"Kagami, Father, it's time to eat." With Uchiha Sayuri's call, the conversation in the Uchiha household came to an end.
Meanwhile, the other clans were also discussing the shocking news that had come from the Hokage's office earlier that day.
The heads of the Ino-Shika-Chō trio had gathered together.
"What's going on with our Hokage? The notice for the Jōnin meeting in seven days was just sent out this afternoon, and then shortly after, a document was issued relieving Utatane Koharu of her position as the Hokage's assistant," said Akimichi Chōhei, breaking the silence between the three.
"That means there are conflicting voices within the Hokage's camp. This is bad news for him," replied Yamanaka Inori.
Shikatsu smirked. "Haha, you guys don't know yet? There's trouble with the Fire Trade Company. My son, Shikaru, was sent there to assist Danzō."
Chōhei frowned. "So the Fire Trade Company is having issues, and that's why a Jōnin meeting is being held? But why was the Hokage's assistant dismissed?"
"I heard that in the three years since its establishment, the Fire Trade Company hasn't given the village its share of the profits—despite the fact that Konoha owns 30% of it," Shikatsu explained. "As for why Koharu was dismissed, that's still unclear. But I do know there was a huge argument in the Hokage's office this afternoon. Several Hokage assistants were present. That alone tells us this is serious. The Hokage's camp is divided, but Hiruzen seems firm in his decision. I have a feeling something big is about to happen."
"It won't affect us, will it?" Inori asked, turning to Chōhei. "Torifu should be fine, right? This incident doesn't really concern us, so we can continue supporting the Hokage."
Chōhei curled his lips and said, "Torifu should come back, but honestly, it probably won't make much of a difference whether he does or not. Don't count on him too much."
Shikatsu's expression turned serious. "Don't try to use Torifu to secure benefits for us. Whether he has power or not, his presence alone is a safeguard for our three clans. Don't risk his standing over minor gains. Didn't you see that a Hokage assistant was dismissed today? The Hokage's influence is immense—he's likely grown even stronger in the past few years, maybe even close to Lord Hashirama."
He paused for a moment before continuing, "You haven't experienced it, so you don't understand how terrifying that kind of power is. Back in the Sand Village, he fought against the One-Tail. He might have been holding back on purpose. He used mudslides in the Land of Iron and Water Release in the Sand Village. Don't tell me Water Release naturally counters Shukaku—it's all relative. Do you think it's easy to use Water Release in the middle of a desert? Then after returning from the Sand Village, he suddenly had a flying technique. People underestimate him just because he's younger, but those who do are in for a surprise."
"Isn't that a bit exaggerated? Comparing him to Lord Hashirama?" Inori asked, skeptical.
"Even if that's an exaggeration, he's at least on par with the Second Hokage," Chōhei added with a chuckle. "You didn't see how hard my nephew Torifu was hit by him. After that, the kid didn't stop practicing the family's secret techniques, even in the Land of Iron."
"Hey, I'm just reminding you—don't forget that the Hokage is a powerful shinobi," Shikatsu sighed when he saw his old friends weren't taking his words seriously. "Strength is everything in the ninja world. Just because the Hokage is usually mild-mannered, don't make the mistake of underestimating him."
But seeing that his warning wasn't fully sinking in, he decided to let it go. In the end, their three clans always moved as one, and his stance would ultimately reflect the attitude of the Ino-Shika-Chō alliance.
"Let's not dwell on this. Drink some tea, drink some tea." Nara Shikatsu shifted the topic.
Meanwhile, the Hyuga clan also held a clan meeting, led by their clan head, Hyuga Hayato. The main house elders were slightly surprised by the situation.
"This is a major event in the village," one of the elders stated. "A Hokage assistant has been removed. How should we position ourselves at the upcoming jonin meeting?"
"I believe the Hyuga should take a firm stance," another elder declared. "We are now the largest clan in Konoha. The Uchiha have even lost control of the Security Department—let's see how arrogant they are now. We could even arrest a few Uchiha and throw them in prison, just to see how they react."
"I don't think that's wise," Hayato quickly interrupted, dismissing the elder's reckless idea. "The Uchiha still have the Hokage's support, while we only have the Central Police Force. Besides, this goes against our usual strategy."
"I suggest we observe for now," another elder proposed. "Support whatever benefits us, and wait to see if any other opportunities arise."
Just then, the door burst open.