One engagement reshapes Konoha. One slap reshapes hatred. And one boy learns exactly who he must destroy.
For a while, the Uchiha clan descended into absolute chaos.
Meanwhile, the Hyuga clan moved with ruthless efficiency.
Dowries were prepared. Servants mobilized. Gifts cataloged.
Even though Hinata was still too young for a formal wedding, the Hyuga made one thing unmistakably clear—
Their stance was absolute.
Hiashi Hyuga had already consulted the Third Hokage.
That was why Hinata was sent over so quickly.
This wasn't just a marriage arrangement.
It was a political statement—and a direct attempt to ease relations with the Hokage faction.
And it worked.
Within a single day, the news spread through all of Konoha:
Hinata Hyuga has been betrothed to Alaric Sarutobi.
The village exploded.
"Damn… the Hyuga really latched onto the right leg."
"No kidding. That's the Sarutobi golden thigh."
"So who's the strongest dōjutsu clan now?"
"Think the Uchiha are gonna swallow this?"
Speculation spread like wildfire.
Yes—both clans had secured Advisor seats.
But anyone with eyes could see it:
The Hyuga had won this round.
Uchiha Compound — Clan Head Residence
Fugaku Uchiha sat stiffly at the head of the table, personally hosting Uchiha Izumi alongside Mikoto.
The feast was extravagant.
Too extravagant.
After the meal, Fugaku finally spoke.
"Izumi," he said gravely,
"stay close to Alaric. Don't worry about your mother—Leaf will take care of her. Mikoto will personally see to it."
His eyes sharpened.
"The future of the Uchiha rests with you."
Izumi nodded calmly.
She understood him perfectly.
But unlike before…
her heart no longer belonged to the clan.
It belonged to Alaric.
Once Izumi left, Fugaku remained alone, drinking in silence.
Every sip burned.
Hiashi's smug face…
It was unbearable.
Then—
"Father!"
A cheerful voice burst in.
Sasuke ran forward, eyes bright.
"Brother taught me Phoenix Flower Jutsu today!"
"Once I master it, I'll crush Al—"
BAM.
A kick sent Sasuke flying across the room.
Before he could even scream, Fugaku stepped on his chest.
"You useless trash!" Fugaku roared.
"If it weren't for you, would I have had to bow to a ten-year-old?!"
"Why weren't you born a girl?!"
"At least then you'd be good for marriage!"
"Pathetic. Absolute garbage."
He turned and walked away.
The door slammed.
Sasuke lay on the floor, stunned, tears streaming down his face.
He didn't understand.
He hadn't done anything.
But one name echoed in his head—over and over.
Alaric Sarutobi.
Clenching his fists, Sasuke swore silently:
One day… I'll make you pay.
Sarutobi Estate
Hinata's arrival triggered immediate action.
A new residential wing was commissioned—future marital quarters for Alaric and Hinata.
Hyuga attendants were stationed nearby "to care for her."
Everyone understood the real meaning.
Hostages in silk gloves.
Hiashi Hyuga was no fool.
Uchiha-style infiltration—but executed quietly enough to silence the Hyuga elders.
Everyone benefited.
Except—
Hinata.
She fainted on the spot.
Again.
Alaric stared at her unconscious form, speechless.
"All I did was hold her hand…"
He sighed and carefully carried her inside.
"So this is what raising a future wife looks like…"
A slow smile curved his lips.
"…Yeah. I'm into it."
Later That Day
The five Uchiha jōnin arrived under Izumi's escort.
Alaric barely glanced at them.
"Take them to my grandfather," he said casually.
"He'll know what to do."
Izumi obeyed.
ROOT Headquarters
Danzo nearly laughed himself breathless.
"Excellent. Truly excellent."
"Tell Alaric I won't take this for free."
"Give me time—I'll return five Uchiha who obey without hesitation."
The five jōnin finally realized the truth.
"This is wrong!"
"We were sent to serve Alaric—not you!"
"Retreat! Report to the clan!"
They tried.
They failed.
ROOT operatives swarmed them instantly—seals snapping shut, chakra suppressed, resistance crushed.
Danzo smiled coldly.
"Relax."
"You're my grandson's guards."
"When you come out…"
"…you won't be Uchiha anymore."
And just like that—
Five elite Uchiha vanished.
While one boy, staring at the ceiling through tears, carved a name into his heart:
Alaric Sarutobi.
The man who took everything.
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