Adding Fuel to the Fire, Conflict Erupts Again

Using a speed contest as an excuse, Hiruzen Sarutobi led Lin Yan, Kakashi, Itachi, Shisui, and others back to Konoha at high speed.

Meanwhile, in Konoha Village...

The recent resurgence of conflict between the Konoha Police Force and the villagers has reignited the flames of war that had been quelled by the mediation of the Konoha leadership.

There was no smoke of gunpowder, no rivers of blood.

However, the emotions of the entire Uchiha Clan were completely ignited.

At this moment, they are in the Uchiha Clan's territory.

A new round of gatherings, initiated by clan head Fugaku Uchiha, was held once again.

"I have repeatedly emphasized to you that you should try to be tolerant and not provoke those villagers!"

"Why are there still people who disobey my orders?"

"Do you even still consider me your clan leader?"

Fugaku Uchiha's expression was extremely grim.

He had received information that a dozen or so members of the Konoha Police Force had once again beaten the villagers.

Moreover, this time, they even arrested nearly a hundred villagers.

Now, even if the Uchiha Clan jumped into the Naka River outside the village, they still couldn't clear their name.

Using force and the power of the Konoha Police Force to wantonly oppress the people of Konoha Village, this label will be stuck on the heads of the Uchiha Clan for life.

Fugaku now looked at him with a disappointed expression.

However, the tribespeople below completely disregarded his criticisms and reprimands.

Many people were not convinced.

Especially the elite clan members such as Uchiha Tetsuka, Uchiha Inabi, and Uchiha Yashiro.

They sat at the front of the Uchiha Clan group, arms crossed and faces grim Uchiha Tetsuka, after hearing Fugaku's reprimand, finally could no longer bear it.

He said in a deep voice, "Captain Fugaku, we understand your difficulties and have been diligently carrying out your orders, trying our best to avoid conflict with the villagers!"

"But they really went too far!"

"I really don't understand, what's the point of us making such concessions? What's the significance?"

"This will only embolden those villagers. They have absolutely no respect for the Uchiha Clan, and the prestige of the Konoha Police Force has been completely destroyed!"

Uchiha Tetsuka's words quickly gained the support of Uchiha Inabi.

The latter immediately complained to Fugaku Uchiha, "Captain Fugaku, those villagers... calling them villagers is an understatement; they're more like troublemakers!"

"We could tolerate their cold looks, eye-rolling, pointing fingers, and insults, but we also endured their personal attacks."

"But they actually said that the Uchiha Clan are all cowards."

"They said we used the Sharingan to control the Nine-Tails back then, and then manipulated Nine-Tails to attack Konoha!"

"They even cursed the ancestors of the Uchiha Clan for eighteen generations, and insulted our ancestors for eighteen generations!"

"Fugaku, should we continue to endure this situation? Can we even bear it any longer?"

"Everyone has a heart, and everyone has self-respect and a temper!"

"No one is born to be criticized, right?"

Uchiha Inabi's words also received the support of Uchiha Tetsuka, Uchiha Yashiro, and other members of the Uchiha Clan.

Everyone expressed their deep dissatisfaction.

Uchiha Yashiro even stood up agitatedly, looking at Fugaku and asking, "Captain Fugaku, our continued concessions and retreats will only embolden those scoundrels."

"They're just insulting us now, but what if they physically attack us or even assault us in the future? Will we not fight back?"

"They don't need a future! They're already doing it now!"

"It's true that the Konoha Police Force are here to protect Konoha, but we're not here to be bullied, are we?"

"Exactly! We only make so little money each month, barely enough to support our families, and yet we get treated like this. I can't stand it!!"

"Captain Fugaku, why don't we just rebel! Then we won't have to do anything based on anyone's opinion, and we won't need anyone to pay our salaries!"

"My monthly income is just too little; it's simply not enough to support my family..."

"..."

The people became more and more excited as they spoke.

As the conversation went on, sure enough, someone started suggesting that the Uchiha Clan should just rebel.

These words made Fugaku Uchiha's head feel like it was going to explode.

For a moment, he felt his head buzzing, and he had no idea how to respond to the demands and grievances of these people.

Having heard so many complaints and grievances from everyone, Fugaku Uchiha felt a fire burning fiercely within him.

He also began to experience very negative emotions regarding the excessive behavior of the villagers of Konoha.

Just then, a member of the clan came to report.

"Fugaku!"

"The two advisors would like to invite you to the Hokage's Office for a talk!"

This voice interrupted all the chatter and complaints of the tribespeople.

Countless clansmen turned around to look behind them, and Fugaku Uchiha frowned.

"Do the two consultants want to speak with me...?"

He walked towards the door.

At the same time, a strong sense of unease welled up inside me.

At this moment, the surrounding clansmen came to their senses and immediately warned Fugaku, "Lord Fugaku, please be extremely careful! This could be a conspiracy by the higher-ups!"

"Fugaku, please take us with you! We want to speak directly with the higher-ups!"

"Yes, Lord Fugaku, we can protect you if any danger arises!"

"..."

Most of the people in the tribe acted out of concern and good intentions.

Fugaku could certainly understand their thoughts.

Some members of the tribe genuinely intend to resolve the conflict through direct dialogue with higher-ups.

However, Fugaku did not allow them to accompany him.

"You all stay home and wait for my message. Don't run around and get into conflicts with the villagers."

"That's an order!"

"Anyone who dares to disobey orders again will be punished according to the Uchiha Clan's rules!"

After finishing his speech, Fugaku Uchiha left the clan meeting place and headed straight for the Hokage's Office.

Just as Fugaku Uchiha was rushing to the Hokage's Office, five figures sped towards Konoha Village from outside.

Lin Yan was leading the way.

The second is Shisui Uchiha.

Next is Hiruzen Sarutobi, while Kakashi and Itachi are tied for last place in the score.

Before long, they arrived at the gate of Konoha Village.

The two Konoha Chunin guarding the gate saw a sudden gust of wind and several figures moving with Inazuma speed, and thought it was an enemy attack.

When they realized it was Hiruzen Sarutobi and several other Konoha elites, they were all stunned.

"What is the Third Master doing? Why is he running so fast?"

"Is it an enemy attack? Quickly notify the village and sound the alarm!"

"Hey, wait a minute! This doesn't seem like it... They seem more like they're playing around?"