Young Dragon Roar (2)

"Impossible!"

Mitokado Homura roared, "What do you Uchiha take the Konoha Military Police Force for? Has it truly become your private property?"

Kazuna looked surprised as well.

It did not matter who became the commander; it was merely a title.

True power remained in the hands of the strong.

With the support of so many Uchiha Jonin, he was the commander in all but name. Every order within the Security Force had to pass through him.

However, Fugaku Uchiha's decision undoubtedly represented his stance.

He supported Kazuna!

Kazuna chuckled softly. After serving as Clan Leader for so many years, Fugaku did not lack the necessary courage.

Yashiro Uchiha said calmly, "This was the policy established by the Second Hokage. If the current Hokage and the elders disagree, the Uchiha Clan is willing to hand over the Security Force. The Uchiha Clan belongs to the village, so naturally, we will obey the village's orders."

"You..." Mitokado Homura glared furiously at Yashiro.

His teeth itched with hatred, yet there was nothing he could do.

If they were willing to follow the old system, then they would proceed according to the rules.

If they were unwilling, then the Uchiha would hand over the Security Force.

Choose one of the two!

The Uchiha were being very cooperative with the village high command.

If they continued accusing others at this point, what would the other ninja clans think?

Especially clans like the Hyuga, who adhered to the old system.

They would think: if the Konoha High Command could interfere in Uchiha affairs today, would the Hyuga be next tomorrow?

"Enough!"

The Third Hokage's expression was stern as he said, "Since this is the Uchiha's own decision, we will not interfere. Let it be done this way. Kazuna, I hope you can manage the Security Force well and fulfill your duties."

Kazuna nodded with a smile.

In that instant, he had become part of Konohagakure's high command as well.

Although the other higher-ups were hostile toward this new member of the high command, he now had the title. Many matters could no longer bypass him.

Representatives from the other ninja clans also stepped forward to congratulate Kazuna.

Quite a few small ninja clans and Civilian Ninja even wore fawning smiles.

They could not afford to offend the Konoha Military Police Force.

Afterward, at the Hokage's command, everyone dispersed.

"That really surprised me." Kazuna looked at Yashiro. "I didn't expect him to make such a decision."

Yashiro Uchiha smiled faintly. "Clan Leader Fugaku is capable and does not lack courage. He does not want anyone to provoke an internal war within the Uchiha."

"The situation will only become worse now." Kazuna shook his head.

One was the commander, and the other was the Clan Leader.

Which one ranked higher?

To those with ulterior motives, this was an opportunity.

Yashiro Uchiha smiled faintly. The Uchiha's problems appeared to have become more severe, but in truth, that was not the case.

By giving up the commander's position, Fugaku Uchiha was making his stance clear to outsiders.

The Uchiha Jonin also breathed a sigh of relief.

At least for the time being, the two would not clash head-on.

The Konoha F4 returned to the Hokage's office in a fury.

Bang!

Mitokado Homura was the first to slam the table. Gritting his teeth, his face twisted viciously. "Uchiha!!!"

"Calm down, Homura!"

Utatane Koharu said gravely, "We all know that the Security Force has effectively been under Uchiha Kazuna's control for some time. Now, he merely has an additional title."

"You're too naive, Koharu!" Mitokado Homura said coldly. "It may look like only a title, but it is critically important. Just like the Fourth Hokage back then—by occupying the righteous position, he nearly made him..."

"Homura!"

Several voices cut in at once, interrupting the rest of Mitokado Homura's words.

"Hmph!"

Mitokado Homura snorted and fell silent.

Danzo, who had remained silent until then, opened his closed eye and stared at the Third Hokage coldly. "Take action, Hiruzen. The Uchiha have become a cancer. They must be removed."

The Third Hokage took out his pipe and said, "Danzo, that is impossible. Do not say such things again. Besides, the Uchiha now have two Mangekyo. If civil war breaks out, what horrifying losses will it bring to the village? Have you forgotten our teacher's words?"

Utatane Koharu sighed. "Furthermore, after what happened today, even if we make a move, what will the other ninja clans think of us? Do not forget that the Uchiha's Barrier, hidden sentries, and patrols have all changed. We do not understand the Uchiha at all anymore."

"Hmph!" Danzo snorted angrily. "I told you long ago to act quickly. Missing this opportunity is entirely your responsibility."

The Third Hokage puffed on his pipe, ignoring Danzo.

"Bring Itachi here."

"Yes!"

Uchiha Itachi entered the Hokage's office.

"Itachi, can I trust you?" The Third Hokage sighed, his expression desolate. "You possessed the mindset of a Hokage from the age of seven. You should be able to see that the village is currently plagued by troubles both within and without. If civil war breaks out, the entire village will be destroyed."

Uchiha Itachi dropped to one knee and remained silent. Yet his eyes, fixed on the Hokage, were filled with determination.

"I will do everything in my power to prevent that from happening!"

The Third Hokage nodded inwardly. "How much do you know about Uchiha Kazuna?"

"I do not know what he is thinking. I only know that he is strong—very strong, stronger than Fugaku!" Uchiha Itachi's voice was low. "During this clan meeting, his battle with Fugaku displayed overwhelming strength, forcing Fugaku to use the Mangekyo. When he used the Mangekyo as well, Fugaku chose to avoid battle!"

The Third Hokage's frown deepened.

This was the answer he least wanted to hear.

"Itachi, you are a true ninja, a ninja who loves the village!" Danzo suddenly interjected. "Tell me, can you deal with Uchiha Kazuna?"

"Danzo!"

The Third Hokage's voice was stern.

Danzo did not even look at him. His eyes remained fixed on Uchiha Itachi.

"I can't!"

Itachi's answer was equally decisive.

"Why?"

Danzo's voice was low, and killing intent flickered faintly in his eyes.

"For the village, as a ninja of the village, I am willing to act and kill anyone who threatens it!" Itachi first said something to ease the atmosphere, then continued, "But Kazuna is different. He suspects me and is wary of me. He never exposes his back to me. If I face him head-on, I do not have the slightest chance of victory."

What a terrible answer.

"Continue monitoring Kazuna. Monitor the Uchiha!"

With that order, Uchiha Itachi left the Hokage's office. Keeping his eyes straight ahead the entire way, he returned to his post.

Inside the Hokage's office.

Danzo said sinisterly, "Can Uchiha Itachi be trusted?"

The Third Hokage said solemnly, "There is no need to doubt Itachi or Shisui. Their loyalty to the village is unwavering. They are outstanding ninja who firmly uphold the Will of Fire."

"Then how are we supposed to deal with Uchiha Kazuna?"

Danzo's expression was icy.

He had suffered no small humiliation today, and he had also lost six Root members.

Among those six Root members were one Jonin, two Special Jonin, and three elite Chunin.

Even he felt the pain of that loss.

He stared at the Third Hokage, revealing a malicious smile. "Do not forget what he said today. It involved someone—Hatake Sakumo!"

In an instant, the Third Hokage's pupils contracted to their limits.