'The Third Hokage... was like an old and rotting tree. He could no longer support the prosperity of Konohagakure.'
Minato's thoughts wandered back to what Uzumaki Sora had said to him in that strange, timeless dimension two years ago. For the first time in Konoha's history, both the Third and Fourth Hokage were alive simultaneously. But Sarutobi Hiruzen... he was no longer the indomitable ninja of legend. He had grown feeble.
Minato had started to notice peculiar discrepancies in recent reports about Orochimaru. Intelligence concerning the Snake Sannin was either delayed or strangely edited. There was only one explanation—interference. Most likely from the Anbu still loyal to the Third Hokage.
But Minato understood. Hiruzen no longer sought power. Like any aging man staring down the twilight of his life, he clung to nostalgia. He was indulgent, filled with sentiment rather than action.
"Haaah..."
Minato let out a slow sigh, his sharp blue eyes softening as he turned to Shisui, Yun, and the others.
"You should all return for now. I'll take responsibility for this situation."
As his words fell, he glanced toward the direction where the medical team had vanished and then disappeared in a flash.
…
Meanwhile, back in the Uchiha district…
"Izumi, did you use the ninja cats' transmission technique to inform Itachi?"
"Eh? Well... um..."
"You two went on a date with the ninja cats?"
Yun's teasing immediately caused Izumi's face to flush scarlet. She averted her gaze from Itachi and nervously rubbed her index fingers together.
"I-It wasn't a date! We just... talked casually."
Watching this, Shisui couldn't help but shake his head. He stepped forward and gently patted Yun's shoulder.
"Don't tease her too much. If Itachi hadn't delivered that message in time—"
Yun grinned. "There would've been more than just one Root ninja dead and two seriously injured."
Shisui frowned. "The power of the Mangekyō is not absolute. You understand the price of using it. Don't rely on that power too freely. Besides, Yun… Uchiha or not, we—me, Itachi, Izumi—we all need you."
Yun understood Shisui's point. While the Mangekyō might make him feel invincible in a direct confrontation, it was a double-edged sword. If push came to shove, he might have to go as far as defecting from Konoha if the clan turned against him or if Danzo pushed too far.
Itachi, quiet until now, spoke up in his typical calm tone.
"Whether for the Uchiha or the village... you're more valuable than I am. So we must keep up. We can't afford to lose you."
Yun scratched the back of his head. The 'psychopath' Uchiha from his past life memories didn't seem so bad after all.
"Yeah... I get it. I like the peace and quiet here too. I'll be careful."
…
Night fell across Konoha. The Hokage Building remained lit long into the evening.
Inside a secure council room, five figures sat silently. Despite the lack of sound, the tension was thick.
"Shisui." Kakashi began, "There have only ever been four people in these Uchiha meetings, including sensei. Is this kid really—"
Before he could finish, Minato raised a hand, signaling for silence.
"Shisui trusts Yun." Minato said evenly. "So I trust him too."
With those words, any doubt about Yun's presence was cast aside. Kakashi raised an eyebrow, but said nothing further. Shisui turned and added:
"A lot of my thinking over the past two years has been shaped by Yun. And now, with everything going on inside the clan, he has the strength and wisdom to help."
Kakashi turned to Yun. "No forehead protector. So he hasn't even graduated, a genius, huh?"
Shisui nodded. "Same class as Itachi. But Yun doesn't want to graduate early. Says he enjoys school."
Yun looked at Kakashi, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Genius? That title should belong to you. Graduated at five, Chūnin at six, Jōnin at twelve… Can't beat that."
Kakashi gave his usual tired shrug. "Kids these days are not cute at all."
Yun smirked but kept his thoughts to himself. 'Just wait until your student turns seventeen and becomes the Child of Prophecy. Then you'll understand what 'terrifying' truly means even for a Genin.'
"Ahem."
Minato cleared his throat, calling the room to order. He opened a sealed scroll and continued.
"In the last six months, we've uncovered suspicious movements in the patrol routes managed by the Uchiha Security Forces. Shisui, we need your judgment on this."
Shisui took the scroll, eyes narrowing as he read the decoded intel. The contents disturbed him. Had they noticed?
Ever since Yun had started pressing him on the timeline, Shisui had quietly begun reaching out to elder Uchiha members—those still in the shadows. That likely raised red flags with the more militant elements.
Uchiha Setsuna...
"Judging by the age and patterns, it could be Uchiha Setsuna." Minato said grimly. "I need everything you know about him."
Shisui lowered the scroll.
"Setsuna was the most respected voice among the Uchiha radicals during the Second Hokage's era. If they plan to break him out, that'll be a major threat."
Yun folded his arms, searching his memory. 'Setsuna... an extremist who's been locked up in high-security for decades. If he was still respected, why hasn't the current hardliner tried to outshine him?'
"Did he ever awaken the Mangekyō?" Yun asked.
Shisui shook his head. "No record of it. If he had, no prison would've held him."
"Then there's no issue," Yun replied coolly. "If he hasn't awakened the Mangekyō, the two of us can handle it."
That gave Shisui pause. True, his Mangekyō could be pushed if necessary, but it would burn his vision faster. And in his heart, Yun was the future of their clan.
"How long until we move?" Minato asked.
Shisui glanced out the window, toward the Uchiha compound. His voice was steady.
"Four days. The clan meeting. Yun and I will take care of it by then."
Tenzo (Yamato's Anbu days' name), who had remained silent until now, spoke up. "Do you require Anbu backup?"
Yun shook his head. "Uchiha pride is fragile. If we send in Anbu, it'll only provoke them. We have the strength. If it comes to a fight... we'll deal with it."
Minato hesitated, then nodded. "Still... Uchiha Setsuna isn't some rogue. He fought in the last war. He's no pushover. Be careful."
Yun and Shisui exchanged a look—and nodded.
Minato then moved to coordinate Konoha's Jōnin forces under Kakashi and his own direct Anbu under Tenzo. These were the long-term fruits of Minato's efforts since taking office.
But peace was a fragile dream.
…
*BOOM!!!*
A deafening explosion rocked through Konoha. The walls of the Hokage Building trembled.
The Root compound was under attack.
Yun's expression darkened as he turned sharply toward the source of the explosion. His senses flared.
'So… you finally made your move, Danzo. You truly deserve what's coming to you.'
From his connection with his shadow clone—Sora—he received real-time intel. And what he saw only stoked the fire in his chest.
Tonight, the corruption at the Root would end.
No more manipulation.
No more threats.
Tonight... would be the beginning of Danzo's downfall.
*****
Support me on my pat reon and gain early access to my creations.
https://www.pat reon.com/RroY28 (remove the space)
You can access up to 30 advanced chapters.