Though Hiruzen Sarutobi had retired, his presence remained piercingly sharp.
He was visibly furious to see that Danzo had brought Tobirama Senju with him.
Danzo was also enraged and confronted Hiruzen directly: "Then tell me, if you give the Uchiha Clan a chance and things spiral out of control again later, who will solve it?
Will it be you, the retired Third Hokage, or that just-installed Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze?!"
Hiruzen silently puffed on his pipe.
To be honest, he was indeed worried about what Danzo had said.
If the Uchiha Clan was simply biding their time and then grew strong again, becoming like they were before The Third Great Ninja World War began, it would be extremely difficult for Minato Namikaze to handle them.
However, The Third Great Ninja World War had nearly drained Konoha's resources completely. Hiruzen feared that if they targeted the Uchiha Clan now, the clan would resist fiercely, potentially leading to an irreversible catastrophe.
Hiruzen spoke again: "Danzo, I understand your concerns, but you cannot focus only on the potential threat the Uchiha Clan may pose in the future. You must also consider Konoha's current situation—we can't withstand another major upheaval.
Let's discuss this matter again once Konoha's condition improves slightly. For now, let's maintain the status quo."
Danzo's chest rose and fell violently.
It was obvious he had been infuriated by Hiruzen.
It took him quite some time to recover, his breathing gradually returning to normal.
Danzo confirmed again: "You're really determined to do this?"
Hiruzen nodded: "Yes. We cannot delay the village's development because of the Uchiha Clan."
Danzo replied coldly: "Hiruzen, if you're set on this decision, there's nothing more I can do… After all, the current Hokage is your student's student—your decision will surely become his decision. If I'm willing to step back, there's one thing you must agree to!"
Hiruzen responded cautiously: "Tell me first."
Danzo began describing the plan Chinya had told him: "Alright, you want to temporarily maintain the status quo. However, we absolutely cannot remain idle while waiting. We cannot allow previous events to repeat themselves, or else it'll truly be too late.
Therefore, I propose establishing a department equivalent to Konoha's Security Force to counterbalance the Uchiha Clan."
Hiruzen puffed several times on his pipe, asking doubtfully: "A department equivalent to Konoha's Security Force?"
Danzo nodded: "Exactly. The reason the Uchiha Clan achieved peak prestige and power in Konoha was because of Konoha's Security Force. By establishing a department equivalent to Konoha's Security Force, we can dilute the authority of the existing force. Thus, when planning anything, the Uchiha will have to take this new department into account."
Hiruzen asked curiously: "How exactly do you plan to divide Konoha Security Force's authority?"
Danzo answered: "Konoha's Security Force is responsible for enforcing order within the village, strengthening and maintaining security in Hidden Leaf Village, as well as arresting individuals or ninja suspected of criminal activity."
That kind of authority is too broad. From now on, the Konoha Security Force will focus on strengthening and maintaining order and public security in the Hidden Leaf Village, as well as arresting individuals suspected of criminal activities.
As for the new department, it'll be responsible for establishing village policies and dealing with ninja suspected of misconduct."
Sarutobi Hiruzen narrowed his eyes slightly: "Arresting ninja based on suspicion of potential crimes? Ultimately, you still want to target the Uchiha clan, don't you?"
Danzo replied frostily, "If the Uchiha are following the law, how could I possibly misuse this department against them? Isn't that exactly what you told me—that they've been keeping a low profile recently? The truth is, you also still doubt the Uchiha clan, right?
This is my final bottom line—either continue monitoring the Uchiha clan or establish this new department!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi thought for a long time before saying, "I've already retired and am no longer the Hokage. This matter must be decided by Minato."
Danzo stood up with a cold expression: "Then let's go see him now. This decision must be made immediately. Hiruzen, you're thinking about Konoha's interests, but so am I. Just think carefully about the trouble the Uchiha caused us back then!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo went together to the Hokage Tower.
Inside the Hokage's office,
Hiruzen explained the entire situation to Minato Namikaze and asked him to make the decision.
Minato remained deep in thought with a serious expression before finally answering: "To tell the truth, I think there's no need to specifically target the Uchiha clan at present. I currently have a subordinate named Shisui Uchiha in my personal guard.
Shisui is extremely loyal to Konoha, and through him, Clan Leader Fugaku has expressed their desire to rebuild our mutual trust.
Shisui regularly reports to me about the Uchiha clan's movements. Right now, the Uchiha are behaving very properly without committing any improper actions.
Since the Uchiha clan has clearly expressed their willingness to rebuild trust with us, I believe we should also show sincerity in return."
Danzo's face darkened ominously.
Suddenly, he recalled what Chinya had told him previously.
"I've also met with Clan Leader Fugaku. He's a man of great intelligence who wants to change the current situation of the Uchiha clan. It's highly likely that he will have Shisui connect with both Minato and THE THIRD to build a bridge of communication between our sides."
Everything Chinya predicted had indeed come true completely.
Danzo looked deeply at both Minato and Sarutobi.
If things continued like this, the entire Konoha would eventually be completely controlled by these two teacher-and-student partners, leaving him stuck forever in the shadows of Root.
"You keep insisting the Uchiha have changed," Danzo pressed aggressively. "But let's be realistic—your entire case rests on just two men: Fugaku and Shisui. The Uchiha clan is dozens strong. Are you really ready to stake Konoha's future on two exceptions?
Have you both completely forgotten all the actions the Uchiha took in the past?
You choose to give the Uchiha another chance, but what happens if they betray us again in the future?
Are you truly willing to leave yourself with absolutely no backup plan just because you trust those two Uchiha members, disregarding Konoha's safety?"
"If that betrayal ultimately comes to pass, both you, Hiruzen Sarutobi and Minato Namikaze, will be branded as traitors to all of Konoha!
Hiruzen, Tobirama entrusted this village to you—was this truly how you intended to honor his trust?
Let me ask one last time—if you're truly willing to stake the entire Leaf Village on the Uchiha Clan's illusory loyalty, are you ready to face the consequences?!"
Danzo wasted no time in hurling this grave accusation squarely at Hiruzen Sarutobi and Minato Namikaze.
Minato Namikaze had already tightened his brows, while Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression flickered with uncertainty.
Traitors of Konoha…
That word rang heavily in their minds.
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>