The news of the Uchiha clan standing up for the Hatake clan and White Fang had spread across Konoha. Many were surprised—Uchiha, known for their arrogance, were now displaying a sense of loyalty and righteousness.
At first, the general opinion was that Uchiha were meddling in affairs that did not concern them. Even the Hatake clan themselves were not making such a scene, yet the Uchiha were moving aggressively. Anyone with a discerning eye could tell that Konoha's higher-ups had deliberately targeted Sakumo Hatake. Getting involved now was like trying to block a kunai with one's bare hands.
But over time, people's views began to shift. The sheer determination and straightforwardness of the Uchiha clan started to appear less like arrogance and more like unwavering conviction. They weren't just being stubborn—they were taking a stand. And that shift in perception was exactly what Uchiha Yang wanted.
By showing this side of themselves, the Uchiha could gradually change their reputation from aloof and power-hungry to principled and steadfast. Public opinion had always been a weapon wielded by the Hokage faction. But now, if the people of Konoha began to see Uchiha as not just proud but also loyal and just, then they would start questioning the narrative forced upon them.
If even one person started to view Uchiha as upright rather than just arrogant, that person would spread the idea. Soon, the sentiment would grow. The clan needed to change their image—not through grand speeches, but through action. Let people see for themselves: Uchiha do not betray their allies. Uchiha stand for justice.
The Ninja Sword Competition was another opportunity. Let Konoha witness firsthand the strength and skill of the Uchiha, but more importantly, their sense of honor. This was the true purpose behind Yang's plan—to weaken Konoha's hostility toward Uchiha and gradually shift the balance of power.
Because if people viewed everything Uchiha did with prejudice, then even their right actions would be twisted into wrong ones. And that had to change.
---
"Is everyone here?" Uchiha Yang asked.
"They're all here, including the Hatake clan members who came to thank us," Uchiha Retsu replied with a smirk.
"Haha, right on time," Uchiha Yan laughed.
"Then let's move. We only intervene if the situation changes. Until then, we control the perimeter," Yang ordered.
Yang turned to his uncle, Uchiha Kirito. "Uncle, if the Root ninja come to interfere, I'll need you to handle them."
Kirito smirked. "I don't even need to kill them myself. Don't worry. I've been waiting for an excuse to deal with those four-eyed bastards for a while now."
Yang wiped a bit of sweat from his forehead. His uncle's combat skills were unparalleled, but his temperament made him a dangerous weapon. "Uncle, we agreed—don't act recklessly. When the time comes, we'll take down Danzo together. Then you can cut loose all you want."
Kirito chuckled. "Relax. I know. And you don't have to say it—I know you avenged Lili." He gave Yang a knowing look.
Yang froze for a second. He had thought that was a secret. Nima, if his uncle knew, then others could probably guess as well. But there was no time to dwell on it.
He glanced at the clock. It was time.
---
BOOM. BOOM. BOOM. BOOM.
A series of explosions shattered the silence of the night. Konoha's shinobi were instantly on high alert, racing toward the source of the blasts.
Uchiha Yang and his team moved swiftly, blending into the chaos. As planned, the Xuanyuan group executed their escape perfectly.
From a distance, a team of shinobi rushed forward. One of them, disguised as a Hatake clan member, reported breathlessly, "Mission complete. Iwagakure's explosive ninjas assassinated a Konoha council member."
Uchiha Retsu threw a scroll toward the shinobi without a word, then disappeared into the shadows along with the other "Konoha" ninjas.
The receiving shinobi opened the scroll, glanced at the designated location, and hesitated for a moment—then left without further question.
Yang smirked. Perfect.
---
The next morning, Konoha was in an uproar.
"Konoha Councilor Mitokado Homura has been assassinated!"
The official report blamed Iwagakure's explosion corps for the attack. Mitokado Homura was killed on the spot. The ANBU and Root operatives guarding him had also been wiped out.
Uchiha Nobunaga read the reports and sighed in disbelief. His nephew had orchestrated everything flawlessly. "What a masterstroke… Iwagakure will have to bear the blame for this one."
Meanwhile, Uchiha Yang made his way toward the Hatake estate.
As he arrived, he saw a stark contrast from before. Once a house filled with visitors and admiration, now it stood quiet and isolated. The contrast was jarring.
People cursed the White Fang. Teammates accused him of betrayal. Friends abandoned him. The Hokage's advisors turned their backs.
Sakumo Hatake, a man as strong and proud as a sword, had been broken.
Yang knocked on the door.
It was Kakashi who opened it. For a moment, the young boy hesitated before stepping aside. "Please come in."
Kakashi had always been indifferent to the Uchiha, but this time was different. He had seen firsthand how the Uchiha stood by his father when no one else did. He didn't know what to think anymore.
Yang stepped inside and found Sakumo Hatake sitting by the window. His once-sharp eyes were dull, his presence almost nonexistent.
"Senior White Fang, I came to see you," Yang said softly.
Sakumo turned to him with a weary smile. "You've grown. I can sense it—you carry a faint sword intent now. That's good. You're getting stronger. Kakashi will need people like you."
"Senior, there's still a way… My uncle said we can still—"
Sakumo raised a hand, cutting him off. "No. Your uncle told me everything. I am tired. I just want to rest."
That was it. The conversation was over.
Yang bowed deeply and left. At the door, he placed a hand on Kakashi's shoulder. "Stay with your father. He needs you."
Then he handed Kakashi a scroll. "This is an advanced Chidori variant. You might not be able to use it now, but one day you will."
With that, Uchiha Yang turned and walked away.
---
As the sun set over Hokage Rock, Yang sat with a bottle of sake, watching over Konoha.
He took a deep drink, then stood.
"Senior, I sent Homura to the afterlife as a gift for you. Rest easy."
He hurled the sake bottle into the air. It shattered, reflecting the last golden rays of the sun.
And with that, he disappeared into the night.