Naruto-Start by eating the golden fruit

Seeing how Sarutobi Hiruzen opened and closed his mouth, Senju Tobirama already understood.

He sighed and then waved his hand at Sarutobi Hiruzen. "Forget it, let's not talk about it. You're here because of what Yuya did this time, right?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen hesitated for a moment before replying, "He's being too unreasonable and unscrupulous. He's even selling weapons to both warring sides—Kirigakure Village, Sunagakure Village, Yunin Village, Takigakure Village, Iwagakure Village, and... Uzushio Village.

"He's sold weapons to all of them, and it has significantly impacted Konoha's reputation. The merchants from the Sarutobi family are saying other villages are very dissatisfied with our actions this time."

Senju Tobirama sat opposite Sarutobi Hiruzen, quietly observing him.

After listening patiently, Senju Tobirama slowly shook his head. "Do you know why I came to the Sarutobi clan's compound to meet you instead of asking you to come to the Hokage's office?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen looked stunned. "I don't know."

Tobirama continued, "Because I don't want a third person to know about this—least of all Yuya. If he finds out, your Sarutobi clan will be wiped off Konoha's family list! Thirty years from now, there won't even be a family called Sarutobi with nearly a thousand ninjas.

"There will only be a villager named Sarutobi living in Konoha's inner city, working as a civilian, not a shinobi! Do you understand?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen lowered his head, lost in thought.

Tobirama took a deep breath, his blood-red eyes locking onto Sarutobi Hiruzen. "Monkey, are you upset about Uchiha and their support for Yuya's mission? If so, I don't blame you. In fact, I support you."

Sarutobi Hiruzen looked up, surprised.

Tobirama calmly explained, "The Uchiha clan is steeped in darkness. Their bloodline is cursed. While Yuya is in power, they won't dare act out. But the moment he's gone, they'll inevitably cause chaos.

"Konoha cannot allow the Uchiha clan to grow unchecked. I understand Yuya's abilities. That's why I've come—not to chastise you for targeting another Konoha family, but to warn you formally. You were right to act against Uchiha."

Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes lit up with determination.

But Tobirama's next words wiped the hope from his face. "However, you cannot target Yuya. It's not favoritism; it's the reality that none of you—not all of you combined—can match him. Do you understand?

"You can oppose Uchiha, and I'll protect you. But if you go against Yuya... there's nothing I can do. If he decides to destroy your family, it will happen sooner or later. By then, the only family in Konoha capable of opposing Uchiha will be the Hyuga."

Tobirama didn't mention the obvious: the Hyuga clan was opportunistic. They'd side with whoever had the upper hand. If Yuya ever lost power, they'd be the first to abandon him.

Hiruzen gritted his teeth. "I understand, Teacher. But... we need an apology from Yuya! If he apologizes to the Sarutobi clan, I will fully support him as Hokage!"

Tobirama stared at Hiruzen's eager expression, and the realization hit him like a thunderclap.

It wasn't about power, accountability, or uniting families.

The Sarutobi clan was holding a grudge over past humiliation.

Yuya's swift arrest of thirteen Sarutobi clan members had been a public embarrassment. They'd embezzled funds, yes, but they believed it was justified—merely a temporary cash flow issue that would be repaid.

Instead, Yuya had acted decisively, humiliating them in front of the entire village.

Tobirama sighed, knowing his words would be wasted. "From today onward, stay behind closed doors. No matter what your clan demands, do not step out. Have someone deliver you the daily newspaper. When the time comes, cut off half of the Sarutobi clan's land and offer it to Yuya as a gesture of goodwill.

"Otherwise..."

Tobirama didn't finish the thought, turning to leave.

Outside, he looked at the bustling streets of Konoha's inner city, lit by the newly installed electric lights. The vibrant nightlife contrasted sharply with the Sarutobi clan's compound, shrouded in darkness.

"Well," Tobirama muttered, "there's no reason they can target Yuya and not expect retaliation. Konoha's future rests with him."

Three weeks later, Yuya reviewed the numbers. Konoha had taken in over 13,000 refugees, though Yuya suspected some were forcibly relocated from the Fire Nation.

Still, he shrugged it off.

"If you come to Konoha, you're one of us now," he said, shaking his head in disappointment.

He'd once hoped for the kind of destiny where the other ninja families worshiped him. But that fantasy was long gone.

"Fine," Yuya muttered. "Let's play."

That night, Sarutobi clan merchants discovered they'd been blacklisted. Promised supplies—food, cloth, and other materials—were cut off.

Even the Hokage's office, which never collected fees from ninja clans, sent an official to demand payment for water bills and cleaning services. The total cost for the Sarutobi clan's territory? 220,000 ryo per month.

For the Sarutobi clan, the money wasn't the issue—it was the humiliation.

Senju Tobirama made no statement.

The Sarutobi clan understood: Yuya had made his move.

"Fine," they said bitterly. "Let's play. Who is afraid of whom?"

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