"Uchiha? Huh, you must be talking about the argument between Asuma and those Uchiha brats in the street earlier." Danzo scoffed, a cold glint in his visible eye. Simultaneously, while Anbu reported the incident to Sarutobi Hiruzen, Root operatives had already relayed the information to Danzo, prompting his leisurely visit to the Hokage's office. "Just children's play. Why give it so much thought? Though that business with Sakumo… you went too far." Sarutobi Hiruzen puffed a plume of smoke from his pipe, his expression towards Danzo subtly displeased.
Behind the recent White Fang controversy, Danzo had been subtly manipulating public opinion, casting Hatake Sakumo in an unfavorable light. Yet, the usually stoic White Fang had, for some reason, swiftly turned the tide. Within days, the rumors vanished. Sakumo Hatake, the very minister of Anbu, second only to the Hokage, had quietly identified and dealt with several Root infiltrators within his ranks. Then, under the guise of official duties, he'd led Anbu on a series of operations that effectively dismantled or sealed off dozens of Root bases in a matter of days.
"Hmph, Hiruzen, don't forget. You are the leaves basking in the sun, and I am the roots in the darkness. Hatake Sakumo's strength was becoming a threat to the village's stability, and both Koharu and Homura concurred," Danzo retorted dismissively. Framing the Anbu Minister hadn't been solely his idea. The reputation and power of Konoha's White Fang were already sufficient to make him a contender for the Fourth Hokage position. But Sakumo Hatake's lack of direct disciple to any previous Hokage made his position… precarious. Never underestimate the ruthlessness of political maneuvering. Danzo likely had the tacit support of the two Hokage advisors, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, and even Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen had likely turned a blind eye to a certain extent.
… "There won't be a next time. Let's focus on the Uchiha for now." After a brief silence, Sarutobi Hiruzen smoothly changed the subject. Danzo understood. "The Uchiha have always been a potential source of instability for Konoha. Wasn't the establishment of the Konoha Military Police Force, entrusting the Uchiha with maintaining Konoha's security, intended to better restrain and supervise them? I suggest we increase the number of surveillance personnel near the Uchiha compound." Danzo spoke slowly, deliberately.
Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned. "Hold off on deploying more manpower for now. Let's observe the situation. In recent years, the increasing provocations from other nations are a worrying sign. War may be on the horizon. Before that, we shouldn't stir up unnecessary internal conflict."
"Very well. I'll take my leave. You handle this, Hiruzen. But don't forget the precedent of Uchiha Madara," Danzo conceded, turning to leave the Hokage's office. Sarutobi Hiruzen watched Danzo's departing figure with a complex expression. He understood their teacher's approach to the Uchiha Clan… But Danzo's concerns. Shaking off his thoughts, Hiruzen returned his gaze to the crystal ball.
On the training grounds, the three-on-three battle had commenced. Sarutobi Asuma and Uchiha Kai were locked in a back-and-forth struggle, neither gaining a clear advantage. The remaining four were engaged in two simultaneous duels. However, the two younger Uchiha boys, Kai's cousins who had only recently started at the academy, were clearly outmatched against the more experienced Kamizuki Izumo and Hagane Kotetsu. They were holding their own for now, but their stamina wouldn't last.
Uchiha Kai glanced at his struggling cousins, a knot of worry tightening in his chest. He'd been careless. Asuma had been waiting for this. If they lost, Kai would never live it down within the Uchiha clan. The existing tension between the Uchiha and the Hokage's lineage meant a loss here would disgrace their entire family.
"Fighting me and still worrying about others? Focus on your own survival," Sarutobi Asuma taunted, seizing the opportunity as Kai's attention wavered. He lunged forward, a kunai held in both hands, aiming for vital points.
"Damn it," Uchiha Kai cursed under his breath, forced to solely address the immediate threat.
"Kai… be careful!" Uchiha Kai forced Asuma back, turning his head for a split second. In that instant, the other two duels concluded. The two younger Uchiha boys lay on the ground, defeated. While Izumo Kamizuki and Kotetsu Hagane were breathing heavily, they were unharmed, merely winded. Now, the two victors advanced, forming a loose encirclement around Sarutobi Asuma.
"Uchiha Kai, give it up. You have no chance of winning," Sarutobi Asuma said, a smug grin spreading across his face as he looked at Uchiha Kai.
On the elevated platform overlooking the arena, several figures in police uniforms stood watching. "It's a pity. If Baru and Inabi were just two years older, the outcome of this battle would be far less certain," Uchiha Fugaku said, a hint of regret in his usually stern voice.
"Indeed, they fought admirably. But I have faith in Kai," Uchiha Yusuke replied, a fleeting moment of worry for his son quickly replaced by resolute confidence.
"There's nothing more to see here. Ready to leave… eh?" Uchiha Fugaku shook his head, about to turn away. He cast one last glance at the arena and suddenly noticed something amiss. A pair of Three Tomoe Sharingan manifested in his eyes. Observing Uchiha Kai, several nearby Uchiha also sensed a shift and swiftly followed their patriarch's lead, activating their own Sharingan. All eyes focused on Uchiha Kai.
"This is…?!?!?!"
… "There is no Uchiha who surrenders! Only Uchiha who die in battle!" Uchiha Kai glared at the three opponents, veins bulging on his kunai-clenched hands.I have to protect… the honor of the family!A cold surge of chakra emanated from throughout Uchiha Kai's body, swirling and then rushing upwards, instinctively focusing in his eyes. He felt a sudden coolness behind his eyelids. He closed them briefly, then opened them again. His pupils were now crimson, and a single tomoe spun within each. The Uchiha's concept of what was public and what was not was two very different things. Even a single tomoe Sharingan offered a significant advantage to a ninja.
"Sharingan!" The Uchiha on the high platform and Renzou in the audience exclaimed simultaneously.
"Hahaha! Not bad, Yusuke! Awakening the Sharingan at seven years old! You have a fine son. This has been worthwhile!" Uchiha Fugaku let out a rare laugh, clapping Uchiha Yusuke on the shoulder.
"The Clan Leader is too kind. This boy still has a long way to go," Uchiha Yusuke replied, a proud smile nonetheless gracing his lips. A genius who awakened the Sharingan at seven… it was unprecedented within their clan. His future was bright indeed.
"Come on! Let me show you the true power of the Uchiha!" Uchiha Kai roared, gripping his kunai tightly, the cold gaze of his newly awakened Sharingan sweeping across Sarutobi Asuma and his companions. Today, he would defend the Uchiha clan's pride!
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End of Chapter 16