Chapter 176: Chapter 176
Kakashi finally opted to leave the Anbu, a decision that didn't exactly surprise Kaito.
After the self-imposed death of Sarutobi Hiruzen, Kakashi had suggested something similar, only for Kaito to veto it outright at the time. Circumstances were complicated; the Anbu were nearly wiped out. Both Kaito and the Seven Great Families needed the Anbu to stabilize the situation.
So, Kakashi was effectively conscripted by Kaito to remain. His performance in the last period of his Anbu service was indeed commendable.
Kaito mused—had Kakashi maintained such a trajectory, he might've become the head of Anbu due to his identity as the Fourth Hokage and the merits of exposing the Third. But evidently, Kakashi had little interest in such a lofty appointment. Even though the Anbu he was leaving behind was practically sculpted by him, he had no lingering attachment.
Kaito eventually supported his decision. Yet being a democratic soul, he asked Kakashi to explain this to six others involved. Specifically, he reminded Kakashi that he would have to report to the Hokage—despite the de facto rule they exercised, the Hokage was still the nominal leader, and Kakashi had to recognize this, whether he grasped it or not.
Kakashi acted in accordance with Kaito's directives. Despite some attempts to retain him, he eventually got his wish and left the Anbu, becoming a free shinobi.
Though Kaito felt some regret—it was, after all, a golden opportunity to extend influence into the Anbu—he realized that everyone's aspirations differed. He couldn't possibly force someone into a role, especially if they hadn't provoked him.
"So, I've always been a person with moral boundaries. Even if I'm a bit flexible, I'm still far more ethical than many," Kaito thought to himself as he arrived at a barbecue restaurant. Kakashi had informed him that the gathering of his shadow clones would be here.
Kaito found it odd that Kakashi would invite him. Their relationship, after all, was still relatively distant. They weren't from the same graduating class—Kakashi was about eight years older than both Kaito and Shisui. To say that Kaito grew up on tales of Kakashi wasn't an exaggeration.
Kakashi had graduated at age five and built his own reputation on the battlefields, participating almost throughout the entire Third Great Ninja War. Kaito, although an early graduate, had joined after most of the fighting had ended. Between them lay a considerable generation gap.
Yet since he was invited, Kaito saw no reason to decline. Strictly speaking, for a long time to come, the backbone of Konoha would indeed be Kakashi's graduating class.
Maintaining good relations with them is crucial—this is something Kaito deeply understands.
"Besides, Kakashi didn't invite me for no reason; I did offer him direction and the opportunity for revenge after all," Kaito pondered quietly. Quickly, he stepped inside. He recalled this restaurant was run by the Akimichi clan—dining here is akin to lining the Akimichi's pockets.
"It's unfortunate that tourism is so average nowadays, the income from hotels isn't high either. Why didn't the Uchiha choose a more profitable industry back in the day?" Kaito mentally grumbled, although he soon felt a bit helpless.
As he entered, the crowd in the barbecue restaurant noticeably turned their attention toward him, causing many to pause subconsciously.
In Konoha, Kaito is a man of significant influence, a key figure in the impeachment of the Third Hokage, no less.
Frankly, without him, impeaching the Hokage would be unimaginable. Forget everything else; the Third Hokage's combat prowess alone isn't something an ordinary person could contend with.
Without him, any would-be impeachers would've been suppressed long ago—how could there have been a successful impeachment?
To put it bluntly, Kaito's importance is unparalleled, and his combat skills are shockingly potent.
Nobody could forget what Kaito did that one night—it was eye-opening for everyone in Konoha.
And they'd heard that Kaito is a man of good temperament, very agreeable, driven to this point only by the needs of himself and his clan.
Young as he is, he's already the clan head of the Uchiha, head of the Security Department, and one of the de facto rulers of Konoha.
Such an array of roles combined breeds insatiable curiosity.
"Director Kaito, hello."
Just as Kaito felt like the center of a zoo exhibit—a Panda, perhaps—a burly man hurried over.
"I didn't expect Director Kaito to come, this really brings glory to our humble shop."
"Ah, hello."
Kaito greeted with a somewhat numb smile and a nod. He instantly recognized the man as a member of the Akimichi clan, though unfortunately, he did not know him personally.
"Actually, I'm here looking for Kakashi. He invited me, but he wasn't specific about where he is."
"Ah, Kakashi, I know about that."
Upon hearing Kaito's words, the Akimichi clan member instantly understood. He offered Kaito a breezy smile and began to speak.
"Director Kaito, let me take you there. They've arranged a big gathering, all in the back."
"Thank you, that would be helpful."
Kaito nodded with a smile. No wonder he didn't see anyone; they were all in a separate room at the back.
It must be said that the Akimichi clan's restaurant operation is genuinely superb—commendable even, in the culinary arena.
Following this Akimichi person deeper inside, Kaito noticed the atmosphere was significantly more refined compared to the entrance area.
Not only was there a courtyard, but also a rather charming little pond. Clearly, this place was reserved for those who preferred not to be disturbed.
"Here we are, Director Kaito."
Just as Kaito was observing the surroundings, the Akimichi clan member halted, smiling at Kaito.
"Also, thank you, Director Kaito. Enjoy your gathering."
"Thank you."
This Akimichi person is rather intriguing. While he didn't specify what he was thanking Kaito for, his demeanor was exceptionally pleasant.
Conversing with someone like this is genuinely rewarding; at least it doesn't leave Kaito guessing.
Watching him turn to leave, Kaito then stepped into the room. He was genuinely excited to meet the 'young talents' who were Kakashi's contemporaries...
...
Asuma sat silently at home, his mind constantly echoing the choices Kaito had presented him.
Ever since meeting with Jiraiya and Kaito, he had locked himself inside, grappling with a critical decision.
Whether it was Jiraiya, Kakashi, or Kaito, each had emphasized one point: he had to take responsibility for his choices.
Indeed, Asuma understood this well. He needed to be accountable, not just to himself but to the family that stood behind him.
"But what should I actually do?"
Asuma sighed in frustration. He still remembered that upon his return, members of his clan, as well as people from the two neighboring clans, had come to see him.
Clearly, they were all eager to hear about the outcome of his meeting and were desperate for the answers they hoped to receive.
However, Asuma had gotten no satisfying answers, and now he was utterly lacking in confidence about what his clan intended to do.
Uchiha Kaito hadn't lifted a finger; he'd merely released his aura upon Asuma, and that was enough to render him powerless.
That sense of helplessness, akin to drowning, had filled him with utter despair.
He had already learned from others that the annihilation of the Anbu was a consequence of the collateral damage from the fight between Kaito and his father.
In his eyes, if Kaito truly wanted to do something to the Anbu, he undoubtedly could.
Although these Anbu operatives could flee due to the lack of geographical constraints and organize counterattacks without worrying about hitting unintended targets, when it came to individual power, Kaito absolutely and thoroughly outclassed them all—Asuma included!
"So, what choice should I make to safely navigate this crisis..."
Asuma's eyes shifted to a photo of Hiruzen Sarutobi hanging on the wall. His face was a study in turmoil and confusion.
Revenge could avenge his father.
However, the consensus in Konoha was that his father's death was well-deserved. Any act of vengeance on his part would clearly place him in opposition to the entire village.
What's worse, there was no chance of success for such revenge. Uchiha Kaito alone was terrifying enough.
Imagine, then, the horrifying prospect of all seven great families coming together. And he'd heard that Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Fugaku were no less formidable than Kaito!
But not taking action would complicate things within the clan, for there are always those who yearn to reclaim what they've lost.
The power they once had brought them immense benefits, and its sudden absence has left many discontented.
Especially in his interactions with Kaito, Asuma realized that Kaito planned to strip them of everything—to leave them with nothing so they could start anew.
Now Asuma faced only two choices: to resist and die, or to accept humbly, leaving a spark of hope for his clan.
As for revenge—don't even think about it!
Asuma stood quietly, pondering for several days. Although Kaito had set no timeframe, he knew it was because Kaito didn't need to.
If things kept going this way, his clan would arrive at its own conclusions and take actions without Kaito lifting a finger.
From there, everything would spiral out of control, leading to unpredictable outcomes.
"I think, I know what I must do."
Amidst such rapid internal torment, Asuma made his shaky decision, closing his eyes tightly and taking deep breaths.
Once his body ceased to tremble, he opened his eyes once more, settling his gaze again on the photo of Hiruzen Sarutobi.
After a moment, he deeply bowed to the portrait, then took steady strides toward the outside.
He had made his decision. Though nearly driven mad in the choosing, clarity and ease flooded in once his mind was set.
Besides, Kaito had already laid out what needed to be done. All he had to do was follow Kaito's plan.
"Reach out to those unwilling to resist, and those unsure of what to do.
Bring them to our side. Only then will the clan have sufficient numbers, any chance at rising anew."
Asuma saw clearly: he could only proceed according to Kaito's terms to secure his clan's fate.
Although his heart ached, his reason persevered.
His father had passed away, forced to death but departing with some dignity, even earning a funeral worthy of a Hokage.
Moreover, Kaito's words incessantly struck at his core—If he sought vengeance, what about the children and families of those killed by his own father? Didn't they too desire retribution?
Avenging one's father is indeed an honorable cause, but when the fault lies with the father himself, insisting on revenge would only drag the entire clan into the abyss.
Rather than act irrationally, it would be wiser to contemplate how to lift the clan, already teetering on the edge of the abyss, and restore its honor by atoning for its sins.
"Perhaps this is the best course of action. And Old Man, you probably wouldn't want me seeking revenge either. After all, even Jiraiya and the others had no such intentions, and you were one for self-awareness."
Asuma mused inwardly, his footsteps quickening.
He was not like Uchiha Itachi, cold-hearted by nature; he knew his father had raised him.
Even if there had been conflicts between them, upon his father's meeting such a fate, the desire for revenge still arose.
He also knew that his clan had nurtured and trained him, and he could not bear to see it sink further into degradation.
This is the reasoning of a sane individual, the kind of thinking a rational person should engage in.
"Also, it appears Kaito Uchiha is contemplating actions against the Daimyo. It seems that Shikaku Nara picked up on something during his time in the capital of the Land of Fire."
As Asuma walked, he pondered. Kaito had already revealed his intentions toward the Daimyo and would likely take certain actions.
In that case, as a former guardian shinobi of the Daimyo, Asuma would be the most qualified to speak on the matter.
If Kaito wanted to do this, he had no objections. After all, he remembered well how excessively the Daimyo had behaved.
Clearing out these individuals and reminding the Daimyo of who he truly is and what he should be doing was entirely logical and correct.
In the end, how could a shinobi allow an ordinary person to lord it over him?
And Asuma was even more aware of one thing: collaborating with Kaito on this venture would benefit him, or his clan, tremendously!
//
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