Mikoto, Making Tea

"Aside from the Security Division personnel, not a single casualty was inflicted."

"After an overnight review, we now have reason to suspect that this evil enemy force incited the villagers, attempting to shake the Security Division system left by the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama."

"Their goal was to weaken internal defenses, seize the Jinchuriki amidst Konoha's chaos, and achieve the fall of Konoha Village."

Eiji set down his pen. "I'll keep it brief—I'm not great at writing reports anyway."

Beside him, Inaho and Tekka looked on with admiration.

"Eiji, I want to learn how to write reports."

That evening, Eiji's work report landed in Hiruzen's hands.

He read it carefully three times. He recognized every word, but how did they make no sense when strung together?

How had so many spies managed to sneak in out of nowhere?

And why weren't these spies operating in the shadows, instead flaunting themselves openly?

Hiruzen felt something was off.

But he couldn't pinpoint what.

If he had to say it, it was that Eiji was... unsettlingly righteous.

According to eyewitness accounts, after those "spies" were exposed, they brandished Explosive Tags, ready to put on a fireworks show.

In that critical moment, everyone thought to dodge—only Eiji charged forward without hesitation.

He engaged them in fierce combat, ultimately protecting the property of Konoha's villagers.

Of course, those guys nearly got beaten to death on the spot by Eiji, who dislocated their joints right there.

If not for the children nearby, he'd probably have stabbed them dead with two clean strikes.

The last White Hair this violent in public was his teacher, Tobirama.

Pfft, pfft—why was he linking those two again?

Aside from both having white hair, they had nothing in common, right?

Hiruzen hesitated for a moment, then looked up at Eiji.

"Eiji, well done. Without you, the casualties today would have been unimaginable."

Eiji's face was full of righteousness. "Hokage-sama, this is the Security Division's duty."

Hiruzen nodded lightly. "Leave the rest to the Anbu. This matter runs deep—you can't handle it."

Unexpectedly, Eiji flatly refused Hiruzen.

"Hokage-sama. Maintaining order within the village is a duty personally entrusted to the Uchiha by Tobirama-sama."

"This incident occurred inside Konoha Village, and the Security Division has the responsibility to investigate it thoroughly."

"Please rest assured, Hokage-sama—I will get to the bottom of this."

Hiruzen fell silent for a moment.

He was a bit irritated.

For some reason, whenever Eiji mentioned Tobirama-sama's name, he felt uneasy.

An Uchiha, yet treating Tobirama-sama's words as iron law.

This was beyond what an ordinary Uchiha would do.

Could Kagami's will really have such a far-reaching influence?

No, he needed to find time to rewrite the Will of Fire.

Hiruzen took a drag of his pipe, realizing he'd spaced out.

"Hokage-sama, there's no time to hesitate. The situation is critical."

"Who knows how many accomplices are still lurking in the village? If they harm the villagers, how could I face their trust?"

Hiruzen thought it over—it did make some sense.

Of course, Hiruzen kept his guard up.

"I'll assign an Anbu squad to assist you. Eliminate the security risks as soon as possible."

"Understood, Hokage-sama."

[Successfully fulfilled the Security Division's duty, earning the current Hokage's approval—truly worthy of you, the great Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama]

[Quest Reward: Water Style: Hard Whirlpool Water Blade]

At the Root Organization, Danzo's face was dark enough to drip water.

"You're saying Hiruzen not only didn't punish Eiji, but let them investigate the whole affair?"

"Yes, Danzo-sama," Ryoma said cautiously. "And some villagers said Eiji saved their lives—he's a good man."

Danzo smashed the teacup on the table.

"He's full of shit! He's an inherently evil Uchiha—everything he does is an act!"

A wave of unease surged in Danzo's heart.

This decision of Hiruzen's was practically handing a knife to the Uchiha.

If it were an ordinary Uchiha, Danzo wouldn't care—just a bunch of reckless cowards who'd lost even their courage now.

Even if you stood before them, slapped Fugaku twice across the face, and shouted, "Come on, hit me!" or something like that, They still might not dare to strike him.

But Eiji was different.

In Danzo's mind, he'd long been branded with labels like troublesome, evil, and shrewd.

He kept causing him trouble, yet Danzo remained helpless.

And now, Eiji even had leverage over him.

Even though Danzo had been extremely cautious, using layers of outsourcing, he still feared Eiji would sniff him out.

Danzo knew Eiji was the type to argue three points out of nothing—if he found any evidence, it would be as terrifying as letting him inherit Lord Hashirama's Wood Release.

"Foolish Hiruzen, do you even know what you're doing?"

"Have you forgotten Lord Tobirama's directive? The Uchiha are extremely dangerous—they must never be given power..."

Ryoma quietly stepped half a pace back, covering his ears.

Damn, he'd heard something he shouldn't again.

What if one day Lord Danzo got upset and killed him to silence him?

No way, probably not...

Some rejoiced, others worried.

While Danzo fretted over whether he'd get burned, the cheers from the Security Division had already blown the roof off.

"How many years has it been since our Security Division got recognition from the Hokage!"

"Who'd have thought we'd get an important mission like investigating spies? The Uchiha have a bright future ahead!"

Inside the Security Division, the Uchiha couldn't hide their excitement.

That's how adorable the Uchiha were.

Just dangle a little carrot in front of them, and they'd be grinning like idiots.

What kind of mission they received didn't matter—what mattered was what it signified about the Hokage's attitude.

"Eiji," Shisui patted him on the shoulder, "maybe you really can become the bridge between the clan and Konoha."

Eiji looked at Shisui like he was a complete fool.

Dude, I'm over here plotting when to rebel, and you're still going on about this.

Sigh, it's true—when you gain something, you lose something else.

Shisui got the talent for ninjutsu, but lost his smart brain.

As for Itachi.

Pure idiot, nothing worth saying.

"Everyone, restoring the Uchiha's glory is our duty!"

"Hahahahaha!"

Peals of Uchiha laughter drifted through the windows into the ears of passing villagers.

A little kid got so scared he burst into tears.

"Stop crying! Cry again and I'll have the Security Division lunatics lock you up!"

The kid clamped his mouth shut, forcing the tears back.

With a creak, the Security Division door opened.

Eiji walked out with his sword, summoned by Fugaku's men—no idea what the mission was.

And the moment the little kid saw Eiji, he fainted on the spot.

It's over!

I'm getting taken away!

Eiji shot him a sidelong glance. "Need any help?"

"N-no, no, no, no need."

With that, the father grabbed his kid and bolted.

"Psycho."

Eiji muttered a couple of words and soon found Fugaku sweeping the yard.

"Clan leader, you called for me?"

Seeing that it was Eiji who had arrived, Fugaku tossed aside his broom.

"Come, come in quickly. Mikoto, we have an honored guest—bring out my finest tea leaves."

Eiji was completely bewildered. He was just an ordinary Chunin, without even a proper official post—how could he be considered an honored guest?

Filled with questions, Eiji sat down at the tea table.

The fair-skinned and beautiful Aunt Mikoto poured him tea and then withdrew. Nearby, Itachi and Sasuke sat upright, looking very serious.

"Come, Eiji, have some tea."

Fugaku seemed to be in a good mood today, a smile still lingering on his face.

Eiji ventured a cautious question, "Clan leader, you seem to be in a decent mood today?"

Fugaku nodded emphatically. "Eiji, you've really done me a huge favor!"