The atmosphere in the open space in front of the Uchiha Guard Unit building suddenly became tense.
Shimura Danzō, leaning on his cane, stood at the very front.
Behind him were more than ten solemn-looking members of the Hokage's Personal Guard, all wearing masks.
Their chakra was subtly intertwined, carrying the unique authority and pressure of the Hokage's direct forces.
On the other side were even more guards, with sharp eyes and dressed in Uchiha Gunbai Guard Unit, though they did not adopt any obvious attack stance.
But that silent cohesion and the faintly rising fighting spirit were stronger than the opponent's momentum.
Danzo narrowed his single eye slightly, staring at Chiyo Uchiha, who was slowly walking out of the main entrance of the building, and Orochimaru, who was following behind him with a calm expression and even a hint of amusement in his eyes.
" Chiyo Uchiha!"
Danzo spoke first, his voice low and commanding, leaving no room for argument.
He deliberately raised his voice to ensure that all the Uchiha clansmen and his subordinates around him could hear him clearly.
"We are here on the orders of the Third Hokage to take the missing-nin Orochimaru back for investigation. This is the Lord Hokage's order; please hand him over to us immediately."
He specifically emphasized the " Hokage's orders" and the "transfer," attempting to gain the upper hand in terms of legal principles and hierarchy.
Chiyo stopped on the steps, her gaze calmly sweeping over Danzo and his guards, as if she were just looking at a group of insignificant people.
He didn't answer Danzo directly, but instead turned his head slightly and casually asked a member of the Uchiha clan beside him.
"What are the regulations regarding the Guard Unit' assistance to the Hokage's Office in performing official duties?"
The Uchiha clansman immediately straightened his back and answered loudly.
"What the Clan Leader said!"
The regulations stipulate that if the Hokage's Office needs the assistance of the Guard Unit for official business, it must provide a formal document, and the assistance can only be provided after the duty Captain has verified that the document is correct.
Without formal documentation or procedural irregularities, the Guard Unit has the right to refuse involvement of non-department personnel in internal affairs to ensure police independence and security.
Chiyo then turned her gaze back to Danzo, a faint, almost imperceptible smile curving her lips.
" Danzo, did you hear that? Rules are rules."
If you want to bring people, you can, but please show me the official transfer order personally signed by the Third Hokage, requesting the removal of specific personnel from my Uchiha Guard Unit.
Otherwise, I'm afraid I cannot comply.
Danzo's face instantly darkened.
What official documents did he have?
Hiruzen Sarutobi only gave him a verbal order, granting him temporary permission to mobilize the guards. He thought that with the title of Hokage and his own power, he would be able to subdue the Uchiha and make them hand over the people obediently.
Unexpectedly, Chiyo was so uncooperative, directly using rules and regulations to shut him up!
" Chiyo Uchiha!"
Danzo's voice was tinged with anger.
"Are you questioning the Hokage's orders? Orochimaru is an S-rank missing-nin, a matter of great importance. The Lord Hokage must personally inquire and handle this as a special case. How can he be bound by mere paperwork?!"
"Are you trying to protect the missing-nin by obstructing us like this, or do you have some ulterior motive?"
This is extremely harsh; it's almost a blatant accusation.
The surrounding air seemed to freeze.
The Uchiha clansmen's eyes instantly turned cold, and their hands unconsciously went to their weapons.
The members of the Hokage Guard also felt the pressure increase sharply, and their bodies tensed slightly.
Chiyo suddenly chuckled, the sound particularly clear and jarring in the silent space.
"Covering up? Or is there some ulterior motive?"
He shook his head, as if he had heard something utterly ridiculous.
" Danzo, your skill in labeling people hasn't improved at all, not even after all these years."
He took a step forward, his gaze landing squarely on Danzo.
The invisible aura slowly spread out, causing Danzo to subconsciously take a half step back, his heart suddenly trembling.
"First!"
Chiyo extended his index finger, his tone calm yet carrying immense power.
Orochimaru returned to Konoha voluntarily; he was not captured.
This matter was witnessed by countless villagers and ninjas at the village entrance; it is not merely the account of my Uchiha.
I will discuss his treatment with the Third Hokage, but it will definitely not be the kind of ' missing-nin ' treatment you're talking about."
"Second!"
He extended his second finger.
"Even if he is missing-nin, according to Article 7, Section 3 of the Konoha Wartime Emergency Regulations, whoever captures him shall have priority in conducting preliminary interrogation and intelligence extraction to ensure the timeliness and security of the intelligence."
Our Uchiha Guard Unit has the full right to take this matter first.
If the Hokage's Office needs to intervene, it must follow formal procedures, not simply come to their door with people and demand it.
Danzo, have you forgotten the rules, or do you believe that your orders can supersede the rules jointly established by the village?
Every word and sentence was logical and well-founded, directly exposing Danzo's attempt to create a righteous cause, and instead pinning the blame on him for "breaking the rules" and "abusing his power."
Danzo was speechless for a moment, his face turning pale and then flushed.
He hadn't expected Chiyo to be so sharp-tongued and so familiar with the village's rules and regulations, nor had he expected that the other party's aura could completely suppress him.
Just then...
Orochimaru, who had been standing quietly behind Chiyo, suddenly let out a low laugh that was clearly mocking.
"Heh, Danzo..."
Orochimaru's golden snake eyes swept over Danzo, his tongue habitually licking his lips, his tone flippant and full of disdain.
"After all these years, are you still only capable of these underhanded tactics?"
Attempting to achieve one's goals through power and slogans is... utterly unprogressive and disappointing.
He shook his head, as if looking at a clown.
"Instead of wasting time here, we should go back and think about how to make some real contributions to the village."
After all, not everyone is like you, only focused on power and scheming."
Orochimaru's words, like the sharpest Kunai, precisely pierced Danzo's last fig leaf.
To be publicly mocked by a " missing-nin " whom he once cooperated with and feared, and who is now a "prisoner."
Danzo felt a surge of blood rush to his head, and his single eye instantly filled with bloodshot veins. He was filled with shame and indignation!
Orochimaru! How dare you!
Danzo roared and slammed his cane heavily on the ground.
"You missing-nin, what right do you have to spout nonsense here! Guards! Seize this madman!"
Upon hearing this, the Hokage Guard behind him felt extremely troubled, but the Hokage's orders were to temporarily Danzo Danzo's commands, so they had no choice but to bite the bullet and prepare to step forward.
"Let's see who dares!"
Chiyo's voice wasn't loud, but it pierced everyone's eardrums like Ice Spike, carrying an undeniable authority and a chilling killing intent.
He didn't even make a move; he simply swept his cold gaze over the guards who were about to step forward.
With just one glance, the battle-hardened guards seemed frozen in place, their movements instantly stiffening, cold sweat trickling down their foreheads.
They had no doubt that if they took another step forward, they would face a thunderous blow!
The Uchiha clan members stepped forward in unison, their Sharingan instantly activating. Their crimson eyes gleamed dangerously in the sunlight, locking onto each member of the Hokage Guard.
The situation spiraled out of control in an instant, and a conflict was on the verge of breaking out!
Danzo watched the scene spiral out of control, looked at Chiyo's calm yet unfathomable eyes, and at Orochimaru's undisguised mockery.
Then he sensed the skepticism and... among the mocking looks in the eyes of the Uchiha members around him and even the members of his own guard.
He felt as if all the dignity he had ever possessed had been torn to shreds and trampled on the ground in that moment!
Extreme anger and humiliation overwhelmed his reason!
He knew he couldn't take Orochimaru with him today, but he absolutely couldn't leave in such a disgraceful manner!
He had to do something, even if it was just to annoy the Uchiha and save face!
Just as a ruthless glint flashed in Danzo's eyes, preparing to forcefully issue the order regardless of the consequences, even at the cost of escalating the situation by inciting local conflict,
A barely perceptible glint suddenly flashed in Chiyo's eyes, who had been observing coldly all along!
Kotoamatsukami!
Silent and without a trace!
It is hailed as the strongest Genjutsu!
Driven by Chiyo's Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan, which far surpasses Shisui's and incorporates the power of Indra, it directly invaded Shimura Danzō's unsuspecting mental world!
Danzo's body shuddered almost imperceptibly, his single eye flashing with ruthlessness, anger, humiliation, and scheming...
All the complex emotions vanished instantly, as if erased by an eraser.
Instead, there was an unprecedented sense of bewilderment.
It quickly transformed into a deep, absolute, almost pious reverence and loyalty!
His mind, his will, his lifelong obsession were completely overwritten and rewritten in a hundredth of a second!
The core values of "for Konoha " and "protecting the village" may still exist, but the way they are achieved and the objects of their loyalty have undergone earth-shattering and fundamental changes!
All the hostility towards the Uchiha, all the greed for power, all the dark schemes, were replaced at this moment by the man before them.
Against Chiyo Uchiha!
That was absolute, unquestionable loyalty!
The will of Chiyo is his highest mission!
Chiyo's existence is the absolute guarantee of Konoha's Mirai!
All of this happened so fast that, to outsiders, Danzo only seemed to pause for a moment, as if he was furious or had suddenly thought of something.
The next moment, the ferocity and anger on Shimura Danzō's face completely disappeared.
He slowly and solemnly bowed deeply to Chiyo, his tone becoming more respectful and submissive than ever before.
"I am deeply sorry, Clan Leader Chiyo!"
I was reckless and failed to follow the rules, almost causing a serious mistake.
Your handling of matters must have its own profound meaning and considerations; it is I who am short-sighted, narrow-minded, and ignorant.
Orochimaru under your supervision is naturally the best arrangement.
I will personally go to the Lord Hokage to explain the situation, and there will be no further objections."
He raised his head, his single eye filled with sincere apology and absolute trust.
"Please continue with your important matters. If there is anything I may do to assist you, please do not hesitate to ask. Danzo will certainly not refuse!"
A deathly silence!
Everyone stared in disbelief at this sudden, 180-degree turn of events, hardly able to believe their eyes and ears!
Just moments ago, Shimura Danzō Danzo was all aggressive and trying to forcibly take people away, how did he suddenly become...?
How did they become so submissive and humble?
He even used the honorific "this humble one" when addressing Chiyo Uchiha?
The speed and thoroughness of this change in attitude are astonishing!
The members of the Hokage Guard had blank and shocked expressions on their faces behind their masks, completely bewildered.
The Uchiha clan members were also stunned, exchanging bewildered glances, not understanding what had happened.
Only Orochimaru, his golden snake eyes flickering slightly, glanced thoughtfully at the calm and composed Chiyo beside him, a deeper and more playful smile curving his lips.
He sensed that Danzo must have gone through something, but wisely refrained from expressing any doubts.
Chiyo looked at Danzo, who was bowing deeply and unable to get up, and felt very satisfied with the effect of Kotoamatsukami.
He spoke calmly.
" Danzo, it's good that you understand. I hope you remember the importance of rules. Get up."
"Yes! I will follow your instructions!"
Danzo then straightened up, his attitude remaining extremely respectful, as if he were not the aggressive and enraged person he had just been.
"Take your men back. Just report back to the Third Hokage truthfully."
Chiyo waved his hand.
"Yes!"
Danzo bowed again, then turned around without hesitation and spoke in a deep voice to the still-stunned members of the Hokage Guard.
"What are you all standing there for? Retreat! Don't disturb the Uchiha's work!"
After saying that, he took the lead, leaning on his cane, and with a light step, left the open space in front of the Uchiha Guard Unit building.
The members of the Hokage Guard seemed to awaken from a dream.
Despite being filled with doubt and a sense of absurdity, he could only hurry to catch up and slink away.
A potentially violent conflict was averted in an unexpected and almost bizarre way.
Left standing there, only the Uchiha clan members looked at each other in bewilderment, their eyes filled with awe at the unfathomable strength of their Clan Leader.
Chiyo turned around and looked at Orochimaru.
"It was just a minor hiccup, don't worry about it. Let's continue our previous topic, the specific details of that Barrier Jutsu..."
It was as if nothing had just happened.
Only Shimura Danzō's completely altered will, like the deepest undercurrent, quietly lay buried beneath the power structure of Konoha.
Waiting to stir up waves in the Mirai that no one can predict.