At the Uchiha Compound, within the Clan Head's residence.
All the Uchiha higher-ups had gathered here, their faces filled with joy and excitement.
"Everyone, did you see that?"
"The Konoha Higher-ups wanted the Anbu to replace the Konoha Military Police Force? Now the Anbu's reputation has gone completely rotten, hasn't it?"
"This is hilarious!"
"What Uchiha arrogance? What inability to integrate into Konoha being the Uchiha's problem?"
"The Anbu's actions have now completely proven that this was a lie fabricated by the Konoha Higher-ups. The Konoha Military Police Force was something Senju Tobirama deliberately used to set up the Uchiha."
"We were confused and ignorant in the past. Thankfully, even heaven couldn't stand watching anymore and sent us Elder Jin!"
"Everyone, join me in thanking Elder Jin!"
Uchiha Yashiro laughed heartily and raised his cup in a toast to Uchiha Jin.
Yes!
Only now did he truly understand how foolish he had been before, actually hoping to genuinely integrate into the village.
When he had first joined the Radical Faction, he had still been somewhat resigned to his fate. But the Anbu's current predicament had thoroughly made him realize that Uchiha Jin's ideas and methods were the right ones.
If not for Uchiha Jin, if the Uchiha had continued down the old path, they might truly have been wiped out!
The other Uchiha naturally spoke up as well.
Toward Uchiha Jin before them, their hearts held only one word: loyalty!
Even someone as stubborn as Fugaku had to admit that Uchiha Jin's strategy was right. The Uchiha's ability to turn things around depended entirely on Uchiha Jin alone.
And regarding this—
Uchiha Jin wore a faint smile and did not refuse anyone's toast.
After draining his cup, he gently raised a hand.
Almost instantly.
The clamorous courtyard fell utterly silent.
"Gentlemen, hear me out!"
"Although we have indeed achieved considerable results, now is not the time for a true celebration."
"When you have walked eighty miles of a hundred-mile journey, that is when you must be most careful. The worst thing is to hold a feast halfway through!"
"Although the Konoha Military Police Force's move did set the village back once, it did not truly harm the village."
"On the contrary, I believe it will further provoke the Konoha Higher-ups, driving them to take desperate risks and overturn the table!"
"So, from here on."
"Everyone must be even more cautious than before, lest the village lash out at us in desperation!"
Uchiha Jin spoke in a low, measured tone.
Yes.
No matter how many victories he had won, unless he completely eliminated Sarutobi and the other Konoha Higher-ups, he would never let down his guard.
Hearing this, everyone present calmed down again.
Clearly.
Since following Uchiha Jin and clashing with the Konoha Higher-ups several times, they had thoroughly seen the filthy and ugly true faces of the Konoha Higher-ups.
Thus, they knew very well that Uchiha Jin was right.
The excitement in their eyes slowly faded, replaced once more by depth, coldness, caution, and vigilance. Only upon seeing this did Uchiha Jin finally reveal a faint smile.
"Mm, very good!"
"Seeing everyone this cautious puts my mind somewhat at ease."
"However, even if the Konoha Higher-ups intend to act, they will most likely find a way to kill me directly. As long as I, the core of the Uchiha, collapse, they will be satisfied."
"And since I generally do not leave the Clan Compound, if they want to make a move against me, the only option is to use my parents."
Almost instantly.
As Uchiha Jin spoke, every face present filled with fury.
After all, based on their understanding of the Konoha Higher-ups' character, they believed Uchiha Jin's assessment was absolutely correct.
Uchiha Tenno immediately spoke up. "There's nothing more to discuss. We rescue them directly!"
"That's right, Elder Jin!" Uchiha Yashiro's tone was filled with Killing Intent. "I know that the reason you have not rescued your parents is, ultimately, because you wanted to prioritize the Uchiha."
"But there is no need for that!"
"The Uchiha are one whole. Even if we have to pay a tremendous price, we must rescue your parents."
"Even if it means death, I will not hesitate!"
The others also volunteered for battle.
Including—Fugaku!
His tone was full of iron-blooded resolve, and his eyes brimmed with Killing Intent. "For this rescue operation, I am willing to lead the team personally!"
For a moment.
The atmosphere throughout the courtyard abruptly turned grim and murderous.
And in response.
A hint of emotion appeared in Uchiha Jin's eyes. Yet after taking a deep breath, he still made everyone calm down before speaking in an icy tone.
"Everyone, do not worry!"
"Since I can guess the Konoha Higher-ups' intentions, I have naturally already devised an action plan."
"Based on my understanding of the Konoha Higher-ups, Sarutobi Hiruzen places too much value on face and reputation, so he cannot possibly act personally. Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura are both useless, so the operation to kill me will most likely be carried out by Danzo himself."
"And Danzo..."
"Though he has earned the title Darkness of the Shinobi World, at his core, he is someone who cherishes his own life and is cowardly. Considering that he and I fought before, he will most likely send a large number of cannon fodder to drain my Dojutsu Power!"
"Danzo has another trait: arrogance and pride. Therefore, he will most likely show himself personally."
"And even if he uses my parents as bait to summon me, he definitely will not keep them by his side. Instead, he will hold them in the most central area of Root."
"So, heh."
"For the next operation, we will act simultaneously!"
"I will take the initiative and head into the trap Danzo has set. At the same time, you will break into Root and do everything possible to rescue my parents."
"Of course, if you have the spare capacity, seize as many of Root's past operation records, experimental materials, results, and other valuable items as possible and bring them back to me."
"However, considering that the Konoha Higher-ups are still fairly powerful, it would be best to find some excuse. After all, once this is over, we will still need to fool the Konoha Higher-ups."
"How about this? Find a spy from another Shinobi Village!"
"During the operation, use the Sharingan to control them and have them run directly toward Root's territory."
"Our Konoha Military Police Force also has the authority to arrest spies!"
Uchiha Jin spoke calmly.
Yet upon hearing these words, everyone's expressions instantly turned utterly astonished.
Spies were a minor matter. As members of the Konoha Military Police Force, they had long gathered plenty of leads; it simply had not yet been time to close the net.
What truly worried them was allowing Uchiha Jin to head into the trap alone.
However...
Uchiha Jin's decision was naturally not something they could oppose, so in the end, they could only choose to give up.
"Lastly, there is one more matter!"
"The only ones I am truly worried about are Shisui and Uchiha Itachi!"
"Does anyone know what those two have been busy with lately?"
Before you continue