Chapter 126: The Hokage's Backhand Move

"There is no issue with Anbu's current staffing, but their authority and responsibilities must be clarified."

His voice was as soft as a whispering breeze, yet it thunderstruck the hearts of all who heard it.

Fugaku Uchiha and Aozora had already surprised everyone with their remarks earlier—but that kind of shock was more along the lines of, *How dare he say that?*

Yet when this blond man spoke, people couldn't help but internally exclaim: *How could he say something like that?*

In fact, some not only thought it—they said it out loud.

This shouldn't be blamed on their lack of composure. Even the three deeply calculating senior clan leaders could no longer hide their shock.

The speaker held many roles: a Konoha Jonin, leader of the Intelligence Division, and head of the Yamanaka clan—Inoichi Yamanaka—often referred to externally as part of the Ino–Shika–Cho alliance.

Furthermore, he had another identity—as an ardent supporter of the Third Hokage. Or rather, for over a decade now, the Ino–Shika–Cho triad had been seen as subordinate to the Third Hokage.

However, since the days of the Warring States era, the Ino–Shika–Cho had always had allies—but never overlords. Nor had they ever needed one.

Hiruzen Sarutobi realized today's events were unfolding far differently than he'd anticipated.

First, the Uchiha didn't make their expected move. Then civilian shinobi questioned him. The Uchiha proposed weakening Anbu—and now even the Yamanaka clan had "defected."

"After reducing Anbu's personnel, obviously they won't be able to maintain control over so many intelligence outposts. Don't you understand? Those positions were originally meant to be transferred under the Intelligence Division's command."

Though Hiruzen had already masked his expression, his voice still carried suppressed anger.

Upon hearing this, Inoichi merely gave a slight shake of his head—without the slightest regret.

Since the Warring States era, the Sarutobi clan had maintained close relations with the Ino–Shika–Cho. But all along, "Ino–Shika–Cho" had remained simply what they were. Not because these three clans couldn't fight alongside the Sarutobi in battle—but due to fundamental differences in perspective.

Like most families that had survived since the Warring States era, the Sarutobi were bold in combat—even inclined toward war.

But the clans of Ino–Shika–Cho were different. They belonged to the rare few who did not seek conflict. Their alliance existed solely for mutual defense against external oppression.

Hiruzen assumed Inoichi had betrayed him for power.

But when had Inoichi ever craved authority?

If true peace had come to the ninja world, he would've long ago walked away—drinking sake with old friends, tending the garden with his wife, and watching his little princess grow up.

When Fugaku first approached him, Inoichi hadn't immediately agreed—until Aozora spoke one sentence.

"When our ninja clans first gathered together, our goal was to build a Hidden Village where every single member could live peacefully under the sun—not to continuously raise the next generation as tools for killing."

Anbu ninja carried out assassinations, surveillance, espionage, and other shadow missions, making them no different at all from the ninja of the Warring States era. Unlimited expansion of Anbu would gradually consume the bright side of the village, drowning it in darkness.

Therefore, though he knew this would offend Hiruzen Sarutobi and weaken the Hokage's influence, Inoichi stepped forward without hesitation.

"What I want to say isn't about the Intelligence Division!"

Inoichi's voice remained calm. "However, since the Hokage has brought it up, I'll add one more thing: from now on, when Anbu are carrying out missions and need to access mission information, they must present the appropriate credentials. They can't just freely access intelligence anymore."

After saying that, he further explained, "As Uchiha Aozora previously pointed out correctly, even ninja within Anbu have personal motives. If we allow them unrestricted access to intelligence, it would be irresponsible regarding the safety of the village's ninja."

By this point, he felt somewhat guilty because Danzo had likely found suitable targets among the vast amount of intelligence.

Hiruzen had also realized this, so he directly agreed, "Yes!"

He didn't want to give anyone else a chance to criticize further.

After finishing with the Intelligence Division matter, Inoichi continued, "Although Anbu has existed for many years, its responsibilities and authority haven't been clearly defined. Is it meant to operate internally or externally? What powers does it have? And what limitations should apply? This ambiguity is detrimental to Anbu's development and easily cultivates schemers like Danzo."

What do you think it should be — just one of them?

What authority does it have? Complete authority!

What restrictions? Free rein with no boundaries!

This was what the three senior leaders were thinking, yet they couldn't actually say it aloud.

After a long pause, Homura vaguely stated, "Anbu is the Hokage's direct force, operating both internally and externally."

Inoichi pressed on, probing carefully.

"What internal authority?"

"Protecting the Hokage and monitoring suspicious individuals, stopping threats in time."

"How is 'suspicious' determined?"

"We will consider carefully…"

"And by what means should these threats be stopped?"

"…"

After only a few exchanges, Homura fell silent.

The Anbu's operations couldn't really withstand detailed scrutiny.

Whether someone was suspicious depended entirely on the judgment of the senior leadership, and Anbu's methods of intervention were obvious.

If Anbu's blade was pointed at other ninja villages, everyone would cheer. But once it turned on them, no one could stay indifferent.

After a long silence, Hiruzen finally asked, "Then what do you suggest?"

Inoichi responded, "Strengthen external operations, and internally…just protect the Hokage well enough."

Other ninja quickly voiced their agreement.

No one wanted to be secretly monitored or have a sword constantly hanging over their heads.

Seeing this, Homura interjected forcefully, "Absolutely not!"

"Why not?"

"Does this mean the Hokage doesn't trust us?"

"…"

This wasn't Aozora or anyone else who stirred this up — it came naturally from the ninja themselves.

With the Hokage faction steadily retreating before, the assembled ninja now possessed greater courage.

Noticing the worsening situation, the three Konoha leaders seated at the front of the meeting room exchanged glances.

Through years of shared understanding, they instantly grasped each other's intent and decided to act preemptively.

They realized they couldn't continue following the Uchiha's rhythm any longer and needed to stir up confusion.

Homura loudly shouted, "Order!"

Once everyone's attention focused on him, Hiruzen spoke deliberately, "I believe in everyone's love for the village, but there are serious destabilizing factors within our village. Without proper precautions, disaster might occur."

After speaking, Hiruzen meaningfully looked toward Fugaku.

If it had been Aozora, he would've teased, "You mean us big-name ninja clans, Hokage-sama?"

Unfortunately, Fugaku wasn't the type to drag others into it. He met the Third's gaze directly and asked, "What exactly do you mean, Hokage-sama?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't respond.

Homura Mitokado pressed forward, "Clan Leader Fugaku, can you explain what those Sharingan were doing in the Nine-Tails' eyes?"

Fugaku replied, "I already explained that before…"

Koharu Utatane cut him off, "Then why did you hide the fact that you awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan? That's the eye capable of controlling the Nine-Tails!"

[Mangekyo]!?

Control the Nine-Tails!?

"The Nine-Tails' attack was secretly sabotaged by the Uchiha!"

"I clearly saw three black tomoe (those swirling patterns) in the Nine-Tails' eyes!"

"…"

The meeting room exploded into chaos! They instantly forgot all about the Anbu issue.

The Anbu was only a potential threat, but the Nine-Tails' attack was an open wound that still hurt deeply.

Thinking about their friends and family who had died at the hands of the Nine-Tails, everyone naturally turned their hateful gazes toward Fugaku and his companions.

At that moment, a striking blond kunoichi suddenly appeared inside the meeting room.

She used the Body Flicker Technique to appear behind Hiruzen Sarutobi, crossed her arms over her chest, and stared at Fugaku, whose [Three Tomoe] were spinning rapidly in his eyes.

In the blink of an eye, the situation shifted—unchanged was only the endless wind and rain outside the window.

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