CHAPTER 8

Since reclaiming his role, Sarutobi Hiruzen had always exuded authority.

It could be said that his presence was formidable, yet at this moment, a dangerous glint flashed in his eyes.

Being Hokage meant standing at the pinnacle of power in the village.

And yet, there was now a hand resting upon that pinnacle—a challenge to his supremacy.

Looking up, he found himself momentarily unable to react, his breath hitching as he suppressed his growing anger.

However, before he could act, a loud, reverberating sound suddenly erupted from the side—

"Bu~"

The sound was unmistakable, but even more terrifying was the intent behind it.

Uchiha Satoshi, ever perceptive since childhood, remained utterly composed. With a calm expression, he simply adjusted his attire.

Renn rolled his eyes at the absurdity of the moment but chose not to escalate matters by directly humiliating Sarutobi. Instead, he swiftly exited the scene.

Yet, with a subtle application of Wind Release, he manipulated the lingering air currents, directing them toward Sarutobi in a way that made the "spring breeze" carry something far less pleasant.

The effect was immediate.

Sarutobi's face contorted, his breathing strained as he turned to glare at Uchiha Satoshi.

It was well known that in the ninja world, offense far outpaced defense. Even the mightiest of Kage, unless they had trained their bodies to extremes like the Raikage, could fall to something as simple as a kunai in the right circumstances.

For someone of Sarutobi's advanced age, who spent his days inhaling tobacco smoke from his ever-present pipe, lung capacity was not his strong suit.

And today…

He had encountered a lethal technique—one that no amount of battle experience had prepared him for.

The Deadly Fart Release of Uchiha Satoshi!

Had the dignified Hokage truly collapsed from such an attack, it would have been a historic humiliation.

"No, Lord Hokage."

"It's just a fart. The Konoha regulations don't prohibit farting."

Uchiha Satoshi shrugged, confidence unwavering. The sight of the Third Hokage's livid expression only reinforced his belief that his jutsu had hit its mark.

Satoshi had always lived up to his name.

Just before executing his technique, he had received a subtle signal from his superior—Renn.

The message was clear:

Challenge Hokage, but not excessively. Push him to the edge, but don't force his hand.

Now, a confrontation loomed between Hokage and Renn, yet a direct clash was not ideal.

A true subordinate understood when to divert hostility, taking the brunt of attention to safeguard their leader.

What if Hokage lost control and engaged Renn in battle here and now?

For Renn's safety…

Satoshi was willing to take responsibility.

His gaze met Sarutobi's, unflinching, the unspoken message clear:

"Yes, I did it. And what of it?"

After all, there was no law against public flatulence.

At worst, it was merely undignified. But was dignity worth more than one's future?

Clearly not.

Sarutobi Hiruzen had long prided himself on setting an example for Konoha.

An example that included enabling the likes of Danzō, driving Hatake Sakumo to ruin, and playing politics from the shadows.

Compared to Hokage's shamelessness, Uchiha Satoshi's actions were child's play.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the foul air dissipated.

Sarutobi exhaled sharply, turning his attention away from Satoshi and fixing his gaze on Renn.

Just a little more…

Just a little more, and he would have snapped.

To be insulted first by the Uchiha Police Captain and then by one of his subordinates—this level of provocation pushed the limits of his patience.

And yet…

He held back.

Endure what cannot be endured.

But why endure?

The reason was clear.

Last night.

When he learned his son had been taken, he had initially prepared to retaliate immediately.

But then, word arrived—

Not only had his son been seized…

But the Hokage advisors had been captured as well.

At that moment, he had nearly declared outright war on Uchiha Renn. Even if he wasn't ready to destroy the clan completely, he had been determined to teach this upstart a lesson—

To remind him that the Hokage's dignity was not to be trifled with.

But just as he resolved to act…

A single piece of information arrived.

And with it, everything changed.

The Cloud Shinobi Village's negotiation team has departed and is expected to arrive in Konoha soon. The talks regarding the war are about to commence.

Naturally, such news cannot be kept secret. By the time they arrive, the entire village will be aware of the negotiations. The tension in Konoha is palpable—everyone is awaiting their Lord Hokage's leadership to secure the best outcome for the village.

After all, Konoha stands as the nominal victor. The Cloud Shinobi are the ones who initiated these negotiations. If handled properly, this could significantly elevate his political standing. He had no intention of letting such an opportunity slip away.

So, after an entire night of contemplation, he made a decision—to visit the Konoha Military Police Force in person. His goal was simple: to smooth things over. It was far preferable to prevent an incident than to let Uchiha Renn die at this critical moment and risk exposing a traitor at the upper echelons of Konoha's leadership.

If word got out that the son of a Konoha Hokage advisor had secretly leaked information to an enemy village, the repercussions would be disastrous. Such a scandal would be unbearable.

For now, a temporary compromise was necessary—to lower the other party's guard. If one seeks to destroy an enemy, allowing them to grow complacent is the first step. Once Konoha was stabilized and power was fully consolidated, the time for decisive action would come. He had already selected those who would deal with the Uchiha.

"Good job."

There was no need for evasion. Renn nodded at Uchiha Satoshi from across the room. Who said the Uchiha lacked intelligence? Look at how sharp Uchiha Satoshi was. Renn believed that, given proper refinement, this kid had real potential.

"It's all thanks to the boss's guidance," Uchiha Satoshi replied humbly.

...Huh? Guidance?

Since when did he teach that?

Renn's expression darkened, and he immediately retracted his earlier praise of Uchiha Satoshi.

The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, observed Renn calmly, ignoring the exchange between superior and subordinate.

"The situation has already been reported to me," Hiruzen stated. "Captain Renn, you've worked hard."

Though anger simmered beneath the surface, Sarutobi was adept at maintaining the appearance of a composed and benevolent leader.

"It's all for the village. As the captain of the Konoha Military Police Force, maintaining the village's stability is my duty." Renn responded with a modest expression.

For the village…

Sarutobi's lips twitched.

Wasn't that his line?

Hadn't Renn used that exact argument against him countless times?

And if he was truly working for the good of the village, why did he have to say "extra compensation"?

Did he have no shame?

"Yes, for the sake of the village. Captain Renn's contributions are evident to all," Sarutobi said, forcing himself to maintain a sincere expression.

"As Hokage, I cannot bear to see my subordinates overworked, which is why I have already approved Captain Renn's last proposal."

A logical decision. Renn wasn't surprised.

But a mere proposal?

That was far from enough.