Chapter 49: The Clan Elders' Fury

"What do you mean one ninja? It was two. I heard it was precisely because the Uchiha did nothing that those people were beaten to death, and one of them was a child of only a few years old!"

"Damn the Uchiha! They only know how to swagger through the streets and bully us, yet they can't even protect a single child."

"Isn't that the truth? I really don't know why Lord Hokage still keeps these people in the Police Force. In the end, Lord Hokage had to personally step in to capture those people."

Though they were far apart, Shisui still clearly heard these people's words. His gaze swept over them, and a trace of suspicion flashed through his eyes.

"What's wrong, Brother Shisui?"

Seeing Shisui suddenly stop, Itachi couldn't help but look up and ask.

"Uh, it's nothing. I just suddenly thought of some ninjutsu. Let's hurry up and go — I can try them out in a bit!"

Shisui smiled and quickly led Itachi up onto the eaves, away from the crowd.

At the same time, shortly after Itachi had left home, the Great Elder, the Second Elder, and a group of clan elders arrived at Fugaku's home one after another.

After Mikoto served tea to everyone, she quietly left.

After Mikoto left, the Great Elder could no longer suppress his anger. His cold gaze swept toward Fugaku, and he asked in a low voice, "You've all heard the rumors in the Village, haven't you?"

Fugaku lowered his eyes and remained silent. Another clan elder also sighed and said, "Konoha's higher-ups went too far this time. They're blatantly slinging mud at us."

"Perhaps it's just villagers causing trouble — it's not necessarily the Third Generation's doing," the Second Elder said. His voice was not loud, as if even he couldn't convince himself.

"Who else could it be but them? What do they mean by 'the Uchiha did nothing'? When have we ever neglected our duties?"

"We were the ones who caught those people. Why were they taken away by Anbu? What are they trying to do? How dare they secretly take custody of key criminals — are they trying to replace us?"

"Konoha's higher-ups have bullied us Uchiha too severely! Gather the clan members and march to the Hokage Building to demand an explanation!"

The Great Elder, even more dissatisfied, asked directly, "Fugaku, how are you running this Police Department? Why did you let the prisoners go to Anbu? Now rumors are spreading all over Konoha — how do you explain this?"

Seeing the Great Elder call him out directly, Fugaku had no choice but to speak. "Anbu taking away the key criminals was the Hokage's order. As for today's rumors, I will demand an explanation from the Third Generation."

He of course knew where the people actually were, but he couldn't say it — especially he couldn't tell the Great Elder. Otherwise, given the Great Elder's temperament, the conflict would only escalate further.

The Second Elder nodded in agreement upon hearing this. "The Hokage has the authority to handle criminals. Since it was his order, handing them over was unavoidable. As for today's rumors, perhaps they weren't the Hokage's doing either."

The Great Elder's chest heaved continuously upon hearing this. Looking at the two of them, he couldn't help but reveal an expression of frustrated disappointment. "If it wasn't the Hokage, then it must be Danzo!"

The Second Elder was speechless, and Fugaku raised an eyebrow and glanced at him.

"That old thief Danzo has targeted us time and again. In my view, this matter was definitely Danzo's doing. Why don't we just gather our people tonight, march on the Shimura clan grounds, and slaughter them all!"

"Exactly! Let them see that we Uchiha aren't so easily bullied!"

Someone made the suggestion, and the Great Elder did not refute it. He thought it over carefully — the possibility of this being Danzo's handiwork was indeed higher.

Seeing this, the Second Elder hurriedly dissuaded them, "No — the Jonin Conference is in three days. If we cause trouble now, it will surely give Konoha's higher-ups a reason to suppress us. Why do something so irrational at a time like this?"

"Would we not be suppressed without this? My daughter at the hospital keeps being assigned critically wounded ninja returning from the front lines. These people were already on the verge of death. Now that they die in the hospital, they want to pin it on my daughter — isn't that suppression?"

"Now we can't even step outside without being maliciously cursed at by those families. We kindly supported them, yet they treat us like this. Damn that Nangai — he goes too far!"

"Wait, wait, wait — until when? Endure, endure, endure — until when?"

"We strike tonight. Kill Danzo first, then we'll talk!"

The Second Elder, unable to hold them back alone, could only turn his gaze to Fugaku.

Fugaku, however, did not directly dissuade them. Instead, he said, "The Third Generation has heard about our clan assembly. He has already approved it, as compensation for the Uchiha."

The Great Elder's expression shifted slightly, and his tone softened a little, but he still said, "The clan assembly is the Uchiha's own affair. Whether we hold it or not is none of his business." "And he has promised to select Anbu members from within our clan."

"Oh?"

At these words, everyone was slightly stunned and looked at one another.

The Second Elder was overjoyed. "It seems the Third Generation truly intends to reconcile with us this time."

"Only Shisui from our side has entered Anbu. If we gain a few more slots, perhaps we can also enter Konoha's higher ranks."

"The Third Generation is already old. If we endure a bit longer, perhaps even the Hokage's seat will be within reach?"

"What about Danzo?"

"Let him live a few more days."

Having received the promise, everyone temporarily quieted down. The Great Elder pondered for a moment, then looked at Fugaku. He slowly rose and said, "This is the last time we trust Konoha. As for today's matter, he must give the Uchiha an explanation!"

With that, he departed with slow steps. The others also rose one after another — some followed closely behind, while some lingered in place.

The Second Elder breathed a sigh of relief, but Fugaku remained seated, his expression grave.

"Danzo — didn't I tell you? Stop provoking the Uchiha lately!"

Inside the Hokage Building, the Third Generation immediately summoned Danzo upon receiving an intelligence report.

Danzo had barely stepped through the door when the Third Generation berated him head to toe, leaving him momentarily dazed.

After recovering his wits, he gave a cold snort. "Everything I do is for Konoha. I follow my teacher's dying wish — I will never let the Uchiha grow powerful."

The Third Generation set down his pipe. He had his suspicions, but he hadn't expected Danzo to be this stupid — not only stirring up trouble, but pouring oil on the fire! His face dark, he sighed. "The Jonin Conference is in three days. Go make your preparations. During this time, Root is not to make any moves. I will temporarily reassign them into Anbu."

"What?"

Danzo's expression changed. "Rizhan, what do you mean? You're actually disbanding Root because of the Uchiha!"

"This is only temporary."

"No — without Root, who will keep watch over the Uchiha? Have you heard what the villagers are saying? They're all talking about the Uchiha's evil and inaction!"

"Enough — you still have the nerve to bring that up? Don't leave the clan grounds before the Jonin Conference. Kakashi, watch him!"

As soon as the words fell, a white-haired Anbu wearing a mask appeared in the office.

Danzo paused, looking at the Third Generation in disbelief. He was about to say something when Kakashi reached out and stopped him.

"Lord Danzo, after you."

"Rizhan, you will regret this!"

Danzo gave a cold snort and left a parting remark, seething with resentment, before turning to leave.

Only after the two had left did the Third Generation pick up his pipe, take a few puffs, and sigh. "Go find Fugaku and ask him whether he's confirmed his recommended candidates for entering Anbu.

Also tell him that Elder Danzo is resting at home for health reasons, and that the Police Department should be more attentive in maintaining Konoha's stability."

"Yes."

(End of this chapter)