"Ah~ hahaha, Michiko's business is really thriving these days." On the streets, Hiruzen Sarutobi appeared as usual, chatting with the young female shop owners.
"It's all thanks to you, Lord Third! With such a powerful Hokage protecting us, other villages wouldn't dare covet what we have." The shop owners didn't spare their praise, showering the Third Hokage with flattery.
"Hahaha, it's all to protect everyone." Nearly floating from all the compliments, Hiruzen tried to maintain his composure with modest words.
Just as he was about to continue his friendly exchanges, a familiar chakra signature entering his sensory range made him abandon the idea.
"I just remembered I have some unfinished business. I'll have to cut our chat short." With a cheerful farewell, Hiruzen Sarutobi left amid reluctant gazes, heading to a street corner where an ANBU operative waited respectfully.
"What's the situation?" Hiruzen's expression turned serious. He was somewhat displeased with this subordinate's poor timing, though he concealed it well.
"Yes, Lord Third. Just moments ago, Danzō-sama led his Root operatives into a confrontation with the Military Police Force." The ANBU bowed his head and reported everything he had witnessed.
After finishing his report, seeing Hiruzen's unchanged expression, he asked curiously: "The matter concluded with the Police Force backing down. Should we take any measures?"
[So he didn't try to escalate things...]
"You're certain Danzō made no other moves?" Hiruzen calculated inwardly before asking.
"Yes. Although surveillance on the Uchiha has increased, Danzō-sama hasn't taken any extreme actions against them." The ANBU hadn't detected any other unusual activity from Danzō.
"And what about Fugaku?" Subconsciously reaching for his pipe, Hiruzen's gaze grew deep. He was eager to know Uchiha Fugaku's attitude toward this incident.
Or rather, had Fugaku realized the growing rift between the Uchiha and Konoha caused by various factors?
Let's shift our perspective to Fugaku.
After dismissing Yamei and the others, Fugaku rushed to Konoha Hospital to check on Yowan and the others' injuries. As clan leader, he commanded them to tell the truth.
Looking at Fugaku's broad face with its distinctive jawline, Yowan and the others didn't care about their parents' prestige within the clan or how much their injuries hurt. In front of many clansmen, they admitted they had been the first to target Obito.
"Uncle Wada, there's nothing more to discuss about this matter." Leaving the ward and preparing to return to the clan compound, Fugaku was intercepted by Uchiha Wada.
Looking at this elder clansman, Fugaku felt somewhat helpless.
This man belonged to Uchiha Setsuna's generation—during the Second Hokage's era, he had followed Setsuna in his uprising. Due to lack of evidence, he was later released back to the clan compound. He was a notorious hawk and also Uchiha Yowan's grandfather.
"Fugaku, when we endorsed you as clan leader, it was for your talent and ambition. But what's the result? When facing Konoha, all you do is grovel and beg for scraps! Now Yowan and the others have been beaten like this, yet instead of demanding compensation, you want to apologize to them. What are you thinking?" Uchiha Wada glared furiously at Fugaku. If Uchiha Hachidai hadn't restrained him, he would have intervened in the hospital room.
[This fool!]
Cursing the man's stupidity in his heart, Fugaku, not wanting to create a scene, patiently explained: "But it really was Yowan and the others who struck first. If we rashly demand compensation from Danzō, it might spark unnecessary conflict."
"He's just a cripple from the Shimura clan! Back in the Warring States period, such minor clans were only fit to be Uchiha vassals!" Uchiha Wada waved his arm dismissively, showing no respect for Danzō.
[You damn well know we're not in the Warring States anymore!]
Fugaku cursed internally.
If Danzō were merely a cripple from the Shimura clan, that would be one thing. Though he rarely acted publicly, Danzō's strength was certainly not far below that of Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Hokage himself.
Moreover, behind him stood the entire Konoha leadership.
Rashly antagonizing Danzō would only further inflame the contradictions between the Uchiha and the village.
"Then I'll trouble you to negotiate with Danzō personally." Seeing Uchiha Wada wouldn't back down, Fugaku directly assigned him the task of dealing with Danzō.
Go ahead—don't say I didn't give you the opportunity. You know Danzō's address, so why don't you personally negotiate with that so-called "cripple"?
Hearing Fugaku suggest he personally negotiate with Danzō, Wada's earlier bravado instantly evaporated.
Having spent time in the Second Hokage's notorious interrogation chambers, Wada knew all too well the terrifying methods of ANBU. Of those who had entered with him, probably only Setsuna was still clinging to life.
Recalling those experiences, Wada shuddered and changed the subject: "We can discuss that matter later. Even if we don't pursue outsiders' responsibility, we must punish Obito. As an Uchiha, colluding with outsiders to harm his own clansmen is absolutely unacceptable."
Originally, Wada had planned to target Kakashi, but remembering Sakumo Hatake's fearsome reputation, he backed down again.
Danzō Shimura and Sakumo Hatake—neither was someone he could afford to provoke.
Left with no choice, he could only vent his anger on Obito, who had no support except for a grandmother.
[What a despicable bastard.]
Fugaku gained new insight into Wada's shamelessness and began reconsidering whether to give this old fool so much face.
"How are Yowan's injuries?" After a moment's consideration, Fugaku didn't directly answer Wada's question but turned to Uchiha Hachidai, inquiring about Yowan's condition.
"The fractures have been healed with medical ninjutsu. The doctor says there won't be any lasting effects." Uchiha Hachidai immediately understood Fugaku's intention and cooperated with his response.
"Uncle Wada, you heard that—Yowan's injuries aren't serious. Why keep targeting Obito? Besides, Obito's parents sacrificed themselves for the Uchiha clan. I hope you won't forget that." After hearing Hachidai's answer and weighing the pros and cons, Fugaku decided to protect Obito.
If the Shimura child is willing to stand up for Obito, it proves their relationship is extraordinary. Why should I offend Konoha's power brokers for a half-buried hawk?
Moreover, isn't this exactly the opportunity I've been dreaming of—a chance to establish direct connections with the higher-ups?
🔥 Want to read the next 20 chapters RIGHT NOW? 💎 Patreon members get instant access! ⚡ Limited-time offer currently running... 👉 [Join on - patreon.com/GoldenLong]