Chapter 93 - Changes in the Timeline

"The matter with Kusagakure still requires you, Hanma-kun, to go personally. Currently, there really isn't anyone else suitable within the village," the Third Hokage said earnestly, his words sincere.

Hanma sat silently in the chair opposite the Third Hokage, contemplating the intent behind his words.

Just earlier, the Third had dispatched the ANBU to the Uchiha clan's grounds to summon Hanma, saying there was an important matter to discuss. 

After the backstabbing during the Second Shinobi World War and the public opinion incidents upon returning to Konoha, Hanma and the Third had completely torn away the facade that previously had a tinge of warmth, and had started an outright confrontation. 

Before this, the Third frequently tried to maintain their relationship using Uchiha Kagami's ties, and Hanma would refer to him as "Old Man Third."

Given Hanma's current status, the Third asking him to go on a mission to Kusagakure was somewhat insulting. 

Although on the surface, the Hokage could command any Konoha ninja to perform a mission—ninjas being perceived as machines whose ultimate duty is to obey orders—in reality, this was just a form of brainwashing. 

Every place has both explicit and implicit sets of rules. 

In Konoha, a village full of ninja clans, even the Hokage has to negotiate many matters with the clan heads rather than flatly commanding them. 

Take the Hyuga clan for example. Hyuga ninjas of the main family have almost never left the village for missions, except during Konoha's life-and-death crises, and successive Hokages had no objections to this. 

In the original timeline, many speculated that Hyuga Hizashi's death was actually a veiled act of suppression by the Third Hokage on the non-compliant Hyuga clan.

"If you don't heed the village, then the village won't back you up." 

This might have been the message the Third intended to convey back then. 

As the head of the Uchiha clan, it would be ridiculous if Hanma could be sent out of the village with just a word from the Hokage, especially when both of them were already engaged in a showdown.

Hanma smirked and nonchalantly said, "Third Hokage, I've just taken over as the head of our Uchiha clan with many matters needing my attention and rectification. I'm not interested in such minor tasks for now." 

"If there's no suitable ninja in the village, I can dispatch an elite squad from the police force to investigate. I believe their performance won't disappoint you."

The Third Hokage's expression froze. Hanma was hinting at the recent police force reorganization and the latest public opinion trends in the village.

The collective lack of effort by the Uchiha in the police force had severely deteriorated Konoha's law and order, leaving villagers full of complaints, and even nostalgic for the stern but fair Uchihas of the past. 

Even though those red-eyed enforcers were stern and their words harsh, they indeed provided a significant sense of security to the ordinary folks in this world of extraordinary powers.

This realization made many Konoha villagers understand the importance of the police force, with public opinion once again swirling. 

The Third Hokage sighed deeply, taking a drag from his pipe, and slowly said, "Hanma-kun, you've seen the young elites from the other villages supporting Kusagakure. If any conflicts arise, we need to maintain an advantage for Konoha."

"Kumogakure has long held several of the Sage's treasured tools, causing us great harm during the First Shinobi World War. If the Box of Ultimate Bliss resurfaces, it must be sealed to maintain balance in the shinobi world."

Hanma nearly burst out laughing at this classic rhetoric.

Balance in the shinobi world? This concept sounded even more terrifying than the Will of Fire. 

When Hashirama Senju distributed the Tailed Beasts to other nations to maintain a so-called balance of power, it ultimately escalated the intensity of wars in later times, with Jinchurikis causing countless deaths. 

In the original timeline, Minato Namikaze was also brainwashed by this notion. Kushina Uzumaki could have taken the Nine-Tails with her, but sacrificed herself for this "balance," leaving Naruto an orphan and a Jinchuriki.

Did he kill fewer people during the Warring States period? After killing ninety-nine, would he hesitate at the hundredth?

Hanma maintained a stern expression, displaying his dissatisfaction with this unreasonable order, while internally considering how to respond. 

Regarding the Box of Ultimate Bliss, a term he had prepared for long, if the Third had come a couple of days later, Hanma might have already been in Kusagakure. 

But now that the Third came to him first, he couldn't appear too eager; instead, he needed to drag things out to get some benefits for the Uchiha clan. 

 "How do you perceive the reformation of the police force, Third Hokage?"

"Recently, Uchiha ninjas have just started going on missions outside the village. Some clan members might have been overly enthusiastic, leading to some lapses in village security. I hope you can understand, Third Hokage."

Hanma shifted the topic, smiling toward the Third and waiting for his response. 

The Third Hokage forced an awkward smile, inwardly cursing. Since Hanma became the leader, dealing with the Uchiha clan had become increasingly difficult—this was blatantly extorting him.

But thinking about the Nine-Tails, Konoha's most vital asset, the Third Hokage suppressed his anger and spoke kindly, "I believe the reformation of the police force is very good. The Uchiha clan has long sacrificed for Konoha's security, and Konoha remembers their dedication. It's also time for them to return to their primary duties as ninjas." 

"As for the security issue, you need not worry, Hanma-kun. I've already instructed Shikayama to establish a dedicated security team to relieve some of the police force's pressure."

Hanma nodded in satisfaction. He hadn't expected to get any substantial benefits from a single mission mandate, but every bit counted.

"Easing Konoha's burdens is the duty of us Konoha ninjas. Our Uchiha clan, under your leadership, Third Hokage, is also contributing to the village's construction."

Taking the information about Kusagakure, Hanma slightly bowed and left.

Watching Hanma's departing figure, the Third Hokage's eyes flickered, sighing inwardly, "The Uchiha clan is becoming more troublesome."

"The current police force has been turned into another ROOT by Uchiha Hanma, openly confronting me as the Hokage within the village."

The police force's existence was initially intended by Tobirama Senju as a double-edged sword, exploiting the Uchiha's nature.

If the Uchiha changed their perspective, the police force could be the most powerful department in Konoha, infiltrating every aspect of the village openly.

After making some arrangements within his clan, Hanma headed towards Kusagakure.

The sudden appearance of the Box of Ultimate Bliss aroused Hanma's curiosity, making him ponder the reasons behind it.

In the original timeline, the Box of Ultimate Bliss's plot occurred after Naruto learned Sage Mode, at least two decades into the future.

Could it be that Hanma, the butterfly, had grown into a giant bird, causing vast changes in the shinobi world's timeline?

Hanma shook his head. Regardless, the Box of Ultimate Bliss was something he was determined to obtain.

Minato's recent aspirations and planning comforted Hanma and rekindled his desire to further enhance his strength.

There were still too many high-level threats lurking in the shinobi world. The current ninjas were merely in their infancy.

Now, outside Kusagakure, it was chaotic at Hozuki Castle's gate. Ninjas from the great nations had already started battling, even though they hadn't even seen the Box of Ultimate Bliss yet.

(End of Chapter)