The Uchiha Clan's Grand Operation

Early in the morning, thick smoke began to permeate the Hokage Building once again.

Ever since the Uchiha clan withdrew from their duties in the Police Force, one issue after another had followed in quick succession. In just these few days, Sarutobi Hiruzen had already burned through at least a month's worth of tobacco.

The situation with Uzumaki Kushina was even more difficult to handle than the Sunagakure Ninja.

Konoha had never utilized Tailed Beasts during the war, but that did not mean they were not needed.

If Uzumaki Kushina were to truly get entangled with Uchiha Yuji, it would be far more than just double the trouble.

Yet, according to the reports from the Anbu, Uchiha Yuji had likely already captivated Kushina, and Uchiha Yuji himself seemed to have fallen for Uzumaki Kushina as well. This mutual attraction made the situation even more intractable.

The original inferior strategy of suppressing the Uchiha had now become the worst possible move!

Trying to make a willful child like Uzumaki Kushina leave was a task no less difficult than remaining unscathed after taking a direct hit from Tsunade's Strength of a Hundred Seal Punch without any defense.

Sarutobi Hiruzen felt he lacked such capability.

He shook his head to cast this most troublesome problem from his mind and picked up another scroll to review. Fortunately, there was some good news.

Without the harassment from the Raikage's brutes, Orochimaru, who had been locked in a stalemate with the Sunagakure Ninja, was finally able to unleash his full strength. With a combined assault alongside Jiraiya, the Iwagakure Ninja's already crumbling front lines had retreated.

Their retreat into a defensive shell was also a measure to prevent the Raikage's forces from gathering a large army for a surprise attack.

As for the Sunagakure Ninja, they had long since been driven to the brink of surrender by the White Fang. When it came to the technique of cutting down puppets, if the White Fang of Konoha claimed second place, no one in this Shinobi World would dare claim first.

As the Iwagakure Ninja retreated, the Sunagakure Ninja also withdrew their own ninja forces from the small nations. It was believed that it would not be long before this war could be brought to a complete end.

Feeling slightly relieved, Sarutobi Hiruzen took a puff from his pipe and walked slowly to the window, intending to calm his mood before continuing to think about how to drive a wedge between Uzumaki Kushina and the other.

But a casual glance left him unable to pull his legs away from the windowsill.

"What is going on here?"

The pipe slipped from Sarutobi Hiruzen's mouth and landed heavily on the floor. Sparks splattered onto his trousers, burning holes into the fabric, yet he seemed completely unaware.

The area belonging to the Uchiha clan not far from the Hokage Building was packed with people. They were not just on the streets; even the rooftops were crowded with bodies.

If it weren't for the Uchiha clansmen managing the order of the scene, Sarutobi Hiruzen had no doubt that a stampede would have occurred, and more than once.

"Zero, what is happening?" Sarutobi Hiruzen inquired.

Zero, wearing a fox mask, appeared via Body Flicker and knelt halfway to report the situation. "The Uchiha clan has been issuing loans since early this morning. The interest rates are very low, significantly less than the usual 'nine out, thirteen back' demanded by the nobility."

"Thanks to the reputation the Uchiha have maintained, the village residents have gathered in droves after only half an hour of opening."

This question had elicited the specific situation. Since when had the Anbu's intelligence transmission speed become so fast?

Sarutobi Hiruzen gave Zero a deep look, but without saying anything further, he asked directly, "Even so, there shouldn't be this many people. The number of ninjas among them is almost equal to that of the civilians."

"The financial subsidies from the war period should be enough for them to purchase all the supplies they need now. After all, the prices of supplies have already dropped slightly."

Zero remained silent for a moment before continuing to explain, "The Uchiha clan has brought out a large number of standard ninjutsu, teaching and imparting them to civilian ninjas under the guise of advanced training."

"The variety of ninjutsu is vast, and there is no shortage of improved versions. The tuition fees for the training are not very expensive. Furthermore, the Uchiha are also offering loans."

"For civilian ninjas who only know one or two techniques, this is an irresistible temptation. Having one extra ninjutsu could very well save their life."

Zero's explanation was nothing short of detailed.

Sarutobi Hiruzen suspected there was something wrong with his ears.

What did he mean by "brought out a large number of standard ninjutsu"? What was the Uchiha clan planning? Were they insane? To compete for influence among the civilians, they were just going to open up their ninjutsu?

Having been with Sarutobi Hiruzen for some time, Zero was someone who understood him well. He explained softly, "The specific situation can only be seen more clearly by going to the scene."

Sarutobi Hiruzen did not refuse and nodded heavily.

The threshold of the Uchiha clan's compound was almost being trampled down. The surging crowd squeezed the passageway until it was airtight; at times, one couldn't even control their own direction.

"Ninja ID: 003001, Konoha Genin, name is Might Duy?" The Uchiha ninja carefully scrutinized Might Duy, who was wearing a green spandex suit and looked completely unremarkable.

"Yes!" Might Duy's voice was exceptionally loud.

His sturdy legs, capable of kicking through wooden posts, were trembling with extreme nervousness at this moment, looking even sillier than a frozen hare.

However, Uchiha Toshihiko did not dare to underestimate him in the slightest.

The person before him—this name—had been personally described by the clan head as a powerhouse with the strength to kick a elite Jonin to death in a single blow.

But aside from Uchiha Yuji, who could manipulate them at will, the Uchiha clan did not hold anyone else in high regard.

"I have heard your name. Our clan head calls you the man with the most perseverance in Konoha. If you have time, shall we spar?"

"If you feel afraid, I can let you use one hand," Uchiha Toshihiko stared at the motionless Might Duy, making a bold claim.

"Finally. Has someone finally recognized me? Youth! This is youth!"

Might Duy raised his hands high and shouted loudly. Beneath his thick eyebrows, tears flowed like a waterfall.

This was the first time Uchiha Toshihiko had seen a guy even crazier than their own Uchiha clan. This fellow had only listened to half of what was said before he started acting out.

However, far from being disgusted, a smile full of fighting spirit appeared on his lips. In his understanding, only such "free" individuals were true powerhouses, just like their clan head.

Uchiha Toshihiko assessed Might Duy's situation and affirmed, "You are a taijutsu ninja, right?"

"Then you will need to replenish your food and medicinal herbs to repair hidden injuries."

"The clan head gave instructions long ago that if we encountered you, we could provide additional financial subsidies."

"Not only that, I can take it upon myself to lend you even more funds."

"Ten million ryo—is that enough?"

"Thank you so much!" Might Duy, his face streaming with tears, bowed deeply. "If there is anything you need my help with, even if I have to risk my life, I will help you accomplish it!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen immediately sensed that something was wrong!