Naruto: The Rise Of Uchiha

Swish, swish, swish—

The Third Hokage and his entourage moved swiftly, arriving in front of the Security Department within moments, forming a third and undeniably powerful force in the standoff.

"Third Hokage, you've come at just the right time," Danzo Shimura said in a deep, measured voice. "The Security Department has detained more than ten members of my clan, including our family head. You must give me an explanation."

The Third Hokage appeared surprised, though his expression was a carefully crafted mask. In truth, nothing that occurred in Konoha escaped his notice, thanks to his Anbu network. He had been informed of the incident long before, but he had allowed the conflict to escalate, knowing it would benefit his long-term agenda. Now, however, intervention was necessary to maintain the illusion of neutrality.

"Captain Fugaku, is this true? Why has the Security Department detained so many members of the Shimura family, including their head?" the Third Hokage asked.

"It is true, Hokage-sama," Uchiha Fugaku replied, maintaining his composure. "Shimura Naoya and several members of the Shimura clan interfered with the lawful duties of the Security Department. Their actions constituted obstruction of justice, so I ordered their detention."

"Interfering with law enforcement?" The Third Hokage furrowed his brows, turning toward Danzo. "Danzo, if what Captain Fugaku says is true, then the actions of the Security Department were lawful and appropriate."

Danzo's expression darkened further. "The reason Shimura Naoya and others interfered," he said coldly, "is because the Guards were attempting to apprehend members of my clan who had clashed with Uchiha clan members. They feared those detained would be treated unfairly."

"Captain Fugaku?" The Third Hokage's gaze shifted back to Fugaku, silently demanding clarification.

Fugaku nodded. "That is correct. We received a report that members of the Uchiha and Shimura clans were involved in a fight. We intended to bring all those involved to the Security Department for questioning. However, Shimura Naoya obstructed our efforts."

Danzo sneered. "Everyone knows the Security Department is controlled by the Uchiha clan. How could my clan expect fairness if taken there?"

"Do you have evidence to support your claims, Advisor Danzo?" Fugaku's voice remained steady, but his crimson Sharingan eyes gleamed. "If you are accusing the Security Department of bias without evidence, that could be considered slander—even for you."

Danzo scoffed. "Evidence? The Uchiha clan leads the Security Department. It's obvious where their loyalties lie. Do I need further proof?"

The Third Hokage raised a hand, signaling them to stop. His face was a picture of thoughtful concern as he turned to the group of clan heads and elite jonin accompanying him.

"What do you think?" he asked, opening the floor to their opinions.

A short man, standing barely 1.6 meters tall, stepped forward eagerly. He was Takasaki Kazushi, head of the Takasaki clan and a staunch supporter of Danzo.

"Hokage-sama," Kazushi said, his tone laced with disdain, "Advisor Danzo raises a valid point. The Security Department is clearly controlled by the Uchiha clan. How can anyone expect impartiality from them in a conflict involving their own members?"

Atsumi Hoshino, head of the Hoshino clan and another ally of Danzo, chimed in with a smile. "While the actions of the Shimura family may have been extreme, their concerns are understandable. Without evidence of fairness, doubts about the Security Department's motives are justified."

Another voice joined the fray. "Indeed, Hokage-sama," said Iwasaki Hiroshi, head of the Iwasaki clan. The scar across his left eye gave him a menacing appearance. "With both sides involved in this conflict being prominent clans, it is difficult to believe the Uchiha-led Security Department can remain neutral."

Several other clan heads murmured their agreement, each vying to align themselves with Danzo.

"I disagree."

The silver-haired head of the Hatake family, Hatake Nobuhiro, spoke up. "Speculation about bias in the Security Department is not a valid reason to interfere with its duties. Without evidence, such actions only undermine the rule of law."

The Hyuga clan head followed suit, his milky-white eyes narrowing. "The Security Department was acting within its authority. Obstructing their operations is unacceptable. Without evidence, assumptions about bias cannot justify such actions."

Other clan heads who owed favors to the Uchiha clan voiced their support as well, creating a more balanced divide among the council of opinions.

The Third Hokage, momentarily surprised by the unexpected support for Fugaku, quickly masked his reaction. He had anticipated overwhelming support for Danzo, but this balance complicated matters. However, he adapted, addressing both sides with an air of authority.

"The Security Department's actions were lawful. While concerns of bias are understandable, we cannot condone the obstruction of law enforcement based on speculation."

He paused, ensuring his words carried the weight of his office. "However, given the circumstances and in the interest of maintaining peace within the village, I propose the following: The conflict between the Uchiha and Shimura clans will be handled by the Security Department. As for the Shimura family members detained for obstruction, this being their first offense, they will be released without further action."

The Hokage's gaze shifted to Danzo and Fugaku. "Advisor Danzo, Captain Fugaku—do you find this acceptable?"

Danzo's face was a mask of suppressed fury, but he nodded. "Fine. I will accept this… for now."

Fugaku, his expression unreadable, inclined his head. "I have no objections, Hokage-sama."

But Fugaku knew this resolution was far from fair. The Third Hokage had shielded Danzo and the Shimura clan once again. It was a pattern—whenever the Uchiha clan sought justice, Hiruzen and Danzo's tacit alliance worked to undermine them.

Yet Fugaku did not protest. The outcome of today's confrontation did not matter. His true goal had been to provoke Danzo, to push him into overreaching, even leaving the village for a confrontation.

When that happens, Fugaku thought, I will strike.

(End of Chapter)

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