Danzo's Response

On the outskirts of Konoha.

The smaller ninja clans, those without Kekkei Genkai or secret techniques, were talking too.

Some were excited.

"The Uchiha mean business this time! I'm signing up tomorrow!"

Some hesitated.

"But what if the higher-ups win? If we side with the Uchiha, won't they come after us?"

Some scoffed.

"Come after us? With what? The higher-ups can't even beat Uchiha En right now."

"When the time comes, who knows which side will be settling scores?"

Others looked further ahead.

"Uchiha En has thrown Konoha into this much turmoil. He must have something up his sleeve."

"If we join him, we might actually get something out of it."

By late that night, seven or eight small and midsize ninja clans had privately sent representatives to the Uchiha Clan Compound with requests for an audience.

They wanted to speak with Uchiha En.

In the Hokage Office.

Hiruzen Sarutobi stood by the window, a pipe in his hand.

But the pipe had long since gone out. Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura stood behind him.

Both looked grim.

Mitokado Homura spoke in a low voice.

"Uchiha En posted a recruitment notice for the Konoha Military Police Force in the Square."

He paused.

"50,000 Ryō for Genin, 200,000 for Chunin, and 350,000 Ryō for Jonin."

"He also promised that their children could enter the Uchiha Training Ground, and those who excelled could learn Uchiha ninjutsu."

Utatane Koharu's voice was icy.

"He's buying their loyalty."

Her voice rose.

"This is our Konoha! How dare he..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi did not turn around.

He was silent for a moment before speaking, his voice hoarse.

"He's making a move we can't openly oppose."

"He knows we can't do anything to him."

"He can't force a coup, either... so he came up with this way to