The Fire Nation daimyo initiated a gathering of daimyos, and with public accusations from several other countries, the assassination attempt on the daimyo by Danzō became widely known.
The ninja world suddenly grew lively, with some smaller countries following the lead of the major nations and issuing severe condemnations of Konoha.
Konoha now seemed like a laughingstock in the ninja world, and the Third Hokage found himself in a desperate situation. He had just resolved the village's financial issues and now hurried to the Uchiha compound to discuss arranging a meeting with the daimyo.
To demonstrate his sincerity, the Third Hokage did not summon Uchiha to the Hokage's office but instead came personally to the gate of the compound, waiting for the Uchiha clan members to report his arrival.
"Lord Hokage! Why didn't you inform us in advance? Letting you wait at the door is truly humbling for us."
Fugaku walked out of the clan's area, speaking with apparent sincerity. Although he didn't care to see Konoha's leadership, he knew he had to maintain formalities.
"Heh! Fugaku! Although I am the Hokage, I'm also an ordinary member of the village. I have something I'd like to discuss with you if…"
"Oh, of course, Lord Hokage. Please, let's go inside to talk."
Fugaku gestured politely. Danzō's attempted assassination of the daimyo was already a public scandal. Even if Mingfeng hadn't mentioned it, the Uchiha clan would have known through their current business network.
Furthermore, Itachi had been stationed near the daimyo with a group, and recently, the daimyo had been seeking Uchiha advisors.
As for the Third Hokage's purpose, Fugaku was almost certain of what it was.
At this point, the daimyo only trusted the Uchiha.
Konoha wanted to contact the daimyo, but the daimyo might refuse to meet. So, the Third Hokage's sudden courtesy toward Uchiha was undoubtedly motivated by a need that exceeded his authority.
The situation was clear to Fugaku. Knowing he couldn't handle dealing with Konoha's cunning elders alone, he escorted the Third Hokage inside and then sent someone to notify Yagami, also summoning the Fifth Elder, who was at home.
"Lord Hokage, please wait a moment. Although I am the clan head, my main focus has shifted toward developing the family. I am not fully informed about all matters. If we are to discuss anything, I'll need to wait for others to join us."
The Third Hokage nodded and said nothing further. He had hoped to speak to Fugaku alone. Compared to Yagami, Fugaku was more straightforward, but he knew this was unlikely.
Besides, even if Fugaku agreed, Yagami might ignore the agreement. Though inconvenient, he had no choice but to face it.
"It seems the Third Hokage's hands are truly tied! Though the daimyo acts slowly, his influence is substantial!"
Hearing Fugaku's request to meet the Third Hokage, Yagami chuckled, gesturing for Sasuke and Naruto to go about their activities freely.
He had promised Itachi to look after Sasuke, and Yagami intended to keep his word. Besides, what else could Sasuke learn at the ninja academy aside from the so-called Will of Fire? Training in tree climbing and water walking didn't start until after graduation and placement in a team.
So he decided to train Sasuke privately. This is the advantage clan shinobi have over civilian shinobi. Civilian shinobi rely solely on the village for progress, while clan shinobi benefit from family resources.
It might seem unfair, but fairness means little in the ninja world…
Naruto and Sasuke had become close friends, with one teaching and the other learning, so Yagami had the two train together, especially since there were no pressing issues at the moment.
Due to the situation with the daimyo and the village, the Third Hokage had relaxed his vigilance toward Naruto.
Furthermore, Yagami ensured Naruto remained within Anbu's sight and did nothing inappropriate.
The Third Hokage was also hoping to appease Uchiha, so he simply turned a blind eye.
As for Danzō, even the thought of moving freely is now a mere fantasy. At an advanced age, he should forget about stirring up trouble anytime soon.
"Lord Hokage, please let us know what you need! As members of the village, we will do our utmost to cooperate."
Once everyone was present, Fugaku took on the role of meeting host. After his brief opening statement, he sat quietly and closed his eyes in meditation, looking as though he were merely there for formality.
"Then I'll get straight to the point.
There's been a serious misunderstanding between the daimyo and the village. You all know about it.
The daimyo, the Land of Fire, and Konoha are one.
If this issue isn't resolved properly, Konoha risks becoming another Sunagakure. I intend to meet with the daimyo, but the message from his mansion shows suspicion toward me and Konoha, while Uchiha remains trusted."
The Third Hokage wasn't interested in playing word games with the Uchiha right now. Moreover, with their young clan leader by the daimyo's side, subtle manipulation would be pointless.
"So, Lord Hokage, are you asking us, Uchiha, to step forward and help establish a bridge between the daimyo and yourself? By the way, is it true that Danzō attempted to assassinate the daimyo? It sounds like something he'd try," Yagami remarked, pointedly casting a jab at the Third Hokage to gain some leverage.
As expected, the Third Hokage's mouth twitched, his frustration barely concealed at Mingfeng's comment.
"Whether Danzō did it or not is still under investigation. There's no conclusion yet.
The old man has restricted his movements, and he won't be allowed out until the investigation is complete.
Let's set that matter aside for now.
The immediate priority is to amend the relationship between the village and the daimyo.
What are the Uchiha's thoughts on this?"
The three Uchiha exchanged glances. Fugaku closed his eyes, signalling his neutrality, while the Fifth Elder gave Yagami a nod, indicating that any decision made should benefit the clan.
As the clan head, Fugaku had to keep the village's interests in mind on the surface, but the Fifth Elder had no such reservations. Now, holding a hefty five hundred million ryō, he felt no need to hide his intentions.
Well! Clearly, the Uchiha wanted to negotiate for benefits without pretence, even right in front of the Hokage…
"Lord Hokage, we Uchiha agree to assist. However, you also understand that the daimyo trusts us due to our respect for his authority. Therefore, we can't decide this on our own; we need to report to the daimyo first. If he's willing to meet, we'll let you know."
The Third Hokage had expected Mingfeng to make some unreasonable demands but was surprised at the response. Though it might sound evasive, it was actually reasonable.
After all, Uchiha and the daimyo were not families but rather trusted guards, so staying within their bounds prevented criticism.
No wonder the daimyo favoured Uchiha. Compared to himself and Konoha, they showed due respect for the daimyo. Was this the difference?
The Third Hokage couldn't help but reflect. Even now, Uchiha's priority was to consider the daimyo's stance rather than personal gain. He and Konoha didn't have that kind of restraint.
"Yes… Consulting the daimyo's opinion promptly is necessary. With the daimyo's gathering approaching, if this isn't resolved, the village might become a target."
Sarutobi nodded. Though time was pressing, the plan wasn't bad. Stabilizing relations with the daimyo was paramount.
"Since that's settled, we'll proceed promptly… But, Lord Hokage, to demonstrate sincerity in your negotiations, we hope you'll grant a small, self-interested request."
Yagami shifted the conversation, agreeing to the Third Hokage's request before making one of his own.
The Uchiha were helping Konoha; naturally, Konoha should reciprocate! Given the current state of relations, offering assistance without returns was unrealistic.
"Tell me what it is."
"You mentioned restricting Danzō's movements. I believe his guards should be replaced by Uchiha personnel. Placing this 'suspect' under the care of our daimyo-trusted clan would certainly show your sincerity, which would improve the daimyo's willingness to see you."
Ah, so that's it! Uchiha clearly wanted their revenge against Danzō!
Turning Danzō over to Uchiha's custody practically guaranteed he wouldn't survive unscathed!
The Third Hokage's mouth twitched again. In the past, he'd never agree to such a thing. Danzō had persecuted the Uchiha relentlessly. If they got hold of him, they'd undoubtedly find ways to torment and humiliate him.
But now, the stakes were different. Compared to the village's welfare, Danzō's personal interests were minor. As Mingfeng pointed out, with the daimyo convinced of Danzō's guilt, failing to act would show a lack of sincerity from the Third Hokage and Konoha.
Moreover, the daimyo trusted Uchiha and had an irreconcilable rift with Danzō. Handing him over to Uchiha would certainly satisfy the daimyo.
"Danzō can be placed under Uchiha custody, but I have one condition—you must ensure he remains alive. If this situation is cleared up, he remains a senior figure within the village."
Yagami nodded, understanding that the clan wasn't prepared to sever ties with Konoha completely, so Danzō's death couldn't come from Uchiha's hands.
Besides, if they truly wanted to eliminate Danzō, neither the Third Hokage nor Konoha could stop them.
Requesting Danzō's custody was primarily to vent the clan's frustrations and prepare for Mingfeng's own future in the village.
If the daimyo agreed to meet the Third Hokage, Uchiha would certainly assign someone to accompany him, both to monitor the Hokage and to maintain a presence.
As shinobi trusted by the daimyo, Uchiha had to make a good impression!
And with two Mangekyō users by the daimyo's side to ensure his safety during negotiations, both the daimyo and the Third Hokage should feel thoroughly reassured!
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