The Third Hokage Specifically Requests Uchiha Yan!

"Fugaku, I heard that Uchiha Yan's health has improved and that he has returned to his post at the Police Department."

Though puzzled, Fugaku answered with the explanation he had prepared in advance:

"Yes, Hokage-sama. Yan has recovered well. Though Bloodline Disease is terrifying, after countless years, the clan has gained some experience in treating it. Since Yan's condition was discovered early, it has improved greatly after treatment."

"I see."

The Third Hokage nodded as though he believed it, but only he knew how much he truly believed.

According to the Anbu's surveillance and investigation, Yan had not even stepped outside his home during the time he was supposedly resting, much less gone to Konoha Hospital for treatment. As for treatment within the Uchiha clan...

The Third Hokage did not believe a single word of it.

If the Uchiha truly had a way to treat Bloodline Disease, their clansmen would not have kept dying from it.

"Fugaku."

Sitting upright and placing both hands on the desk, the Third Hokage finally revealed his purpose.

"Some problems have arisen at the Daimyo's Mansion this year, causing the village's funding to be delayed. I need to make a personal trip to the Daimyo's Mansion, so I hope the Police Department can dispatch a squad to accompany me. Who do you think would be suitable?"

"To the Daimyo's Mansion?"

This was something Fugaku had never expected.

Tasks like this never fell to the Uchiha. They were almost entirely handled by the Anbu, and the higher-ups did not trust the Uchiha either.

Having the Uchiha dispatch a squad from the Police Department to protect the Hokage was simply absurd.

Yet the Third Hokage had made the impossible possible.

What exactly is Lord Hokage trying to imply?

Though suspicion churned in his heart, Fugaku answered truthfully.

"Hokage-sama, within the clan, aside from myself and several elders, there are also some clansmen working in the Police Department. I think Shisui would be a suitable candidate, but he has already been transferred out of the Police Department."

"What about Uchiha Yan?"

The Third Hokage looked at Fugaku and calmly spoke Yan's name.

Fugaku's heart skipped a beat.

So this was what he had been waiting for!

Was this meant to target Yan, or to verify whether Yan truly had Bloodline Disease?

His thoughts raced as Fugaku said with some difficulty, "Hokage-sama, Yan's individual strength ranks among the best in the clan, but his health has only just recovered. I'm afraid he may not be able to shoulder such an important responsibility."

Fugaku did not want Yan coming into contact with the Third Hokage in the slightest.

Unfortunately, the Third Hokage had other ideas.

He revealed a kind and approachable smile, then chuckled.

"Fugaku, I believe in him. After all, Yan has recently overshadowed both Shisui and Itachi, the two geniuses. I don't think it would be too difficult for him, would it?"

Difficult my ass. You've personally named him and put it this way—how can I refuse?

Do I even have the right to refuse?

Without giving Fugaku a chance to continue declining, the Third Hokage made the final decision.

"Since there is no problem, notify him to prepare. Gather outside the village entrance at two in the afternoon."

The Hokage leaving the village was not a major matter, but it could not be made into a huge spectacle either.

"Yes."

With matters having reached this point, Fugaku could only accept it.

He left the Hokage Office Building in frustration. Burdened by his concerns, he went to the Police Department and personally entered Yan's office to tell him about it.

"Me?"

"Protect the Hokage on his trip to the Daimyo's Mansion?"

Just as Fugaku had expected, Yan was shocked, his face full of disbelief.

Isn't that Anbu work?

What is that old bastard, the Third Hokage, trying to do?

"Yes."

Fugaku felt bitter inside, but he had no choice. He could only reassure Yan.

"Perhaps it is just a normal protection mission. Make your preparations and bring two people with you. Choose the squad members yourself. The squad you lead will only be responsible for the visible side of things. The ones truly protecting Hokage-sama will definitely be the Anbu. Besides, Hokage-sama's strength cannot be underestimated."

Speechless!

Absolutely speechless!!

Fucking speechless!!!

Other than speechless, Yan could not find any words to describe how he felt at that moment.

"Gather outside the village entrance at two in the afternoon. Hokage-sama will be waiting for you there. Don't be late."

After repeatedly and solemnly reminding Yan to be careful and stay alert, Fugaku left with a bellyful of worries.

Unlike the frustrated Yan, Izumi was delighted and excited as a chirping little bird after learning that their squad had been assigned the important task of protecting the Third Hokage on his trip to the Daimyo's Mansion.

Sure enough, people who had never been beaten down by reality were simply naïve.

After giving it some thought, Yan decided to bring Izumi and Feng. Chiyan and the others were better left at the Police Department.

Though Uchiha Feng could barely squeeze out a word all day, at least he was steady. As for Izumi... Yan would just use her as a personal little secretary. He really could not count on her to handle anything important.

After changing clothes and sorting out their equipment, Yan set off with them.

As for forehead protectors... did people serving in the Police Department need to wear those things?

Though Kakashi did not understand why the Third Hokage was so insistent on mobilizing a Police Department squad for protection, he still dutifully led his team to spread out around the area and protect the Third Hokage from the shadows.

Outside the village, on the small road leading to the Daimyo's Mansion, the Third Hokage stood by the roadside with a pipe clenched between his lips, enjoying the pleasure of puffing out clouds of smoke.

A true old chain-smoker.

After silently mocking him, Yan led his people forward.

"Hokage-sama, we can depart now."

"Mm."

The Third Hokage nodded with a kind smile. As they walked, he did not forget to ask after Yan's health.

"I heard your health has improved considerably. Has your condition been brought under control?"

"Yes. The clan has considerable experience in treating Bloodline Disease, so it has been kept under control."

Yan did his best to appear colder and reduce his conversation with the Third Hokage. He focused intently on observing everything around them, looking thoroughly professional.

Unfortunately, the Third Hokage kept chattering away in his ear.

"Seeing you youngsters reminds this old man of my younger days. Back then, I was just like you, full of youthful vigor."

Yan: "..."

Please shut up, will you? Can't you talk less?

It turned out that when you did not want to deal with someone, having them constantly yammering beside your ear was truly painful.

At that moment, Yan kept enduring it. Uchiha Feng felt exactly the same way.

Normally, this guy was a man of few words. If he could act, he would absolutely never speak.

Yet he had run into the Third Hokage, who would not stop rambling.

This was going to be a long ordeal.