Naruto: Starting as the Third Hokage with Tears in His Eyes

Chapter 8: The Uchiha's Stubborn Old Fool? I'll Steal Them!

The atmosphere in the Hokage's office was somewhat heavy.

The sun shone brightly outside the window, but the expressions of the three people inside the room were all different.

"Lord Hokage, that's how it is."

Uchiha Kagami stood in front of his desk, his face as gentle as ever, but his tone revealed a hint of helplessness.

"The recruitment of 'Root' encountered great resistance within the clan."

Hiruzen Sarutobi listened quietly, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the table.

Since he ordered the reorganization of "Root" and appointed Uchiha Kagami as his deputy, the newly formed organization has begun intensive preparations.

Selecting elites from various clans is Hiruzen's established policy. The Ino-Shika-Cho clans and the Sarutobi main family have all sent their best young people without reservation.

They got stuck when they got to the Uchiha clan.

"The elders believe that the Uchiha elites should remain in the security forces, as it is the honor and responsibility bestowed upon our clan by the Second Hokage."

Uchiha Kagami continued.

"They felt that sending a genius from the Uchiha clan to a department that handled 'dirty work' was a disgrace to the Sharingan."

"even……"

He paused, seemingly considering his words.

"There are even some comments saying that Hokage-sama... is too young and not worthy of the Uchiha's complete loyalty."

Standing to the side, Danzo Shimura's lips curled into a smile.

This is exactly the result he wanted to see.

Hiruzen wanted to use Uchiha Kagami to divide his power?

Those old fogies of the Uchiha clan won't let Hiruzen have his way so easily.

He had even prepared his arguments, ready to propose a plan for himself to "persuade" the Uchiha clan when Hiruzen was at a loss, in order to regain control of "Root".

However, Hiruzen Sarutobi showed no surprise or anger on his face.

He simply looked calmly at Uchiha Kagami and asked.

"Mirror, what do you think?"

Uchiha Kagami paused for a moment, then said seriously, "I think this is short-sighted! The light of the Will of Fire should illuminate every corner of the village. 'Root' exists to protect the village, and this does not conflict with the duties of the security forces! The elders' stubbornness will only deepen the rift between the clan and the village!"

"Well said."

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded, seemingly quite satisfied with the answer.

Instead of making a decision immediately, he quietly started a simulator in his mind.

[A critical decision is currently facing: How to deal with the Uchiha clan's resistance to "Root"?]

[Simulation Option A: In the name of the Hokage, forcibly order the Uchiha clan to hand over their members.]

[Start the future simulation...]

Blood-red words appeared before my eyes.

[You issued a mandatory conscription order, and the Uchiha elders, under pressure from the Hokage's authority, ultimately handed over several clan members.]

However, this move sparked a fierce backlash within the Uchiha clan, who viewed it as a suppression and humiliation of the Uchiha by the new Hokage.

Because Uchiha Kagami resolutely carried out your orders, he was regarded as a "Hokage's lackey" within the clan, and suffered isolation and ostracism, making his situation extremely difficult.

The rift between you and the Uchiha clan deepened dramatically from that point onward.

Hiruzen Sarutobi remained completely unmoved; he even felt a slight urge to laugh.

Should we force it?

That's not politics, that's just kids fighting.

He slowly raised his head, his gaze passing over Uchiha Kagami and landing on Danzo.

"Danzo, what do you think?"

Danzo felt a chill run down his spine, not expecting Hiruzen to suddenly ask him that question.

He stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "Hiruzen, the Uchiha clan has always been arrogant. Appeasement won't work against them. I believe we should take a firm stance and make them understand that the Hokage's will cannot be defied!"

He spoke with righteous indignation, as if he were truly considering Hiruzen's well-being.

"Oh? A hardline approach?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled noncommittally and then turned to look at Kagami Uchiha.

"Mirror, I'm giving you a new task."

"Please give your orders!"

"Don't argue with the elders anymore; they're old and their minds aren't working properly anymore."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's words surprised both Kagami and Danzo.

"Go to the Konoha Police Force in my name."

"Select ten suitable men from the garrison."

The office was silent, except for the steady voice of Hiruzen.

"Tell them that I, the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, have taken a liking to their talents and will personally guide them in a month-long intensive training in the Will of Fire."

"The training location is on the top floor of the Hokage Building."

"During their training, all their treatment was carried out according to the standards of the Dark Division."

"One month later, I will personally award the title of 'Hokage's Direct Guard' to the person who performs the best and promote him to Special Jonin."

boom!

These words struck like a thunderbolt from a clear sky, exploding in the minds of Uchiha Kagami and Shimura Danzo.

An unbelievable light flashed in Uchiha Kagami's eyes.

He got it!

He understood completely!

The Hokage's move was simply a stroke of genius.

Bypassing the rigid-minded elders, go directly to the grassroots level and dig out the hidden and marginalized talents.

This is not a recruitment, this is a promotion.

It was an opportunity personally given by the Hokage.

Deep training in the "Will of Fire"?

The Hokage personally provided guidance?

What is the designation of the "Hokage's Direct Guard"?

These conditions, once presented, were an immense temptation for those young Uchiha men who were frustrated and unfulfilled in the security forces.

This not only gave them a chance to rise to the top in one step, but also gave them hope that, as members of the Uchiha clan, they could truly integrate into the core of the village's power structure.

Didn't the elders talk about honor?

What could be more glorious than becoming the Hokage's direct bodyguard?

Didn't the elders talk about loyalty?

When these Uchiha elites, promoted by the Hokage, return to their clan, to whom will they be loyal?

Are they the stubborn old men who only know how to suppress them, or the Third Hokage who gives them new life and glory?

This move is both ruthless and aboveboard, effectively cutting off the enemy's supply lines.

This is an open conspiracy.

Meanwhile, Shimura Danzo's face had turned ashen.

He clenched his fists so tightly that his nails almost dug into his flesh.

I feel like a self-important, clown trying to be clever.

He was still thinking about how to use force to subdue the Uchiha, while Hiruzen had already stood at a higher level, easily dismantling their defenses with benefits and the future.

What frustrated him even more was that he couldn't oppose Hiruzen's plan at all.

Because nominally, these people will eventually be added to the "roots," and his nominal power is not damaged.

In reality, these Uchiha who were personally trained by the Hokage only had the Hokage in their hearts; there was no place for Danzo.

Hiruzen is using Danzo's pot to cook his own meal!

"What's wrong, Danzo?" Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze fell on him again. "Do you think my method isn't 'forceful' enough?"

Danzo's Adam's apple bobbed, and he squeezed out a few words through his teeth.

"...No, very...good."

"Then it's settled." Hiruzen Sarutobi made the final decision, saying to Kagami Uchiha, "Kagami, go ahead and do it. Remember, you are the Hokage's right-hand man, representing my will. Anyone who dares to obstruct you is my enemy."

"Yes, Lord Hokage! I will not fail you!"

Uchiha Kagami bowed deeply, turned and strode away, his back view filled with unprecedented energy.

Only Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura remained in the office.

Hiruzen Sarutobi stood up, walked to the window, and looked down at the prosperous village.

"Danzo," he suddenly said.

"……exist."

"Roots are meant to eliminate enemies that threaten the village, not to create internal conflicts within the village."

"It is a scalpel, not a hammer."

Hiruzen Sarutobi turned around and calmly looked at his companion, whose expression was uncertain.

"Remember, I am the one who holds this knife."