The heads of more than a dozen small clans stood up in succession, expressing their agreement with Shimura Danzō's proposal and opposing the Uchiha Clan remaining in charge of the Konoha Military Police Force.
Naturally, some of these people had been won over by Shimura Danzō, while others simply hated the Uchiha Clan.
Seeing so many people come forward to support Shimura Danzō's proposal, Uchiha Fugaku's expression looked extremely ugly. Did Danzō think that winning over this many people would be useful?
"The authority of the Konoha Military Police Force was bestowed upon the Uchiha Clan by the Second Hokage. Do you intend to violate your own teacher's decision?"
Shimura Danzō, however, was dismissive.
"Although it was a decision made by my teacher, the Second Hokage, times have changed. The facts prove that the Uchiha Clan is no longer suitable for the duties of the Police Force, so cancelling it is naturally the correct course of action. I wonder what the Third Hokage thinks, as well as the other two consultants?"
The other two consultants, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, along with the Third Hokage, were the most powerful people in the village. Only these three had the authority to strip the Uchiha Clan of their power.
Uchiha Fugaku sneered upon hearing Shimura Danzō's words. It was the same back then. He had thought the Third Hokage and the other two consultants would stand up and speak a word of justice against Shimura Danzō's unreasonable trouble-making, but in the end, they always stood on Shimura Danzō's side.
Perhaps they had communicated long ago and wanted to suppress the Uchiha Clan.
Such a declaration of stance had no meaning whatsoever.
The Third Hokage looked at everyone present and first asked the other two consultants, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu.
"What do you two think?"
The two had already been informed by Shimura Danzō. If the Uchiha Clan ceased their duties in the Police Force, the pie that was the Police Force would naturally be shared with them, allowing their power to advance further. They had no reason to disagree.
Both expressed their opinions.
"I agree with Danzō's proposal."
"I agree with Danzō's proposal."
Seeing that his two old partners also agreed, the Third Hokage spoke slowly.
"Since both Konoha Consultant Elders agree, then I naturally agree as well."
As soon as these words came out, even some of the clans that supported the Hokage's faction changed their expressions, finally reacting to what was happening.
One after another, they expressed their agreement.
"Our opinion is consistent with the Third Hokage."
Among them were the Inuzuka Clan and the Aburame Clan; these clans were staunch followers of the Third Hokage.
However, Akimichi Chōza of the Ino-Shika-Chō trio looked bewildered. Why was Lord Hokage targeting the Uchiha Clan?
The Uchiha Clan had clearly just returned from a great victory against the Cloud Village and had made a massive contribution. Why was there no reward, but instead a removal of their Police Force duties? This made no sense.
Even if there were occasional disagreements regarding their law enforcement, it shouldn't go as far as cancellation.
Although he didn't particularly like this arrogant clan, their law enforcement had indeed brought stability to the village, unlike the chaotic mess of the past.
Yamanaka Inoichi had a similarly colorful expression. He hadn't expected Lord Hokage to follow Shimura Danzō's rhythm.
This was obviously high-level internal strife.
He looked toward Nara Shikaku.
Although Inoichi wasn't stupid, when it came to being the smartest, it had to be Nara Shikaku. The decisions he made were almost never wrong.
Nara Shikaku was astonished. The internal strife had begun, but to do it at a time like this? Wasn't it too impatient? The Uchiha Clan was currently in the limelight; how could they possibly accept such a proposal?
Such a proposal was undoubtedly chopping off both of the Uchiha Clan's hands.
Just then, he sensed the Third Hokage's gaze falling upon him. He sighed in his heart; it seemed he had no choice but to agree.
"I agree with the Third Hokage's opinion."
After all, the Third Hokage was the village's highest leader.
Falling out with the Third Hokage or being targeted for the sake of the Uchiha Clan was simply not worth it.
Yamanaka Inoichi immediately spoke up as well.
"I also agree."
Even though Akimichi Chōza didn't understand, he could only follow his two old partners.
"I also agree."
The Third Hokage was somewhat dissatisfied in his heart. Other clans had reacted quickly to support him, but these three clans had actually hesitated. Their loyalty to him was still insufficient.
The influential families present had all made their stances known; only the Hyūga Clan was left.
Unexpectedly, they didn't support the high-level resolution. It seemed this clan wasn't very reassuring either.
Hyūga Hizashi looked at his older brother, his expression a bit grim. For the higher-ups to treat meritorious ministers like this was truly too chilling.
"Brother, what should we do?"
Hyūga Hiashi glanced at him. This time, he had truly seen the sinister intentions of the higher-ups. The Hyūga Clan was not willing to lie with their eyes wide open. He stood up slowly and spoke.
"I oppose such a proposal. To cancel the Uchiha Clan's Police Force duties relying solely on complaint letters is too trifiling. Don't make a mountain out of a molehill."
"Furthermore, the Uchiha Clan just protected the village. For the village to treat heroes like this because of something like complaints is truly too heart-chilling."
Hearing this, the other clans were a bit surprised. The Hyūga Clan was actually so bold, daring to resist the current four high-level officials and stand on the opposite side of so many people.
It felt a bit like courting death. Even some of the clans with a conscience felt that this man was simply too audacious.
Even the Ino-Shika-Chō trio was filled with admiration. This is what a noble clan should be like.
It was a pity that although their three clans had some strength, they had close ties with the Third Hokage.
It was impossible for them to oppose the Third Hokage and support the Uchiha Clan at this juncture, or to speak any so-called words of justice.
Uchiha Fugaku, who had felt stifled in his heart, suddenly felt a long-lost sense of gratitude when a clan spoke up for him.
He originally didn't have a very good impression of the Hyūga Clan.
But looking at their performance now, he couldn't help but feel respect.
Facing such a situation, Uchiha Fugaku couldn't help but look toward Ryōsuke.
And the current Uchiha Ryōsuke was still calm and composed, surprisingly unperturbed.
Uchiha Fugaku, however, could not remain calm. With so many people opposing the Uchiha Clan holding the Police Force duties, if this were in the past, they would definitely have been suppressed to the point of being unable to resist.
But now, it was different.
He could only look forward to Ryōsuke's performance.