The Conflict Begins

Uchiha Fugaku, whose temperament tended toward the steady, did not answer immediately.

The troop strength of the Konohagakure ninja army was something only the upper echelons of Konoha could know, but the Konoha Military Police Force was a powerful department qualified to investigate ninja information.

They were the only unit, equal in status to the Hokage's Anbu, that enjoyed Konoha's payroll while patrolling the village as a clan-based ninja force.

By checking ninja registration numbers, Fugaku could roughly calculate the number of active-duty ninjas in Konoha.

When he factored in the general estimates of Konoha's garrisons in various directions, the fact that Shimura Danzō had practically become a laughingstock yesterday for "begging for troops," and the watchers who had suddenly appeared last night...

I fear it is that ninja army heading toward the southwest that has truly made the high-ranking officials of Konoha, already short on troops and generals, nervous.

As these thoughts turned in his mind, Fugaku realized that the influence belonging to the high-ranking officials within Konoha had significantly diminished, and the direct forces under Sarutobi Hiruzen numbered at most two thousand.

Over eighty percent of them were genin, with no more than twenty jonin among them.

Under these circumstances, the clan should naturally be more assertive to secure greater initiative.

However, he still needed to grasp the proper measure; he could not push the clan into a position of opposition against both the high-ranking officials and the other ninja clans of Konoha.

"We must recognize who our enemies are and who our friends are."

The words Uchiha Ren had spoken at the clan meeting surfaced in his mind. Not yet worn down by a life of constant compromise, and still at an age where he dared to fight and strive, the young Fugaku spoke decisively.

"The Konoha Military Police Force has its own rules and regulations."

"Any suspicious individuals who threaten Konoha will be purged by the Konoha Military Police Force without exception!"

His resounding words echoed in the room, and everyone present wore a smile.

"I will head to Ren's place first. For what follows, I ask that you all act in accordance with the will of the clan."

Mikoto stood up and said.

The afternoon sun was perfect, and the streets of Konohagakure were bustling with people, a picture of peace.

But this tranquility was soon broken by the sound of rapid footsteps and a sharp, chilling aura.

Led by Uchiha Fugaku, two squads of the Konoha Military Police Force moved silently and swiftly through the streets, heading straight for several hidden observation points on the outskirts of the Uchiha clan grounds.

Behind him followed Uchiha Shisui, his eyes sharp and his movements agile.

Also present was Uchiha Tekka, his expression cold and stern, carrying an irrepressible excitement and murderous intent.

"Move."

Fugaku's command was concise, his composed face revealing a fierce, predatory look.

The Uchiha, who had long since locked onto their targets, scattered instantly, charging like leopards toward those watchers who thought they were hidden perfectly.

"What do you Uchiha think you're doing? We are—" a ninja hiding in the tree canopy began to shout, intending to reveal his identity.

But the next moment, he met the gaze of Fugaku's scarlet, icy Three Tomoe Sharingan.

"Sharingan: Genjutsu!"

The rest of his words were cut short. The ninja's eyes went blank in the blink of an eye, his body stiffening as if bound by invisible chains.

"Oh no!"

An Anbu member let out a cry of alarm, followed immediately by the clashing sound of kunai.

The dull thuds of bodies being struck and the occasional pained groans that were quickly cut off sounded jarringly loud in the quiet district.

But to the ears of the Uchiha, these sounds were incredibly pleasant and satisfying.

Some of the watchers had their animal masks knocked off or forcibly ripped away during the scuffle, revealing faces filled with shock, anger, and disbelief.

Others, even after their mouths were smashed, still managed to shout incoherently.

"We are Anbu! We are here under orders to monitor you! Are you Uchiha really trying to stage a rebellion?!"

Their response was an even more fierce and excited assault from the Uchiha.

"Anbu? What Anbu?"

"We only see a group of sneaky 'foreign spies' plotting to steal Konoha's intelligence!"

"Konoha was founded by the Uchiha and the Senju. Now that the Senju are gone, the Uchiha are the masters of Konoha—what rebellion is there to stage?! Besides, you bunch of gutter-dwelling vermin aren't even worthy of monitoring the Uchiha!"

Uchiha Tekka's sneering voice echoed in the surroundings, and the nearby ninjas who heard the commotion stopped in their tracks, one after another.

Watching Tekka stomp a fox mask into pieces on the ground, everyone wore a complex expression.

Anyone with eyes could see that these people were Anbu; attacking them was a direct provocation to the Hokage.

In this situation, it was clear that this was a power struggle between the Uchiha and the high-ranking officials of Konoha. The ninjas in the central area of the village were all well aware of this.

As long as they weren't involved themselves and the situation remained unclear, they chose to stand by and watch.

There is nothing new under the sun.

In the fray, Shisui moved with agility, each strike causing his opponents to lose their ability to resist.

One strike to the mouth, two to the legs, and a third to force the opponent to their knees.

"It is these bastards who stand between the clan and Konoha; they deserve to be beaten!"

Shisui, who had yet to have much contact with Sarutobi Hiruzen, chose to place his trust in his elder brother Fugaku between the clan and the village.

As long as the tumors on Konohagakure were cleared away, the clan and the village would surely join hands and march toward a brighter future.

Fugaku stood atop a high streetlamp, arms crossed over his chest with a cold expression, acting as if he hadn't heard the clamoring of those "Anbu" at all.

Others might not be familiar with this group, but the Uchiha upper echelons knew them all too well—

These people were merely rats wearing Anbu tiger skins to throw their weight around, belonging to the "Root" under Shimura Danzō!

The Uchiha Police Force consisted of at least Uchiha chūnin; to deal with two squads totaling eight Root ninja, deploying an equal number of Uchiha was already showing them enough respect.

The true confrontation to follow would take place either at the Hokage Building or the Konoha Military Police Force!

"Take them all down. If they resist, you may take necessary measures!"

Fugaku's order reached the ears of every Uchiha, and it also fell into the ears of the Root members.

Necessary measures...

This phrase gave the Uchiha a bit more "discretion" in how they struck—

They ensured the targets had no possibility of continuing to resist or escaping, while simultaneously making them scream in agony!

Soon, the one-sided suppression ended.

Without exception, the Root members had their hands bound behind their backs and were tied securely with specialized ropes.

Everyone was covered in injuries, bruised and battered; some had their joints dislocated or limbs broken, and the sound of muffled groans from those enduring the pain merged into a chorus.

Several individuals had been singled out for their loose tongues, and whether they would be able to continue as ninja after their wounds healed was anyone's guess.

"Take them away."

Fugaku issued the command.

Under the astonished, fearful, and contemplative gazes of the increasing number of civilian ninja and clan ninja who had arrived at the scene—

The Uchiha, heads held high, marched like they were escorting spoils of war, stringing the wounded Root ninja together with ropes and half-dragging them through the streets.

This scene was like a giant boulder thrown into a calm lake, stirring up massive waves within Konohagakure.

Fugaku walked at the very front of the procession, his face calm, though his heart was as clear as a mirror.

The power struggle between the clan and the Konohagakure leadership had only just begun.

"Ren, I hope your... no, this is the clan's decision!"

"There will be no mistake!"