Hokage's Office
The Hokage faction had long been wary of the Uchiha and suppressed them in subtle ways.
But such matters were never meant to be spoken openly.
Yet Uchiha Yuan's words had been logical and well-grounded. His actions fell entirely within the Police Force's authority.
Even Hiruzen Sarutobi and the elders had no clean way to refute him.
If they forced the issue?
Based on intelligence reports, Yuan would resist.
And one misstep could escalate into open conflict between the village and the Uchiha clan.
Konoha was not prepared for that.
Hiruzen sighed inwardly.
Hot-blooded Uchiha youth…
If it were any other Uchiha, a firm stance from the village would have made them retreat.
But Yuan was different.
He had once openly confronted a battalion commander on the battlefield—reportedly even clashing verbally with a Shimura officer.
In Hiruzen's eyes, Yuan was a powerful and reckless youth—backed by the Uchiha clan and emboldened by strength.
"What should we do next, Lord Third?"
Shikaku Nara asked carefully.
Shikaku inwardly admired Fugaku's caution—publicly distancing himself while quietly observing the village's response.
Before Hiruzen could answer—
The office door burst open.
Shimura Danzō strode in.
"I've heard everything. Leave that Uchiha brat to me."
His single eye gleamed with cold excitement.
At last—a chance to strike at the Uchiha.
"How would you handle it?" Hiruzen asked calmly.
"Arrest Uchiha Yuan for challenging village authority. Then hold the Uchiha clan accountable. Perhaps we can strip the Police Force of some power."
Koharu and Homura exchanged subtle glances.
Tempting.
Shikaku quickly relayed Yuan's legal reasoning to Danzō.
Danzō snorted.
"A child couldn't think of that alone. This is the Uchiha testing us. They must be punished."
"Today's incident was Yuan's personal action," Shikaku began—
But Danzō cut him off with a glare.
"Fugaku's awareness is irrelevant. What matters is that this began with the Uchiha."
He turned to Hiruzen.
"His words clearly show contempt for you. Give the order."
Silence filled the room.
Then Hiruzen spoke.
"You will not interfere, Danzō."
"If we proceed as you suggest, conflict with the Uchiha will be unavoidable."
"Uchiha are a dangerous clan!" Danzō snapped.
"Enough!"
Hiruzen's voice hardened.
"The Uchiha are comrades of this village. Do not speak that way again."
Danzō's expression darkened.
"So you'll tolerate this?"
Hiruzen lifted his pipe.
"Having the Police Force guard the gate is not entirely detrimental."
That was the answer.
Permission by silence.
"You'll regret this."
Danzō left in fury.
Afterward, Hiruzen instructed Shikaku to withdraw the chūnin gate squad.
To Koharu's dissatisfaction, Hiruzen added:
"I will send word to Fugaku. Yuan must be warned."
At the Village Gate
A chūnin arrived with official notice.
The gate duty was officially transferred to the Police Force.
He introduced himself politely.
"I am Hayate Gekkō, chūnin of Konoha. Greetings."
He coughed lightly after speaking.
Yuan studied him briefly.
Pale complexion. Short breath. Weak vitality.
Internal injury. Damaged foundation. Incomplete recovery, Yuan assessed silently.
"What do you need?"
Hayate replied,
"The village has approved. The main gate will henceforth be under Police supervision."
Yuan laughed boldly.
"Excellent. With us here, no vermin shall enter Konoha."
Hayate suppressed his irritation.
Even the village had conceded.
There was nothing more to say.
A Tense Encounter
After assigning Tonghu's squad, Yuan departed alone.
On a nearby avenue, he encountered a group of Hyūga in white robes.
They stiffened at once.
They had witnessed his actions in the marketplace and at the gate.
One conclusion was unanimous—
This Uchiha was dangerously overbearing.
As the two great dōjutsu clans of Konoha, the Hyūga Clan and the Uchiha Clan had long competed for supremacy in ocular power.
Mutual disdain was almost tradition.
Now the Hyūga regarded him warily—afraid he might erupt at any moment.
The air grew tense.
And among them—
A young prodigy's eyes narrowed slightly.
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