Chapter 120: Sarutobi Hiruzen’s Concession
Sarutobi Hiruzen often felt the weight of age pressing down on him.
"Fugaku," he began, his tone heavy, "what do the Uchiha think of Konoha? Let’s have an honest conversation—just the two of us."
Fugaku’s expression didn’t change. "Sarutobi, do you think the Uchiha have always coveted the Hokage’s seat?"
Hiruzen took a long drag from his pipe, silent. But the implication was clear—he believed no one was immune to the allure of power.
"To us Uchiha," Fugaku continued, voice steady and calm, "Konoha is our home. You don’t treat your home like a conquest. You protect it. You preserve it."
"How arrogant..." Hiruzen muttered. Fugaku’s words were not what he expected.
"Konoha belongs to everyone," the old Hokage insisted. "To every civilian and shinobi of this village. It isn’t the property of any one clan."
"Do you even believe that yourself, Sarutobi?" Fugaku’s voice sharpened. "How much has the Sarutobi clan expanded under your leadership? How many innocent villagers did Danzo murder in secret while leading Root? And what about your so-called genius student, Orochimaru? What pushed him to become a traitor?"
Hiruzen’s expression darkened, but he didn’t interrupt.
"The Shimura clan was once a minor clan. Look at them now. And the families behind Koharu and Homura? They’re all swimming in power and wealth. You so-called ’vested interests’ have drained Konoha dry—yet the Uchiha have been pushed aside."
Fugaku’s voice thundered now. "You’re the arrogant one, Sarutobi!"