Chapter 55 Konoha's Suspicion, Fugaku's Worries, and the Protection of the Cloud Village E
Chapter 55 Konoha's Suspicion, Fugaku's Worries, and the Protection of the Cloud Village E
"Seriously, such a thing exists?"
The Third Hokage, Danzo, and the two advisors reacted differently upon hearing the report from the Anbu.
The Third Hokage frowned, deep in thought as he smoked his pipe.
"The Uchiha clan's actions—large-scale renovations of the training grounds and intensive group training—are indeed unusual. Could they really be planning a rebellion?"
"Probably not!"
But deep down he still didn't want to believe that the Uchiha would immediately turn to rebellion.
The Third Hokage recalled Fugaku's recent attitude, Shisui and Itachi's silence, and Kamizuki's behavior, which, although unconventional, always seemed to be within the rules.
"But what exactly is the Uchiha clan thinking? Why are they making such a big fuss?" The Third Hokage was conflicted.
"Hmph, is there even a need to guess? Hiruzen, you're too weak!?" Danzo's single eye flashed with a cold light. He covered his ear, his voice icy: "Renovating the training grounds, training day and night, with ample supplies—this is clearly accumulating strength for a rebellion against Konoha! The Uchiha clan, their hearts are despicable! Last time they dared to besiege Root headquarters, next time they'll dare to storm the Hokage Building!"
Koharu Utatane, her face stern, said, "Hiruzen, we can't hesitate any longer. The Uchiha clan's recent movements, combined with their consistent extremism and discontent with the village, speak volumes. They're preparing for war!"
Mitokado Homura nodded in agreement: "That's right, especially that Uchiha Kamizuki. He's ruthless and decisive, his strength has grown astonishingly, and he enjoys the support of Fugaku and the radical faction within the clan. He has clearly become the new core and banner of the Uchiha. With him around, the Uchiha are more dangerous than ever before!"
"If you don't treat it soon, it will become another blemish sooner or later!"
The Third Hokage took a deep drag of his cigarette and slowly shook his head: "We don't have conclusive evidence yet. It's not good to suspect them of rebellion just because they're gathering to train. The doubling of the police force's budget was personally awarded by the Daimyo; perhaps they just want to do their job better!"
"Hiruzen! You're too naive!" Danzo interrupted sharply, slamming his cane heavily on the ground. "Have you forgotten the Nine-Tails' attack? The Fourth Hokage died in battle, and Konoha suffered heavy losses! Everyone saw the enormous Sharingan pattern in the Nine-Tails' eye! It was clearly a powerful Uchiha manipulator controlling the Nine-Tails to attack Konoha!"
"And what happened? Back then, we considered the bigger picture and didn't completely wipe out the Uchiha clan. We simply relocated them to the edge of the village and increased surveillance. But instead of being grateful, they became even more ruthless!" Danzo's voice was full of inflammatory rhetoric: "Now, within the Uchiha clan, besides the already uncontrollable Shisui and Itachi, there's another even more lawless Uchiha, whose potential is probably even more terrifying than Shisui and Itachi! Look at what he's done: extorting high-ranking members, committing murders in public, gathering clan members, and conducting large-scale training—he's practically another Uchiha Madara rising to power!"
"If he awakens the Mangekyou Sharingan, there will be even fewer people in the village who can subdue him!"
Koharu Utatane chimed in, "Danzo's right. The entire Uchiha clan, incited by this Shingetsu, has become unusually united and aggressive. This is definitely not a good sign. Back then, Madara Uchiha almost destroyed Konoha; are we really going to just stand by and watch a second Madara grow up?"
The Third Hokage frowned even more as he listened to their accusations.
He recalled Shenyue's past and felt a vague unease in his heart.
But he still tried to persist: "The Uchiha are, after all, members of Konoha. Shisui and Itachi both possess the Will of Fire, and Fugaku has been selfless and dedicated all these years. Perhaps we can try to communicate?"
"Communicate? Communicate with that bunch of fanatics?" Danzo sneered, then changed the subject and offered an idea: "Since Hiruzen still harbors illusions, why not try this method first? The Cloud Village delegation has arrived, hasn't it? Perfect, let the Uchiha clan, especially that energetic Kamui, be in charge of protecting the Cloud Village envoy!"
A sinister glint flashed in his single eye: "Firstly, it can demonstrate Konoha's trust in the Uchiha. Secondly, it can also transfer the Uchiha's elite, especially that Kamizuki who always likes to gather in groups, away from the clan's territory, so that they won't be stuck together all day plotting something."
Danzo didn't reveal the last point when he finished speaking.
Protecting the diplomatic mission was a heavy responsibility; the slightest mistake could result in a diplomatic incident, which would provide an opportunity to attack the Uchiha clan.
Koharu Utatane nodded in agreement, "I think it's a good idea. Letting the Uchiha be in charge of the guards is making the best use of their talents." Homura Mitokado added, "That's right, it's better than letting them idly gather together and scheming."
"Alright!" The Third Hokage sighed inwardly as he looked at the unanimous attitude of the three.
"Let's do as Danzo says."
He then ordered Fugaku Uchiha to select elite members of the Uchiha clan to provide perimeter protection and security for the Cloud Village delegation during their stay in Konoha. He specifically named Kamizuki Uchiha to lead the mission.
The order was quickly relayed to Fugaku Uchiha through the Anbu.
"The village doesn't trust us."
"But don't worry, Shingetsu, I won't let you...!" Fugaku sighed, about to refuse.
However, when Shen Yue heard about the mission, her eyes lit up and a hint of excitement flashed in them.
"Protecting the Cloud Village envoy? That's a good thing!" Instead of feeling annoyed at being targeted, Shen Yue seemed quite interested.
He knew the true purpose of the Cloud Village envoy's visit to Konoha.
On the surface, they are signing a peace treaty and strengthening exchanges, but one of their real purposes is to covet Konoha's Byakugan bloodline limit!
They had been secretly plotting to kidnap Hinata Hyuga, the eldest daughter of the Hyuga clan's main family, but were ultimately killed on the spot by Hiashi Hyuga, the head of the Hyuga clan.
Afterwards, Kumogakure turned the tables and forced Konoha to hand over the "culprit," which ultimately led to Hyuga Hizashi dying in place of his brother.
"This is a golden opportunity for me!" Shen Yue quickly calculated in her mind. If she handled it properly, she could discover or thwart the Cloud Village's conspiracy in advance and protect Hinata, which would be a great favor to the Hyuga clan, while also letting the Hyuga clan see the weakness and hypocrisy of the Konoha leadership.
The Hyuga clan, another powerful family specializing in ocular jutsu in Konoha, possesses immense strength and a unique status, yet they too are subject to suspicion and restrictions from the higher-ups.
If we can offer them timely help in their time of need, it will undoubtedly win over a potentially powerful ally for the Uchiha clan!
"Clan leader, we accept this mission!" Shen Yue hurriedly persuaded Fu Yue to agree.
"Kamizuki, that Cloud Village envoy came to Konoha without bringing much money!" Fugaku, seeing Kamiya's reaction, immediately went astray.
"Clan leader, what do you mean? Don't you believe me?" Shen Yue's face turned red with anger at Fugaku's words.
Is he that kind of person?
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