Naruto: I Beat The Villagers And Made Them Scream

Shibi Aburame took a deep breath. Kuragami Uchiha had essentially placed two choices before them.

Either join the Uchiha faction now or side with the Hokage. The days of sending one or two talented clan members as a token gesture to stay uninvolved were over.

"Clan Head Kuragami, I'd like to confirm one more thing." 

After a moment of silence, Shibi Aburame removed his sunglasses and looked directly at Kuragami Uchiha. "The Konoha Military Police Force will not be recruiting children who haven't graduated from the academy, correct?"

"Of course." 

Kuragami Uchiha immediately caught on to Shibi Aburame's concern and responded with a smile. "As someone who was sent to the battlefield at the age of nine, while I have gained prestige from my achievements. However, I still think my experience was absolute bullshit."

After speaking from the heart, Kuragami Uchiha, who had been formal and respectful since entering, even let out a curse, making it clear he wasn't putting on an act.

"Children should be in the academy at their age, learning. Wouldn't you agree, Clan Head Shibi?" He continued, smiling as he met Shibi Aburame's gaze.

"I understand now." 

Shibi Aburame nodded solemnly.

Although he had grown up under the remnants of the second Hokage's policies before figures like Danzo had fully risen, he had still witnessed firsthand how his own kin, Torune Aburame, was forcibly taken by Danzo from their previous Clan Head.

On the very first day, Shibi Aburame became Clan Head; his predecessor took him to the clan shrine to show him the history of their clan.

It was there that he saw the names of those who had been taken away as children and officially exiled from the clan. Torune Aburame's name was the last on that list.

"Remember these names." 

His predecessor had told him sternly before the clan emblem: "Because it was only by their sacrifice, by willingly stepping into the darkness, that our clan was able to survive in the light. If you ever face the same choice, even if it's your own child, you must not hesitate."

Those words had left a deep impact on Shibi Aburame. However, he had always doubted whether such sacrifices were truly necessary. After all, in the era of the first and second Hokage, the clan had thrived without resorting to such means.

Now, hearing Kuragami Uchiha's promise, Shibi Aburame's heart was moved.

During the Third Shinobi World War, he fought in the Land of Water, where the Uchiha Clan was most active. 

Unlike others, he was well aware of Kuragami Uchiha's strength. This was a man who had single-handedly annihilated 15 elite Kirigakure Jōnin squads years ago, and on top of that, Shibi had seen Kuragami's Mangekyō Sharingan at the village gates that day.

To him, this was a ninja whose power was on par with the first Hokage himself. And now, this man was offering his clan a promise.

Having made his decision, Shibi Aburame picked up the evidence of the three traitorous clans from the table and declared: "From this day forward, the Aburame Clan follows the Uchiha Clan."

"Clan Head Shibi, you are a wise man."

Kuragami Uchiha smiled and snapped his fingers. A small bolt of lightning crackled, igniting the evidence regarding Torune Aburame. Within moments, it turned to ashes. "Have your people report to the Konoha Military Police Force tomorrow. As for when we'll act, wait for my orders."

"Understood."

Shibi Aburame nodded and personally escorted Kuragami to the door.

… … …

Meanwhile, at Yakiniku Q, the largest barbecue restaurant owned by the Akimichi Clan, a grand gathering was taking place.

Kakashi Hatake's official retirement from the Anbu had been announced that day.

From now on, he was no longer part of the organization.

The first thing Kakashi did after retiring was invite most of the Anbu members he had worked with over the years for a meal to thank them for their support.

He had rented out the entire Yakiniku Q for the occasion, inviting a total of 60 people, the weakest among them being at least Special Jonin.

However, most of them were either civilians or belonged to smaller ninja clans like Hayate Gekko.

As the largest barbecue restaurant in the village, Yakiniku Q wasn't as extravagant as the high-end restaurant Kuragami Uchiha had once taken them to during a mission, but it was still far from cheap.

With Anbu salaries, eating there occasionally was manageable, but frequent visits would be hard on their wallets. That's why everyone who was invited came without hesitation.

During the meal, Kakashi raised his glass, clearing his throat. Seeing this, everyone else put down their chopsticks.

"Everyone, during my time in Anbu, I've received a lot of help from you all. Although I have now retired, I will always remember the time we worked together."

"Leader Kakashi, there's no need for such words." 

A civilian ninja spoke up. "It's us who should be thanking you for all your guidance. If it weren't for you, I would have died on several missions."

"That's not right." 

Kakashi shook his head. "As the squad leader, it was my duty to protect my team."

"I know my own personality well. On missions, I've often ignored others' feelings. Some may even see me as cold and unapproachable. Before I officially retire, I just want to say thank you for enduring my attitude and ensuring our missions went smoothly. I offer this toast to you all!"

With that, Kakashi removed his mask and solemnly drank his cup of sake.

Seeing this, the others followed suit, downing their drinks in unison.

At that moment, Seiichi Nagai, who had already sworn loyalty to Kuragami Uchiha and had an inkling of Kakashi's ties to him, stood up.

"Kakashi's words make me feel ashamed."

Seiichi said. "Clearly, it was our lack of ability that forced him to bear so much responsibility, yet he still blames himself. What is the will of fire? This! This is the will of fire! Everyone, I propose a toast to leader Kakashi! Though he has retired, we will never forget what he has done for us!"

With another round of drinks, Ryuta Kuromu, who had also participated in the hunt for Orochimaru, stood up.

"Though we are reluctant to see leader Kakashi retire, we must still wish him good health and victory in all his future endeavors!"

As the night went on, sake flowed, cups were emptied, and refilled. The reflection of the alcohol shimmered on Kakashi's face.

For the first time in his life, Kakashi willingly removed his mask in front of so many people.

By the time the gathering ended, everyone was slightly drunk. Kakashi watched as they left one by one until he was the only one remaining in the vast Yakiniku Q.

He sat there alone for a while before finally standing up and leaving.

As he stepped outside, his hand instinctively reached for his mask, but after a moment's thought, he put it away.

Carrying the food he had packed for Naruto, Kakashi walked toward the Hatake Residence.