8

Inside the Hokage's Office, the atmosphere was somewhat heavy.

The sunlight outside the window was bright, but the expressions of the three people inside the room varied.

"Hokage-sama, that's how it is."

Uchiha Kagami stood before the desk, his face as gentle as ever, but his tone carried a hint of helplessness.

"The recruitment for 'Root' has met with great resistance within the Uchiha Clan."

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

Ever since he ordered the reorganization of "Root" and appointed Uchiha Kagami as his deputy, this nascent organization had begun its intensive preparations.

Selecting elites from various clans was Hiruzen's established policy; the Ino–Shika–Chō three clans and the Sarutobi main family had unreservedly sent their most outstanding young people.

Only when it came to the Uchiha Clan, things got stuck.

"Those elders believe that Uchiha elites should remain in the Security Force, which is the honor and duty bestowed upon our clan by Nidaime(2nd)-sama," Uchiha Kagami continued.

"They feel that sending Uchiha geniuses to a department that handles 'dirty work' is a defilement of the Sharingan."

"And even..."

He paused, seemingly weighing his words.

"There have even been some remarks that Hokage-sama is... too young, and not worthy of the Uchiha's complete loyalty."

Danzo Shimura, standing to the side, curved his lips into a smirk.

This was exactly the result he wanted to see.

Hiruzen wanted to use Uchiha Kagami to divide his power?

Those old Uchiha stubborns wouldn't let Hiruzen have his way so easily.

He had even prepared his words, intending to propose that he personally "persuade" the Uchiha when Hiruzen was at his wits' end, thereby regaining control over "Root."

However, Hiruzen Sarutobi's face showed no expression of surprise or anger.

He merely looked calmly at Uchiha Kagami and asked,

"Kagami, what do you think?"

Uchiha Kagami was startled for a moment, then said with a serious expression, "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 Force! The elders' stubbornness will only deepen the rift between the clan and the Village!"

"Well said."

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded, seemingly satisfied with the answer.

He didn't make a decision immediately but quietly activated the simulator in his mind.

[You are currently facing a critical choice: How to handle the Uchiha Clan's resistance to "Root"?]

[Simulation Option A: In the name of the Hokage, forcibly order the Uchiha Clan to hand over personnel.]

[Initiating future simulation...]

Blood-red text appeared before his eyes.

[You issued a forced conscription order. The Uchiha elders, pressured by the Hokage's authority, eventually handed over a few clansmen.]

[However, this move caused a fierce backlash within the Uchiha, who viewed it as suppression and humiliation by the new Hokage.]

[Uchiha Kagami, for resolutely executing your order, was regarded as the "Hokage's running dog" by his clan, isolated and ostracized, making his situation extremely difficult.]

[The rift between you and the Uchiha Clan deepened sharply from then on.]

Hiruzen Sarutobi's heart was calm, almost amused.

To use force?

That wasn't politics, that was a childish squabble.

He slowly raised his head, his gaze sweeping past Uchiha Kagami and landing on Danzo.

"Danzo, what do you think?"

Danzo's heart tightened; he hadn't expected Hiruzen to suddenly ask him.

He stepped forward, saying in a deep voice, "Hiruzen, the Uchiha have always been arrogant. Soft tactics are useless against them. I believe we should adopt strong measures to make them understand that the Hokage's will cannot be defied!"

He spoke righteously, as if he were truly considering Hiruzen's best interests.

"Oh? Strong measures?"

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

"Kagami, I have a new mission for you."

"Please command!"

"Stop arguing with the elders. They're old, and their minds aren't as sharp anymore."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's words surprised both Kagami and Danzo.

"In my name, go to the Konoha Security Force."

"From the Security Force, select ten suitable individuals."

The office was silent, only Hiruzen's steady voice echoed.

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

"The training location will be on the top floor of the Hokage Tower."

"During the training period, all their benefits will be based on Anbu standards."

"After one month, the best performer will be personally awarded the designation of 'Hokage's Direct Guard Unit' and promoted to Special Jonin."

Boom!

These words, like a sudden clap of thunder, exploded in the minds of Uchiha Kagami and Danzo Shimura.

Uchiha Kagami's eyes instantly erupted with an incredible light.

He understood!

He completely understood!

Hokage-sama's move was simply a stroke of genius.

Bypass the rigid-minded elders, go directly to the grassroots, and unearth those buried and ostracized talents.

This was not conscription; this was promotion.

It was an opportunity personally given by the Hokage.

Intensive training in the "Will of Fire"?

Personal guidance from the Hokage?

The designation of "Hokage's Direct Guard Unit"?

These conditions, when thrown out, were an immense temptation for those frustrated young Uchiha in the Security Force.

This not only gave them a chance to rise to prominence overnight but also gave them the hope of truly integrating into the Village's power core, despite being Uchiha clansmen.

Didn't the elders talk about honor?

What could be more honorable than becoming the Hokage's direct guard?

Didn't the elders talk about loyalty?

When these Uchiha elites, promoted by the Hokage, returned to the clan, to whom would they be loyal?

To those old stubborns who only suppressed them, or to the Third Hokage who gave them new life and honor?

This move was like pulling the rug out from under them, yet it was open and aboveboard.

This was an overt scheme.

Meanwhile, Danzo Shimura's face had turned ashen.

He clenched his fists tightly, his fingernails almost digging into his flesh.

He felt like a clown who thought himself clever.

He was still thinking about how to use strong measures to subdue the Uchiha, while Hiruzen had already stood on a higher ground, easily dismantling the opponent's barriers with benefits and future prospects.

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

Because, nominally, these people would eventually be added to "Root," so his nominal power was not damaged.

But in reality, these Uchiha, personally trained by the Hokage, would only have the Hokage in their hearts. Where would he, Danzo, fit in?

Hiruzen was 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 'strong enough'?"

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

"...No, it's very... good."

"Then it's settled," Hiruzen Sarutobi declared decisively, turning to Uchiha Kagami. "Kagami, go forth and do it. Remember, you are the Hokage's deputy, representing my will. Anyone who dares to obstruct you is an enemy to me."

"Yes! Hokage-sama! I will not fail you!"

Uchiha Kagami bowed deeply, then turned and strode away, his back filled with unprecedented vigor.

Inside the office, only Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura remained.

Hiruzen Sarutobi stood up, walked to the window, and gazed down at the prosperous Village below.

"Danzo," he suddenly spoke.

"...Present."

"Root is 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, calmly looking at his companion whose face was constantly changing.

"Remember, the one holding this blade is me."