Chapter 294: The Plan Begins
Unaware of the complex storm of emotions brewing within Saori, Kyosuke pondered for a long while before suddenly speaking. "We can't wait any longer. Once we're done with that matter, I'm taking you somewhere."
Forcing down the uneasy feeling in her heart, Saori kept her expression neutral. "Oh? Where?"
"Haha." Kyosuke smiled and pointed a finger toward the sky. "The Moon."
Uchiha Clan Compound, Inside a Certain Residence.
"Sensei, you summoned me?"
Uchiha Hiroshi knelt on the tatami mats. The ashen pallor of his face betrayed his poor mental state.
Ever since the battle outside Konoha, where he had witnessed Kyosuke's god-like power, he had been in a daze.
He wasn't the only one. The clansmen who had previously planned to join him and his teacher in resisting Kyosuke's "tyranny" were now avoiding him like the plague. Some had even bluntly told him never to contact them again.
Although Hiroshi was furious at their fickleness, he surprisingly understood their helplessness.
Kyosuke's power was undeniable. The title of "Strongest in the Ninja World" was no joke. Against an enemy of that caliber, schemes and plots were useless. Even if they somehow managed to oust him from the clan, what then?
If Kyosuke found out they were the ones behind it, could they survive his retaliation? Understanding this, Hiroshi had sunk into a deep depression.
"Sigh." Seeing Hiroshi's state, his teacher, Uchiha Genbo, let out a soft sigh.
Hearing his teacher sigh, Hiroshi's mouth twitched. He clenched his fists, his body trembling slightly. After a long silence, he managed to choke out, "I'm sorry. I've disappointed you, Sensei."
"It's not your fault," Genbo comforted him. Then, changing the subject entirely, he spoke of something seemingly unrelated. "The Daimyo has been troubled by a certain matter recently."
"The Daimyo?!" Hiroshi didn't quite understand, but he listened intently, sensing there was a deeper meaning.
"Yes. I cannot tell you the details, but establishing a foothold in the Land of Fire and gaining the Daimyo's friendship is crucial. Do you understand?"
"Uh, I know that... do you mean you want me to handle this matter?" Hiroshi began to catch on.
"Yes," Genbo nodded. He spoke with a tone of lament. "With your current state... it is better for you to leave the village for a while. Since our cause here is hopeless, let me stay behind to clean up the loose ends. That way, if anything happens in the future, you won't be implicated."
"Sensei..." A wave of emotion washed over Hiroshi.
In his eyes, his teacher was sending him away to protect him. He had once doubted Genbo's motives for taking him as a disciple, but those doubts vanished in that instant.
Sensei, Cho... I will become strong enough to protect you both, Hiroshi swore in his heart.
Seemingly unaware of his disciple's internal monologue, Genbo continued, "The mission at the Capital may take some time. You should stay there for a while. Once things here are settled, I will send someone to call you back."
"...Will it take that long?" Hearing that the mission would keep him away for an extended period, Hiroshi muttered with some resistance.
"What is it? Is there a problem?" Genbo asked, puzzled.
"Uh... no, nothing," Hiroshi replied, acting bashful.
Seeing his disciple's expression, Genbo laughed as if suddenly realizing the truth. "Are you worried about being away from your little girlfriend for too long?"
"Hehe, I can't hide anything from you, Sensei," Hiroshi laughed awkwardly.
After spending so much time together, Hiroshi's relationship with Uchiha Cho had progressed rapidly. He had already decided he would marry no one but her. Learning he would be separated from her for a long time naturally made him resistant to the mission.
Unfortunately, in his shy embarrassment at having his heart exposed, Hiroshi missed the sharp glint in his teacher's eyes.
"That's simple enough. I'll assign Uchiha Cho to accompany you on this mission," Genbo said, offering a solution that surprised and delighted Hiroshi.
But after the initial excitement, he worried about Cho's safety. Her strength was poor, placing her at the bottom tier of the clan. If something happened... the thought made his scalp tingle.
Just as he was about to refuse, Genbo seemed to read his mind. He smiled faintly. "This mission does not involve combat. You don't need to worry."
"Hehe." Faced with such an understanding teacher who treated him so well, Hiroshi could only scratch his head and grin foolishly.
Seeing his lack of composure, Genbo scolded him good-naturedly. " Since you have no objections, go pack your things and leave immediately. We don't want the Daimyo to think we are dragging our feet."
"Ah, so soon?" Hiroshi blinked. Although he was confused by the rush, he asked no questions. He stood, bowed, and left his teacher's residence.
Hmm... first I'll go tell Cho the news, then go home and pack. Hiroshi walked toward his girlfriend's house with a light step.
Sensing that Hiroshi had left the compound, Genbo suddenly spoke in a low voice.
"Come out."
From behind the folding screen, a petite figure slowly emerged. It was the very person Hiroshi had been thinking of—Uchiha Cho.
Giving her an inscrutable look, Genbo spoke calmly. "The preparations are complete. The cleanup is entirely up to you now. Do not disappoint Him."
"Heh," Uchiha Cho sneered disdainfully. "I never disappoint Lord Kyosuke. But you... you were too hasty just now. It's only because Hiroshi is an idiot that he didn't notice. Anyone else would have been suspicious."
"Hmph." Genbo grunted but didn't argue. She was right; he had been a bit rushed, but it didn't matter now.
"Actually, Hiroshi is a nice guy," Genbo suddenly lamented in a low voice.
Hearing this, Uchiha Cho didn't refute him this time. She nodded silently in agreement.
"But..." Genbo's expression suddenly turned dark and menacing.
"Anyone who opposes Lord Kyosuke must die!"
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