Uchiha Fugaku

"Danzo was the steadfast executor of our teacher's will, and Root was the embodiment of his will.

"That was why, with war approaching, he had once again proposed an 'Uchiha policy' even harsher than our teacher's."

Hiruzen tapped his pipe, recalling the issue Danzo had raised, and gave a bitter laugh.

"Yes..." Homura said softly. "If the Uchiha Clan is allowed to head to the battlefield on a large scale, it will significantly increase the chances of their Sharingan awakening. At the same time, the military achievements they gain will further elevate both their own status and their clan's standing within the village."

"The Uchiha Clan's emotions are simply too unpredictable. On the battlefield, the consequences brought by that uncertainty will be even harder to foresee."

"And if a Mangekyō Sharingan were to appear among them..."

The words "Mangekyō Sharingan" plunged both Homura and Hiruzen into silence.

Back then, several powerful Uchiha Clan members who possessed the Mangekyō Sharingan had fought fiercely for power and profit, causing tremendous damage to the village.

That was why Tobirama Senju, the Second Hokage, had even specifically dispatched a large number of Anbu members to monitor the Uchiha Clan.

Thus, Danzo believed that the Second Hokage had deeply detested the Uchiha Clan, viewing them as a ticking time bomb and a massive internal danger to the village.

But as the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen was not as radical as Danzo. He believed the Second Hokage had only acted that way because the Uchiha Clan had caused trouble. Any other clan would have received the same treatment had they caused trouble.

Therefore, thanks to Kagami Uchiha's legacy, and because no new Mangekyō Sharingan had appeared in the Uchiha Clan during the peaceful years after that incident, the policy toward the Uchiha Clan had never changed.

Now, the Uchiha Clan no longer had anyone with a Mangekyō Sharingan. But if they were allowed to take part freely in the coming war...

"Danzo's concerns are not without merit. That is also why we did not immediately reject his proposal."

As the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen could not suppress everything through sheer strength like Hashirama Senju, the First Hokage.

Nor could he be as brilliantly intelligent and hard-handed as Tobirama Senju, the Second Hokage, becoming ruthless when necessary.

As a moderate, this was not the first time he had hesitated over such matters, and it clearly would not be the last.

"Although the Uchiha currently have no powerful Mangekyō Sharingan user, their young heir, Uchiha Fugaku, has already begun to display the bearing of a leader among the younger generation."

Admiration appeared in Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes.

"The Uchiha truly are the Uchiha. They produce talents generation after generation. Fugaku is only sixteen this year, isn't he? Yet his prestige within the clan is already second only to that of the current clan head."

"He has already awakened the Three-Tomoe Sharingan, yet he is calm and steady, entirely unlike the other arrogant and unruly Uchiha. His attitude toward the village has always been beyond reproach.

"But he is too restrained. We cannot determine whether he is a deeply calculating young ambitious man, or a broad-minded member of the new generation who has inherited Kagami's ideals."

Hiruzen placed the pipe between his lips and took a deep puff. "I hope... it is the latter. The Uchiha are an important part of the village's strength. Unless it becomes necessary, I would like to continue observing them."

"Yes, I have heard as well. Though there is still a gap in strength, Uchiha Fugaku's reputation is already faintly approaching that of Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade."

Mitokado Homura fell silent for a moment before speaking seriously.

"Danzo's policy of completely isolating the Uchiha is too radical. If implemented now, it will certainly arouse the suspicions of the other clans during wartime."

"But Danzo's concerns are justified as well. How about a compromise?"

"A compromise..." Sarutobi Hiruzen considered it for a moment, glanced at his old friend known for his steadiness and caution, and smiled.

"Homura, that is a mature approach."

"Then ask Koharu to come over. If she sees no problem with it, we will proceed this way."

"The Uchiha Clan's treatment will remain unchanged. However, with war approaching, members of the Military Police Force must remain in the village as the main defensive force. Without orders, they are not permitted to go to the battlefield."

"No one may request assistance from the Military Police Force. The Anbu will be responsible for battlefield support in this conflict!"

"If Danzo has objections, let him carry it out. Once the Anbu deploy, Root will take over the Anbu's monitoring of the Uchiha Clan!"

"Yes, Lord Third Hokage!"

After a day of training ended, Orochimaru kept Satoru and Nawaki behind to discuss some matters, so Uchiha Mikoto went home first.

She could tell that Nawaki had made enormous progress today compared to yesterday. Even Orochimaru-sensei seemed quite surprised.

Moreover, Orochimaru-sensei's attitude toward Satoru had changed somewhat as well.

"They are both geniuses. I need to work harder too!"

Mikoto did not feel unbalanced, because Orochimaru-sensei had clearly told her that, beyond their basic training, the three of them should each develop in directions suited to themselves.

Nawaki, the oldest, had a straightforward and passionate personality and should lean toward an assault-focused style. His Chakra reserves, far greater than those of ordinary people, also made him suited for that style.

Satoru, the youngest, was highly well-rounded, excelling in both tactics and support.

Thus, he was better suited for support and assassination. His elusive Body Flicker Technique, various special ninjutsu, and respectable taijutsu allowed him to respond effectively in all kinds of situations.

As for Mikoto, Orochimaru-sensei pointed out that she possessed considerable talent for Genjutsu.

Being able to perform a Great Fireball Technique of that level at her age, without careful guidance from her clan, showed that Mikoto had strong Chakra control.

Even before awakening the Sharingan, Mikoto's talent for Genjutsu had already been considerable. Once she awakened it, combined with her ninja tool skills, Mikoto would become an important support and backup member of the team.

Therefore, Orochimaru focused on training Mikoto's tactical awareness and reaction speed, qualities that an outstanding Genjutsu ninja had to possess.

To that end, Orochimaru-sensei gave her three scrolls recording three relatively basic Genjutsu—

the Fox Mind Technique, Hell Viewing Technique, and Demonic Illusion: False Surroundings Technique.

Mikoto's next task was to practice these three Genjutsu in addition to her basic training.

Lost in thought, Mikoto had already entered Uchiha Clan territory.

Mikoto was not a core member of the Uchiha Clan, so she could not enter the Konoha Military Police Force headquarters located in the central district.

In the outer residential area, Mikoto spotted members of the Military Police Force patrolling under a leader.

"Ah! That is..."

Uchiha Fugaku was leading a patrol, while the Military Police Force members with him grumbled among themselves.

"Vice Captain, the order just came down today. We understand that overseeing the village's defense is important, but what does it mean to strictly forbid us from going into battle?!"

"The village's defense does not need this much fighting strength. Are we supposed to stay in the village and watch other clans earn military achievements?"

"Konoha is on the defensive side, so there is nothing wrong with being cautious," Uchiha Fugaku said with a smile, comforting them. "Do not be so sensitive."

"The Third Hokage is prudent and steady. It is not strange for him to make such arrangements. Besides, protecting the village is the Military Police Force's duty in the first place."

"If we are needed on the battlefield, would that not mean the situation is unfavorable? I would rather not see that happen."