Chapter Eighty-Two: Confession and Restoration of Power

“Uchiha Rei, do you even know what you’re saying!” The hastily arriving Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado could no longer endure it, their voices sharp with rebuke. They understood the situation was utterly out of control, but they could not tolerate their old friend being insulted so brazenly by Uchiha Rei.

If a proclamation of guilt were truly issued, Hiruzen Sarutobi would become a laughingstock, his reputation forever tainted. As for them, his advisors, they wouldn’t fare much better…

Hiruzen Sarutobi, meanwhile, closed his eyes for a long moment before opening them again. He first stopped his two advisors from speaking on his behalf, then looked past Uchiha Rei to Minato.

Minato’s face was full of apology, yet beneath it lay a resolute determination. Hiruzen sighed quietly, his once-straight back bending, the vigor in his face fading to aged weariness.

After a pause, Hiruzen surveyed the room, his voice deep: “Repeated negligence has indeed brought problems to my governance. I will issue a public statement of guilt and formally step down…”

He spoke calmly, accepting the charges laid out by Uchiha Rei. Finally, looking at Minato, he forced a faint smile. “Minato, the future of the village is yours.”

With that, Hiruzen slowly turned and walked toward the exit of the Hokage building, his figure lonely and desolate.

At that moment, everyone seemed stunned, exchanging glances in disbelief.

“The Third actually admitted fault and is stepping down voluntarily?!”

Hesitation and incredulity filled their faces. The Third had ruled the village for so long that, even hearing it from his own lips, they instinctively struggled to believe it.

Uchiha Rei watched the Third’s figure recede, touching his chin as he prepared to speak. But then Minato shook his head and said softly, “Rei, that’s enough, let’s leave it here.”

Uchiha Rei was momentarily surprised but quickly understood, replying, “Yes, Lord Hokage.”

Knowing Minato’s temperament, he realized it was already remarkable that Minato had let him speak so freely until now.

He understood well that his words today would have a profound impact on the Third. Forcing a legendary shinobi like the Third to publicly admit fault was likely more painful than death itself.

From now on, the Third would exist only in the memories of the people, nothing more.

Yet Uchiha Rei knew this was but a temporary victory; he could not relax just yet.

Against an enemy, the best method is always one that settles matters once and for all. Of course, some things need not be rushed, nor must one act personally.

The Third’s death—how did it happen in the original story…?

“Everyone, disperse for now. The details of this event will be announced later,” Minato said loudly after seeing Uchiha Rei choose to step back, nodding in acknowledgment.

He took control of the village once more, and this time would not be bound as before. This meant he could become a true Hokage—but also that the burden of the village would fall entirely upon his shoulders.

He needed to return and carefully consider his governance plan, to clarify his own thoughts.

With the Fourth Hokage gone, the others slowly began to move, still lost in thought, gradually leaving the scene.

Soon, only Uchiha Rei, Fugaku, several members of the Police Force, and Shisui observing quietly from afar remained.

Uchiha Fugaku glanced at Shisui, then turned to Uchiha Rei. “Rei, this time the clan can finally hold its head high.”

The Third had stepped down, Danzo had fled, and Minato—friendly to the Uchiha—held true power as Hokage. Such a situation was beyond anything Fugaku had dared to imagine.

Yet within just a year, it had come to pass. With these achievements, the Uchiha clan would have a much easier time in Konoha, at least no longer needing to fear senseless targeting.

Uchiha Rei nodded first, then shook his head. “Clan leader, this is just the beginning. What follows is even more important.”

“You mean…” Fugaku hesitated, “the clan?”

Uchiha Rei confirmed, “Exactly. Without external threats, if the clan’s internal problems remain unresolved, we Uchiha will still be marginalized, unable to truly integrate with the village.”

“What do you intend to do?”

Fugaku drew a deep breath, his expression serious. The results spoke for themselves—almost every decision Uchiha Rei made was right. Now, he sincerely wished to consult Rei, willing to follow his lead, despite the boy being only about fourteen, not yet an adult.

Uchiha Rei did not answer directly but spoke meaningfully: “I’ll reveal the details at the clan meeting. Just prepare yourself, clan leader.”

Fugaku’s heart skipped a beat, recalling Uchiha Rei had said similar things before.

Back then, Fugaku sensed from Rei’s tone that he was planning something big. Yet Rei stubbornly refused to disclose anything in advance, leaving Fugaku both helpless and filled with anticipation and anxiety.

For a moment, Fugaku didn’t even know how to describe his feelings.

“Fine, as long as you’re happy.” He shook his head with a wry smile. “At this rate, I’ll end up with heart disease because of you.”

With that, Fugaku decided it was better not to linger, leading the Police Force members away before Uchiha Rei could further exasperate him.

Uchiha Rei waved, smiling. “Rest assured, clan leader, you won’t regret it this time—probably…”

At those words, Fugaku stumbled, then quickened his pace, not bothering to respond.

Uchiha Rei, seeing no reason to provoke Fugaku further, walked toward Shisui. “An era has ended—any thoughts?”

“I just feel lucky,” Shisui said, pursing his lips. “But I didn't expect the Third to step down so calmly.”

Uchiha Rei replied indifferently, “It’s not surprising. The accumulated issues have completely eroded the Third’s prestige. He had to go, and dragging it out would only invite more ridicule.”

Shisui seemed to half understand, thinking before asking, “What about Danzo—should we do anything?”

Having seen the truth about the village’s upper echelons, Shisui now harbored deep disgust toward Danzo.

Uchiha Rei touched his chin thoughtfully. “Let him run wild outside for a few days. Once my eye power recovers, I’ll deal with him.”

Danzo’s escape this time was a stroke of luck—or perhaps a blunder. It had nearly destroyed the Third, but had let Danzo temporarily avoid punishment from the village.

But for Uchiha Rei, he had never planned to kill Danzo right now anyway. Better to wait until the transplant of the First’s cells was successful; by then, Danzo wouldn’t be able to escape.

Hearing Rei’s decision, Shisui had no objections. “Understood.”

Uchiha Rei nodded. “Alright, go rest for now. When you have time, keep developing the power of the Apostle—it’ll be useful in the future.”

Shisui acknowledged and departed.

Uchiha Rei gazed at the now empty scene, lingered no longer, and decided to head home.

On the ground, only the broken pipe lay split in two, destined to be forgotten…