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In the Hokage meeting room of Konoha,
Since the chaos caused by the Nine-Tails, this is the first time since the Third Hokage came out of retirement that all clan heads or representatives within the Konoha have gathered.
Even some well-known Jonin are present, a gesture that acknowledges the status of the strong. This is also one of the Third Hokage's ways of winning over people's hearts.
The title of Special Jonin might have some ambiguity, as it encompasses various meanings. It includes those with outstanding command skills, those who have achieved great feats, and those who excel in certain areas. Essentially, it means that a ninja has surpassed the level of a Chunin in at least one aspect but doesn't quite reach the level of a Jonin.
However, the title of Jonin, especially in the five great shinobi countries, carries significant weight. Jonin's strength is a crucial part of the village's top-tier combat forces, and they naturally enjoy special treatment. Those in power can win over hearts with just a little effort and gain more than they lose.
In the high chairs, seated are the four aged faces of Konoha's F4, showing significant changes compared to their appearance during the Nine-Tails incident.
Apart from Shimura Danzo, who is bandaged up like a rice dumpling and hard to read, the other three show more signs of aging. After all, they are well over sixty, and it's only natural for them to show their age.
Particularly, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, who looked middle-aged with only a few strands of white hair during the Nine-Tails incident, has significantly aged in just a few years. His hair has turned completely white, and signs of age spots are visible on his face.
Though it's been only a few years, they have experienced a lot – the death of the Fourth Hokage, the exile of Orochimaru, the unclear circumstances of his son's death, and numerous other issues in the shinobi world.
"Ladies and gentlemen,"
The aged but still formidable Third Hokage, despite showing signs of aging, still has a commanding presence in his eyes. His statement immediately brings everyone to a serious and attentive state.
"This gathering is for the development of our village."
The first to speak, Sarutobi Hiruzen, says in a deep, raspy voice: "The disappearance of unknown forces within the Land of Fire shows our laxity. Moreover, this incident has caused severe damage to Roots."
"So, this gathering is about two things: one, the restoration of the Root's strength, and the other is about increasing surveillance on foreign ninjas within and outside the Land of Fire."
As Homura Mitokado, just back from another country and still showing signs of fatigue, stands up and unfolds a map of the Land of Fire, he begins to explain: "We cannot monitor everything due to the vastness of our land, but we can protect important towns and strategic locations. We have some ninjas stationed there already, primarily for intelligence gathering. The difference this time is the deployment of our village ninjas."
"They will be stationed long-term to monitor and report on foreign ninja groups or suspicious ninjas, and to be on guard to prevent another tragedy like the one at the Fire Temple."
As Homura explains, everyone begins to understand. It's not feasible to monitor everything, but protecting key towns is essential.
This will increase the safety of ninjas and merchants within the Land of Fire, attracting more business and boosting the economy.
However, Uchiha Yoru finds this situation ironic. The intention is good, but it also seems like a plan to dilute the Uchiha's strength. After all, a significant portion of their elite force is stationed within the village, making them somewhat anxious.
"In light of the Uchiha clan's unique situation, I plan to assign this particular area to the Uchiha clan and the Police Force."
Such is the art of political language – mentioning both the Uchiha and the Police Force, two special entities, clearly aims to isolate and discriminate.
Uchiha Yoru, not one to remain silent like Fugaku, frowns and interrupts the ongoing speech with a cold snort, not showing any pleasantness to the higher-ups of Konoha.
"Advisor Homura Mitokado! What about the Uchiha? What about the Police Force!"
A loud shout instantly attracted everyone's attention, making the faces of the Konoha's F4 look unpleasant. It was unprecedented for someone to interrupt them so brazenly while they were speaking.
Especially Homura Mitokado, who couldn't hide his irritation, as they were accustomed to being looked up to.
However, facing everyone's gaze, Uchiha Yoru made everyone clearly and directly recognize the newly ascended head of the Uchiha clan.
Uchiha Yoru slowly stood up under everyone's astonished gaze, and walked to the spot circled by Homura Mitokado, where he gestured again with his hand.
"The Uchiha clan and the Police Force have limited abilities. They can handle this area, but any more would be too much."
Not only did he metaphorically slap faces with his words, but Uchiha Yoru also turned his head, revealing a scarlet light in his eyes. The Mangekyō Sharingan was displayed for the first time in front of everyone, unleashing a powerful and unreserved surge of chakra.
Instantly, everyone was shocked by the young Uchiha clan head. They were stunned not only by his audacity but also by his overwhelming and oppressive chakra.
Chakra is so immense that its full release creates a palpable pressure, especially for ninjas with heightened sensory abilities. Many were sweating profusely, their previous contempt for Uchiha Yoru replaced by fear.
Even the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, showed a shadow of concern in his eyes. "Such terrifying chakra... This kid's chakra exceeds even my prime."
Although a ninja's chakra amount doesn't solely determine their overall strength, it's certainly a crucial factor.
With the Mangekyō Sharingan activated, Uchiha Yoru coldly smiled at everyone, warning them with his gaze.
"I want everyone to understand something! The Konoha was founded by the Uchiha and Senju. If anyone has objections to the Uchiha clan's special status, first take your family and your ancestors' coffins and leave the Konoha before discussing the Uchiha's special status!"
Homura Mitokado turned green with anger at these words. Although directed at everyone, it was clearly a veiled insult to him.
"And the Police Force! It was established during the Second Hokage's tenure, while the First Hokage was still alive. The Uchiha have autonomy in decision-making regarding its special status."
Uchiha Yoru scoffed at this point. Although he said nothing further, his silence spoke volumes.
Have an opinion? First, consult the First and Second Hokages.
Leaving coldly and alone, Uchiha Yoru was filled with anger. He hadn't felt it in Uchiha territory, but here, he acutely sensed everyone's isolation and exclusion.
Fine! The Uchiha and the Police Force's special status cannot be abandoned. After years of deep-rooted perceptions, it's impossible to easily change everyone's mind. So, he decided to embrace it.
"I rely on my ancestors! Who are you to criticize the village they founded? If the Senju haven't complained, what right do you have? Disagree? Dislike it? Then leave Konoha."
Although seemingly reckless and potentially offensive, everyone who saw Uchiha Yoru's firm stance was initially taken aback. But on reflection, they realized he had a point.
Relying on ancestors is inescapable. After all, becoming ninjas benefitted their descendants too.
Some even thought it was only natural. Their parents were ninjas, and this connection allowed them to progress faster than others.
Angry or disdainful? Come on, they're all the same. It's just that Uchiha's ancestors were more remarkable, having founded Konoha.
In essence, everyone here either benefitted from ancestral blessings or rose from humble beginnings. Most secretly felt this was how it should be.
They envied and aspired to be like such people. Now as elite ninjas, their children and descendants will enjoy everything they've fought for. Give that up? Nonsense!
People naturally aspire to such status and once achieved, they fiercely prevent others from disrupting it.
The dragon-slaying hero will eventually become the evil dragon; this is an unchanging truth.
"Alright, this point indeed lacks consideration."
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Uchiha Yoru with a benevolent face, coming forward to mediate, making it impossible to discern his true thoughts.
"The Third Hokage truly understands the situation." Uchiha Yoru smiled back at the old fox, nodding in agreement. As for the others, advisors? He never had much respect for them.
This was very much like the Uchiha, drawing sidelong glances from everyone. It was the first time someone so openly challenged the higher-ups. But thinking about it, it made sense; these so-called higher-ups only appeared after the Third Hokage took his position, whereas he was from one of the founding families of Konoha.
At this moment, looking at Uchiha Yoru, Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed internally. This young man was nothing like Fugaku.
Previously, Fugaku at least tried to integrate and ease relations. But when it came to this young man, he took a more direct approach.
"You want to isolate me? Fine, I'll show my pride and not play this tug-of-war game with you."
As a result, the Konoha higher-ups, the 'F4', was bewildered. Without his cooperation, how could they proceed?
"How dare you!"
At this point, Shimura Danzo, playing the bad cop, glared at Uchiha Yoru with a stern face and a cold voice, slamming his hand on the table: "Uchiha Yoru! As the head of the police force and the leader of the Uchiha clan, while all other ninja families are contributing to the village, only you!"
"Shut up!" Uchiha Yoru interrupted Danzo without letting him finish, glaring straight at the Third Hokage.
"How much blood have the Uchiha and the Senju shed in founding Konoha! How many lives were lost! How much has the police department done to maintain the village's stability! Does Shimura Danzo not see all this?"
Although he was confronting Danzo, Uchiha Yoru's gaze was fixed on the Third Hokage. In this tense atmosphere, he suddenly changed his expression to a smile, catching everyone off guard. But his next words left everyone dumbfounded.
"It seems Shimura Danzo, with his age and having only one eye, naturally can only see half of the truth."
This mocking and sarcastic remark instantly changed the expressions of all the ninjas present. It was so unexpected that some almost laughed out loud.
Such comments, especially in a meeting chaired by the Hokage himself, which was always filled with solemnity, were unheard of.
Mocking both his age and his one eye was essentially insulting Danzo. However, some also noticed that all of Uchiha Yoru's responses were directed at the Third Hokage, causing them to feel a chill.
"Haha, the younger generation that inherits the Will of Fire has yet to grow, so we old folks are still needed."
Sarutobi Hiruzen also stepped in to mediate, but his words were sharp, indicating to everyone that the future of the village rested with ninjas who inherit the Will of Fire, not those with ambitious aspirations.
Uchiha Yoru's direct gaze and Sarutobi Hiruzen's smiling face showed a rising anger in his heart, a challenge to his authority as the Third Hokage.
Throughout the entire meeting, Uchiha Yoru disregarded all the senior advisors, fixating only on his own perspective. This exemplified the typical Uchiha pride, but it was also a response to the attitude of the others.
Facing the cunning counterattack of the Third Hokage, Uchiha Yoru internally cursed the old fox, noting how he gave away no weaknesses, though others might not be as careful.
With a scornful laugh, Uchiha Yoru looked around at everyone, his cold mockery evident: "As for the so-called support from the elderly Shimura Danzo, do you really think everyone is willingly complicit?"
"I believe the ninjas of the village deeply love Konoha and would sacrifice everything for it, risking their lives without a second thought. This was proven in the Third Great Ninja War. However, some people's selfish desires and even their cruel and evil departments!"
"We can allow our descendants to sacrifice themselves for the village as it's their duty and our honor. But using cruel methods, even more brutal than those used against enemy ninjas, to deal with our own people, I believe no one would be so heartless."
Uchiha Yoru's righteous speech was a direct message to everyone.
It was a situation of necessity, not high-minded idealism. As for the so-called 'Will of Fire', isn't the sacrifice on the battlefield enough proof? Does it still need the endorsement of the Third Hokage?
He also made it clear to everyone about the sacrifices of the Uchiha in the Third War. Who dares to say they don't carry the 'Will of Fire'?
Everyone understood at that moment that the higher-ups were using this situation to target the Uchiha clan.
Of course, there were pure ninjas, brainwashed by the 'Will of Fire', who glared at Uchiha Yoru, thinking his challenge to the Hokage's authority was too much.
"In the Hokage's meeting room, who gave you the courage! What do you, Uchiha Yoru, think you are!" Shimura Danzo, looking extremely displeased, glared at Uchiha Yoru. However, he was not foolish enough to directly involve the Police Force and the Uchiha clan in his accusations.
It was a personal attack.
Facing Shimura Danzo's difficulty, Uchiha Yoru smirked disdainfully, his aura climbing steadily as he spoke emphatically.
"You ask what the Police Force is? I'll tell you now. What you can't control, my Uchiha Police Force will handle."
"Also, listen well, what the Root dares not handle, I will. In short, what the Root can handle, I will handle; what they can't, I will handle even more."
"Having autonomy, granted by the Second Hokage and acknowledged by the First Hokage. This is the Uchiha Police Force!"
Uchiha Yoru coldly informed everyone of his way of doing things, also officially declaring to everyone in the village to abandon their previous petty schemes.
Shimura Danzo, infuriated, realized that Uchiha Yoru was fully representing the entire Police Force in his statement.
The era of Uchiha Fugaku, who would retreat to broaden his horizons, was over. Now it was Uchiha Yoru's time!