A person's reputation is like the shadow of a towering tree—it spreads far and wide. Uchiha Ran had single-handedly eliminated Danzō Shimura, who had entrenched himself in Konoha for decades with countless schemes and plots. That alone was enough to shake the entire ninja world.
Not only that—when three villages jointly attacked Konoha, Ran crushed Sunagakure head-on, frightened Iwagakure into retreat, and heavily wounded Kumogakure. It was even rumored that the Hidden Cloud's Jinchūriki was still being held captive in Konoha.
It could be said that the name Uchiha Ran now echoed throughout the entire ninja world.
"But Genji-sama," Ao said solemnly, "have you considered why Uchiha Ran would help us—and what he would gain from it? We also know our own situation well. At its peak, Kirigakure had nearly ten thousand ninja. Now, fewer than two thousand remain."
"If we expose the truth and seek help from Konoha, even if they intervene, what's to stop them from taking advantage of our weakness and occupying Kirigakure outright?"
"At that point, we'd truly have no choice but to become Konoha's subordinates. After all, Konoha is the closest of the great villages—any movement we make would reach their ears in less than a day."
Ao didn't voice his deepest fear aloud: if Uchiha Ran set his sights on the Byakugan, he would have no power to resist. Losing that eye—the bloodline limit he had risked his life to obtain—was something he could not accept.
Genji understood this perfectly but did not expose him. Instead, he sighed softly.
"Our lives are already worse than those of slaves. We don't even know whether we'll offend the Fourth Mizukage one day and be executed on the spot."
"I truly can't imagine anything worse than this."
The room fell silent. Everyone lowered their heads. Those who remained had all lived through the Bloody Mist Era, enduring cruelty and despair beyond words.
They were elites of their generations—but against Yagura Karatachi, the Three-Tails Jinchūriki, even combined they were no match.
Originally, the coup had been planned to coincide with upheaval in Konoha. However, Uchiha Ran's overwhelming success had stirred their hearts and made them restless. They wanted to act sooner—but their lack of strength remained a fatal weakness. Genji had deliberated long and hard before reaching this point.
He would not allow this path to be cut off for personal reasons alone.
"Since opinions differ," Genji said firmly, "we'll vote."
"Those who support seeking outside assistance to end the Bloody Mist Era and rebuild—raise your left hand."
"Those who wish to maintain the status quo—raise your right hand."
"There are eleven of us here. The vote will have a result."
Ao was the first to raise his right hand. No matter the cost, he could not allow Uchiha Ran to enter Kirigakure.
But when he looked around, his face turned ashen.
Aside from Mei Terumī, who remained silent, the other nine all raised their left hands.
Genji's final words—about future generations being forced to kill one another—had struck too deeply. Every person present bore scars from the Bloody Mist Era. Many carried hidden injuries that ached whenever the weather changed, wounds no physician could cure.
They could not bear to see Kirigakure continue down this path.
Genji looked around the room and thought to himself, This village is not finished yet.
All eyes then turned to Mei Terumī.
She possessed both Lava Release and Boil Release and was widely regarded as the future Fifth Mizukage. Her stance carried immense weight—if she opposed the decision now, several others might waver.
Even Ao pinned his hopes on her.
After a brief pause, Mei Terumī raised her left hand.
Not because she was unaware of the risks—but because the first instinct of the heart is often the truest. Without the support of these elders, she would never have reached this point.
Ao's gaze dimmed. He knew then that this decision was set in stone.
Genji stroked his beard and nodded.
"Very well. Send an envoy to the Land of Fire."
"Konoha… we ask for Uchiha Ran's aid."
As he prepared to adjourn the meeting, Mei Terumī spoke again.
"Genji-sama—what if Uchiha Ran refuses to leave once he arrives?"
"It's easy to invite help, but difficult to send it away. If Kirigakure draws the attention of wolves and tigers because of this, then even if the Bloody Mist Era ends, we'll be remembered as sinners."
Genji's eyes hardened.
"If that truly happens… then even if I must die, I will let the world know the truth—"
"Konoha's shamelessness."
His resolve was absolute.
Mei Terumī sighed softly. "Then… we'll proceed as you say."
Ao had already begun considering where he could hide for a time—anywhere that would keep him out of Uchiha Ran's sight.
Mei Terumī called out to him. After hesitating, he stayed.
Genji glanced back at the two of them, then turned and left.
Mei Terumī looked at Ao quietly. "Ao… tell me the truth. You'd rather endure the Bloody Mist Era than seek outside help. Is it because the Uchiha are from Konoha—and you're afraid they'll come for your Byakugan?"
Ao didn't deny it.
He nodded and admitted that he feared losing the bloodline limit he had risked his life to obtain during the Third Great Ninja War.
"If this were during Hiruzen Sarutobi's era, I wouldn't be afraid. He was cautious—too cautious. Even with ten times the courage, he wouldn't dare start a war."
"But Uchiha Ran is different."
"If he's dissatisfied, he fights. With that kind of personality, how could he overlook my past actions?"
"In fact… if he merely demands the return of the Byakugan, that would already be the best possible outcome."
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