This caused Uchiha Fugaku and Uchiha Taro to completely lose faith in the Konoha higher-ups.
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If they had nothing to hide, they should have welcomed such a development, shouldn't they?
Hearing this, Uchiha Yuzuru had anticipated it, and calmly said, "Fugaku, your next task is to gather information on the conservative and radical factions within the clan."
"Understood."
Uchiha Fugaku agreed, then added, "By the way, Sarutobi Hiruzen just sent ANBU to inform you that he wants you to come to the Hokage's office."
"Yuzuru, do you want me to come with you?"
Knowing the true thoughts of Sarutobi Hiruzen and the other higher-ups, Uchiha Fugaku was deeply worried that Uchiha Yuzuru might encounter danger.
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Uchiha Yuzuru wasn't just the genius of their clan's new generation—he was the hope for the Uchiha clan's future !
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Seeing Uchiha Fugaku's somewhat worried gaze, Uchiha Yuzuru patted his shoulder. "Don't worry, I'll handle everything."
Uchiha Yuzuru wasn't surprised that Sarutobi Hiruzen wanted to see him.
He'd disrupted Sarutobi Hiruzen's plans, so it would be strange if the man didn't take action.
But no matter what Sarutobi Hiruzen intended to do, with his dual Kamui, he had nothing to fear.
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Watching Uchiha Yuzuru's back, Uchiha Fugaku suddenly came to his senses.
Wait, how had he ended up becoming this brat Uchiha Yuzuru's subordinate?
The Hokage Building.
The Hokage's office.
Looking at the spacious and bright room, Uchiha Yuzuru glanced around curiously.
Since transmigrating here, this was his first time coming to this place.
After looking around for a moment, the ever-direct Uchiha Yuzuru addressed Sarutobi Hiruzen, who was still bent over processing documents. "Third Hokage, what do you want with me?"
"Third Hokage?"
"Hey!"
Rude brat!
Sarutobi Hiruzen grumbled internally.
Usually, everyone he summoned would stand carefully in place, quietly waiting for him to finish his work.
But this brat was practically ready to march over and slam his desk.
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As expected of the evil Uchiha—what terrible personality.
However, despite his internal complaints and dissatisfaction, Sarutobi Hiruzen's face displayed a kindly, affable smile.
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"Oh, it's Yuzuru. I'm getting old—my hearing isn't what it used to be."
"Third Hokage, being hard of hearing is a medical condition. You should get that treated."
"Cough—cough cough..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen choked on his water, so he set down his cup and reached for his pipe.
But before he could light it, Uchiha Yuzuru had already frowned. "Third Hokage, I don't like the smell of smoke."
You bastard!
Sarutobi Hiruzen swore he really wanted to summon Enma right then and show this brat why he was revered as the Professor !
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But for the sake of maintaining his image, Sarutobi Hiruzen set down his pipe, his smile not reaching his eyes. "Yuzuru, I heard it was you who rescued Kushina from the Cloud ninja?"
"Truly, thank you. Otherwise, the consequences would have been unthinkable."
"Is that so? Is Kushina that important?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded and said gravely, "Yuzuru, there are some things you need to know now."
"Kushina is actually the village's future candidate for Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. Only her special constitution can fully control the Nine-Tails."
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"If we'd lost Kushina, the village would have been in serious trouble going forward."
"I see."
Uchiha Yuzuru suddenly smiled—like the sun breaking through overcast skies, brightening the entire office.
Though he didn't know why Sarutobi Hiruzen was suddenly telling him about Uzumaki Kushina, it didn't stop him from seizing the opportunity to extract some benefits first.
So before Sarutobi Hiruzen could speak again, Uchiha Yuzuru cut in. "Third Hokage, since I made such a great contribution to the village, aren't you going to reward me with something?"
I'll endure!
Sarutobi Hiruzen took a deep breath, struggling to calm his emotions.
He looked at Uchiha Yuzuru and asked, "You've made a contribution to the village, so a reward is certainly due..."
"I heard the Scroll of Seals has many powerful forbidden jutsu. Reward me with that."
Interrupted again, Sarutobi Hiruzen stared hard at Uchiha Yuzuru.
This guy is definitely messing with me on purpose!
The Scroll of Seals?
Why don't you just fly to the heavens!
Is that something an Uchiha can even touch?
But having just praised Uchiha Yuzuru's achievements, he couldn't directly refuse now.
After a moment's thought, Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes lit up. "Yuzuru, many of the jutsu on the Scroll of Seals are incomplete. Practicing them recklessly can endanger a ninja's life."
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"But there is one forbidden jutsu that's quite suitable."
"What forbidden jutsu?"
"Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu."
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Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled warmly.
Compared to the other forbidden jutsu on the Scroll of Seals, Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu wasn't too extreme.
And if used improperly, it could get you killed on its own.
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So using it as a reward for this impolite Uchiha brat was absolutely perfect.
"All right, I'll have someone transcribe the jutsu and deliver it to you later. Now, let's discuss the Cloud ninja kidnapping incident."
Without giving Uchiha Yuzuru a chance to refuse, Sarutobi Hiruzen confirmed the decision and turned his gaze toward him with a scrutinizing look.
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"Yuzuru, according to my investigation, you weren't on night duty that evening—it should have been Uchiha Kaen, correct?"
"We switched shifts."
Uchiha Yuzuru shrugged. "Because Captain Kaen wasn't feeling well."
"I see."
Sarutobi Hiruzen murmured thoughtfully, not pressing further, and changed the subject. "Then how did you leave Konoha? Why didn't the Barrier Team sense your movements?"
He'd already investigated thoroughly—the barrier had shown no anomalies that night. Not even a fly leaving the village could have escaped the Barrier Team's detection.
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Uchiha Yuzuru...
Just how did he leave the village without anyone noticing?
"Then during your pursuit of the Cloud ninja, did you encounter any ANBU?"
"No."
"Really not?"
Feeling the pressure gradually emanating from Sarutobi Hiruzen, Uchiha Yuzuru replied coldly, "Third Hokage, Kushina has already been rescued, and the Cloud ninja corpses were brought back to the village. What exactly are you trying to find out?"
"Could there be some hidden circumstances here?"
So perceptive.
Sarutobi Hiruzen hadn't expected that after just a few more questions, Uchiha Yuzuru would immediately connect the dots.
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If he continued questioning, not only would he fail to extract any useful information, but he might also give more away.
No, perhaps Uchiha Yuzuru had already sensed something.
Switching shifts with someone else proactively, leaving and entering the village freely without being detected, rescuing Kushina first, three missing ANBU members...
Though there was no evidence proving Uchiha Yuzuru had orchestrated these events, Sarutobi Hiruzen habitually prepared for the worst.
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Recalling all the information he'd reviewed about Uchiha Yuzuru, Sarutobi Hiruzen's resolve solidified.
Uchiha Yuzuru must not be underestimated. He needs to be listed as a key surveillance target going forward!
After pondering for a while, Sarutobi Hiruzen stopped dwelling on what had already happened and said, "Yuzuru, since you now know about Kushina, there's something I hope you'll understand."
"The Uchiha clan's Sharingan can influence Tailed Beasts, so for the greater good, you cannot continue associating with Kushina from now on."
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"To be precise, no Uchiha can."
"Of course, this isn't directed at you personally. It's all for the village."
Hearing Sarutobi Hiruzen's plan, Uchiha Yuzuru suppressed his urge to laugh.
Just as I expected. Just as I expected. No, I can't laugh yet. I have to hold it in!
Sarutobi Hiruzen's decision was the best assist possible for his plan.
Uchiha Yuzuru could be certain that once this news spread, both Uzumaki Kushina and the members of the Uchiha clan would harbor intense dissatisfaction.
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With the conflict between both sides deepening further, even if he decided to leave Konoha, he'd naturally receive the support of the vast majority.
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"Yuzuru, you may go now. Later, I'll have someone deliver the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu training scroll to you."
After Uchiha Yuzuru left, Sarutobi Hiruzen tapped his desk.
A man with long silver-white hair and deep-set eyes flashed into the Hokage's office.
"Sakumo, starting today, you'll monitor the Uchiha clan's every move through ANBU."
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"Especially Uchiha Yuzuru. If you notice anything unusual about him, I authorize you to act first and report later."
Today's conversation had confirmed it for Sarutobi Hiruzen—Uchiha Yuzuru was definitely not someone he could control.
If that was the case, then the boy's talent would become a threat.
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For people like that, he would show no mercy.
Hearing this, Hatake Sakumo hesitated. "Lord Hokage, won't this provoke dissatisfaction and resistance from the Uchiha clan?"
"Just carry out the order."
"Yes."
After Hatake Sakumo left, Sarutobi Hiruzen walked over to the window with his hands behind his back, a cold smirk crossing his face.
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Right now, the village's power was entirely in his hands. Even the Uchiha clan—what kind of waves could they possibly stir up?
At most, they'd just complain a bit.
Nothing to worry about.
"Why won't you let me in? I want to see the Hokage!"
"Not today."
"Then when?"
"I don't know. I'll relay your request, but until then, you'll have to wait patiently for the Hokage's summons."
Looking at the emotionless ANBU ninja before her, Uzumaki Kushina clenched her fists.
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Finally, she glared at the Hokage Building and turned to leave.
Walking through the streets of Konoha, Uzumaki Kushina felt nothing but rage welling up inside her.