Ch 73 : Entering the Game

Sarutobi Residence.

Sarutobi Hiruzen was somewhat surprised by Fugaku's visit but quickly understood that he had come with a purpose.

"Fugaku, what brings you here to visit an old man like me?" Hiruzen said with a warm smile.

"You're joking, Lord Third Hokage," Fugaku responded respectfully.

"Since the war ended, there's been a mess in the clan that I've had to handle. I've only just managed to free up some time to come see you."

Hiruzen sighed in agreement.

"The war has caused great harm to Konoha. The village will need a long period of recovery and rebuilding."

"Still, with the Fourth Hokage in charge now, I don't need to worry as much anymore," he added.

Fugaku replied, "The Fourth Hokage has indeed managed the village quite well, but there are still many matters that require your wisdom and guidance, Lord Third Hokage."

The two moved to the living room to sit down, where Fugaku also saw Hiruzen's wife, Biwako.

Fugaku exchanged pleasantries with Hiruzen for a while before reminiscing with the Third Hokage about old times.

They spoke of past events, and Hiruzen, reflecting on his life of service and battle, couldn't help but sigh wistfully.

Eventually, Fugaku brought up the bloody battle against the Iwa-nin, and Hiruzen remarked that Konoha's victory owed much to Fugaku and the Uchiha clan's contributions.

Fugaku responded humbly, saying, "The Uchiha have been part of Konoha since its founding. This village has always been the Uchiha's home, and it is only natural for us to fulfill our duty to protect it."

Hiruzen didn't dwell on Fugaku's comment and decided to cut to the chase.

He asked directly, "I've heard that the current police force has recently added many members from outside the Uchiha clan."

Fugaku nodded. "The village is facing a manpower shortage, and the Uchiha alone can no longer shoulder the entire responsibility of the police force. The Fourth Hokage entrusted Lord Danzo's Root members to join the force to help."

Hiruzen remarked, "The Fourth Hokage does seem to have some unique ideas."

Fugaku spoke with a bitter expression, "It's just that Lord Danzo's subordinates have a vastly different style of operating. Not only is it difficult for us to work alongside them, but even the villagers have voiced many complaints about their conduct."

Hiruzen replied, "Those individuals were trained in the Anbu. Their methods might indeed be harsher than what most are used to."

Fugaku couldn't help but add, "Lord Third Hokage, we also wish to consider the bigger picture and act for the sake of the village, but I truly believe that the Fourth Hokage's decision to involve Root members in the police force was ill-advised."

Hiruzen's expression became calm, and he said, "Fugaku, such matters should be discussed with the Fourth Hokage."

If the Fourth Hokage were willing to listen, why would I come to you...

Fugaku pressed on, "Lord Third Hokage, are you really planning to turn a blind eye to this?"

Hiruzen sighed, "I am no longer the Hokage. If war were to break out, these old bones of mine could still march to the frontlines, but when it comes to the village's internal affairs, it's not my place to intervene anymore."

Fugaku responded, "Lord Third Hokage, many in the village still remember the kindness and leadership you've shown them. No one would dare criticize you for stepping in. Furthermore, this is a situation where the Fourth Hokage, out of respect for his past relationship with Lord Danzo, feels it's inappropriate to act himself. That's why he directed me to seek your help."

"Orochimaru sent you?"

Hiruzen was inwardly surprised.

The matter of Root joining the police force had clearly been approved by Orochimaru, yet now he was sending Fugaku to ask him to intervene.

What kind of game is he playing?

Hiruzen pondered for a long while, recalling Orochimaru's actions over the years.

He couldn't help but feel that things weren't as simple as they seemed.

His student was no fool—far from it.

Orochimaru wouldn't have risen to the position of Hokage in a village where nearly everyone supported Minato unless he had extraordinary cunning.

Was this aimed at the Uchiha, or at Danzo?

The Uchiha were already in decline, and Orochimaru had no reason to suppress them.

Could it be... he's targeting Danzo?

Hiruzen's thoughts raced.

Danzo had been a staunch supporter of Orochimaru, playing a pivotal role in his ascent to the position of Hokage.

Because of this, even as Hokage, Orochimaru likely still relied heavily on Danzo for many matters.

Orochimaru is trying to consolidate power!

Hiruzen contemplated for a long time, hesitating over whether to assist Orochimaru in this matter.

His actions were understandable, but as for Danzo...

Fugaku, growing increasingly impatient, spoke up again. "Lord Third Hokage!"

Hiruzen glanced at Fugaku with a calm expression.

Fugaku said in a serious tone, "If this issue cannot be resolved, then the Uchiha have no choice but to withdraw from the police force. I am also prepared to resign from my position as the captain of the police force."

Hiruzen's expression remained unchanged upon hearing this.

He replied, "Fugaku, do you truly hold such disdain for Danzo's Root members?"

Fugaku countered, "Lord Third Hokage, why not personally visit the village and ask the villagers what they think of the police force today? Or visit the Hokage's office and see how many complaints about the police force are piling up."

Hiruzen sighed and said, "Are you planning to go head-to-head with Danzo?"

Fugaku's heart tightened, and he instinctively clenched his fists.

He understood that this matter was something the Uchiha had to resolve.

If only the clansmen were willing to withdraw from the police force on their own...

But if everything could be left to the clansmen to decide, what was the point of having a clan leader?

Lowering his head, Fugaku slowly said, "At the start of the war with Iwagakure, we Uchiha sent all of our able-bodied men to the battlefield—a force of over two hundred. By the time it was over, only thirty-six returned."

"The day I returned to the clan compound, I don't know how many people surrounded me, asking where their family members were. That feeling, I imagine you, Lord Third Hokage, can also understand."

"..."

"Lord Third Hokage, they were heroes, weren't they?"

"Of course they were," Hiruzen said softly.

"Our Uchiha clan may not have the best reputation in the village, but it hasn't reached the point where everyone is calling for our downfall. We've never cared much about that. The Uchiha have always given everything we have for the village."

"But if, because of those in Root, we end up being vilified as hated villains, and the families of those heroes have to endure strange looks or pointing fingers from villagers as they walk the streets…"

At this point, Fugaku's gaze locked firmly onto Sarutobi Hiruzen.

"Lord Third Hokage, when I die—when you one day pass on as well, and our souls return to the Pure Land—how will we face those comrades from the past?"

"What will we tell them? That their sacrifices were worthwhile? That they successfully protected their families? That their loved ones are living happily in the present world?"

"..."

These words left Hiruzen silent.

After a long pause, he lifted his head and let out a heavy sigh.

Every power struggle within the village had been so dirty, so loathsome.

Yet when he sat in that seat, how many similar actions had he himself taken?

Such things only became clear once you stepped away from the vortex.

Orochimaru was merely at the beginning of this path.

"Fugaku…"

Hiruzen spoke softly, "The Uchiha clan's contributions to the village are something every villager remembers."

"The police force needs your strength. It is only right that you continue to shoulder this responsibility."

"I won't allow innocent people to be wronged."

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