokage-sama, the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki is fine. The mental shock wasn't serious. After a good night's sleep, he should be fully recovered tomorrow."
Rēn's mouth twitched.
Seriously?
That wasn't what the last guy said. According to the previous report, Naruto's condition could worsen at any moment and he might not even make it to dawn. Yet now, right after the Third gave his statement, Naruto was suddenly fine? Just needs to sleep?
Truly
People's words can flip like a coin. One mouth, two faces.
Black or white, good or bad, they'll say whatever suits them.
"That's good, that's good. Glad he's alright!"
The Third's worried expression vanished instantly, replaced by the kind smile often seen from the so-called "Professor" of the ninja world when facing Academy students. He looked at Rēn and chuckled.
"By the way, Rēn, if I remember right, you're not currently holding any official position, correct?"
"How about joining the ANBU? You protected Naruto this time, which is no small achievement. If you join, you'll have a much broader stage to display your talents."
"Hokage-sama, thank you for your offer, but I must decline. I'm very satisfied with my current life. Rather than joining the ANBU, I'd prefer to stay home and help take care of my sister. My fighting style honestly doesn't suit the ANBU. This kind of noisy operation doesn't fit that organization's style at all."
Before the Third could start on his long-winded persuasion, Rēn cut him off without hesitation.
He had no interest in hearing a lecture about the Will of Fire.
And as for joining the ANBU, that was absolutely out of the question. That was the Third's turf. Once you were in, you'd be at their mercy. You didn't even need underhanded tactics. Just getting assigned to some infiltration mission in Kumogakure or Iwagakure was practically a death sentence.
"I see. That's a shame. I had high hopes for you, Rēn… what a pity."
The Third sighed repeatedly with apparent regret.
"Hokage-sama, if there's nothing else, we'll be taking our leave."
At this point, Rēn had achieved what he came for.
There was no need to waste time here trading empty words. Better to go home and discuss the next move with his companions. Shisui had made his stance clear. The plan could move forward.
"The ANBU can handle things here. You're dismissed."
The Third nodded and glanced at Shisui, but said nothing more.
"In that case, we'll be going."
Rēn didn't hesitate. He turned and headed straight for the clan district. Shisui paused for a moment but ultimately followed, running alongside Ranzan and the others. In an instant, they disappeared into the night.
In the burned forest,
The Third Hokage stood silently, unmoving like a statue. After two or three minutes, he finally spoke.
"Danzō, you're late."
"Wouldn't have mattered if I was early."
A cold voice came from the darkness. A man with a grim face, clad in black, stepped forward slowly. With a large X-shaped scar on his chin, the man exuded a chilling aura that warned others to stay away.
This was Shimura Danzō, known as the Shadow of the Village. He was the Hokage's advisor and the leader of Root.
"That Uchiha Rēn and Shisui are completely different. Your usual methods won't work on that brat. Even if I'd come earlier, all I would've done is waste breath. Better to take my time getting here."
The Third frowned.
But this time he didn't scold his old friend. Instead, he agreed.
"You're right. Uchiha Rēn…. he has no loyalty to the village. Even the docile Shisui is being influenced by him. Danzō, I'll leave him to you."
"You should've done that sooner."
"Hmm, In any case, handle it quickly. Don't drag this out. I'm worried Shisui will be affected even further. If necessary, more extreme measures are acceptable."
"As long as you don't interfere, there won't be any issues."
With that, Danzō turned and disappeared into the darkness of the forest.