The shrine doors burst open.
Danzō stepped inside.
He wore a dark-gray combat uniform, both hands casually tucked into his pockets.
His scarred jaw was tilted slightly upward, and a rebellious glint flickered in his eyes as his indifferent gaze swept across every Uchiha present.
That posture…
He looked even more Uchiha than the Uchiha themselves.
Behind him, Sarutobi and the others stood closely grouped around him like personal guards.
The entrance alone carried overwhelming presence.
Seeing this scene, every Uchiha present felt an inexplicable wave of irritation and frustration.
Usually, they were the ones showing off in front of others.
Now someone had come swaggering into their own territory and stolen the spotlight.
How outrageous!
Even Setsuna’s expression darkened.
The Uchiha were naturally allergic to this sort of thing.
Fortunately, he was a veteran who had weathered countless storms.
He quickly regained his composure.
A cold smile crept across his aged face.
“Oh?
And here I thought it was someone important.”
“So it’s the Hokage-sama.”
He deliberately emphasized the words “Hokage-sama,” intending to remind Danzō of the humiliation he’d suffered at the Jōnin Council.
So what if Tobirama had named you his successor?
Without the support of Konoha’s clans, you’d be nothing more than a puppet sitting in the Hokage’s chair.
As for how Danzō had managed to enter the Uchiha district without raising any alarms…
That was undoubtedly Kagami’s doing.
Only someone of his rank could know the clan’s defensive layout so thoroughly.
A traitor feeding information to outsiders.
Setsuna cursed silently.
Yet Danzō showed no sign of anger.
He walked calmly into the shrine, passing through the crowd one step at a time.
When he reached Kagami’s side, he smiled faintly.
“I heard the Uchiha clan meeting was particularly lively tonight.”
“I thought I’d come and see it for myself.”
Setsuna let out a mocking laugh.
Leaning on his cane, he slowly rose to his feet.
“Indeed.”
“Our Uchiha clan has always stood united and of one mind.”
His eyes narrowed.
“Though I’m far more curious about one thing.”
“What exactly did Hokage-sama accomplish at the Jōnin Council today?”
The surrounding Uchiha immediately brightened.
Several nearly applauded on the spot.
As expected of Elder Setsuna.
His words were like blades—every sentence aimed directly at the enemy’s heart.
Torifu, who had never been known for patience, immediately frowned.
He was about to speak when Hiruzen gently stopped him.
“Relax.”
“Danzō knows what he’s doing.”
Hiruzen understood his friend’s personality better than anyone.
Ruthless.
Resolute.
Someone who would never simply swallow an insult.
If Danzō wasn’t retaliating immediately, it could only mean one thing:
He had something bigger planned.
And indeed—
Danzō had observed everything.
Yet his expression remained unchanged.
Instead, he smiled.
With complete sincerity, he said:
“To be honest, Elder Setsuna, that matter is precisely why I’ve come.”
“The village is facing enemies on all sides.”
“Iwagakure and Kirigakure are watching us like hungry wolves.”
“Kumogakure has betrayed its agreements.”
“The Second Hokage’s fate remains unknown.”
“And within the village, every clan has its own agenda.”
He let out a weary sigh.
The concern on his face appeared entirely genuine.
Like a man carrying the weight of the village on his shoulders.
“I’ve thought about it again and again.”
“And in the end, I realized something.”
“The only clan I can truly rely on at a time like this…”
His gaze swept across the gathered Uchiha.
“…is the Uchiha clan.”
Without hesitation, he began praising them.
“As Konoha’s foremost noble clan, the Uchiha possess a deep foundation, exceptional combat strength, and ample reserves of weapons and supplies.”
“If anyone can help the village overcome this crisis, it’s you.”
“I sincerely hope the Uchiha will shoulder more responsibility and lend their strength to the village.”
“And of course…”
“When this is all over, the village will never forget your contributions.”
His tone was warm.
Earnest.
Almost flattering.
By the time he finished speaking, he had practically praised the Uchiha into believing they were Konoha’s greatest treasure.
Many clan members immediately felt their resentment melt away.
Their lips curled upward unconsciously.
Their chests puffed out with pride.
Only Setsuna’s brows furrowed deeper.
What is this brat trying to do?
Did he realize force wouldn’t work and decide to come begging instead?
A trace of disdain appeared in his eyes.
Setsuna had originally assumed that Tobirama’s chosen successor would be another iron-fisted hardliner like the Second Hokage himself.
Instead, Danzō seemed like a spineless politician.
Trying to win Uchiha support through flattery?
How naïve.
Playing the victim wasn’t exactly difficult.
With that thought, Setsuna spread his hands and sighed dramatically.
“Hokage-sama may not be aware, but ever since the Great Ninja War began, Uchiha shinobi have been constantly dispatched to battlefields across the continent.”
“Our manpower losses have been severe.”
“At present, the clan simply cannot spare any additional personnel.”
To his surprise, Danzō didn’t argue.
Instead, he nodded in agreement.
His tone became even more understanding.
“That’s true.”
“On every frontline, Uchiha shinobi can always be found fighting and supporting the village.”
“The Konoha Military Police Force also patrols day and night, carrying the enormous responsibility of maintaining security throughout the village.”
“Despite your dedication and sacrifices, many villagers still criticize the Police Force, claiming its officers are cold-hearted and overly strict.”
“You’ve endured a great deal of hardship.”
The entire shrine fell silent.
Setsuna froze.
Wait.
Wasn’t he here to pick a fight?
Why was he praising them instead?
And the worst part…
Every single compliment landed exactly where the Uchiha liked hearing it most.
Many clan members subconsciously straightened their backs.
See?
The Uchiha really are indispensable to Konoha!
Indispensable my ass!
Setsuna nearly cursed out loud.
Something felt terribly wrong.
Still maintaining his composure as an elder, he narrowed his eyes.
“What exactly are you trying to say, Hokage-sama?”
Seeing that the old fox was finally becoming uneasy, Danzō smiled.
The real purpose of his visit emerged.
“I intend to transfer some shinobi into the Military Police Force.”
“That would ease the burden on the Uchiha.”
“And it would also free up more combat personnel for the front lines.”
His gaze settled on Setsuna.
“So, Elder Setsuna…”
“What do you think?”
The dagger was finally revealed.
Setsuna’s face immediately turned dark.
He often complained that Police Force duties were thankless and exhausting.
But regardless of that, the Military Police remained the Uchiha’s single most important source of authority within the village.
If they lost that…
They would have nothing left.
BANG!
His cane smashed into the floor.
Flames of anger burned within his eyes as he stared directly at the young Hokage.
“Shimura Danzō!”
“Do not push your luck!”
Around him, the other Uchiha finally understood what was happening.
Their expressions turned hostile.
As expected.
All that praise had merely been a setup.
The Senju faction truly didn’t have a single decent person among them.
An invisible tension instantly enveloped the shrine.
The candle flames flickered wildly.
Shadows danced across the walls.
Yet Danzō remained completely unaffected.
Instead, a faintly amused smile appeared on his face.
Because real pressure…
Wasn’t anything like this.
The next moment—
An even more terrifying aura exploded from his body.
Dark currents of chakra surged outward like a raging storm.
The very air around him howled.
For an instant, crimson lightning seemed to flash within the depths of his eyes.
An overwhelming pressure flooded the shrine like a tsunami, crashing toward everyone present.
The surrounding Uchiha involuntarily stepped backward.
Those with weaker wills found their legs trembling uncontrollably.
Fear filled their eyes.
Since when…
Did Danzō possess a presence this terrifying?
Even Hiruzen and the others looked shocked.
They had never felt anything like this from Danzō before.
Even Setsuna was inwardly shaken.
He wasn’t forced back.
But it felt as though a massive boulder had been dropped onto his chest.
Breathing itself became difficult.
This kind of pressure…
Setsuna had only ever experienced it from one person before.
That man was—
Uchiha Madara.
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