The room fell quiet as the proposal lingered in the air.
Hiruzen Sarutobi considered it for a moment before nodding slowly.
"Your suggestion has merit. However, any outside force we involve must both restrain the Uchiha and avoid pushing the Hidden Leaf into greater danger."
The atmosphere grew subtle and tense.
Low murmurs spread across the chamber.
Hiruzen and Danzō Shimura exchanged a knowing glance.
They were thinking the same thing.
"Bait…" Danzō tapped his fingers against the table. "The Byakugan?"
A shadow passed through his eyes.
—
Within the Uchiha's secluded training grounds, the setting sun stretched long silhouettes across the earth.
Shuoye Uchiha and Itachi moved like mirrored reflections, their strikes precise, fluid, controlled.
Each exchange carried lethal efficiency.
"Good."
Shuoye lowered his guard slightly, approval clear in his gaze.
"You've improved faster than I expected. With your current ability, you're already comparable to a Chūnin."
His tone was firm, but there was quiet satisfaction beneath it.
"Give it another year or two. You'll qualify for 'Fang.' The Uchiha will need your strength."
"Yes!"
Itachi's eyes shone with determination.
Everything he had achieved came from Shuoye's guidance.
More importantly—
Shuoye had shown him a different path.
Not blind obedience to the Will of Fire.
But loyalty to self. To clan. To strength.
Before the moment could linger, hurried footsteps broke the stillness.
Uchiha Xuanjing approached, expression grave.
"Shuoye-sama. The Third Hokage has reached a reconciliation agreement with the Hidden Cloud. Their envoy is already on the way to the village."
Shuoye's lips curved faintly.
"So, Hiruzen still chose this road."
He shook his head.
"This time, your calculations will fail."
Turning to Xuanjing, he gave a short command.
"Inform Shisui Uchiha. His mission is complete. Have him return at once."
"And prepare. I'm going to the Hyūga clan."
The Hyūga.
The other great noble clan of the Hidden Leaf.
Their Byakugan had long been coveted—especially by the Hidden Cloud.
—
The news quickly reached the Hokage Tower.
"He's heading to the Hyūga?"
Hiruzen's expression shifted.
"We must accelerate our plans."
His voice turned firm.
"We cannot allow Shuoye to align with them."
—
Inside the Hyūga clan's council chamber, tension hung heavy.
Hyūga Hiashi sat upright, brows furrowed.
Beside him, his younger brother Hyūga Hizashi remained equally solemn.
"Storm clouds are gathering," Hiashi said quietly.
"The Uchiha's strength has surpassed expectations. The village may soon find them… intolerable."
Hizashi nodded.
"And the Hidden Cloud envoy is on its way. We must proceed carefully. Any misstep will give them an excuse."
Before they could continue, a guard rushed in.
"Clan Head—Shuoye Uchiha has arrived."
Both brothers stiffened.
Shuoye?
Why now?
"Let him enter," Hiashi began—then reconsidered.
"No. We will receive him personally."
They straightened their robes and stepped out.
—
Unseen in the corner of the chamber, a small figure lingered behind a screen.
Hinata.
Her wide eyes peeked through the narrow gap, curiosity overcoming hesitation.
She had never met Shuoye Uchiha.
But his name—
It had echoed across the village.
Especially today.
Earlier, by chance, their eyes had met for the briefest moment.
That single glance had left her heart racing, cheeks burning.
In the courtyard, Shuoye stood beneath the fading light.
His presence was composed yet commanding.
He seemed to sense something.
His gaze shifted slightly toward the screen.
A faint smile touched his lips.
"Little one," he said gently, "it's not polite to spy."
Hinata froze.
Her hands tightened around her sleeves as she lowered her head, face flushed crimson.
Before the moment could settle—
Shuoye gave a soft laugh.
"Clan Head Hiashi. Vice Clan Head Hizashi."
His voice carried calmly across the courtyard.
"Watching your guest from the shadows… is that the Hyūga way?"
The words struck cleanly.
Hiashi and Hizashi's expressions changed at once.
Shock flickered across their faces—
Followed quickly by something else.
Respect.
His perception…
Was far sharper than rumors suggested.
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