Yangmou

Uchiha Ling chuckled inwardly; it had arrived just as expected!

This was the true outcome he had anticipated after stirring up this storm, deliberately provoking Danzo, and escalating the situation to such a degree.

Monopolizing the Military Police Force might appear to be a position of absolute power, but in reality, it was like sitting on a volcano, drawing all non-Uchiha grievances directly onto himself.

This was by no means a long-term strategy. What he wanted was not for the Uchiha Clan to hold power alone, but to become the true masters of Konoha.

Opening up the Military Police Force's authority to a moderate degree and introducing members from other clans and civilian ninja might look like a dilution of power, but in truth, it was a way to bind more factions to the Uchiha war chariot!

The introduced ninja from other clans would inevitably need to rely on Uchiha Ling, the leader, to gain status and benefits within the Military Police Force, which could easily be converted into political alliances.

As for the civilian ninja, lacking deep clan backgrounds, they would almost naturally become the grassroots force and supporters of the Uchiha within the Military Police Force.

This would not only resolve the resentment the Uchiha Clan had accumulated due to their monopoly on the Military Police Force, but it would also greatly expand Uchiha Ling's political base, transforming the Military Police Force from an "independent kingdom" of the Uchiha into the "power foundation" for his future rule over Konoha!

This move was a "public scheme" that Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo thought was meant to restrict him, yet they had no idea it was exactly what he wanted—a higher-level "public scheme" he had planned all along!

As these thoughts raced through his mind, Uchiha Ling's face displayed a perfectly timed look of "surprise" and "hesitation."

Uchiha Ling frowned slightly and pondered for a moment, as if engaged in an intense internal struggle.

Finally, he looked up, his face revealing a smile that carried a hint of "reluctance" and "consideration for the big picture":

"The Hokage's considerations are indeed profound. Although this matter might encounter some resistance within the clan, since it is for the long-term development of the village, I am willing to do my best to persuade the clan elders and attempt to push this forward."

With this statement, he placed himself entirely in the position of "considering the big picture," as if he were willing to sacrifice some of his own clan's privileges for the sake of the village's interests.

This posture caught Hiruzen Sarutobi, who had been prepared to spend some time persuading him, off guard, followed immediately by a sense of deep appreciation.

Hiruzen Sarutobi thought to himself, I knew Uchiha Ling possessed the Will of Fire in his heart; I was even wondering if he might have been putting on an act earlier.

Oh my, how could I think such a thing! After all, he is also Tsunade's disciple!

Yes! He must have been led astray by Danzo!

"Good! Ling, to have such breadth of mind and foresight, you are worthy of being a disciple valued by Tsunade, and worthy of being an Uchiha who possesses the Will of Fire!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi did not spare his praise, feeling a weight lift from his heart. Things had gone much more smoothly than he had anticipated.

"We can discuss the specific details later; we must ensure a smooth transition."

"Yes, Lord Hokage," Uchiha Ling replied.

The "harmonious" atmosphere in the Hokage Office had not lasted more than a few minutes when an Anbu member knocked and entered, followed by a Root ninja with a pale face and eyes filled with determination.

As soon as this Root ninja entered the office, he knelt on one knee, his voice hoarse yet clear:

"Lord Hokage, Captain Ling! Shimura Kurozuka has come to confess! All the false rumors circulating in the village recently targeting the Uchiha Clan were planned and spread by this subordinate alone due to personal grudges!

I was blinded by obsession and deserve to die; I am willing to bear all responsibility, and this has nothing to do with other members of the Shimura Clan or my colleagues in the Root! I beg Lord Hokage and Captain Ling to see the truth and release the innocent people who were implicated!"

Once these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the office, which had just eased, instantly became subtle once again.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze swept over the kneeling Shimura Kurozuka and then toward the expressionless Uchiha Ling, understanding dawning on him.

This was clearly a pawn discarded by Danzo to quell the incident and preserve the bulk of his strength. He was about to speak, hoping to use this opportunity to bring the matter to a complete close.

Uchiha Ling did not look at Shimura Kurozuka, but instead faced Hiruzen Sarutobi, his tone respectful yet firm: "Lord Hokage, it is certainly a good thing that someone has confessed and clarified the truth; it proves that the Military Police Force's investigation was on the right track and has restored my innocence and that of the Uchiha."

He changed the subject, his tone carrying a touch of earnestness as he sought justice from his elder: "However, Lord Hokage, this matter has had a malicious impact and has consumed a vast amount of the Military Police Force's manpower and resources.

If we close the case hastily based solely on one person's empty confession, it will not only be difficult to convince the public, but it may also encourage a bad trend. If everyone follows suit in the future, using a 'personal grudge' as an excuse to slander others at will and waste public resources, where will the dignity of the Military Police Force remain?

Who will bear the cost of maintaining the village's laws and discipline? This is also unfair to other colleagues who serve the village diligently."

"Ling, your concerns are not without reason," Hiruzen Sarutobi mused. "Maintaining law and discipline does indeed require costs. The losses incurred by the Military Police Force this time cannot simply be ignored."

"How about this? Let Danzo provide a reasonable amount of resources to the Military Police Force in the name of the Shimura Clan as compensation for the consumption of public resources caused by this incident."

"Thank you, Third Hokage!" Uchiha Ling bowed, his face showing the relief of being understood.

When the news reached Danzo, he was naturally burning with rage, cold light flickering in his single eye. "That naturally evil Uchiha brat, he actually dares to use this to demand resources!"

He growled in a low voice, the surrounding air chilling slightly.

But Hiruzen Sarutobi had already spoken, and the logic was on the other side; if he were to refuse firmly, not only would he fail to get his people back, but he would also incur the displeasure of Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"Enough!" Danzo suppressed his anger, his voice cold as he spoke to Ryoma.

"As long as he doesn't go too far, give it to him! Get our people back as soon as possible!" This resource drain pained him, but he had no choice, and his wariness and hatred for Uchiha Ling deepened further.

Uchiha Ling did not come forward personally, but instead sent the steady Uchiha Yashiro with a pre-calculated list.

The list detailed the actual losses incurred by the Military Police Force during this incident in terms of manpower deployment, intelligence verification, personnel detention and management, as well as the extra supplies prepared to deal with a potential escalation, including a certain quantity of standard ninja tools, conventional medicine, and necessary operational funds.

After Ryoma, who was responsible for the liaison, carefully reviewed it, although his expression was not pleasant, he could find no fault and had no choice but to sign and seal the document.

After all, Lord Danzo had already agreed, and the Hokage had already set the tone.

The supplies and funds were soon delivered to the Military Police Force. Uchiha Ling counted them personally, and after confirming everything was correct, he spoke sternly to Uchiha Tekka:

"Since the truth is clear and the losses have been reasonably compensated, follow the procedures and release those who were temporarily detained for questioning but against whom no evidence was found."

"Remember, keep a proper attitude; we are acting according to the law!"

"Yes, Captain Ling!" Uchiha Yashiro accepted the order and left.

When those Shimura clansmen and Root members were released, although their expressions were poor, having been locked up for several days, they understood who held the power now. They dared not vent their anger and could only leave in frustration.

Standing by the window, watching them leave, Uchiha Ling's expression was calm.

He turned to Uchiha Tekka beside him and said: "Register this batch of resources and allocate them specifically for the daily operations of the Military Police Force and the training and improvement of the members. Ensure that every cent is put to the best possible use."