The Chūnin's expression darkened.
"Everyone, back off!"
But it was already too late.
By evening, the story had twisted.
"An Uchiha tried to kill a civilian in broad daylight."
"They're getting violent!"
...
The dimly lit council chamber was filled with tension so thick it felt suffocating. Minato sat at the head of the table, his expression unreadable, while Hiruzen, his predecessor, remained silent beside him. The clan heads were present, their faces reflecting a mix of concern and wariness.
At the far end, Danzo sat with a composed demeanor, but his sharp eyes were locked onto Fugaku Uchiha, who sat directly across from him.
Fugaku's voice was firm as he addressed the room.
"But there is no proof. How is it fair to point this at the Uchiha? Many outside our clan can use Fire Release jutsu. What evidence do you have that it was one of us?"
Minato opened his mouth to respond, but Danzo was quicker.
"What are you talking about, Patriarch of the Uchiha?" Danzo's voice was smooth, calculated. "My operatives have analyzed the scene, and the technique used was most likely an Uchiha clan jutsu. I doubt outsiders would be capable of such precision."
Of course, this was a lie. But manipulating the details was effortless for him. This was too good an opportunity to miss.
Fugaku narrowed his eyes. "Most likely? That means you don't know for sure."
Danzo didn't falter. "It means the likelihood is high. And with a crime of this nature, we cannot afford to ignore such strong suspicions. Can you, Uchiha Patriarch, swear that no one from your clan is responsible?"
Fugaku's jaw tightened. He knew the trap being set.
"And can you, Danzo, prove that an Uchiha was responsible?" His voice was unwavering. "Because so far, all I hear are assumptions."
Hiruzen finally spoke, his deep voice carrying weight.
"Danzo, we cannot pass judgment without evidence. The village is already uneasy—we need facts, not speculation."
Danzo turned to Hiruzen with a calm nod. "I agree, Hokage-sama. But the people do not need 'proof' to grow wary. You have heard the whispers, have you not? The unrest is already taking root."
Minato's fingers tapped against the table. "That's exactly why we should not make rash accusations."
Shikaku Nara, ever the strategist, sighed. "If we handle this wrong, it could push the Uchiha further into isolation. That would only make things worse."
Danzo's lips curled slightly. "And if we ignore this, what happens when it escalates?"
A silence followed. No one wanted to admit that this situation had the potential to spiral.
Fugaku exhaled sharply. "If the Uchiha were truly responsible, do you believe we would be so careless? That we would leave evidence so obvious?"
Hiashi Hyūga, who had been quiet, finally spoke. "Fugaku has a point. If the Uchiha wished to eliminate someone, they wouldn't leave burned corpses in an alleyway."
Danzo turned to Hiashi, his expression unreadable. "Unless it was meant to send a message. Perhaps a warning, or a display of power?"
Fugaku clenched his fists. "This is ridiculous."
Danzo's tone remained level. "Is it? A civilian was attacked today in the marketplace by an Uchiha boy. The clan is on edge, acting out. Who's to say what might happen next?"
Fugaku shot back. "That was provocation! Our people are being harassed. Do you expect them to simply endure it?"
"Yes." Danzo's answer was immediate. "Because if they retaliate, they will only reinforce the villagers' fears. Control your people, Fugaku. Or someone else will."
The air grew heavier. Minato finally broke the silence.
"That's enough." His voice was calm but carried undeniable authority. "Danzo, we will not take action without solid proof. This matter will be investigated properly."
Danzo's gaze lingered on the young Hokage before he nodded. "Of course, Hokage-sama. I only wish to ensure the safety of the village."
Fugaku scoffed but didn't respond.
Shikaku spoke next, voice tired but clear. "Then we should assign neutral investigators. No one directly affiliated with either side."
Minato nodded. "Agreed. Until then, I expect the Uchiha to avoid further confrontations."
Fugaku stood. "We are not the ones seeking them out. But I will ensure my people exercise restraint."
Danzo's lips barely twitched. That was exactly what he wanted to hear—acknowledgment that the Uchiha were feeling the pressure. It was only a matter of time before that pressure turned to desperation.
As the meeting adjourned, the clan heads filed out of the chamber, their footsteps echoing in the dimly lit hall. Fugaku lingered for a moment, his gaze fixed on Minato, searching for some sign of reassurance in the young Hokage's calm demeanor.
He found none—only the same steady resolve that had carried Minato to his position.
With a quiet exhale, Fugaku turned and left, his silhouette disappearing into the shadows.
Danzo remained seated, his single visible eye glinting in the flickering torchlight. He steepled his fingers, letting the silence settle around him.
The pieces were moving exactly as he'd hoped.
The Uchiha were defensive, the village was restless, and Minato—noble as he was—couldn't stop the tide of suspicion from rising.
Danzo didn't need proof. He never had. Doubt was a weapon sharper than any blade, and he wielded it with precision.
Outside, the night air was cool against Hiruzen's face as he stepped onto the balcony overlooking Konoha. He lit his pipe, the faint glow illuminating the lines etched into his weathered features.
He'd seen this before—fear creeping into the village like a slow poison, turning neighbor against neighbor.
He exhaled a plume of smoke, watching it drift upward into the starlit sky.
Minato was right to call for restraint, but Danzo wasn't wrong either.
If this escalated, the Uchiha wouldn't be the only ones to suffer.
...
In his house, Souta lay sprawled across his bed, arms behind his head, staring at the ceiling with a faint smirk tugging at his lips.
To anyone watching, he'd look carefree—like nothing had happened, like the village wasn't teetering on the edge of chaos.
But that was the beauty of it.
According to his calculations, he'd added the spark, and Danzo—predictable, ruthless Danzo—would pour fuel on the fire without hesitation.
The old man never missed a chance to corner the Uchiha.
Souta didn't need to lift a finger now; the village would do the rest.