CHAPTER 90

"Hokage-sama, I deeply regret letting Kakuzu escape."

In Hiruzen Sarutobi's office, Sakumo Hatake was reporting on the confrontation with Kakuzu.

"Kakuzu's Earth Release (Doton) techniques are truly unusual. Combined with his mastery of all five nature transformations, it's incredibly difficult to defend against him if he intends to flee. Sakumo, I don't blame you," Hiruzen said calmly. Then he asked again, "Where is the boy, Fenghuo?"

"He's returned home safely," Sakumo replied.

Hiruzen's expression grew complicated. Since the Uchiha clan had taken charge of the Konoha Police Force, things had remained relatively stable, but with their rising prestige, their ambitions had also grown. Naturally, Danzo Shimura had been watching Hiruzen closely for years — Konoha's political situation was slipping somewhat out of his control.

Could Orochimaru bear this burden? Or would Mizukage's involvement be more appropriate?

Hiruzen pondered for a moment, then suddenly said, "The Uchiha sent two jonin to assassinate Fenghuo. He cannot remain there any longer."

Sakumo frowned. "They would dare do something within the village?"

"You cannot risk Fenghuo's life. Arrange for him to stay elsewhere."

Sakumo nodded. "Master Hokage, why not let Fenghuo live in Yuhi Zhenhong's house? It would also be convenient for Zhenhong to supervise his training."

Hiruzen smiled, pleased with the suggestion.

Meanwhile, tension filled the Uchiha clan's compound.

Patriarch Uchiha Chinatsu spoke in a low voice, "Yamano will retire tomorrow to fill the vacant elder seat, and the captaincy of the police force will go to Fugaku."

"Yes," Uchiha Yamano agreed solemnly.

Fugaku hastened to object, "Master Patriarch, this is unwise!"

"Fugaku, everyone believes in your talent. You will lead the Uchiha to new heights!" Chinatsu said firmly.

"But…"

"No buts! This is an order. The captain of the police force is no easy position. Fugaku, are you confident?"

"Yes," Fugaku nodded determinedly. "I will live up to expectations."

In the corner, Uchiha Tenizumi lowered his head, eyes burning with anger, hatred, and resentment. His father's former position as captain was not his to inherit. Betrayed by his own blood, his chest swelled with fury. His Sharingan slowly evolved from two tomoe to three.

After filling the elder vacancy, the Uchiha leadership turned their ire to Danzo.

"Danzo... has overstepped."

"He must be eliminated!"

"The Sharingan of Uchiha Fox and Uchiha Lin must be recovered!"

"Compared to the Uchiha clan's internal conflicts, Danzo is a far greater threat. Aligning with him is like inviting a wolf into the house!"

Chinatsu warned, "Because of Uchiha's rebellion, the Hokage and council are displeased. We cannot act rashly and fall into traps. I sense war is coming."

"War?" one elder asked.

Uchiha Chika replied, "The Land of Fire's borders have been unstable since the last great war. No one dares provoke us without orders from the Daimyo of the ninja villages. When the time is right, war will come. That will be our chance."

"Haha, indeed. When war arrives, I, as captain of the police force, will stabilize the village. The fighting can be left to the Hokage and Danzo," said one elder confidently.

"Old grudges will be settled with Danzo when that time comes," another vowed.

Their excitement grew as they envisioned the Uchiha rising to the pinnacle of Konoha power.

"What about Fenghuo, the 'Sealing Fire'?" someone asked.

"Danzo's Root operatives are relentless. Killing Fenghuo would not be impossible!" Chinatsu narrowed her eyes coldly.

"Fenghuo's assassination is why I retire tomorrow," Yamano sighed. "I accept full responsibility."

Several elders laughed, prideful.

That night, a few Uchiha jonin stealthily approached Fenghuo's house — but they were too late. Fenghuo had vanished without a trace, not even leaving a change of clothes behind.

News of this enraged the Uchiha elders, who smashed their teacups in fury.

"Traitor!"

"White-eyed wolf!"

"How dare he abandon the clan? Damn him!"

"What is Hiruzen Sarutobi thinking? This must be confronted face to face!"

Fugaku stood silently. Though loyal to the clan, he felt unsettled. After all, one cannot expect to kill a man twice — if he fled once, why not allow him to live? Such harshness seemed unbalanced.

If I led the Uchiha, I would not tolerate elders who think like this. Years in power have warped their minds.

Meanwhile, Fenghuo, the "Sealing Fire," found himself in an awkward but warm situation.

Yuhi Yuhihong's big eyes stared at him unblinkingly, as if gazing upon a precious treasure.

"Fenghuo, you really want to live at my house?" Her cheeks flushed a delicate pink.

Fenghuo's eye twitched. She's only eight years old — why is she blushing? Keep it together, or your 'uncle' will break my leg!

Nearby, Yuhi Zhenhong smiled. "Hong, you have school tomorrow. Time to sleep."

"But Dad, I want to play with Fenghuo," Yuhihong pouted.

"Go to bed early. Even the 'Sealing Fire' is tired," Zhenhong chuckled as he carried Yuhihong back inside.

The Yuhi residence was spacious, with several guest rooms. Fenghuo didn't even have to sleep on the sofa and felt quite comfortable.

After putting away his clothes, he spotted Zhenhong standing outside the door.

"Uncle Zhenhong," Fenghuo's heart skipped a beat, and he crossed his legs nervously. I'm only eight years old. Just eight...

"Fenghuo, it may take time to get used to, but don't worry. Hong and I are your family now," Zhenhong said kindly.

He worried that Fenghuo's psyche might be damaged by the Uchiha affair. For a child, such trauma could be catastrophic.

But Fenghuo had memories from two lifetimes — how could his spirit be broken?

Well, maybe it was already broken in my past life.

"Don't worry, Uncle Zhenhong. I'm fine," Fenghuo said shyly, secretly glad to be cared for.

"Go to sleep," Zhenhong smiled and closed the door.

Fenghuo sighed deeply, flopped onto the soft bed, and thought:

Danzo, Uchiha... Heh heh heh, you don't know who you've crossed.

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