Although the Uchiha were riding high at the moment, and some voices had even begun calling for an Uchiha to become the next Hokage,
Uchiha Fugaku still didn't dare overstep. He had completely suppressed the clan's more radical faction as well.
Even now, Uchiha Fugaku couldn't see through Sarutobi Hiruzen. The man's methods and strength both seemed unfathomable.
Every time he met with Sarutobi Hiruzen, the man's presence seemed even stronger than before.
And—
Uchiha Fugaku discreetly sized up Sarutobi Hiruzen's increasingly youthful face and robust physique, sensing the terrifying power within him.
He wondered what secret art the Third Hokage had practiced. How could he grow stronger at his age, rather than weaker?
Seeing Uchiha Fugaku's nervous expression, Sarutobi Hiruzen said no more.
He was naturally confident he could suppress anything with sheer strength, but it was still necessary to keep his subordinates in line from time to time. Otherwise, by the time trouble arose, it might be too late to fix things.
Elsewhere,
With so many Konoha Ninja gathered nearby to watch, it was time for Uchiha Itachi's Jonin assessment.
At a glance, Naruto and Sasuke were both among the spectators, cheering on someone close to them.
Seeing that it was about time, Sarutobi Hiruzen rose and announced,
"Uchiha Itachi's public assessment for promotion from Chunin to Jonin."
"Begin."
Kakashi and Uchiha Itachi appeared in the arena almost simultaneously.
Both displayed impressive skill with the Body Flicker Technique.
"So fast!"
"I can barely see their movements!"
Naruto's eyes widened as he tried to follow the speed of a Jonin.
"Idiot."
"A Genin can't perceive a Jonin in action."
Uchiha Sasuke kept his eyes on his older brother as he taunted Naruto,
"Especially not someone like you, who hasn't even graduated from the Ninja Academy."
Naruto's whisker marks twitched.