In the heart of the Sarutobi clan's compound stood a vast estate.
Grand pavilions and towers rose above the landscape, with man-made lakes and rock gardens scattered throughout.
Luxurious yet understated—like a tranquil haven.
This was the home of Hiruzen Sarutobi, the fruit of decades of power after becoming Hokage.
By the lake sat a teahouse, the place Hiruzen used both for leisure and for receiving guests—or quietly handling state business.
"Aran, you've worked hard. How goes the settlement of Shisui and the Uchiha? Any problems?"
Hiruzen's voice was flat, his face cold, radiating unquestionable authority.
He barely glanced at the young man across from him before sipping his tea and posing the question.
To outsiders, the Hokage appeared kind and grandfatherly.
But within the clan, before his own blood, his true nature showed.
The young man was Sarutobi Aran—Hiruzen's nephew.
The one he valued most among the younger generation, and the one he had groomed the most.
But not to be a registered ninja of the village.
Instead, Aran was tasked with managing the clan's internal affairs, and secretly commanding its covert operatives.
As for real power?
That would always remain with Hiruzen's own blood—his son, Sarutobi Shinnosuke.
Though Shinnosuke lagged behind Aran in both strength and strategy, it didn't matter.
Hiruzen had already mapped out his future:
First consolidate the Anbu under him, then after some carefully staged merits, elevate him to the council of elders.
From there, make him principal of the academy to expand his influence among the next generation, while overseeing village finances to pull the major clans under his sway.
Once Nara Shikaku stepped down, Shinnosuke would take his place as head of the Jounin council.
At that point, everything would be ready.
And with Hiruzen's backing, rising to Hokage would be inevitable.
As for Namikaze Minato?
Merely a placeholder, a puppet—a piece to buy time for Shinnosuke's growth.
That was why, even knowing Aran harbored resentment, Hiruzen dared entrust him with clan matters.
Because he had him cornered.
No matter how capable Aran was, he would never escape the role of Shinnosuke's shadow—his steward, nothing more.
Without a shinobi identity, without ties beyond the clan, he was a man whose existence ended at the Sarutobi gates.
A man like Danzo, buried in the shadows forever.
Aran knew it.
And so did Hiruzen.
"Reporting, Clan Head," Aran replied with utmost respect. "All arrangements are complete. The Uchiha have been settled by the flank of the Forest of Death. If anything happens, they'll serve as the Sarutobi clan's shield."
"They've been… surprisingly compliant. No complaints so far. But… isn't the two-hundred-million allocation a bit excessive?"
Even while seated, he bent slightly at the waist, his posture deferential.
Yes—Aran held the clan's authority in his hands.
But in front of Hiruzen, he still couldn't suppress the tremor of fear.
He had seen too clearly the ruthlessness behind his uncle's smile.
Survival meant obedience.
And until Hiruzen's death, he would not dare harbor other thoughts.
"Good." Hiruzen's voice was quiet. "Money is no object for us Sarutobi. Two hundred million for Mangekyo's loyalty? A bargain."
"But the Uchiha must be watched. Any unusual signs, report to me at once. Their pacification, their conditioning—must be constant. They must be made absolutely loyal to our clan."
"You may go."
He waved his hand dismissively.
Aran bowed again and withdrew.
The moment he was gone, Hiruzen's brow creased.
Two hundred million—it pained him.
Yes, the Sarutobi coffers were deep.
But to spend so much in one stroke… it stung.
Still, there was no helping it.
Sometimes one must spend lavishly to win over talent.
As he brooded, sipping his tea, Aran returned.
"Clan Head."
"Nara Shikaku, Jounin, requests an audience."
"Oh?" Hiruzen's eyes lit up.
Shikaku is back?
Excellent news.
"Quickly, invite him in!"
"Yes!" Aran bowed and left again.
A couple of minutes later, Shikaku Nara entered, road-worn and weary.
The moment he saw Hiruzen, he bowed low.
"Hokage-sama! Forgive me for visiting so late. The summons was urgent, and I feared something might have truly happened. I beg your pardon."
Hiruzen's smile returned, his face once more the mask of kindness.
He waved it off warmly, insisting there was no offense, then personally poured a cup of tea for Shikaku.
After some brief small talk, the Hokage's expression hardened.
He summarized the events of the past two days, then leaned forward.
"Shikaku, what do you think?
So much has happened, my mind is still clouded. Matters of strategy—those must be left to you.
The rest we can discuss slowly.
But this—Uchiha Shisui.
How should I handle him?"
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