I am not viewed as an opponent.
Watching Konoha people's departing figures, Darui realized this matter.
"...Darui-aniki?" Atsui also seemed sensing the atmosphere's subtlety.
"Let's go." Darui withdrew his gaze.
This Chūnin Exam, let it end early.
He had seen many people stronger than himself. However, at this moment, facing someone whose age only slightly exceeded his own yet already stood at completely different heights, not even possessing willingness to view him as a potential opponent, Darui discovered he had not reached a mental state capable of truly remaining indifferent.
Inside the Hokage's office, Uchiha Fugaku sat in the guest seat, spine straight, facing the Fifth Hokage behind the office desk.
Tsunade pushed one document toward Fugaku. "The village has decided to additionally establish one squad outside Police Force's current organization."
"Personnel will be drawn from the Aburame clan."
Fugaku's gaze fell on the document. This "expansion" method incorporating outsiders sounded very familiar. This was almost exactly the relatively moderate and feasible plan he initially proposed to Shuji.
At that time, it was bluntly rejected.
Now the village proactively adopted similar forms. Was this because Hyūga clan members being excluded within Police Force interiors had already been known by leadership? Was this compensation or another form of pressure?
Fugaku said, "Hokage-sama, could this be postponed some time? Currently, clan members possess strong confrontational mindsets. Even if the village provides funding for expansion, this will invite fierce opposition."
Tsunade's hands folded together on the desk. "The Aburame clan possesses excellent reconnaissance and tracking capabilities, effectively compensating Police Force's shortcomings in these aspects."
"Whether Hyūga or Uchiha, both lean more toward ocular technique observation."
"In September, the village will again host joint Chūnin Exams. Learning from last year's lessons, we must strengthen venue and surrounding security levels. Having the Aburame clan join proves necessary."
"With their addition, the Uchiha can also perform better in other areas."
The three people in Itachi's squad had already been promoted. Time to continue selecting new people entering.
Many in Police Force held expectations for this. Working within the village less than one year yet obtaining promotions proved very attractive for most Police Force members.
As for those three clansmen killed on eastern defense lines, that was the frontlines, the battlefield.
Shinobi dying during missions was normal. If Uchiha elites resisted entering core departments like ANBU from fearing battlefield deaths, they would instead be looked down upon by power-revering clansmen.
Moreover, since Itachi selected people and three examples already existed, that was a good destination.
"...I understand." Fugaku ultimately lowered his head, reaching to receive that document. "The Uchiha clan will cooperate with the village's arrangements."
After news of establishing an Aburame squad spread back, disturbances caused within Uchiha interiors proved minor. After all, that was a village-funded expansion squad that did not directly occupy existing Uchiha members' quotas.
However, Uchiha Enblade did not consider this a good omen.
This was already the second ninja clan inserted into Police Force. Who comes next?
Expansion sounded pleasant. However, now Police Force supplementing new members basically required village leadership permission.
This meant that after Uchiha Itachi withdrew new people from Police Force again, the Uchiha's proportion within the entire Police Force would unavoidably further decline.
They were all deceived by Konoha leadership.
They immersed themselves in brief joy from obtaining new positions and entering ANBU yet could not see the family's foundational roots being gradually eroded bit by bit.
I cannot remain in the village anymore. Immediate action is required. Otherwise, once the Uchiha completely lose Police Force, everything will be too late.
Uchiha Enblade found Itachi.
"Itachi, regarding what was said last time about the Hokage agreeing to let me lead squads executing external missions, when exactly can this begin?"
"Clan members are discussing heatedly. Personnel rosters remain undecided." Itachi answered softly.
Enblade gritted his teeth tightly. Those fools...
He inhaled deeply, lowering his voice. "Let me personally select candidates! I know who truly cares about the clan's future, who proves trustworthy elites!"
This Uchiha young clan leader shook his head. "This cannot convince clansmen."
"Moreover, Police Force interiors also need retaining sufficient personnel maintaining operations. Withdrawing all backbone members proves impossible."
Enblade remained speechless. Must things just drag on like this? When did the Uchiha become like this!
Moreover, this was rare time when that person was not in the village. If he finished Chūnin Exams leading squads back, wanting to quietly leave the village again would prove far more difficult.
"Itachi!" He nearly spoke those plans aloud yet restrained himself.
Uchiha Itachi's stance perhaps had long shifted, no longer purely standing on the family's side.
That person said so.
After several trial submissions of intelligence regarding Hokage Tower movements, Enblade's heart already leaned toward acknowledging this judgment.
"Let me go alone!" Enblade lowered his voice, almost pleading. "No squad needed. Solo operations prove more covert."
Itachi refused again. "This does not conform to ANBU rules."
"This is my responsibility! Itachi, my responsibility..."
Facing those eyes already dyed scarlet, Itachi remained silent long before finally saying, "You need providing detailed action directions, preset target areas, plus emergency contact methods."
Light of joy instantly erupted in Enblade's eyes. Scarlet receded. He vigorously nodded. "I understand! Thank you, Itachi!"
Cloud Village, one secluded mountain cliff.
Darui trained alone.
One imposing figure appeared behind him.
Darui's movements paused. He turned around. "Boss."
"Those audiences' cheers, for you, are not encouragement but rather a form of humiliation." The Raikage said. "I understand this point."
He stepped forward several steps, standing shoulder to shoulder with Darui, gazing toward mist-shrouded villages below mountains. "Therefore, what you and he do is the same, both striving for the village's interests."
Darui lowered his head, saying, "This is my problem, Boss. Feeling jealous because of status and evaluations obtained by someone of similar age."
"Feeling wavering inside from being looked down upon, losing the calm qualities shinobi should possess."
The Raikage shook his head. His large hand clapped on Darui's shoulder with considerable force. "No, Darui, this is no problem."
"Precisely possessing such competitive spirit makes a person continuously desire becoming stronger."
"Being able to recognize your own insufficiencies while choosing to temporarily suppress personal desires for the more important goal of protecting the village, following village arrangements... you have already become more outstanding."
Chapters in advance there: patreon.com/Thaniel_a_goodchild