Some Rejoice, Some Worry

Unlike the relaxed and joyful atmosphere on Lin Yan's side.

Some people in the village are feeling very sad right now.

Inside the Hokage Building, in his office, Fugaku Uchiha's request for an audience was granted by Hiruzen Sarutobi.

At this moment, he was personally reporting to Hiruzen Sarutobi, explaining the specific details of the recent conflict between the Uchiha Clan and the villagers.

Of course, besides Fugaku, Itachi, Shisui, Kakashi, and others were also present.

In addition, Konoha's two advisors, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, as well as Danzo Shimura, the Hokage's assistant, were also present.

Everyone's expression was different, but the solemnity and seriousness in their eyes and brows could not be faked.

"Third Hokage, that's roughly the gist of the matter."

"I absolutely did not exaggerate or conceal anything."

Fugaku Uchiha thoroughly analyzed the cause, process, and impact of the entire conflict.

His request was simple: he hoped that the village's higher-ups could intervene and mediate.

"The work of the Konoha Police Force has certain unique characteristics. In addition to maintaining the security of the village, they must also prevent spies from outside the village from infiltrating."

"This is a rule that was established when the Second Hokage created the Konoha Police Force."

"I believe that the Uchiha Police Force' actions are understandable."

Xiaochun, who was switching dorms, was the first to speak up.

Although it may seem that she is speaking up for the Uchiha Clan, one cannot judge things solely by appearances.

Hiruzen Sarutobi was still smoking, remaining silent.

Mitokado Yan also had his eyes half-open, his face showing no emotion whatsoever.

Only Shimura Danzo had a very serious expression at this moment, and even his half-open eyes revealed a cold glint.

"The village will handle this matter, Fugaku."

"Please convey my gratitude to all members of the Uchiha Clan for their contributions to the development, peace, and stability of Konoha."

"The village will never forget your contributions."

After a moment of contemplation, Hiruzen Sarutobi finally spoke.

Setting the tone on this issue before Shimura Danzo rambles on is also a kind of wisdom.

He knew very well that given Danzo's personality, if he remained silent, the other party would definitely accuse the Uchiha Clan.

It's important to understand that Tobirama Senju, appointed the Uchiha Clan to take on the crucial role of Konoha's Konoha Police Force, it wasn't a simple matter...

Fugaku Uchiha's biggest worry was that the village's higher-ups would not recognize his demands.

Hearing Hiruzen Sarutobi speak, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Itachi and Shisui, who were listening behind them, also felt relieved.

However, there's a saying that goes something like this.

If nothing unexpected happens, something unexpected is bound to happen.

Just as Hiruzen Sarutobi finished speaking, and before Fugaku Uchiha could even express his gratitude, Danzo Shimura suddenly spoke up.

"The duty of the Konoha Police Force is to safeguard the peace of Konoha and prevent the intrusion threat of external spies."

"But now, you're attacking the villagers over a trivial dispute."

"While we can mediate on your behalf, the Uchiha Clan certainly cannot escape their due responsibilities because of this!"

Shimura Danzo's words sent a chill down the spines of everyone present.

Especially Fugaku Uchiha, Uchiha, and Shisui Uchiha.

They all knew very well that Lord Danzo was a hawk in the village, known for his tough, decisive, ruthless and merciless approach to things.

Danzo's words at that moment caused the atmosphere, which had just eased, to become tense again.

Fugaku Uchiha looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi with a somewhat bewildered expression.

However, at this moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi did not speak, but simply frowned and smoked.

It was Koharu, the girl from the next dormitory, who spoke up again.

"Danzo is not wrong either, Fugaku. Your Konoha Police Force did indeed beat more than a hundred villagers."

"More than twenty of them are in serious condition and are currently receiving treatment in the hospital."

"The actions of the Konoha Police Force have indeed hurt the feelings of the villagers."

"Even with our mediation, whether this issue can ultimately be resolved satisfactorily depends on your attitude."

Xiaochun, who was turning over a new room, didn't make her point too clearly.

But everyone present knew what she was trying to say.

Fugaku Uchiha found himself in a difficult situation.

Seeing that he remained silent, Mitokado Homura spoke up at this moment, "How about this, I have a compromise."

"Your Konoha Police Force should publicly apologize to everyone in Konoha Village."

"At the same time, you must also fully cover the medical expenses of the injured villagers, and provide them with appropriate compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and so on."

"I think this might win over the villagers."

"The impact on your Uchiha Clan will be minimal."

Mitokado Homura's directness made Fugaku Uchiha's expression even more unpleasant.

He never intended to ask for compensation when he came to talk to the higher-ups.

He humbled himself, setting aside all the pride of the Uchiha Clan, and came to the dialogue only wanting a relatively fair outcome.

But this isn't the solution I want.

Making the Uchiha Clan publicly apologize to all the villagers of Konoha is tantamount to making them admit that the Uchiha Clan was in the wrong, isn't it?

Moreover, they also have to bear the medical expenses of the more than one hundred injured villagers, and give each of them a large sum of money in compensation.

This is also an unacceptable condition.

Although the Uchiha Clan is nominally the largest clan in Konoha Village.

However, in recent years, their development has gradually declined, and the family business has been repeatedly reduced.

Furthermore, the Konoha Police Force are quite different from ordinary ninjas.

Other ninjas can normally accept some high-value missions.

However, due to the special nature of the work of the Konoha Police Force.

This has resulted in most members of the Uchiha Clan receiving only a basic salary for decades.

The vast majority of clansmen cannot accept missions and receive high rewards like ordinary ninjas.

In other words, Konoha has not actually benefited from the economic development achievements of the past few decades.

Coupled with several consecutive Ninja World Wars and various conflicts of varying sizes, the Uchiha Clan invested a great deal of money and manpower.

Not only did they sacrifice many of their people, but they also paid a heavy price in other aspects.

With income stagnant, they've been living off their savings and even losing money; even the wealthy landlords are running out of resources.

They themselves are struggling to make ends meet right now.

Therefore, it's really asking too much of people to come up with such a large sum of money to compensate those villagers.