Touring the Uchiha Clan Compound

Upon hearing this, Might Guy did not immediately grasp the motive of Sarutobi Hiruzen, but Hyuga Hiashi understood the Hokage's intentions.

Regarding the purpose of Sarutobi Hiruzen, Hyuga Hiashi naturally had his own thoughts.

After all, the Hyuga Clan and the Uchiha Clan were currently competing for the reputation of being the village's premier clan.

Furthermore, the Uchiha Clan had always relied on genjutsu, Fire Release, and their kekkei genkai to establish their standing; now that they had suddenly begun intensive taijutsu training, it was impossible not to wonder if the Uchiha Clan had discovered some secret to enhancing their strength.

However, since he could not figure it out, he would simply follow the orders of the Hokage.

Might Guy then replied in a loud voice.

"Understood, Hokage-sama, I will certainly observe with great care."

Unlike Might Guy's response, Hyuga Hiashi spoke with a very calm demeanor.

"I will as well."

Having received their answers, Sarutobi Hiruzen donned his Hokage hat and led the two toward the Uchiha Clan Compound.

Naturally, as Sarutobi Hiruzen set out, Anbu operatives followed in the shadows to protect him.

Uchiha Clan Compound.

Sarutobi Hiruzen, Hyuga Hiashi, and Might Guy had just arrived at the entrance of the Uchiha Clan Compound when they were spotted by the Uchiha guards stationed there.

"Quickly, go notify the Clan Head, the Great Elder, and the Third Elder that the Hokage has come to visit."

Following this, several Uchiha guards who had been keeping watch from the shadows ran off in two different directions.

Uchiha Fugaku was currently in the midst of enlightenment, so it was naturally impossible for him to be disturbed.

As for Uchiha Setsuna, who had been on a date, he was forced to return after being summoned away from Granny Cat.

Damn it, I was just about to take my relationship with Granny Cat to the next level.

Sarutobi Hiruzen, you've really done it now. Do you have any idea how heinous it is to ruin someone's romantic prospects?

However, because it concerned the Uchiha Clan, Uchiha Setsuna could only return to the Uchiha Clan amidst Granny Cat's complaints and head out to receive Sarutobi Hiruzen.

After all, Uchiha Setsuna knew through Uchiha Itachi that Uchiha Fugaku had forbidden anyone from disturbing him.

Although he did not know what Uchiha Fugaku was up to, the fact that he had issued such an order meant that the matter must be of great importance.

Besides Uchiha Fugaku, only he and Kagami Uchiha were qualified to receive the Hokage.

The three men walked very slowly, as this was merely a probe to investigate the situation.

Naturally, it would be best if the Uchiha Clan came to receive them and willingly led the three of them on a tour.

As Sarutobi Hiruzen had expected, after a short while, a disgruntled-looking Uchiha Setsuna hurried over.

The Third Elder, Kagami Uchiha, followed closely behind, having rushed over from the Senju Clan Compound.

However, Sarutobi Hiruzen scanned the area and felt a bit surprised, as he did not see Uchiha Fugaku.

Not seeing Uchiha Fugaku made Sarutobi Hiruzen feel that something was amiss.

But he could inquire about Uchiha Fugaku's affairs later; there was no rush for now.

Uchiha Setsuna, who had hurried over, saw Sarutobi Hiruzen and spoke up.

"Hokage-sama, what brings you to the Uchiha Clan Compound today?"

Upon hearing this, Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled and replied.

"Isn't it because I heard about the Uchiha Clan Compound being attacked by that mysterious Masked Man previously?"

"I was quite busy with official business before and didn't have the time, so I came to check on things the moment I finished my work today."

Hearing Sarutobi Hiruzen's words, Uchiha Setsuna could not help but mutter to himself.

Do you really not know who attacked us? You have quite the thick skin to use that as an excuse.

However, despite thinking this, Uchiha Setsuna still smiled and said.

"Hokage-sama, it is like this: the Uchiha Clan did not suffer heavy losses during that attack, and with the compensation you provided, Hokage-sama..."

"Everything has already been mostly restored."

Hearing Uchiha Setsuna's words—profiting while acting as if he were the victim—the corners of Sarutobi Hiruzen's mouth twitched slightly.

However, Sarutobi Hiruzen did not want to waste time bickering with him, so he spoke directly.

"In that case, Uchiha Great Elder, why don't you invite us in to take a look?"

Upon hearing Sarutobi Hiruzen's words, Uchiha Setsuna could not help but fall into deep thought.

Although he wanted to refuse entry to Sarutobi Hiruzen and his party, Uchiha Fugaku was currently in cultivation and had refused to come out; furthermore, since the Hokage and the Hyuga Clan Head were the ones visiting, it would be difficult to stop them without a proper excuse.

Fortunately, before arriving, he had already arranged for the medicinal powders Uchiha Fugaku requested to be hidden away.

At the same time, there were only a few clansmen currently training in the compound, which posed no issue; even if they were allowed to observe, what could it possibly matter?

Thinking this through, Uchiha Setsuna smiled and spoke up.

"That was my oversight. I shall welcome the Hokage and Clan Leader Hiashi inside immediately."

As for Might Guy, Uchiha Setsuna simply ignored him; although he had some vague impression of the boy, he did not know his name.

After all, Might Guy was not yet a famous genius in Konoha, and under the Third Hokage's concealment, no one aside from a select few knew of his terrifying potential.

(Uchiha Fugaku: That is the man who nearly kicked his way to the series finale. Even I fear him by three parts, yet you dare to be so dismissive? Great Elder, you have truly become arrogant.)

Following this, Sarutobi Hiruzen, Hyuga Hiashi, and Might Guy began touring the Uchiha Clan Compound under the guidance of Uchiha Setsuna and Kagami Uchiha.

As they walked, the group began to chat idly.

After a while, Sarutobi Hiruzen finally revealed the true purpose of his visit.

"Elder Setsuna, Elder Kagami, I heard you have recently begun organizing your clansmen to train in taijutsu."

"I have brought two taijutsu experts with me today to exchange some pointers."

"After all, a bit of exchange should be beneficial for both sides."

Hearing this, Uchiha Setsuna, a man as cunning as an old fox, naturally understood Sarutobi Hiruzen's intent; he had been alarmed by the taijutsu training organized by Uchiha Fugaku.

As long as the medicinal herbs were not exposed, it was fine, as the taijutsu training was never something that could be kept secret anyway.

Thinking of this, Uchiha Setsuna replied magnanimously.

"Very well, I shall take you all to see it now."

"The one in charge of the training is none other than the Hokage's former Anbu, Uchiha Itachi."

Seeing Uchiha Setsuna's demeanor, Sarutobi Hiruzen and Hyuga Hiashi could not help but grow suspicious—could it be that they had truly overthought things?

However, since they were already here, there was no reason to turn back halfway, and what if Uchiha Setsuna was doing this on purpose?

Perhaps it was merely to dispel their suspicions.

Sarutobi Hiruzen and his two companions followed Uchiha Setsuna toward the training grounds.

Upon entering, they saw dozens of Uchiha clansmen training diligently.

Unlike the suspicious motives of Sarutobi Hiruzen and Hyuga Hiashi, Might Guy's eyes lit up the moment he saw their training methods.

Such novel training methods! If I were to use them as well, could I increase my own training efficiency?

As Might Guy observed, he could not help but exclaim inwardly.

Who would have thought these simple training methods could be utilized in such a way?

Before long, Might Guy walked over to the side of Uchiha Itachi, who was in the middle of his training, to observe him closely.

He watched as Uchiha Itachi performed a push-up, then leaped up like a frog.

He continued to repeat this cycle without pause.

As he observed, Might Guy's eyes grew brighter and brighter.

Why hadn't I thought of this training method before?

Although he had not tried it himself, Might Guy, who trained in taijutsu constantly, could already discern some of the effects just by watching Uchiha Itachi.

Uchiha Itachi, meanwhile, could not help but feel a chill down his spine from the gaze fixed upon him.

Have I encountered a pervert?

Thinking this, Uchiha Itachi stopped his training and looked toward the side.

Might Guy?

Seeing that it was Might Guy, Uchiha Itachi understood the reason for such behavior.

However, Uchiha Itachi's gaze soon shifted away from Might Guy.

He swept a strange glance toward the left side of the training ground, feeling puzzled.

Why has the Hokage come to the Uchiha Clan?