Chapter 144: Chaos Will Rise

"W‑what?"

Not only Zhuan Nian Xianghui, even some members of the Police Department were stunned.

She is the assistant's niece, and standing behind her is the Hokage's direct guard unit, the ANBU!

This Uchiha elder actually wants to seize someone? Some hesitate, others act immediately.

Uchiha Ming, along with other Uchiha clan members in the Police Department, and the newly arrived Koizumi May, all rushed forward to surround Zhuan Nian Xianghui and the three others.

Yan Shifan sneered at the sight, glancing at those who hadn't acted.

Everyone instantly shivered, realizing they were already members of the Police Department.

Without the Hokage's interference, the Police Department can apprehend anyone who, apart from the Hokage, violates the Village's laws or threatens its safety.

The words summarized during Security Department training suddenly echoed in his mind.

Anyway, the other side lacks the Hokage's orders, and they're using Police Department funds; as ninjas, as long as they don't betray the Village, they just need to obey orders.

If the sky falls, Uchiha will hold it up.

After a brief hesitation, the others also moved to separate the crowd outside the gate.

Zhuan Nian Xianghui turned pale; she hadn't expected Uchiha people to be so rude—first it was Uchiha Hui, now another old guy appears.

Damned it! "They're resisting, they're resisting! Uchiha, you still want to seize me! I came under the two assistants' orders—release the people immediately, free the people in this shop at once, and then send Shisui Uchiha to the Hokage's building."

"Hahaha, what do you think I am? Turns out I'm sent by the two assistants."

Yan Shifan laughed loudly, looking at Zhuan Nian Xianghui with a playful expression: "You, a tiny Special Jonin, an ANBU no‑name, merely borrowing the assistants' authority, dare to falsely claim the Hokage's order, privately obstruct the Police Department's duties, and even try to let the suspect go."

"You're framing us, we didn't..."

Yueguang Shifeng, who was listening nearby, immediately interjected to defend.

Yan Shifan glanced at him and said bluntly, "If you did anything, the Police Department will investigate; shut up!"

The Uchiha ninja who captured Yueguang Shifeng raised his hand and slapped him; Yueguang Shifeng was stunned on the spot.

Seeing the intimidating Police Department ninjas one by one, Yueguang Shifeng opened his mouth and finally complied.

There was no chance here for a tiny Chunin like him to speak up.

"That's excessive; how can you deny him a chance to defend himself? Uchiha, don't you think you're being too overbearing?"

Outside the gate, some ninjas gathered; seeing this, their faces grew sour, and they couldn't help shouting a rebuke.

They are local ninjas; today it's Yueguang Shifeng, tomorrow will it be them?

Some even stepped forward a couple of paces, exuding a mass‑attack momentum.

"Overbearing?"

"Hahaha~"

Yan Shifan, hearing that, boisterously laughed without restraint, then abruptly fell silent and shouted, "Show it to them!"

Uchiha Ming had prepared early; he pulled a scroll from his chest and unfurled it in midair.

The scroll's tail fell, then it spread across the ground for a distance; the onlookers glanced sideways, puzzled.

However, there were many ninjas in the arena, all with good eyesight, and they quickly read the characters on the scroll.

"This is the Second Hokage's drafted regulations concerning the Police Department."

Someone, after reading, reacted and couldn't help speaking out.

"Second Hokage's regulations? Let me see." Some hadn't paid attention at first, but upon hearing, they examined it closely.

Putting others aside, Zhuan Nian Xianghui was closest, and the scroll unfolded right before her face.

Reading the text, the anger she had just sparked was instantly extinguished.

"The Police Department has the command to protect the Village's safety and the duty to safeguard villagers' lives. I, a Uchiha, have for fifty years worked diligently, fulfilling my responsibilities, unchanged through the Fourth Hokage's era."

"The First and Second Hokage personally established the regulations, allowing the capture of anyone who violates the law or endangers the Village; all within the Village must cooperate, and no one may obstruct without the Hokage's personal presence."

Having said that, Yan Shifan sneered, glanced up and down at Zhuan Nian Xianghui, and said, "Don't say you're just a tiny Special Jonin; even the two assistants personally have no authority to block the Police Department's business."

"You, you, you" Zhuan Nian Xianghui trembled with anger, yet was powerless to retort.

"Take them down, and let the assistant go to the Police Department to request the person."

"Yes!"

Those on either side acted immediately, while the three ANBU behind Zhuan Nian Xianghui exchanged glances, watching the dozens around them hesitate whether to resist.

"You dare to quickly release, evil Uchiha!"

Zhuan Nian Xianghui is a medical ninja, but she doesn't know Tsunade's combat techniques; she was seized instantly, then struggled desperately, prompting the three ANBU behind her to instinctively move.

With a clang, several Police Department members beside the ANBU drew their swords, ready to block them.

Some ninjas outside the gate, seeing this, also planned to force their way in; a great battle seemed about to erupt.

Yan Shifan suddenly let out a chuckle, his sharp gaze sweeping over everyone.

"What? Everyone, do you wish to refuse capture, or to defect?"

Refuse capture, defect?! As soon as those words were spoken, everyone's movements froze; some immediately came to their senses and retreated repeatedly.

This is the Police Department, which manages the Village's internal safety; striking the Police Department is equivalent to defecting, and killing them on the spot would leave no one to mourn them.

Even if you miraculously survive, you'll be captured and detained by the Police Department.

If Zhuan Nian Xianghui goes in, the assistant will pull her out; who can pull them out if they go in? As for the few ANBU, they don't have that worry, but they never received the Hokage's orders, lack confidence, and the other side is acting according to the Second Hokage's regulations, so they have no standing to intervene and thus stand down.

Seeing no resistance, Yan Shifan curled his lip slightly, waved his large hand, and led Zhuan Nian Xianghui, Yueguang Shifeng, and the others back to the Police Department.

In just a moment, the matter of Zhuan Nian Xianghui reached the three assistants and the entire ninja clan.

"What did you say? Xianghui was taken away by the Police Department?"

Listening to the ANBU's report, Zhuan Nian Xiaochun looked shocked; although she and the Police Department have always been at odds, Shisui Uchiha wouldn't have the nerve to strike her people directly, and with ANBU beside Xianghui, how could the Police Department dare?

"Yes, the Police Department not only took Zhuan Nian Xianghui and the Yueguang family, but also that Uchiha elder, and they asked you personally to request the person."

Huh~ They rebelled, really rebelled! The Uchiha's ambition is showing!

Zhuanqin Xiaochun surprisingly did not roar, but countless thoughts flashed through his mind; Shui Tuo Men Yan stood aside and asked the details meticulously.

After learning that the provisions drafted by the Second Hokage had all been brought out, the lingering anxiety finally died.

After all, it's one of Konoha's founding families, wielding surprisingly great power; with the Hokage gone, who can now stop the Uchiha?

"This is a probe; the Uchiha are threatening those families that haven't responded to them. Today is Moonlight, tomorrow might be Pig Deer Butterfly, the day after tomorrow will be our clan. We must not allow the Uchiha to continue, otherwise they will inevitably covet the Hokage's position."

Zhuanqin Xiaochun calmed down, said in a deep voice, "Konoha has so many families; I doubt many can withstand scrutiny."

"We must select a Hokage as soon as possible," Shui Tuo Men Yan agreed.

"Tsunade keeps refusing; we can no longer pin our hopes on her, we need a substitute." "Who now is a suitable candidate?"

The two fell silent, and after a long while sighed, "If only Qimai Su Mo or Shinzusuke were still alive."

The former needs no introduction; even if the latter were alive, he could at best be of limited use.

As for Sarutobi Asuma, he is too young; his strength and reputation are insufficient.

"Kakashi may already be a Jonin, but he is too young; it would be better if he were ten years older."

Kakashi, as a disciple of the Fourth Hokage, comes from a pure bloodline, his strength is adequate, but unfortunately he is far too young.

The two tallied the village's ninja, and after a moment fell silent again.

In the vast Konoha, they could not find a successor to their liking; either too old or too young.

While the two were worrying about Konoha's future, misfortune struck: Kakashi instantly appeared before them, his voice urgent, "The Third Hokage's body is deteriorating!"

"What?"

The Land of Fire, West River Road, a fine drizzle.

"The surrounding terrain I have already had surveyed; this is the most concealed spot, and I have had the few civilian households at the entrance relocated. What do you two think of this place?"

At a gourd-shaped mountain pass, Shanqi Zhuoda, panting, pointed at the high mountain and asked.

Beside him stood two Uchiha clan members wearing dark sunglasses.

The two previously stormed Shanqi Zhuoda's manor, treating a dozen ninja as nothing, moving freely, and killed him within an illusion, which gave him great deterrence.

They then clarified their purpose, seeking to enlist his power to secretly establish an underground ninja academy.

Shanqi Zhuoda, seeing that all the dozen ninja were under control, could only patiently listen to their ideas, and then discovered an opportunity for promotion within them.

Although he is a noble who has always regarded ninja as tools, the Uchiha differ from those wandering ninja; they possess immensely strong power and reputation. With Uchiha support, his position might advance, so he reached an agreement with the two.

"Here then. According to our plans, how long will construction take?"

Shanqi Zhuoda, naturally unfamiliar with such matters, looked behind him.

Behind him stood a dozen more people; one, skilled in architecture, immediately replied, "With ordinary workers it would take at least two years; with ninja assistance, it could be completed in at most two months."

"I can help you find some ninja, and even fund the construction, but you must keep your promise to me."

Shanqi Zhuoda reminded them again; the others bowed their heads. Among them were samurai guards and ninja, but they had originally been controlled by Uchiha illusion and knew nothing of their identities. Ninja capable of instantly stripping perception are far from ordinary; they inspire only awe.

"Hmph, you doubt us? You should know our reputation in the ninja world; we will certainly keep the promise we made to you."

"Of course, I have great confidence in you both."

Shanqi Zhuoda gave the two a deep look, then turned and left, ordering, "Then begin as soon as possible; I will help you contact other nobles."

After he left, the two exchanged glances and then summoned a spirit beast to deliver a letter.

Yan Shifan's goal is more than merely building a school for profit; he has more far‑reaching plans, which require a local bigwig to help cover them up, and such deeds cannot be executed perfectly by those under illusion control.

They must resort to certain means, subduing a suitably positioned noble to assist, and Shanqi Zhuoda is the person they have chosen.

"The first step is done; now we await the school's completion and the clan's support."

"Once the ninja school is built, with those nobles' backing the clan will have sufficient funds and manpower; then the Clan Head will surely become Hokage."

Speaking of the Hokage, the two exchanged a glance, their hearts aflame, and then burst into simultaneous laughter.

Meanwhile, within Konoha, inside the Sarutobi clan's territory.

The news of the Third Hokage's deteriorating condition and coma has been suppressed by Zhuanqin Xiaochun and Shui Tuo Men Yan.

Yet Danzo still sat inside the room, for he is the mastermind behind the Third Hokage's decline.

Zhuanqin Xiaochun glared at Danzo, disappointment filling his eyes.

"Do you really hope Rizhan dies?"

Danzo, expressionless, lightly explained, "I only received this news this morning as well; after all, Rizhan is his father, he needs to know."

"Rizhan's body is already like this, and you still bring up Shinzusuke, Danzo—don't think we don't know what you've done!"

Shui Tuo Men Yan, also quite upset, rarely raised his voice, "If something happens to Rizhan, what do we use to check the Uchiha? Rely on your Root?"

Danzo understood what they meant, but being blamed so bluntly soured his mood; he snorted coldly, "Shinzusuke's matter has nothing to do with me. As for the Uchiha, in my eyes they're just greedy petty people; I'll handle everything."

"You're truly insane!"

Shui Tuo Men Yan's eyes glazed; looking at Danzo's confidence, he was at a loss for words for a moment.

Danzo, however, had his own plan; knowing the two didn't believe him, he gave no further explanation, rose slowly and said, "You will see."

Having said that, he leaned on his cane and left.

"Rizhan's matter will certainly not be hidden from the Uchiha; now we must use some measures to suppress them."

"Send someone to deliver a message to Zi Lai Ye, dispatch Suzaku to take command of the army, and have Zi Lai Ye return to Konoha to temporarily stabilize the situation."

Zhuanqin Xiaochun lowered his eyes slightly, a fierce glint flashing, and finally whispered, "We also need to find something for the Uchiha to do."

While the two were discussing, Danzo had already left the Sarutobi clan's territory; a Root member had been waiting here for some time, and upon seeing Danzo emerge, immediately delivered a secret letter.

Danzo glanced at it, then destroyed it, calmly ordering, "Tell the lord; I will go personally."

"Yes."

On the other side, Zhuanqin Xianghui was seized by the Police Department, but Zhuanqin Xiaochun still delayed rescuing anyone, causing unease among many ninja clans.

All of the Uchiha's assistants have been captured; they refused the Uchiha's invitation—will the Uchiha spare them? Nara Suzaku, after learning the events, clutched his scalp and said to the other two families, "It's a hassle; I thought the Uchiha wouldn't act rashly, or even if they did, violence would provoke public anger, making it easy to resolve, but I didn't expect the Uchiha to actually use their brains."

"They're all arrests; what's the difference? This time they were too overbearing, already sparking widespread discontent. The two assistants will surely suppress them; we can't just watch this time, otherwise next time it might be us."

"It's different; this time they're just following the rules, the two assistants can't say anything openly, and there's also a group hidden in the Hokage Building holding them back, so the situation will only get more troublesome."

"Huh?"

The other two were startled; this was unlike what they had expected.

"What should we do then? Does the Uchiha want to become Hokage? Should we agree?"

"It should be so; direct confrontation now is definitely impossible. It's best to summon Jiraiya or Princess Tsunade back. If those two aren't present, we should just endure for the time being."

Nara Suzaku knew that the Uchiha's military might was at its peak, and no one was willing to step forward first, and those in the Leaf Village who had enough prestige to organize the ninja clan to resist the Uchiha had already left.

Unless the Uchiha force the ninja clan into a dead end, they won't unite.

"Alright, we'll follow your lead."

The ninja clan's opinions diverged: some chose to endure like them, some chose to submit, some chose to rebel. Without the Hokage as a leader, these families were just a scattered handful, hard to rally.

Yan Shifan had precisely counted on this; after throwing the Moonlight Clan members into prison for interrogation, he sent out another invitation and set his sights on the next family.

(End of chapter)