Use magic to defeat magic

"Hey! Have you heard?"

"Heard what?"

"That thing, you know!"

"So, which thing is 'that thing' exactly?"

"At a time like this, what else could it be but that?"

"Damn it! What are you even talking about? You riddle-mongers need to get out of Konoha!"

"Geez, look at you, getting all worked up. What else could it be lately besides that business with White Fang?"

"Lord White Fang? What happened? Did he slay some new enemy? Don't tell me he's about to become Hokage?"

"You really don't know? I'm only telling you because we're close, so don't go blabbing it around." A villager looked astonished before continuing:

"You know my second uncle's neighbor's younger brother's wife? She works as a receptionist at the Hokage Building's mission hall. I hear inside scoops about the ninja lords every now and then. Word is, Lord White Fang abandoned his mission a while back, causing the village to suffer heavy losses. Even the Hokage and the Daimyo from the capital are privately furious about it!"

Hearing this, the other villager was shocked: "How is that possible? That's Lord White Fang we're talking about! How could he fail? I heard the other ninja villages issued orders long ago that if anyone encountered Konoha's White Fang, they could unconditionally abandon their mission without penalty."

"Who's to say otherwise? It seems he chose to abandon the mission during the operation to save his best friend's life."

"If that's the case, then there's no helping it, right? The village suffered heavy losses? What kind of losses?"

"How would I know? It's all hearsay. For such a secret matter, it's impressive I know this much. I'm only telling you because of our years of friendship, so you better not spread it around."

"Don't worry, you know me, don't you?"

From somewhere unknown, the story that Konoha's White Fang had abandoned his mission to save a comrade, causing the village severe losses, began to spread through every street and alley in Konoha.

Under the influence of some mysterious force in Konoha, public opinion gradually tilted in one direction. Villagers began to condemn White Fang, asking why he would abandon a mission—was the life of one comrade worth more than the entire village?

No one mentioned White Fang's past achievements anymore. Even if someone occasionally tried to defend him, their voice was drowned out by the crowd, unable to be heard.

Konoha Street.

"Rin, why have you been so unhappy lately? You can tell me anything, I'll help you." Obito Uchiha, fiddling with a pair of brown goggles, was extremely worried.

During the Ninja Academy entrance ceremony, Obito had been late, but Rin had prepared his enrollment documents for him. From that day on, this gentle and kind girl had gradually walked into Obito's heart.

"I'm fine, Obito. It's just that everyone seems to be talking about Lord White Fang lately, and I'm a bit worried about Kakashi." Rin turned around upon hearing Obito, her face full of concern.

Hearing this, Obito, who was also worried about Kakashi, suddenly grew agitated: "What's there to worry about with that stuck-up Kakashi? He's already a Chunin."

He's just concerned about a comrade. Rin is just too kind, Obito comforted himself in his heart.

"Obito, do you think we should go to Kakashi's house to check on him? But would it be inappropriate to just show up like that?"

Once he calmed down, Obito was actually quite worried about Kakashi too. Just as he was hesitating in his heart:

"If you're worried about a comrade, you should go see them yourself."

The person speaking was none other than Chiba Genichi, who happened to be passing by: "As it happens, I also have business to visit Senior White Fang. Why don't we go together?"

"Lord Chiba, hello!" Seeing him, Rin Nohara placed her hands in front of her and bowed slightly, asking with a tone of admiration.

Chiba Genichi was the most outstanding ninja of Konoha's new generation—powerful, handsome, and gentle. He had always been the idol of the young ninjas in Konoha.

Moreover, the story of how he had voluntarily graduated early from the Ninja Academy and rushed to the front lines of the Land of Rain, carving out a glorious reputation, was widely circulated. He was a true legend of the Ninja Academy.

"Wow, it's the real Chiba Genichi! Hello, Senior! I'm Obito, Obito Uchiha." Obito was also excited, becoming somewhat incoherent: "Actually, you're my fan—oh wait, I mean I'm your idol... that doesn't sound right either."

"Anyway, I bought three sets of your [Uchiha Eye-Opening Theory]. One for my collection, one to preach with, and I read the third one devoutly every night before bed. Tell me, when will I be able to possess my own Sharingan?"

In the original work, Obito was emotionally rich and his eye-opening process was deeply stimulated by the outside world. However, the fact that he could instantly awaken the Two-Tomoe and then skip stages directly to the Mangekyo proved his talent for Yin Release was definitely not lacking.

"It's Obito, right? Do you train your body regularly? How much Genjutsu have you learned?"

"Huh? Why do I need to train? I heard Senior Mikoto just listened to your theory and opened her eyes?" Obito looked shocked.

"Stupid Obito." Rin couldn't help but whisper, feeling embarrassed for him in front of their senior.

The Hatake residence, gates tightly shut.

Genichi commanded: "Go ahead, Obito."

"Bang, bang, bang! Damn Kakashi, I've come to see you! Rin and Senior Chiba are here too, hurry up and open the door!"

The door opened to reveal Kakashi Hatake, who wore a mask even at such a young age. Despite his expressionless face and gloomy, dead-fish eyes, one could still sense his presence.

Genichi stepped forward and forcefully pressed one hand onto Kakashi's head, rubbing it vigorously until the boy could no longer maintain his cold, aloof posture. Only then did he say: "Kakashi, want to know who is framing Senior Sakumo? If you want to know, take off that mask..."

"There is no framing. I did indeed abandon the mission. Kakashi, your classmates have come to see you, why don't you invite them in?" Hatake Sakumo also walked out upon hearing the commotion.

"Come to think of it, this is our first formal meeting, isn't it? Genichi, do you remember the Anbu ninja from the ninjutsu collection room ten years ago? That was actually me."

"The Hokage has already told me about that, Senior Sakumo. I came today because of the mastermind behind the recent rumors. Ninja missions are supposed to be confidential, especially Anbu missions. How could it become known to the entire village in just a few days?"

Genichi continued: "I have been observing for some time now. Someone is secretly guiding public opinion and spreading rumors detrimental to you, Senior."

"Sigh, it's not really a rumor," Sakumo let out a long sigh. "My mission did indeed fail."

"The mission ended some time ago. I wonder if you could describe the process in detail?"

"This... given the confidentiality regulations, I'm afraid that wouldn't be appropriate." Sakumo still seemed hesitant.

"Senior, you know I'm Orochimaru's disciple, and I'm currently in line to compete for the position of Hokage. You can't possibly suspect that I'm a spy here to dig for information," Genichi said hurriedly.

"Besides, this matter is no longer just about you, Senior. Right now, the village isn't just blaming you for the failed mission; they are debating whether, for a ninja, the mission is more important or their comrades are. If this continues, ninjas going out on missions won't even dare to trust the teammates behind them. Casualties will only increase, and that is where the future of Konoha will rot."

"I didn't realize it had become this serious." Hatake Sakumo's gaze sharpened. He stared straight into Genichi's eyes, as if he had made a certain resolution. "What about you, Genichi? Do you believe that for a ninja, the mission is more important, or are the comrades?"

"The mission is more important, of course." Genichi spoke with cold indifference, ignoring the incredulous looks from the four of them.

He then reached out to ruffle Rin's little head as she stood there doubting reality, and said with a smile: "For the profession of a ninja, the mission comes first. But—before we are ninjas, we are first living, breathing human beings with flesh and blood. If we fail to protect our comrades, the mission is meaningless even if completed."

"Mission or comrades? My answer is—those who break the rules are trash, but those who do not cherish their comrades are worse than trash."

These words struck deep into Obito's heart, as if he had spoken them himself. He couldn't help but drift into a daze, missing the precious scene of Rin blushing as her head was being patted.

There was a moment of silence. Hatake Sakumo felt a complex mix of emotions. He had been distressed since the mission failed, and after returning to the village, he had been constantly blamed. Now, finally, a junior understood his heart and acknowledged his choice. He regained his composure and spoke slowly: "Since you want to know, let me tell you."

"Tenzan was my close friend and a Special Jonin of the village. His mission was to infiltrate the Hidden Cloud Village, meet with other intelligence personnel, and bring back information. Some time ago, the Hokage personally issued me a mission—to infiltrate the Land of Lightning and provide support for the intelligence retrieval."

"After we successfully rendezvoused, our tracks were leaked for some unknown reason. We fought our way back, and just as we were nearing the border, he was already severely wounded."

"He said, 'Sakumo, it looks like I can't make it back. You take the intelligence scroll and return. I will buy you some time.'"

"I was in decent condition at the time and could have easily left with the intelligence, but I couldn't watch my friend die right in front of me."

"So, I decided to use a Shadow Clone to take the scroll and divert the enemy, while my main body abandoned the mission to bring Tenzan back to the village."

"You already know what happened later. The intelligence scroll eventually fell into the hands of the Cloud ninjas. They could easily deduce the identities of our spies based on that intel. This failed mission might end up costing the lives of many intelligence personnel in the village."

"So that's how it was." After hearing the whole process, Genichi had a clear idea. "Since the mission has already failed and cannot be undone, let's not discuss how the Cloud ninjas discovered you two for now. Regarding the rumors spreading in the village, and the fact that the Hokage's office hasn't reacted after so many days, do you have any suspects, Senior Sakumo?"

"Shimura Danzō." The name surfaced instantly in Hatake Sakumo's mind, but there was no reason for it. I've never had a conflict with him, so why would he do this? Unable to find a reason, Sakumo fell into silence.

Obito felt he understood: "In short, there are bad people in the village spreading rumors about Uncle Sakumo, right? It's so strange, why doesn't the clan's Military Police Force just arrest them all?"

Hearing this, Genichi smiled: "Arrest them? Rumors spread from one to ten, ten to a hundred. What is the Military Police Force supposed to do? Arrest all these villagers?"

"The problem lies with the high-ranking officials of Konoha. If they were willing to explain the details of Senior Sakumo's mission and clarify what losses were caused by the failure, then whether they agreed with his actions or issued a minor punishment, the matter would have ended there."

"No ninja has a mission that never fails. When the Second Hokage sacrificed himself on the battlefield, didn't Sarutobi Hiruzen, as his guard, also technically fail his mission? He didn't receive any punishment; he inherited the position of Third Hokage upon returning to the village."

"The key is that the Hokage's office is currently acting as a bystander. The losses caused by Senior Sakumo's failure are left to the villagers' imagination, and with someone guiding them from the shadows, the situation has become one-sided and unfavorable."

Genichi knew clearly that if left unchecked, the blade of rumors would eventually kill this ninja known as the "White Fang."

"Senior Chiba, do you have any way to help?" Kakashi, who had been very depressed during this time, realized it wasn't entirely his father's fault and pleaded with Genichi.

"Yes, Senior, can you please help?" Rin and Obito also asked.

"Haha, leave it to me. I've accepted your request." Genichi stood up with a smile: "We must use magic to defeat magic."

Genichi then looked into Hatake Sakumo's eyes and said with a meaningful tone: "There will be results soon. Senior Sakumo, you must not do anything foolish."

Hatake Sakumo's pupils dilated, and his heart skipped a beat: Did he see through it? That I intended to prove my innocence with my death?

After bidding farewell to the group, Genichi headed straight for Nara Shikaku's house.

Genichi, who viewed Konoha as his own private property, could not watch such a powerful ninja as the White Fang die so insignificantly. He had made a big splash, and he wasn't the type to do good deeds without leaving a name.

"Shikaku! I've come to find you again. Shall we play chess?" Genichi shouted loudly outside the door.

"Chess? You just play it yourself; who can beat you, Genichi?" Shikaku said with a helpless expression as he brought Genichi into the house.

"Have you heard the recent rumors?" Genichi went straight to the point.

"You mean the White Fang affair? Are you planning to intervene, Genichi?"

"That's right. I want to stop these rumors and further weaken the prestige of those in the Hokage's office, preparing for the eventual removal of the Third."

Shikaku asked doubtfully: "As things stand, if the Hokage's office doesn't take the initiative, the rumors will be hard to quell. Genichi, what do you intend to do?"

"Hehe, this humble one has his own clever plan. Shikaku, I want you to secretly send people to spread the contents of this paper, just like the rumors, so that the whole village knows." Genichi mysteriously handed over a folded piece of paper and continued:

"In the current state of the village, counting on rumors to stop at the wise is impossible, so I've decided to use rumors to defeat rumors. Isn't the Hokage's office acting like it's none of their business? I'm going to give them a push."

After seeing the contents of the paper, Shikaku looked constipated and finally managed to say: "This is simple. The Yamanaka Clan can use the [Mind Transfer Jutsu] to control civilians to spread the notes or the rumors. The task will definitely be completed within a day."

It was best not to expose the matter he had entrusted to Shikaku. Although Genichi didn't think the Military Police Force could help much, he still prepared to high-profilely ask them to participate.

Build the plank road openly, while secretly crossing the Chencang.

Next, Genichi made no effort to hide his tracks and headed to the Konoha Military Police Force.

"Brother Fugaku, it's been a long time. I hope I'm not disturbing your work." Genichi greeted him warmly.

Two years ago, Fugaku was high-spirited, determined to make the Uchiha Clan great again, and preparing to become the clan leader to show his skills. He secretly felt that he might become the first Uchiha Hokage.

After becoming the Uchiha clan leader and the captain of the Military Police Force, Fugaku deeply felt his own powerlessness. The chasm between the village and the clan was far too deep.

If an enemy stood before him, even if they were powerful, Fugaku would feel no fear, because the Uchiha Clan feared no challenge.

However, the current situation is that the Hokage faction is secretly suppressing the Uchiha clan. With the enemy entrenched in the Hokage Building, there is truly no way to lead the clansmen in another charge.

As one of the two great founding families of the village, the Uchiha clan can no longer even dream of the Hokage seat; they do not even hold a single high-level position capable of influencing Konoha's decision-making. The high-level meetings convened by the Third Hokage have never once included the Captain of the Police Force.

The Konoha Police Force, which appears to hold immense power and seems to oversee everything, is in reality sidelined. Because its functions overlap too much with the Anbu, the Hokage has essentially delegated all matters related to ninjas to the Anbu.

Consequently, the Police Force is usually left to handle trivial matters like public brawls or maintaining street order. Furthermore, because the Uchiha clan is generally perceived as arrogant, they struggle to manage their relationship with the villagers, leading to frequent conflicts. These petty, trifling matters leave Fugaku feeling frazzled every single day.

Although Fugaku maintains a powerful image on the surface, telling his clansmen that he intends to restore the clan's glory and run for the Fourth Hokage, he is actually preparing an exit strategy. He plans to curry favor with and support a candidate for the Fourth Hokage who is less hostile toward the Uchiha.

After much deliberation, only Chiba Genichi seems suitable; not only does he hail from the Hokage faction, but he is also powerful and happens to have a very good relationship with the Uchiha clan.

"No bother at all, no bother. The Police Force usually only handles minor affairs. Genichi, what brings you here? You aren't an outsider to the Uchiha, so if you have something to say, just speak your mind." Fugaku was even more enthusiastic than Genichi, as he had been fretting over how to bridge the distance between them.

"It's nothing major. Fugaku-dono, have you heard about the rumors circulating in the village lately?"

Fugaku assumed Genichi had come to help clear the name of the White Fang, and his expression stiffened. "Ah, of course I've heard. Genichi, this matter is not as simple as you imagine. I have sent men to investigate in secret, and I fear the ones spreading these rumors from behind the scenes are the high-level officials of Konoha."

"You are well aware of the Uchiha clan's situation in the village. It is best not to clash with the Hokage faction; it is truly difficult to intervene in this matter."

"I understand. We are only speaking of this in private. Fugaku-dono, what is your opinion of the Third Hokage?"

Without waiting for Fugaku to answer, Genichi continued, "During the Second War, those few in the Hokage Building barely stepped onto the battlefield. In the next war, they would rather let Ninja Academy students graduate early to fill the front lines, while they likely remain tucked away in the rear of the village."

"I originally thought they were too old to even lift a kunai, but I didn't expect that while they are timid and subservient toward outsiders, they are quite capable when it comes to targeting their own people."

Fugaku felt a deep sense of empathy; these past years have been far too difficult for our Uchiha clan.

Genichi continued, "When they ostracized the Uchiha, I watched from the sidelines because I am not of the Uchiha clan. When they sent the village's children to slaughter on the battlefield, I was powerless to stop them because I was merely an ordinary Jonin. Now that they have begun targeting the White Fang of Konoha to eliminate dissent, am I to stand idly by again? If I do, when they come for me in the future, who will be left to speak for me?"

"Fugaku-dono, in the dead of night, I often ask myself: should I sit by and watch those few cling to the great tree of Konoha like parasites, simply because I am a beneficiary of the Hokage faction? My answer is—I cannot abandon the comrades who are being harmed."

"The Uchiha clan is also a founding family of Konoha. Are we to watch the village wither away in the hands of the Third and his cohorts?"

"Time waits for no one, Fugaku-dono."

"Let us make Konoha great again!"

"It's a deal." Fugaku recalled the various hardships of the Uchiha clan, the hostility of the Konoha high-ups, the tedious chores of the Police Force, and the hot-blooded nature inherent to the Uchiha:

"A coup, is it? Fine! I've long been sick of those old fossils. Genichi, I support you, and the Uchiha clan supports you."

Genichi, not knowing how Fugaku had jumped straight to the conclusion of a coup, gave an awkward smile. "That won't be necessary, that won't be necessary. Fugaku-dono, please calm down. A coup would only hurt everyone's village. Let us take advantage of the fact that the Third and his group are in the wrong this time to severely diminish their reputation. There is no need to rush into a coup; it cannot be forced."

Huh? It's not a coup? Why were you being so dramatic and stirring up such fervor? You made me get worked up for nothing.

Calming himself, Fugaku asked, "Then, Genichi, what should we do?"

Genichi replied, "It is quite simple. Over the next few days, the Police Force will ostensibly increase its investigation into the rumor-mongers, but in secret, you will put forth no real effort, allowing the rumors to continue spreading."

"What good will that do?" Fugaku did not understand, as the Police Force was never really capable of controlling rumors anyway.

"I have already made the arrangements. Fugaku-dono, just sit back and watch the show." Genichi offered a mysterious smile.