That night, Fugaku convened a family meeting, mandating the attendance of all jōnin.
He announced Shisui's acceptance into the Anbu...
…and the Hokage's return of the clan's original station.
He explained the rationale behind their political investment and the substantial return it had now yielded.
The Uchiha Clan would integrate into Konoha's upper ranks, paving the way for the clan's resurgence.
Fugaku's speech was filled with confidence and passion, a stark contrast to his earlier humbling at the hands of the elder.
With tangible benefits laid out, the clan members reaffirmed their support—except for the grim-faced elder.
After the meeting, many senior clan members expressed high praise for Fugaku, believing his long-term vision would lead the Uchiha Clan to greater heights.
The clan's sentiment began to shift. Even though some elders were dissatisfied, they couldn't stop the growing admiration for Fugaku among the Uchiha.
However, the political concessions granted by the Fourth Hokage stirred backlash within Konoha's council.
Danzo, the mastermind behind the maneuver, became a target for criticism.
"You realize how much effort Tobirama and I put into keeping the Uchiha in line?" Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, lashed out at Danzo in anger.
"You didn't even consult us on this, Danzo…" Homura Mitokado added his discontent.
"This is the Hokage's office, Sarutobi. Watch your words. The Uchiha are part of this village—our comrades," Danzo answered coolly.
"You're only exacerbating internal tensions," Hiruzen shot back icily.
"Or strengthening the village," Danzo returned the glare without flinching.
The Uchiha were powerful assets, and the Third Hokage and the previous administration had driven them into a corner, ultimately leading to their rebellion and annihilation. It had been a disastrous move for Konoha.
As for the Uchiha threat theory… to Danzo, it was irrelevant now, considering they'd be facing extraterrestrial enemies in the future.
The Fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato, rose from his seat and addressed the room.
"Integrating the Uchiha Clan was my decision. If they ever pose a threat to the village, I will personally handle it."
His resolute tone and sharp gaze ended the debate. It also marked the official end of his brief honeymoon period with the Third Hokage.
Whether it was bringing Danzo into the open, taking a hardline stance on Kusagakure, or handling the Uchiha, Minato made it clear he would not follow the path Hiruzen had laid out for him.
Their differences in outlook and decision-making—especially with Danzo's support—were worlds apart.
Konoha's major clans soon detected the growing political rift. Yet most chose to adopt a wait-and-see attitude.
Five days after the Uchiha clan meeting, Hokage Namikaze Minato paid the Uchiha Clan a personal visit and appointed Shisui as an Anbu squad leader.
He stayed for dinner with Fugaku before returning to the Hokage's office.
This move demonstrated the village's respect for the Uchiha, filling them with pride and further solidifying Fugaku's authority.
The next day, Fugaku reassigned five jōnin and twenty chūnin from the Police Force to handle Konoha's assigned missions.
This action sparked interest among other clans.
"Anbu squad leader" was a coveted position, reserved for the Hokage's most trusted confidants, granting access to classified decisions.
And if one managed to step fully into the spotlight, there could be even greater opportunities ahead…
...
"Old man, what's the deal? Don't interrupt my creative flow," Jiraiya grumbled as he slouched into a seat at Hiruzen's residence.
Ever since Tsunade and Orochimaru had left, Jiraiya had rarely appeared at Konoha's formal events. Yet he was a regular atop the bathhouse roof.
Hiruzen looked troubled. "Things have been happening in Konoha lately…"
Jiraiya, munching on snacks from the table, said casually, "You're not Hokage anymore, so why worry? These are good. I'll take some home."
"I can't let Danzo run wild. I won't sit back and watch Konoha fall into ruin."
Recent events had gone far beyond Hiruzen's expectations. Every incident tested his nerves.
Jiraiya put down his snack and fell into deep thought. After a moment, he spoke earnestly.
"As Minato's teacher, I trust he'll handle things."
Hiruzen sighed.
"Minato is an excellent Hokage. I wouldn't have backed him if I thought otherwise. But Danzo and the Uchiha are the real issue. I'm afraid Minato might be blindsided and make a mistake that leads to disaster."
Jiraiya frowned. "Old man, aren't you overthinking? The Uchiha are annoying, sure, but there's no need to be so wary of them. And Danzo isn't as bad as you think. Even Tsunade said he's changed a lot."
Jiraiya, from a civilian background, had little patience for the Uchiha's arrogance. But on the battlefield, the Uchiha were fierce warriors who would fight to the death for their comrades and the village.
As for Danzo, Jiraiya didn't know him well, but he trusted Tsunade's judgment.
Finally, seeing the exhaustion and pleading in Hiruzen's eyes, Jiraiya sighed in resignation.
"Fine, I'll talk to Minato. But I'm not guaranteeing he'll listen."
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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