"No, you're a genius! Whose little brother are you?"
"You're my brother—Uzumaki Shuji's brother!"
Uzumaki Shuji could only comfort him like this.
He knew the real reason, but it wasn't something that could be easily solved. Naruto could only rely on relentless practice to overcome it.
"Yeah! I'm a genius! I can definitely do it!"
Naruto nodded seriously, then stuffed his mouth with food.
"Alright, how about this—you teach me the chakra refinement technique and the hand seals for the three basic jutsu. I'll study them."
"When you get back tonight, I'll help you figure out why you keep failing."
Uzumaki Shuji spoke in a roundabout way.
In reality, he was preparing to guide Naruto's training. With these basic methods, it would be enough.
"Okay!"
"Thanks, big brother!"
Naruto nodded eagerly.
He had always believed his brother was very smart. Maybe Uzumaki Shuji could really find a way to help him succeed.
He quickly finished eating, then pulled out his textbook and explained the training methods.
Uzumaki Shuji pretended to struggle with it, even copying the contents of the textbook down by hand.
Yesterday, he had obtained quite a few Fire Release jutsu from Fugaku Uchiha—almost everything below B-rank.
At this point, his assets were already comparable to those of an elite jonin.
"Taking a week to master this shouldn't discourage Naruto… right?"
Uzumaki Shuji thought to himself after finishing his notes.
…
The commotion caused by the Uchiha clan lasted about a week.
Even the internal investigations became widely known.
Many suspected individuals had been captured and locked in the clan's prison.
Once the situation calmed down, Hiruzen Sarutobi immediately called for a high-level meeting—only elite jonin and clan leaders were allowed to attend.
During the meeting, Hiruzen didn't do much. He simply emphasized strengthening defenses against a potential attack from Madara Uchiha, then stepped back.
"I wonder, Clan Head Fugaku, how many traitors have you uncovered this time? Would you consider transferring them to Root for processing?"
Danzo Shimura spoke up immediately.
He had been one of the biggest forces pushing for the Uchiha's destruction.
Not only did he want to eliminate the clan, but he also coveted the power of the Sharingan.
With just one of Shuji Uchiha's eyes, his strength had already increased significantly. The arm Orochimaru gave him allowed his body to withstand even more Sharingan.
He even dreamed of mastering the Uchiha's forbidden technique—Izanagi.
His obsession with becoming Hokage drove him to pursue power at all costs.
And the Uchiha… were nothing more than fuel for that ambition.
"To clarify, they have not been confirmed as traitors. They are only suspects."
"If confirmed, I will hand them over to the ANBU."
Fugaku replied calmly.
The other clan heads glanced at him in surprise.
Willingly handing over clan members?
Even if someone was guilty, clans usually handled such matters internally—often eliminating the individual outright. Handing them over alive meant exposing secrets.
"ANBU can assist with the investigation. Transferring some of them would be beneficial."
Danzo pressed further.
The sooner he got his hands on more Sharingan, the stronger he would become.
"I believe the police force is fully capable of handling this investigation."
Fugaku did not yield.
These old men had manipulated his own son into such a situation—there was no way he would let Danzo get what he wanted.
"Having ANBU involved would resolve this faster."
Danzo refused to back down.
"In that case, I believe ANBU should also be investigated."
Fugaku countered immediately.
"During the Nine-Tails incident, Madara was able to locate the Fourth Hokage's wife's delivery site with ease. It's possible someone leaked that information."
"Those operations were handled by ANBU, not the police force. I think ANBU should be examined as well."
"Let ANBU and the police force investigate each other's personnel. What do you think, Lord Hokage?"
Fugaku threw down the gauntlet.
If we're going down, we're going down together.
The police force had gained nothing over the years—only suspicion and resentment.
Let's see how clean ANBU really was.
The other clans remained silent, enjoying the spectacle.
Even the Ino-Shika-Cho alliance, staunch supporters of the Sarutobi faction, chose not to intervene.
As long as their own interests were safe, they had no desire to get involved.
"Enough!"
Hiruzen cut them off.
"The police force has always managed internal village affairs."
"ANBU handles external and classified operations. They are not suited to investigate each other. Each will handle their own responsibilities."
There was no way ANBU could be investigated.
Too many secrets would be exposed.
Hiruzen noticed something had changed.
Fugaku no longer appeared weak.
At his command, both Danzo and Fugaku fell silent.
"The threat of Madara's attack is now the village's top priority."
"In the coming days, ANBU presence within the village will be increased."
"All clans are to ensure their members avoid suspicious behavior. ANBU will have priority in handling and investigation rights."
This was the real purpose of the meeting.
Fugaku's expression darkened as he listened.
This was a direct attempt to seize the police force's authority.
Under the First Hokage and Madara, the police force had full control over internal affairs.
Under the Second, their role was limited but still significant.
But after Hiruzen took power, ANBU's authority had been gradually expanded.
Now, ANBU held power equal to the police force—and could even act against clans directly.
And this time…
Hiruzen was making it clear.
ANBU could target anyone they wished.
Even the Uchiha were no exception.