Deep within the Anbu Headquarters, the lights were dim, and the air was so stagnant it seemed as if you could wring water out of it.
Hatake Sakumo sat alone behind his large desk, a top-secret file that had just been delivered by his trusted confidant spread out in front of him.
The ink on the file was not yet dry; lines of names, family affiliations, and recent activity records were etched onto the specially made paper like cold blades.
His fingers were long and steady, slowly tracing the names.
" Hiruzen... Shimura..."
Each name represents the core power of the Hokage lineage.
Below them are some Commoner Jonin and Chunin who are affiliated with the Hokage's faction. Their names frequently appear in public places such as village gatherings, taverns, and mission announcement halls. In their conversations, they always inadvertently praise the achievements and abilities of the " Yellow Flash ".
The dossier was accompanied by a brief analysis: all the major clans, including the Hyuga, Nara, Yamanaka, Akimichi, and Aburame, remained silent on the matter and did not express any obvious bias.
Public opinion has been clearly influenced, with favorability and expectations for Minato Namikaze continuing to rise.
Hatake Sakumo's brows furrowed more and more deeply, with deep, knife-carved lines etched into his forehead.
A barely perceptible hint of weariness and coldness flashed in his eyes, which had witnessed life and death and seen through the treacherous nature of people.
"Just as I expected..."
He muttered to himself, his voice unusually clear in the silent, secluded room.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's movements were faster and more urgent than he had anticipated.
This list is practically a mobilization order for the "royalists".
Leveraging the natural aura of a war hero, they mobilized all available resources to create momentum for Minato Namikaze, attempting to gain the upper hand in public opinion and suppress the Uchiha Clan Head who truly ended the war.
This mindset, this skillful use of power, has remained unchanged for decades.
Hatake Sakumo closed his eyes, and the scene of himself being caught in a vortex of public opinion, condemned by everyone, and isolated and helpless flashed through his mind.
It was Chiyo Uchiha, at that crucial moment, pulled him out of the abyss, giving him the chance and faith to hold his sword again.
He never forgot this kindness.
He had never realized so clearly how similar the storm that had struck him years ago was to the present.
It's nothing more than manipulating public opinion, attacking dissidents, and consolidating their own power.
The difference is that the target back then was him, the " Konoha's White Fang " whose "merits overshadowed his master".
Today's target is the even more terrifying Chiyo Uchiha, whose reputation and strength are now even greater.
" Minato..."
Sakumo murmured the name.
He didn't have a bad impression of Minato Namikaze.
That young man was sunny, strong, and had a strong sense of justice; he also took good care of Kakashi.
He even brought Kakashi into his team and made him his student.
However, this also carried the implication of the Third's subtle attempt to win him over, a fact that Hatake Sakumo was well aware of.
However, having a good impression doesn't mean he thinks Minato is the most suitable person to become Hokage at this moment.
The Hokage Position requires more than just sunshine and justice.
In this cruel Shinobi World, what is needed even more is the strength and courage to suppress everything and lead the village to absolute power!
Looking across Konoha, who currently possesses this strength?
Who has this kind of courage?
Who possesses such prestige?
Only Chiyo Uchiha!
Ending the Third Shinobi World War, capturing the two Kage, and subduing Orochimaru —each and every one of these achievements is a remarkable feat worthy of being recorded in history.
His unfathomable strength even inspired awe in him, the former " Konoha's White Fang ".
Such a powerful figure, such a meritorious individual, is now being secretly suppressed because of a ridiculous "checks and balances" and selfish power struggles?
A surge of intense righteous indignation welled up in Hatake Sakumo's heart.
This is not only to repay a debt of gratitude, but also for the true Mirai of Konoha!
Just as he was feeling emotional and pondering how to deal with the current situation, there was a gentle knock on the door of the secret room.
"Enter."
Sakumo instantly suppressed all outward emotions and returned to his usual cold demeanor.
A member of the Anbu wearing a fox mask silently slipped in, knelt on one knee, and reported in a low voice.
" Lord Sakumo, there's been some activity from the Uchiha."
Sakumo's spirits lifted.
"Explain."
"According to the response from the Anbu, some Radical Faction members of the Uchiha Clan, including Tekka Uchiha and Yashiro Uchiha, have been holding frequent secret meetings recently."
They used their family resources to secretly guide public opinion, attempting to emphasize Lord Chiyo's decisive contribution in the war among the general public and ninja communities, and subtly comparing his achievements with those of Jonin Minato Namikaze.
Furthermore, they seem to be planning some activities to boost Lord Chiyo's reputation.
The Anbu paused, then added.
"However, what is puzzling is that the Uchiha Clan Head, Lord Chiyo Senya, has not yet made any clear statement or issued any instructions."
He keeps a low profile and seems... to have little reaction to this."
" Chiyo hasn't made a move?"
A look of astonishment and deep confusion flashed in Hatake Sakumo's eyes.
Given Chiyo Uchiha's current power and status, how could he possibly remain indifferent to the Third's blatant measures of checks and balances?
Does he really have no ambition for the Hokage Position?
No, that's impossible.
Sakumo immediately rejected the idea.
They were both men, but his eyes...
Hatake Sakumo could feel it!
That was the ambition to Unite Five Villages and Unify Ninja World, coupled with a calm and composed gaze.
He could never be content with being just a Clan Leader.
Why did he remain inactive?
Is he so confident that he thinks the Third's methods are insignificant?
Or are we waiting for a better opportunity?
Or... is there a deeper plan?
Hatake Sakumo's fingers tapped unconsciously on the table, his brain racing.
The Radical Faction of the Uchiha has already mobilized, which can certainly form a counterforce.
However, relying solely on the Uchiha Clan's strength will inevitably lead to them being labeled as "family selfishness," and the effect may not be ideal, or it may even backfire, further exacerbating the conflict.
Chiyo's silence makes this war of words seem somewhat... eerie and wishful thinking.
What is he waiting for?
Sakumo frowned.
Must we wait until Minato Namikaze's reputation is completely solidified, and until the Third completes the power transition arrangements?
By then, it will be extremely difficult to reverse the situation!
no!
We absolutely cannot stand idly by!
Regardless of Chiyo's true intentions, Hatake Sakumo could not stand by and watch his former benefactor and close friend be schemed against in this way, and watch Konoha potentially miss out on a truly powerful leader!
Although the Anbu is now composed of a complex group of elites from various families and commoners, its supreme command is still in his hands.
This is a force independent of the Hokage's Personal Guard, a force powerful enough to influence the situation!
He might not be able to openly disobey the Hokage's orders.
However, within the scope of the rules, performing some "necessary" operations is not difficult.
for example...
They secretly guided public opinion about their Anbu members and their families.
for example...
In the summary report of public opinion submitted to the Hokage, information about Minato Namikaze and Chiyo Uchiha was cleverly balanced, with a slight emphasis on the latter's achievements and composure.
for example...
Using the information channels of the Anbu, some rational thoughts about " the Hokage Position should be filled by someone of high moral character and outstanding strength" quietly spread among the ninja community.
More importantly, he needs to make his stance clear!
Let those clans and ninjas who are still observing and may be more inclined towards Chiyo see that not everyone blindly follows the Hokage's will!
Thinking of this, Hatake Sakumo's eyes became sharp and resolute.
He looked at the Anbu still kneeling on the ground and gave the order in a deep voice.
"Pass down the order to closely monitor public opinion in the village, especially any negative signs targeting Lord Chiyo, which must be extinguished immediately."
But remember, the operation must be conducted in secrecy, so as not to give anyone a handle to use against you.
"Yes!"
The Anbu received the order.
"In addition!"
Sakumo hesitated for a moment, then continued.
"In my name, informally... I conveyed a message to several clan Clan Leader with whom I have a good relationship: the Anbu believes that the stability and prosperity of Konoha are above all personal and factional disputes."
Merit and strength deserve due respect.
This statement, while seemingly neutral, is undoubtedly a tacit support for Chiyo Uchiha in the current sensitive situation, and also a subtle questioning of the Third's eagerness to build momentum.
"Clear!"
The Anbu understood immediately and nodded emphatically.
Go ahead. Be careful.
The members of the Anbu disappeared silently once again, and the secret room returned to silence.
Hatake Sakumo slowly stood up, walked to the wall, and his gaze fell on a short sword hanging on the wall.
That was his former sword, which, though rarely used now, still gleamed with a chilling light.
He reached out and gently stroked the cold blade.
" Chiyo, I don't know what you're waiting for. Perhaps you're confident of success, or perhaps you think it's all just the clamor of clowns."
His gaze gradually deepened and sharpened, as if piercing through the wall to see the calm, black-haired, black-eyed youth.
"But I, Hatake Sakumo, will never forget the kindness shown to me back then, nor will I stand idly by and watch Konoha's Mirai be swayed by selfishness and shortsightedness."
"Since you're not going to make a move for now, then let me, in my own way, clear some obstacles for you and build up your momentum. We absolutely cannot let Chiyo's prestige be diminished!"
" The Hokage Position is related to the rise and fall of Konoha; the most capable should hold it!"
How can we treat this like a child's game, allowing it to be manipulated by public opinion?
A sharp aura flashed from him, the brilliance of " Konoha's White Fang " that had never been diminished even in his reclusive life.
He turned back to the table, unfurled a new Scroll, and dipped his brush in ink.
He was to write an "analysis report" on the recent public opinion situation in the village, in his capacity as the leader of the Anbu.
This report will be seen by several key Clan Leader and high-ranking figures in a "just right" way.
The report will objectively present the phenomena, but skillfully guide the reader's thinking.
Such eagerness to praise a young ninja with outstanding military achievements but little experience.
Is it truly in the village's overall interest to relatively neglect another person who achieved unparalleled merit and whose strength was unfathomable, the one End of War?
Could this create hidden dangers?
The pen tip scratched across the paper, making a soft, rustling sound.
Hatake Sakumo's gaze was focused and resolute.
An undercurrent surrounding the Hokage Position became even more turbulent because of his decision.
So what is Chiyo Uchiha, one of the main characters in this grand drama, thinking at this moment?
Hatake Sakumo raised his head and looked towards the direction of the Uchiha Compound. His doubts still lingered, but his determination to act was unwavering.
Chiyo not for...
But seeing it for myself, I couldn't refrain from doing it!