Although Sarutobi Hiruzen had retired, his presence still carried immense authority.
Hiruzen was also somewhat angered by Danzo bringing up Senju Tobirama's name.
Danzo, equally furious, argued with Sarutobi Hiruzen: "So tell me, if you give the Uchiha clan a chance and the situation gets out of hand again, who will solve it?
Will it be you, the retired Third Hokage, or Namikaze Minato, the newly appointed Fourth Hokage?!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen puffed on his pipe in silence.
To be honest, he was also concerned about what Danzo was saying.
If the Uchiha clan were only temporarily restraining themselves and decided to grow more powerful in the future, it would create a situation similar to before the war. Namikaze Minato would then face an extremely difficult problem with the Uchiha clan.
However, the Third Ninja War had nearly depleted Konoha's resources. Sarutobi Hiruzen worried that if they targeted the Uchiha clan now, the clan would resist fiercely, potentially creating an uncontrollable situation.
Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke again: "Danzo, I understand your concerns, but you can't just consider the future threat of the Uchiha clan. You must also consider our current situation in Konoha, which cannot withstand any more turmoil.
Let's discuss this matter when Konoha's situation improves. For now, let's maintain the status quo."
Danzo's chest heaved violently.
He was clearly infuriated by Sarutobi Hiruzen's position.
It took Danzo a long time to calm down, his breathing gradually returning to normal.
Danzo asked for confirmation: "You've really decided on this course of action?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded and said, "Yes. The development of the village cannot be delayed because of the Uchiha clan."
Danzo replied in a strained voice: "Hiruzen, since you've made this decision, there's little I can do about it. After all, the current Hokage is your disciple, and your decision will surely influence his. You ask me to step back, but you must agree to one condition!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen responded cautiously: "Let me hear your proposal first."
Danzo began to explain the idea Sora had shared with him: "You can maintain the status quo temporarily, but we absolutely cannot proceed without any preparations, allowing history to repeat itself. By then, it would be too late.
Therefore, I suggest establishing a department that corresponds to the Konoha Military Police Force to create checks and balances against the Uchiha clan."
Sarutobi Hiruzen took several puffs from his pipe and asked with slight confusion: "A department corresponding to the Konoha Military Police Force?"
Danzo nodded and said: "Yes. The Uchiha clan reached their peak of fame and power in Konoha because of the Konoha Military Police Force. Creating a department that corresponds to the Military Police would divide their authority.
This way, whenever the Uchiha wish to take action, they would have to consider this new department."
Sarutobi Hiruzen asked: "How do you plan to divide the power of the Konoha Military Police Force?"
Danzo replied: "The Konoha Military Police Force is currently responsible for establishing village rules, maintaining order and security in Konohagakure, and arresting both civilians and shinobi with criminal tendencies.
This concentration of power is excessive. Going forward, the Konoha Military Police Force would be responsible only for maintaining order and security in Konohagakure and arresting civilian criminals.
The new department would be responsible for establishing village rules and arresting shinobi with criminal tendencies."
Sarutobi Hiruzen narrowed his eyes slightly: "Arrest shinobi with criminal tendencies? So you still want to target the Uchiha clan after all?"
Danzo said coldly: "If the Uchiha have not committed crimes, how could I use this new department to target them? Didn't you say the Uchiha have restrained themselves? Deep down, you still don't trust the Uchiha, do you?
This is my final condition—either we continue to target the Uchiha clan directly, or we form this new department!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen thought for a long time and finally said: "Since I have retired and am no longer Hokage, I must let Minato make the decision on this matter."
Danzo stood up with a cold expression: "Then let's find him now. This matter must be decided immediately. Hiruzen, you claim to think about Konoha's wellbeing, and I too think about Konoha. Consider carefully what trouble the Uchiha caused us in the past!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen and Danzo went to the Hokage Building to find Namikaze Minato.
In the Hokage's office.
Sarutobi Hiruzen explained the situation to Namikaze Minato and asked him to make a decision.
Namikaze Minato reflected with a serious expression, then replied: "Actually, I believe there's no need to specifically target the Uchiha clan now. Among my current escorts, there is a subordinate named Uchiha Shisui.
Shisui is very loyal to Konoha and has conveyed that Fugaku, as clan leader, represents the Uchiha clan's desire to rebuild trust with us.
Shisui regularly reports to me on the Uchiha clan's activities. The clan has been peaceful and hasn't done anything concerning.
I feel that since the Uchiha clan has clearly expressed their wish to rebuild trust with us, we must respond with sincerity."
Danzo's face grew so dark it seemed to drip with animosity.
He remembered what Sora had told him before.
'I have also interacted with Uchiha Fugaku.
He is a very intelligent person.
He wants to change the Uchiha clan's current situation.
It's very likely that Uchiha Shisui and Namikaze Minato will connect with the Third Generation and build a bridge of communication between both parties.'
Sora had predicted everything correctly.
Danzo gave Namikaze Minato and Sarutobi Hiruzen a penetrating look.
If this continued, all of Konoha would be completely controlled by these master and disciple, forcing him to remain in the shadows of Root forever.
Danzo spoke forcefully: "You both say the Uchiha clan has changed, but you're only referring to two people—Uchiha Fugaku and Uchiha Shisui. How many people are in the Uchiha clan? You trust the entire clan based on just these two individuals.
Have you both forgotten what the Uchiha clan did before?
You choose to give the Uchiha a chance, but what will you do if they reveal their true colors again in the future?
Are you really leaving no contingency plan, risking all of Konoha simply because you believe in those two Uchiha?
If disaster strikes in the end, you, Sarutobi Hiruzen, and you, Namikaze Minato, will be remembered as the sinners of Konoha!
Hiruzen, is this how you honor Lord Tobirama's trust when he entrusted Konoha to you?
Let me ask you one final time—have you decided to gamble the entire future of Konoha on an illusory trust in the treacherous Uchiha clan?!"
With these words, Danzo placed a heavy burden on Sarutobi Hiruzen and Namikaze Minato.
Namikaze Minato's brows were deeply furrowed, while Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression showed uncertainty.
Konoha's sinners...
Clearly, Danzo's words forced them to reconsider their position.
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