The Uchiha Clan's Blind Swordsman

In terms of pure combat power, there is no doubt that Chiba is superior to Itachi.

However, Itachi possesses one more identity than Chiba, as well as a pair of Sharingan.

Activating the Sharingan and not activating it are two completely different concepts.

Chiba may be stronger than Itachi right now, but once Itachi activates his Sharingan, that situation might be reversed.

Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzō watched Chiba and Itachi calmly.

The fervor in their eyes could not be hidden.

And just as the two were about to speak, a sound rang out.

Bang.

The office door was suddenly pushed open.

An unexpected person appeared at the graduation ceremony.

"Fa-Father?"

Itachi looked at Uchiha Fugaku, who was standing in the doorway, in surprise.

Seeing this, Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzō both frowned simultaneously.

"Fugaku, you should be at the Mist front line right now. Why have you appeared here?"

Fugaku shrugged.

"The Mist front line is quite peaceful now. I was supposed to depart yesterday, but I heard that Itachi and Chiba wanted to apply for early graduation, so I wanted to come and see."

"Lord Hokage, Lord Danzō... may I sit in as an observer?"

Although Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzō were somewhat displeased, they had no reason to refuse. After all, Uchiha Fugaku was the head of the Uchiha clan and also Itachi's father.

"Someone, set up a seat for an observer on the side."

At this, an Anbu ninja appeared swiftly and set up another seat beside the long table.

Fugaku had not intended to come, but that unpleasant incident had occurred at the memorial service after all. Since Fugaku had tacitly approved of Chiba's actions, he had both the responsibility and the obligation to see that Chiba could follow his own will and graduate successfully. Protecting the clansmen had always been the duty of the clan head.

After Fugaku sat down, Sarutobi Hiruzen withdrew his expression and looked at Chiba and Itachi, revealing a kind smile.

"Two children of the Uchiha."

"Without a doubt, you are both the future of our Konoha and the inheritors of the Will of Fire."

"Graduating from the Ninja Academy means becoming a ninja capable of standing on your own in Konoha."

"When facing missions or war, incredible dangers may arise at any moment."

"Even so, do you still choose to graduate?"

Since Fugaku was present, the necessary procedures were indispensable. Chiba and Itachi exchanged a glance and spoke calmly.

"Yes! We still choose to graduate."

Hearing this, Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled and looked at Itachi.

"Uchiha Itachi."

"Lord Hokage."

"Your excellence is something we have all witnessed. In my view, my Anbu... needs talent like yours. Now, in my capacity as the Third Hokage, I formally extend an invitation to you. Do you wish to join my Anbu?"

The Anbu, subordinates belonging directly to the Hokage, took orders only from the Hokage. For those students at the Ninja Academy, this was an absolute honor. It was an invitation issued personally by the Hokage; it was their aspiration.

If Itachi had not met Chiba, he would certainly have agreed. Unfortunately, because of this butterfly named Chiba, he had ultimately changed.

"I may have to disappoint you, Lord Hokage."

"I have no intention of joining the Anbu for the time being."

Itachi did not state his reasons.

Sarutobi Hiruzen did not ask.

Because there was no need.

Fugaku's presence made many things impossible to say.

Danzō, for his part, remained silent.

He knew that Itachi was ultimately not meant for him.

"Is that so? It is truly... a great pity that my Anbu will be without you!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen shook his head, ultimately saying no more, and turned his gaze toward Chiba.

"Uchiha Chiba, my Anbu needs you as well. Do you wish to join my Anbu?"

His tone was noticeably heavier than it had been with Itachi.

At the same time, Danzō spoke up.

"Uchiha Chiba, my Root... also needs you."

Hearing this, Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned, looking at Danzō with some displeasure.

Danzō, have you gone too far?

The selection for Root had always come after the Anbu.

Since when could the Root, which lived in the shadows, break through the soil?

Danzō clearly sensed Sarutobi Hiruzen's displeased gaze.

However, this time, he did not back down.

He wanted Chiba very much.

Whether it was the Sharingan he couldn't see or that blade capable of severing souls, he craved them both.

His intuition told him that Chiba held many secrets.

And he did not want to hand such secrets over to Sarutobi Hiruzen on a silver platter.

Time had never smoothed away Danzō's sharp edges; his ambition had not stopped expanding for a single moment.

"Danzō..."

Beside them, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura both frowned.

Sarutobi Hiruzen did not speak, but they could not remain silent.

Although they were all high-ranking officials of Konoha, the Hokage in the public eye was Sarutobi Hiruzen.

"I do not intend to compete with the Anbu."

"I simply feel that Uchiha Chiba is truly destined for my Root."

"Since we are all here, why not let the person involved decide?"

Watching Danzō's confident demeanor, Sarutobi Hiruzen knew this old man was pulling strings behind his back again.

He didn't even have to think; Danzō had likely been in contact with Chiba privately.

To get Chiba to join his Root, he had probably offered some unspeakable conditions.

Sarutobi Hiruzen took a deep breath and slowly exhaled.

The Uchiha clan's affairs had already left him very displeased, and now Danzō had added to the trouble.

He gradually suppressed his rising anger.

At this moment, Uchiha Fugaku spoke up.

"Chiba, the choice you make is your own freedom."

"Just follow your own will."

He also knew that Danzō had likely approached Chiba in private.

Chiba bowed to Fugaku and smiled.

"Thank you, Clan Leader!"

After speaking, he looked up to face Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzō, speaking calmly.

"I apologize, but I may have to disappoint you both."

"Whether it is the Anbu or the Root, I have no intention of joining either."

At this, both Sarutobi Hiruzen and Danzō were stunned.

From the moment Danzō spoke, Sarutobi Hiruzen had known that Chiba would likely join the Root; he knew his old friend too well.

Yet, he hadn't expected Danzo to strike out as well.

Chiba had joined neither the Anbu nor Root.

Compared to Sarutobi Hiruzen's shock, Danzo felt more anger than anything else.

He was indeed quite annoyed.

He had personally sought out Chiba and laid out his terms; now, having extended an invitation in front of everyone and even vied for him against Sarutobi Hiruzen, he had arguably given Chiba more than enough face and sincerity.

However, Chiba simply did not care.

"Chiba, will you really not reconsider?"

"No, thank you for your kindness."

Subconsciously, Sarutobi Hiruzen and the other three looked toward Uchiha Fugaku.

In their eyes, Chiba's refusal had to be at Fugaku's direction.

Yet, allowing Itachi to remain free was Sarutobi Hiruzen's greatest concession.

He could not make any further compromises regarding the Uchiha clan.

This was a matter of face.

Sarutobi Hiruzen could endure the humiliation at the memorial service because the Uchiha had held the front line against the Mist, but he would not make a second retreat.

"Is that so? In that case... Chiba, I may not be able to approve your graduation."

At this, Uchiha Fugaku frowned.

"May I ask for the reason, Lord Hokage?"