It Was Time to Reclaim the Uchiha's Power, Part Two

Konoha, the Hokage's office.

Looking at Uchiha Xia Yu and Kurenai Yuhi standing before him hand in hand, Hiruzen Sarutobi sank deep into thought and nearly lost his grip on the pipe between his teeth.

This little Uchiha troublemaker! He actually stole my daughter-in-law!

Hiruzen Sarutobi was very angry,

but the consequences were not serious.

Because he understood that this was no time to lose his temper. He knew perfectly well why Xia Yu had come.

He must have come to demand an explanation over Danzo.

Sure enough.

Xia Yu's first words were exactly what Hiruzen Sarutobi had expected.

"Lord Hokage, I heard Danzo went mad?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi had already prepared his explanation:

"Yes, he went mad last night. After examining him, the village's finest doctors diagnosed Danzo with mental illness. He's been confined to a psychiatric hospital now..."

Before Xia Yu could speak, Hiruzen Sarutobi continued:

"Ah, Xia Yu, I know you're upset, but Danzo has already fallen this far. After all, he devoted most of his life to working diligently for the village. His merits offset his faults, and his crimes don't warrant death..."

"Don't pursue this matter any further. Just leave it to me..."

"Danzo represents the reputation of Konoha's government. If this causes an uproar and the government loses its credibility with the public, it will be bad for both Konoha and the Uchiha Clan..."

"Sometimes the truth doesn't matter. What matters most is an outcome that's good for everyone. Wouldn't you agree?"

"If we fight until both sides are ruined, only the clanspeople and villagers will suffer. Xia Yu, you wouldn't want Danzo's remaining forces to harass your family, would you?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi earnestly tried to persuade him, never giving Xia Yu a chance to get a word in.

His words carried a hint of a threat. He hoped Xia Yu would consider the bigger picture. If he let the matter go, they could coexist peacefully. If he pursued it, the consequence might be a second night of clan extermination.

Heh...

Xia Yu sneered inwardly.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, if you could just kill me here to eliminate the threat, like that old dog Danzo, I'd at least respect you as a man!

But you always solve problems through this kind of roundabout maneuvering, so don't blame me when I rise to power someday!

"Lord Hokage, I'll listen to you~ Our Uchiha Clan won't pursue this matter any further. After all, the Uchiha are a ninja clan of the village too. We have a responsibility to protect its peace and stability!"

"Ah~ That's the spirit~"

Hiruzen Sarutobi beamed. The already dense wrinkles on his face nearly piled up like grilled cold noodles cut into sections, with his prominent age spots dotting them like bits of onion.

"Xia Yu, you're very good. You understand the bigger picture. In both attitude and strength, you're very much like young Shisui Uchiha. I like that!"

"Thank you for your praise, Lord Hokage. Compared to little brother Shisui, I still have a long way to go."

"Hehe, did you know? I've gone to great lengths to back you up regarding your personal life! There have been many protests over your harem of wives and concubines, and I persuaded them to withdraw every one. Xia Yu, as long as you devote yourself wholeheartedly to Konoha, I guarantee I'll always support you in this regard!"

"Rest assured, Lord Hokage, I will~ Sorry for putting you to so much trouble."

"Not at all, not at all~ You're doing it for the Uchiha Clan's development, after all. It isn't easy for anyone."

"By the way, Lord Hokage, there's something I'd like to ask of you."

"Go ahead."

"I hope you'll permit the Uchiha Clan to take over the Konoha Military Police Force again."

"Oh?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi froze.

Holy shit?

An opportunity this good?

The Konoha Military Police Force had been established by the Second, Tobirama Senju, and placed entirely under the Uchiha Clan's control.

Tobirama Senju had done this precisely to gather the Uchiha in one place, making it easier to keep them under surveillance right beneath his eyes.

Hiruzen Sarutobi wanted to agree immediately, but he did not want to appear too eager. Putting on a troubled expression, he said:

"Ah, I've considered this myself. But I'm afraid you're the only man among the Uchiha now who can shoulder the difficult responsibility of fighting crime."

Indeed.

Uchiha Xia Yu was probably the only man in the Uchiha Clan who could work for the Konoha Military Police Force.

Having just one policeman maintain public order throughout Konoha would hardly be reasonable.

Wanting to ease Xia Yu's burden, Kurenai Yuhi immediately spoke up beside him. "Lord Hokage, I'm a member of the Uchiha Clan now too. With my help, it shouldn't be a problem."

Kurenai Yuhi openly told Hiruzen Sarutobi about her relationship with Xia Yu, without a trace of timidity.

"Kurenai, you... don't like my son Asuma anymore?"

"Lord Hokage, your son was the one who dumped me."

"...Uh." Hiruzen Sarutobi was speechless.

Xia Yu picked up the conversation. "Lord Hokage, several of my wives are outstanding ninja, fully qualified to work for the Konoha Military Police Force. And I believe that in just a few years, once my children have grown up, they'll all become elite youngsters who protect Konoha. Please have faith in our Uchiha Clan's abilities."

After a long silence, Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded. "Very well. Starting today, the Uchiha Clan will officially take over the Konoha Military Police Force again."

"Thank you, Lord Hokage!"

With their objective achieved, there was little point in staying.

Soon, Uchiha Xia Yu and Kurenai Yuhi left together, hand in hand.

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled as he watched the loving couple leave.

The moment the office door closed, Hiruzen Sarutobi's smile vanished, his face turning stern and grim.

The polite pleasantries were over. It was time to get serious.

He waved a hand.

Poof!

Amid white smoke, an Anbu member instantly appeared in the office, kneeling on one knee.

"Lord Hokage, what are your orders?"

"I have an important long-term espionage mission for you. Its rank is S. It's classified as S-rank not because of the danger, but because it will require you to... make some sacrifices."

The Anbu member answered resolutely, "From the day I became a member of the Anbu, I swore to make any sacrifice for Lord Hokage and the village!"

"Mm." Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded in satisfaction. "Take off your mask. This mission will require you to show your real face."

"Yes!"

The Anbu member rose and deftly removed her mask.

Beneath the mask was a face of breathtaking beauty, which, paired with her long purple hair, made her irresistible.

"Uzuki Yugao, your mission is to become Uchiha Xia Yu's wife and gather all his information at close quarters, including his true strength, his daily activities, and any other covert moves. In short, I want to know absolutely everything about Xia Yu!"

Uzuki Yugao: "..."