Chapter 108: Utatane Koharu’s Secret Resolve to Betray

"That's true…"

Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura both nodded solemnly after hearing Hiruzen's analysis, though unease clouded their expressions.

"This so-called village share, we may control it now," Koharu muttered, her tone bitter, "but it won't be ours forever."

They weren't foolish enough to believe their grip on Konoha's leadership would last indefinitely. Neither of them had Sarutobi Hiruzen's clout, and their clans didn't carry the same political weight as the Sarutobi.

"If our families fail to secure stakes in these new enterprises, we'll be left far behind," she added sharply.

Homura agreed, but his focus was more analytical. "Have you noticed, Hiruzen?" he said quietly. "Over the past six months, clans like the Nara, Akimichi, Yamanaka, Hyuga, Hatake—even the lesser-known Inuzuka and Aburame—have grown wealthy off dividends from Ren Takashi's companies. Their need to take dangerous missions has diminished, and with money flowing in, their power is rising fast."

He tapped the table, voice lowering. "That puts us in a precarious position. The Sarutobi clan doesn't have the luxury of open investments. We've had to misappropriate funds under the guise of village assets. But those clans? They profit legitimately."

"Eventually someone will expose our actions," he concluded grimly. "And when they do, it will become political ammunition against us."

"I know." The Third Hokage sighed, rubbing his temples. "But what can we do? All of this—these industries—are being driven by Ren Takashi and backed by Lady Mito. You think they'd let us, their political enemies, profit under our own family names? That would be madness."

He looked up at the two elders. "Even if they gave the village its 'guaranteed' share, they tied it directly to village administration. It's a trap—an elegant one. If we skim off the top, they'll have evidence. And they'll use it."

"But we have no choice," Hiruzen added. "Our clan lacks revenue. We can't support the Sarutobi shinobi structure without these funds. If we stop now, we'd have to cut training, reduce resources—undermine everything we've built."

He looked up, eyes blazing with quiet desperation. "This is a race, Koharu. One we must win."

Koharu slammed her fist down in frustration. "Why is it always Uchiha who wins? Why do they get the power, the money, the loyalty of the people? And Hiruzen—how could you let Orochimaru slip through your fingers like that?"

She glared at him. "Wasn't he supposed to be your ace?"

Hiruzen cleared his throat awkwardly. "He… discovered that I'd tasked him to keep tabs on Danzo. And that I was grooming him for a specific role. Letting him play in the darkness, to shape him into the next 'shadow'—"

"But he figured out that I only wanted to use him."

Koharu's voice turned cold. "And you still wonder why he turned his back on you?"

She leaned in, her gaze sharp as a blade. "Let me guess. You once hoped Shinnosuke could be the Fourth Hokage. But when his talent fell short, you looked to Orochimaru as a substitute—a genius you could perhaps control. But as soon as he gained too many allies, you panicked. So you cast him aside."

"Tell me I'm wrong, Hiruzen."

The Third Hokage didn't answer.

Koharu leaned back, a sneer playing at her lips. "You underestimated Orochimaru's intelligence. And now we're paying the price."

She said no more, but inside, her thoughts churned like a storm.

The Third Hokage's era is nearing its end.

If Uchiha Ren Takashi and Lady Mito truly mean to change the future of Konoha, maybe I shouldn't go down with this ship.

The idea took root like a weed.

What if I reach out? What if I give them something valuable—information, evidence?

Her eyes flicked toward Hiruzen, who was still lost in his explanations, and then toward Homura, who met her gaze with a look of silent suspicion.

She ignored him.

If I act now, maybe I can become a bridge between our side and theirs. Maybe they'll accept me. And maybe my family won't have to suffer.

She thought of all the ninja clans growing stronger by the day, drawn in by Ren Takashi's industries. Not just Uchiha—but Senju, Uzumaki, and others who now stood at his side.

And behind them—the Fire Daimyo, the great merchant guilds, the nobles… who can oppose them now?

She knew Hiruzen's grip on power was slipping.

And worst of all—Uchiha has proof of the embezzlement.

Her mind was made up.

She masked her thoughts behind a cold, unreadable smile. The Third Hokage never noticed. But Homura did. He frowned slightly, alarm bells ringing in the back of his mind.

Later, he would confront her about it.

But for now, the Third Hokage was speaking again, his voice full of forced optimism.

"Don't worry," Hiruzen said. "With the new chakra-enhancing pills and body-refining supplements, Shinnosuke's training is accelerating. If he breaks into the Kage-level, he'll be more than qualified."

"And once that happens, I'll ensure he earns the reputation he needs. With your family's support, he can become the Fourth Hokage."

"Start preparing the younger generation in your clans. We'll need them as his trusted aides."

Koharu and Homura exchanged glances.

Internally, Koharu was already mocking the entire speech.

Ren Takashi, Tsunade, even Orochimaru—each one of them is ten times the shinobi Shinnosuke could ever be. And you think you can win with him? Hah. Delusion.

She bowed her head slightly and said nothing.

Her resolve was already set.

It was time to betray the Third Hokage.

For the future of her clan.