In the reception room, Uzumaki Kuming sat quietly on the floor, listening to Mikoto Uchiha's account.
Kuming had already learned some of the background. The rift between the Uchiha Clan and the people of Konoha seemed to be growing. Minato Namikaze and Hiruzen Sarutobi had clearly noticed the problem and begun working with Fugaku to intervene, but their efforts had done little good.
If things were left alone, the Uchiha Clan would likely drift further and further away from Konoha. The conflict hadn't erupted in full yet, but all it would take was a catalyst for the clan to break with the village.
"I dealt with Shimura Danzō a long time ago, but the Uchiha Clan is still heading in this direction."
"Even without Shimura Danzō fanning the flames, things have still followed the path of fate!"
As he listened to Mikoto's account, Kuming sighed inwardly. Whether it was reforming the Konoha Military Police Force or dealing with Danzō, he'd thought he had taken care of the Uchiha Clan's problems. But after being away for several years, he'd found them heading down the same road anyway. It was as if some unseen hand were manipulating everything from the shadows.
"Kuming, is there anything you can do to help Fugaku?"
"You're the person Fugaku trusts most in the village!"
Mikoto finished speaking and looked at Kuming expectantly, hoping he could offer a solution.
"Of course there is."
"Fugaku has probably thought of it too. If he wants to use it, he will."
"But if he doesn't..."
Kuming fell silent for a moment. The solution was simple: get rid of the people causing the problem. If Fugaku had the resolve to bring the Uchiha Clan firmly under his control, everything would fall into place.
"What solution?" Mikoto asked, clearly not understanding.
Kuming