Recently, rumors about Kakashi had been spreading within the village, making many uneasy.
They worried that if Kakashi was targeted today, they might be next tomorrow.
Moreover, many members of the Anbu had received favors from Kakashi in the past, and a large number of them attended his banquet. So, their choice to stand by and do nothing at this moment was not surprising.
On the other hand, the Nara, Yamanaka, and Akimichi Clans quickly mobilized their clan members upon receiving orders. However, before they could even step onto the streets of Konoha, a squad of ninjas and a pack of Ninja Hounds headed straight for their compounds.
Leading the group were Clan Head Kenshiro Inuzuka and Clan Head Shibi Aburame, both smiling as they approached Shikaku Nara, Inoichi Yamanaka, and Choza Akimichi.
Seeing this, Shikaku Nara sighed slightly and asked: "I wonder what brings you two and your clansmen to our Ino–Shika–Cho compound?"
"Clan Head Shikaku, you make it sound so formal."
Kenshiro Inuzuka chuckled. "We're just here for a visit, nothing more."
"A visit?" Inoichi Yamanaka frowned, noticing the heavily armed Ninja Hounds.
"Of course."
Kenshiro Inuzuka replied. "Though it seems we've arrived at an inconvenient time. It's quite late; where might the three of you be headed? Surely you know the village is under lockdown tonight?"
"We are acting under the orders of the third Hokage to maintain order in the village. I ask that you let us pass."
Shikaku Nara said firmly.
"But we received orders that tonight is under strict lockdown."
Shibi Aburame interjected. "Anyone moving about without authorization, aside from the Konoha Military Police Force, will be treated as rioters."
"Since when did the Aburame and Inuzuka Clans start following the Konoha Military Police Force's orders?"
Shikaku Nara narrowed his eyes.
"We are not following the Konoha Military Police Force's orders."
Kenshiro Inuzuka explained. "But unlike your Ino–Shika–Cho clans, who have many members holding key positions in the village, our clans have only recently gained some representation in the Konoha Military Police Force. Now that we finally choose to join a side, as Clan Heads, we must support them fully. If this offends you, Clan Head Shikaku, I ask for your understanding."
At that moment, within their secret clan communication channel, Choza Akimichi asked: "What now, Shikaku? Do we fight?"
Shikaku Nara pondered for a moment before replying: "No, they came at just the right time. Let's stay here and wait for this to blow over."
"But if we don't act, how will we explain this to the third Hokage?"
Inoichi Yamanaka asked.
"With them standing here, we have all the explanations we need."
Shikaku replied.
Fighting was out of the question. While Ino–Shika–Cho clans had more Jonin overall and could use their combined techniques to overpower the Inuzuka and Aburame, Shikaku had to consider the bigger picture.
Behind the Inuzuka and Aburame Clans stood the Uchiha. If they clashed here, their enmity would be set in stone, and Ino–Shika–Cho would be forced to align themselves fully with Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Even if the third Hokage won this political struggle, how long could he realistically remain in power given his age?
And who would succeed him?
From Shikaku's analysis, the only viable candidates to replace Hiruzen were Jiraiya and Tsunade. If Tsunade returned to the village and expressed interest in leading, he would immediately bet on her.
But she preferred to drown in debt rather than return to Konoha.
As for Jiraiya, Shikaku would never risk his clan's future on a man who wandered the world chasing a vague prophecy from his summon animal.
That left only Kakashi, young and promising, as a possible fifth Hokage. But even if Kakashi did align with the third Hokage, that was all the more reason to avoid action.
If they had stepped in now to oppose the Konoha Military Police Force, that would have alienated Kakashi and his supporters.
Thus, after careful consideration, Shikaku concluded that the best move was to stay put. This way, they could give the third Hokage an excuse while keeping their clans from being dragged into this mess.
Meanwhile, inside the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi realized that the situation in the village was not improving. With no other choice, he used his Crystal Ball Jutsu to assess the scene.
What he saw sent a chill down his spine.
He had not expected much from the Anbu; he knew they would be reluctant to interfere. But he had assumed the Ino–Shika–Cho clans would step in to stop the Konoha Military Police Force.
Instead, he found the three clans in a tense standoff with a fully armed alliance of Aburame and Inuzuka ninjas outside their compounds.
Hiruzen had noticed how the Inuzuka Clan had welcomed Kuragami Uchiha's visit and how the Konoha Military Police Force had ceremoniously received their Ninja Hounds. He knew the Inuzuka had shifted their allegiance to the Uchiha. But he had not expected them to go all-in with such an aggressive display of support.
What was even more surprising was the involvement of the Aburame Clan.
At this moment, Hiruzen had to admit that his grip on the village had weakened significantly since Danzo's death.
After taking a long drag from his pipe, he turned to the last remaining Anbu in his office. "Deploy the Jonin squads to support the Anbu."
"Understood."
After the Anbu left, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado began their usual rambling, but Hiruzen barely had the will to listen.
He understood the true purpose of tonight's events. The Konoha Military Police Force's actions were not just about enforcing the law; that was an excuse. This was a power play by Kuragami Uchiha.
In less than a month since Danzo's death, Kuragami Uchiha had assembled all the pieces needed to stage an armed rebellion.
What worried Hiruzen the most was not just Kuragami's power but his discipline. Unlike previous clan heads, who had been either too reckless or too extreme, Kuragami had operated strictly within the rules.
Even as Hokage, Hiruzen couldn't find any legitimate fault in his actions.
The only silver lining was that Kuragami had exercised restraint and not escalated the situation beyond control.
But the message was clear.
Tonight, Kuragami Uchiha flexed his muscles.