The Situation Was Completely Under Control

Konoha.

The Seventh Division Office Building.

This place used to be bustling with people working here, but now, ninjas passing by will lower their heads and quickly slip past, not daring to even raise their heads. Many ninjas even choose to take a detour.

The office building was filled with a suffocating atmosphere. Through the windows, the Root and Anbu Ninja, hidden in the darkness, could be clearly seen watching them.

"Captain, about half of the Seventh Division has left. This is the list of those who departed."

Uzuki Yugao respectfully placed a stack of names on the desk. In her eyes Uchiha Yoru seemed like a completely different person after the Orochimaru incident.

Uchiha Yoru leaned back elegantly in his chair, squinting as he enjoyed the sunlight streaming through the window, while sipping his tea.

"They've all left, why isn't Yugao leaving?"

Uchiha Yoru squinted and casually joked, while Uzuki Yugao's heart sank, and she forced a smile, "Captain Yoru, everything will be alright."

The Seventh Division has become a target in the village, with everyone watching them. However, Uchiha Yoru, Orochimaru's Disciple, has also gained fame after his First Shinobi War with Jiraiya, especially for his S-Rank Ninjutsu, which is incredibly powerful.

Uchiha Yoru was already a powerful Jōnin, and it was precisely because of this, firstly due to his status, and secondly because the Hyuga Branch Family remained steadfast in its existence, that gave a glimmer of hope to the ninjas who were also under Orochimaru's command.

Similarly, it's true that the Seventh Division, while now having a leader, was being monitored; Uchiha Yoru hadn't left the Hokage Building since returning.

"Heh, I never expected that you would be the one to comfort me in the end." Uchiha Yoru chuckled softly, toying with her pair of cold, jade-like hands.

"Yugao, since you've chosen to stay, you must remember one thing: strength is the foundation of a ninja. Don't slack off in your training."

With her hands being played with, Uzuki Yugao, her face flushed, lowered her head like an ostrich. Hearing Uchiha Yoru's words, her heart pounded nervously, yet she suppressed her embarrassment and, remembering her purpose, couldn't help but ask, "Captain Yoru, what do we do next?"

"How do we do it?" Uchiha Yoruro smiled as he looked at Uzuki Yugao's shy face.

Under the shy gaze of Uzuki Yugao Uchiha Yoru slowly rose and walked to the window, gazing at the ninjas watching him from outside. Bathed in sunlight, he seemed to be draped in a golden robe.

"I will become strong, and one day I will appear there!" As he said this Uchiha Yoru pointed firmly towards the Hokage Rock in the distance, a scene that filled Uzuki Yugao's eyes with shock.

Why doesn't the village believe an Uchiha who Hokage to become Hokage, an Uchiha whose heart is solely for the sake of ninjas and the village? At this moment, even Uzuki Yugao herself didn't realize that she had begun to doubt whether the village's decisions were wrong.

Uchiha Yoru seemed lost in his own world, declaring with fervent determination, "When I become Hokage, the darkness over Konoha will be gone, and I will personally welcome Konoha's heroes back."

The hero of Konoha? Are you referring to Lord Orochimaru?

Uzuki Yugao pondered silently. She wasn't an ordinary ninja in the village who knew nothing. She knew a lot about the Seventh Division and was well aware of the many suspicious things about Lord Orochimaru. That's why she began to have doubts.

The Seventh Division of the Konoha Military Police Force is in dire straits. Orochimaru's Disciple, Uchiha Yoru, is under surveillance and almost completely confined to the office building.

As the saying goes, when the tree falls, the Orochimaru's downfall, countless people naturally left, leaving only a few who couldn't leave and a few who were unwilling to accept it.

The Hokage Building.

"The Kirigakure will seize this opportunity to launch an attack on the Land of Whirlpools."

"Signs of numerous Kumogakure ninja have been discovered on the border of the Land of Lightning."

"The border region has recently been plagued by frequent ninja attacks and harassment, most of which are carried out by small ninja villages in disguise, with the aim of instigating a war between major powers."

"Recently, a large number of Rogue Ninja and mercenary ninjas have flooded into the Land of Land of Fire, causing extremely negative impacts on the Land of Fire's security."

"Due to the severe impact of the Orochimaru Incident, the village's mission load has recently decreased by half, especially overseas missions. Rogue Ninja and enemy ninjas are all secretly targeting us."

Inside the office, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, both frowning, recounted the recent events, especially the turmoil at the front lines, which moved them both.

The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, frowned deeply at the turbulent situation before him. Although they hadn't handled the Orochimaru matter well, causing such a commotion, his many years of political experience had taught him that only calmness could provide a solution.

"The chaos created by Rogue Ninja and mercenaries is nothing more than the secret manipulation of certain ninja villages behind the scenes, all for the sake of profit. These are just some low-level tactics used by small villages, yet they dare to dream of instigating a war between major powers and profiting from the chaos. How laughable."

Hiruzen Sarutobi sneered and then said in a deep voice, "Order the ninjas of Konoha to strengthen their defenses, especially against the Rogue Ninja and mercenary ninjas within the Land of Fire. They will be subject to targeted surveillance and elimination. Once they come to my territory, they will not be allowed to run wild."

"Sunagakure suffered the greatest losses in the Third Shinobi War. Not to mention now, even if Sunagakure were given another five years, it wouldn't be a problem. Iwagakure Ōnoki cunning and calculating; he won't start Shinobi World War so easily. The harassment from the border countries is probably half his doing."

Having been the Hokage for so many years, Hiruzen Sarutobi knew exactly what kind of people the leaders of the major Shinobi World villages were. He calmly began to analyze the situation.

"The barbarians from Kumogakure seem unwilling to accept defeat. Have Shinnosuke keep a close eye on them. A temporary setback is nothing; adjusting and strengthening our defenses is enough. Kumogakure doesn't dare to start a major war."

He almost effortlessly foresaw the situation Konoha would face. Upon hearing this, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu both showed expressions befitting the Third Hokage.

However, after seeing the information about the Land of Water, the Third Hokage frowned deeply, took a heavy drag on his pipe, and exhaled a thick cloud of smoke before revealing a solemn expression.

"The Kirigakure has truly seized the best opportunity, launching its attack at this crucial moment. The Land of Whirlpools is already a mere shell of its former self. Although it's just an island, if it falls into the hands of the Kirigakure, they can use it as a springboard to invade the Land of Fire at any time."

At this point, Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned, his expression grave. The Land of Whirlpools was essentially unclaimed territory, yet during the war, it was a fiercely contested land between two nations.

Whoever controls the Land of Whirlpools holds the initiative.

After the Third Shinobi War, in order to maintain the delicate balance of the Shinobi World, both Konoha and Kirigakure tacitly regarded Land of Whirlpools as a buffer zone between the two. Although they did not occupy it, neither side would give up leaving their own people as spies and spies.

"Hiruzen, you know the current situation in the village. Coupled with the unrest in various places, although there is no war, the Ninja legion is still needed to keep things in check. Kirigakure is a tough nut to crack."

Mitokado Homura expressed his worries in a deep voice, and Hiruzen Sarutobi, as if he had already thought of a solution, said in a deep voice, "Regarding the minor skirmish at the border with Kirigakure, I intend to send Uchiha Yoru to the front lines."

Upon hearing this, Utatane Koharu smiled with satisfaction. "His identity as Uchiha Yoru going to the front lines is just what I need to stabilize morale."

Meanwhile, Mitokado Homura frowned and shook his head, saying, "Orochimaru has a strong reputation on the front lines. Uchiha Yoru, as Orochimaru's Disciple, going to the front lines can indeed stabilize morale, but this force, which is about to collapse, will probably be reorganized under this opportunity."

Orochimaru's forces were utterly disintegrated by this incident, and if they did nothing, not many would remain in the end.

However, if the Hokage Faction were to expose Uchiha Yoru, it would be an open act, proving that the matter was over.

Orochimaru's remaining forces will regroup under the control of Uchiha Yoru. They may not be as powerful as they were at their peak, but they will still be a considerable force. More importantly, they share the same surname.

Uchiha! That surname alone is taboo.

Uchiha Yoru's deployment to the front lines had both advantages and disadvantages. The advantage was that it stabilized morale, and the opponent was also an outstanding genius of Konoha's younger generation.

Faced with this question, the Third Hokage calmly lowered his hat and said in a deep voice, "The policies of Kirigakure are evident to Shinobi World, and since Kirigakure has chosen to target the Land of Land of Whirlpools this time, they probably won't give up so easily."

In his eyes, a mere newly risen Uchiha Yoru was nothing. After all, by choosing to inherit the legacy, Orochimaru would also bear the infamy and become a target for countless people on the battlefield.

It can be used! And it can also be consumed.

Many people avoid Orochimaru like the Orochimaru, but for some, there's no escaping it, such as the Hyuga Branch Family.

In this situation, the Hyuga Branch Family is a hot potato. They cannot directly intervene, because if they do, it would represent the Hokage Faction's stance towards the Hyuga Clan. What about the Main Family?

In short, the Konoha Hyuga Clan. If you recruit the Branch Family, the Main Family will be angry; if you accept the Main Family, the Branch Family can only pretend not to see it.

"Hiruzen, Uchiha Yoru's palm strike, he's Uchiha!" Utatane Koharu's tone became even more solemn when she mentioned this surname.

Upon hearing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi gently lowered his Hokage Hat and said hoarsely to the door, "Come in."

The Hokage gate creaked open, and a Konoha Ninja respectfully entered as the Anbu Gate of Opening.

"Chunin Yūhi Kurenai greets the Hokage-sama."

The newcomer was none other than Yūhi Kurenai. At that moment, a slight ripple flashed across the calm faces of advisors Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu. The two exchanged a knowing glance.

When Hiruzen Sarutobi saw Yūhi Kurenai, he said in a hoarse voice, "Kurenai, thank you for your hard work. No one wants to see what's happening in the village right now, but the village needs you."

Yūhi Kurenai, kneeling on one knee below, felt a pang of pain in her crimson eyes upon hearing the Hokage-sama's words. One was her loyal village, and the other was her close classmate.

But as a ninja, with years of training and unwavering loyalty to the village, Yūhi Kurenai gritted her teeth and said in a deep voice, "Rest assured, Hokage-sama, Yūhi Kurenai will report everything Uchiha Yoru does."

Yūhi Kurenai's pained and distressed expression did not escape the eyes of the three. Hiruzen Sarutobi, instead of showing dissatisfaction, sighed with a hint of melancholy and said softly, "Kurenai, I hope I'm just overthinking things. This way, the village can have one more elite ninja. I hope you won't blame me. The village simply cannot withstand any more turmoil."

"Uchiha Yoru is a good boy, and I believe he knows about the Will of Fire, but I can't guarantee the Uchiha Clan behind him. After all, the Nine-Tails Night Yoru is still fresh in my mind."

Hiruzen Sarutobi people's hearts. He first said he believed in Uchiha Yoru, then brought up the painful memories of the Yūhi Kurenai -Nine-Tails Night, and then raised suspicions about the mastermind behind the Uchiha Clan. Through this back-and-forth, he gave Yūhi Kurenai a false impression.

It seems that Uchiha Yoru is innocent, and she could win her over, but there's a hidden hand behind the Uchiha Clan.

As expected, Yūhi Kurenai seemed to feel much better after hearing these words, and nodded respectfully, saying in a deep voice, "Rest assured, Hokage-sama, a village is a home."

Despite Yūhi Kurenai's resolute expression, she felt a chill in her heart. Although she was a woman, her keen eye saw through everything. At this moment, all she could do was help Uchiha Yoru, which was also helping the village.

"Yūhi Kurenai, go down. I hope this matter is just my overthinking."

"Yes, Hokage-sama."

As the Hokage Office door closed, Utatane Koharu frowned and said in a deep voice, "Hiruzen, it seems that Yūhi Kurenai has her eyes on Uchiha Yoru. I'm afraid she might cause trouble."

However, Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled confidently, "It's normal to have feelings for one's children, but Yūhi Kurenai, like her father, is a very rational ninja. The village comes first."

They represented the village, and from the very beginning, they were invincible. Just like in the original story, even the Uchiha Clan never considered defection or a coup, because the village was ingrained in their very being.

Unfortunately, Hiruzen Sarutobi, Mitokado Homura, and Utatane Koharu never imagined that Uchiha Yoru, who was now being monitored like a stray dog in the office building, would be a mere sixteen-year-old brat already plotting to step into the limelight and accumulate his own political power.

From the very beginning, he never intended to fight against the entire Konoha. Even Madara Uchiha ended up being forced to leave his homeland.

Uchiha Yoru has always been self-aware. Konoha was founded by the Uchiha and Senju. To stage a coup and rebel against one's own village? That's nonsense.

His goal has always been clear: to accumulate his own power. After the Teacher Orochimaru incident, he will inherit the legacy left by his teacher, and no one will stop him; on the contrary, they will personally deliver this legacy to him.

Orochimaru's incident was egregious! Fortunately, he wasn't declared a Rogue Ninja this time, but even so, it has shaken the Shinobi World. Orochimaru, one of the legendary Sannin and a candidate for Hokage of Konoha, has been expelled.

This is no less than an earthquake; tensions have already begun to rise on the Konoha border. If not handled properly, it could lead to constant minor skirmishes. Meanwhile, other major powers are taking steps to conserve their strength and recuperate, while simultaneously instigating friction between smaller nations and Konoha.

Therefore, what Konoha needs most this time is stability!

When Orochimaru's Disciple appear on the front lines, especially as leaders, it serves to appease those within the organization and intimidate those outside.

I need your support.