Chapter 92: Leaf Village Rewinds Four or Five Decades? (Ten‑Thousand‑Word Chapter)

October 11th.

On the second day after the Night of the Nine-Tails, when the morning sun spilled over the streets of Leaf Village, everyone still seemed a little dazed.

Everything that happened last night felt as if it were from another world to the residents of Leaf Village.

Because they not only witnessed the fierce battle that took place within Leaf Village, but also saw from afar the massive Nine-Tails roaring wildly at the village entrance.

For a moment, they truly felt that the end of the world was coming.

Yet that very night, their view of the Police Department changed dramatically.

In just a year, the Police Department has undergone massive changes.

It is no longer staffed by just a handful of Uchiha, and now its officers enforce the law less harshly, explain many situations, and even proactively help you.

But the Police Department's long‑standing ways are still deeply ingrained, and a single year cannot completely overturn them.

But after that night, they found the Police Department's change was truly real!

And because of that night, they suddenly realized how crucial the Police Department's existence is.

The moment the incident broke out in Leaf Village last night, the Police Department had already begun acting.

Wherever they were, they immediately started evacuating residents on the spot, escorting them to safe zones, maintaining order and preventing further disaster caused by panic.

Moreover, early that morning they received some even more interesting news—

'Last night, as soon as a Police Department squad discovered the Nine-Tails, they immediately began evacuating residents and gathering nearby combat‑capable ninja to set up the first line of defense.

They successfully slowed the Nine-Tails' advance, buying precious time for the subsequent reinforcements!'

The news spread extremely fast; within just one morning the entire village knew about it.

And besides that information, another piece of news made all the residents explode with excitement.

'War hero, Leaf Jonin, Uchiha Haori, and Jonin Uchiha Ying joined forces to defeat the Nine-Tails!'

Yuzhi and Hikari's names are by no means unfamiliar within Leaf Village.

There's no need to say more about Yuzhi; Hikari once fiercely showcased his abilities on the Jonin exam's grand stage.

Their strength has long been ingrained in people's minds, but no matter how strong, it seemed impossible for just the two of them to defeat a beast as massive as the Nine-Tails.

Yet the fact is, Leaf Village quickly began its own propaganda, and the ninja who fought last night all sighed, saying 'That's just how it is.'

With that, Yuzhi and Hikari's names were etched even deeper into every Leaf Village resident's mind.

Moreover, more reports indicated that the Police Department's current transformation bore Yuzhi's influence.

It was he who strongly advocated for Police Department reform and personally drafted the code of conduct, creating everything the Department is today!

'Having a ninja like that is a blessing for Leaf Village!'

'The Police Department's existence is truly vital; I really hope he can become its chief, so it won't revert to old ways.'

'Be bold; I heard the Uchiha Clan Leader hasn't been decided yet, so why not…'

All sorts of excellent news about Yuzhi and the Police Department kept spreading throughout Leaf Village.

Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, Minato had already begun reconvening the meeting.

Although he should be spending time with Kushina right now, the current situation in Leaf Village doesn't even allow Kushina to let him.

'The casualty report for Leaf Village is ready.'

Nara Rokuku handed a report to everyone, then spoke.

'According to the figures, about 170 ninja were lost last night, over eighty of whom were ANBU…'

Minato and the Third Hokage looked at the report; upon hearing Nara Rokuku's words, they exchanged glances.

Not only the two of them, but also Zhuan Qin Xiaochun and Mizuto Monen also lifted their heads in stunned silence.

Eighty were ANBU; has the Root been destroyed again before reconstruction was finished?

Although everyone knows the Root's situation, publicly it's still claimed to be the ANBU's secret training base, so the official line remains ANBU.

'Did the Root suffer such heavy losses?'

The Third Hokage frowned as he spoke, his thoughts about Tuan Zang especially complicated.

Countless intel reports told him that of the two attackers on Leaf Village, one joined merely to avenge Tuan Zang.

The death of Lake Biwa.

Although she died beside the Fourth Hokage, considering the Fourth's complicated circumstances, the Third couldn't help but sigh.

He had actually been pondering a question: if no one else had launched an attack on Tuan Zang in Leaf Village, it would have spared so many ninja's effort.

Then, could the events outside Leaf Village have been rescued quickly?

Even if the inevitable still occurred, at least they could have tried to provide aid!

'If‑theories' are always hindsight, yet anyone can't help but wonder 'what if'.

'The remaining sixty‑plus fell while reinforcing Lord Tuan Zang and Lord Orochimaru; the rest were casualties of the Nine-Tails.'

Nara Rokuku could guess what those present were thinking, yet he kept his head down and quickly narrated the situation.

'Civilian casualties were relatively low; aside from the spot where the Nine-Tails appeared, which caused dozens of civilian deaths, the rest were minor injuries incurred during the evacuation.'

However, Leaf Village's losses were not small, as an internal battle affected several districts, causing considerable damage.

At the same time, because of the Nine-Tails, the village's outskirts and areas beyond suffered severe destruction, but fortunately it was limited to the periphery.

At that point, Nara Rokuku paused, and everyone present suddenly felt a vague bewilderment.

They had actually anticipated last night that Leaf Village's losses wouldn't be great.

Even though at first they felt Leaf Village was doomed, they prepared themselves for certain death and headed for the pure land.

But with Yuzhi and Hikari present, all calamities were repelled!

Even the most dangerous Nine-Tails didn't cause massive casualties; the greatest losses were actually due to the rescue of Tuan Zang.

'List all fallen ninja, grant them the title "Leaf Village Hero," and ensure no compensation is omitted.'

Minato sighed, thought for a moment, then spoke.

Yes, Lord Hokage.

Nara Shikaku nodded; although most of them didn't die fighting the Nine-Tails, whatever they said still counted as protecting the Leaf Village.

Alright, now let's discuss some other equally important matters.

The Third Raikage glanced at Minato Namikaze, then spoke seriously.

One is the matter of the Police Department; we only briefly examined it last night, and now we can discuss it properly.

Besides that, we must take the subsequent impact of this incident seriously.

The ninja world has never been peaceful.

——

The ninja world has never been peaceful, and everyone knows that.

Especially between the Cloud Village and the Leaf Village there is no peace treaty, which is one of the greatest current instabilities in the ninja world.

Just as the Third Raikage thought, while they were convening the meeting to discuss, the major ninja villages had already received news of the Leaf Village.

In the Cloud Village of the Lightning Country, the Fourth Raikage held the report in his hand and couldn't help falling into thought.

"Is there no more accurate intelligence? It's all speculation and conjecture, and does that Uchiha Haori really have such strength?"

After a while, he turned his head toward the earth platform and asked in a low voice.

Although he had become Raikage for less than two years, he secured his position through his own strength, his father's old subordinates' support, and his status as the older brother of the Eight-Tails jinchuriki.

"Lord Raikage, intelligence personnel cannot be too conspicuous, so most disguise themselves as civilians or Genin, and therefore know little."

The earth platform shook his head helplessly; every village has spies planted by other villages, and that's common knowledge.

To protect these intelligence agents, every village tries to have them disguise as low‑profile roles.

But this also means that much intelligence is destined to be unattainable.

Of course, some ninja disguise themselves as Jonin, but if any issue is uncovered, the loss would be huge.

Unless absolutely necessary, these people generally do not act casually; even when they must act, they must be extremely cautious.

"Whether the jinchuriki is dead or alive remains unknown, and the exact strength of that Uchiha Haori is unclear; all we know is that he defeated the Nine-Tails."

Raikage Ai frowned, yet his eyes emitted a faint gleam.

In fact, every generation of Raikage has been deeply resentful of the Leaf Village, each harboring the desire to replace it.

The Third Great Ninja War was a massive chaos; the Leaf Village indeed withstood the siege of the four great ninja villages, but the other villages were never attacked by the remaining four villages, were they?

The Leaf Village ultimately suffered a bitter victory, but the Cloud Village's record was no less impressive.

Although the third war is not something they wish to recall, after all they lost the Third Raikage.

Similarly, the Fourth Raikage and Killer B in the Land of Hot Springs were held to a draw by Minato Namikaze in a one‑against‑two match, which he found quite humiliating.

But strictly speaking, due to geographic factors, their manpower losses were not significant!

This is also one reason they have not signed a peace treaty with the Leaf Village to this day, because they always harbor the intention to defeat the Leaf Village.

However, although Raikage Ai is hot‑tempered and impulsive, after becoming Raikage he knows many matters must consider the bigger picture.

Therefore he cannot act rashly; for many issues he also consults wise men like the earth platform.

"Earth platform, what do you think of Uchiha Haori's strength?"

After pondering for a long time, Ai finally turned to the earth platform beside him and asked.

"I haven't encountered him, so naturally I have no knowledge, but Wood Release is the force that pacifies the ninja world's turmoil, and the Sharingan is a power that can counter it, Lord Raikage."

The earth platform thought for a moment, then slowly began to speak.

"Although the records show that since Madara Uchiha no one has been able to fully wield the Sharingan's power, this time the situation seems different."

"I think we should investigate more thoroughly and accurately before proceeding with discussion and research."

"Madara Uchiha?"

That name is extremely unfamiliar to Ai, and in his mind he is not at all impressed by either that person or Senju Hashirama.

Things from the distant past versus the present happen often; he hasn't lived through that era, but he doesn't think he's inferior to those long‑dead old relics.

Ninja need confidence, and the Fourth Raikage certainly isn't lacking it!

"Fine, whoever it is, being able to deal with the Nine-Tails is indeed good, but we also have the Eight-Tails."

Ai thought carefully, then shook his head and spoke.

"But let's follow your idea: first clarify the matter before proceeding."

Also, keep a close watch on the movements of that immortal Ooyagi and his side.

I don't want them to interfere when we make a move.

"Yes, I'll handle it immediately."

The earth platform heard Ai's words, and a look of relief smiled on his face.

Ai has truly grown a lot, no longer the reckless youngster he once was.

Wars in the ninja world have never been isolated; a single action drags the whole body.

When the Sand Village declared war on the Leaf Village, it instantly ignited the entire ninja world, because everyone saw an opportunity and recognized the profit.

Although the ninja world is vast, resources are unevenly distributed, and for their own development, war and plunder become the simplest and most effective means.

Therefore, any irrational outcome will ultimately be unimaginable.

The Fourth Raikage's current wisdom makes him realize he hadn't backed the wrong person back then.

"However, the Leaf Village remains an obstacle to the Cloud Village's development, and future conflicts are inevitable."

——

Inside the Rock Village, Ooyagi was looking at the documents in his hand, while Huang Tu stood dutifully beside him.

But Huang Tu's uneasy stance made Ooyagi rub his forehead, even though he had already thought this guy wasn't fit to be a shadow.

But after all, he's his own son, and he's old enough; he still wants to give it a try.

What made him helpless was that this guy truly lacked any talent in that area.

The kid seemed to prefer charging into the front lines to fight rather than sitting in an office leafing through documents and coordinating the big picture.

"You take a look at this."

Although his stomach was churning with discomfort, Greatfield Tree still handed the document in his hand to Yellow Earth, letting him take a look.

"It really is interesting, but it's certainly not good news."

"Interesting, but not good news?"

Yellow Earth was a bit bewildered, not knowing what his old man was babbling about.

But when he seriously examined the document, his complexion turned odd.

The Nine-Tails broke loose, the jinchuriki's fate uncertain; Uchiha Haori and Uchiha Ying defeated the Nine-Tails, and Leaf Village might replace the jinchuriki.

This series of events seemed, aside from the Nine-Tails being defeated, to have no bad news, right?

"I know what you're thinking, but the crux is that the Nine-Tails was defeated by someone, and it was a member of the Uchiha."

Greatfield Tree glanced at his son, instantly seeing through the thoughts in the guy's mind, which left him truly helpless.

Time shifted, and so many years had passed.

The two who once terrified the entire ninja world have now become legends, and their stories are regarded by people of the current age as embellished myths.

But Greatfield Tree had walked through that era, and he truly knows how terrifying those two were.

Especially, Madara Uchiha!

He still cannot forget the haughty voice that once looked down on them from Leaf Village, staring at them and forcing them to submit.

He cannot forget the crimson twin eyes under the moon, and the Susanoo that sent chills down his spine!

It has almost become a lifelong nightmare for him; even now he still cannot let it go.

"Person? That Uchiha Haori?"

Upon hearing that, Yellow Earth couldn't help but glance at the document again, and finally pursed his lips and said.

"Alright, this guy does have some skill; back then Shin Wu Pi Bridge had heard of him, and later the negotiations were also his good work.

The kid's growth speed is truly rapid, but whether it's exaggerated remains unknown to us.

But it's truly a pity that when the Nine-Tails emerged, it didn't thoroughly devastate Leaf Village."

"."

Greatfield Tree gave his big son a glance, and after a while he was too lazy to bother with the kid's thoughts.

Not knowing how terrifying Madara Uchiha was back then is better than being suppressed to the point where even the desire to resist is gone.

"Indeed it's regrettable, but the current state of Leaf's jinchuriki is still unclear, though Leaf's weakness is probably real.

Send the orders down, have those with many eyes monitor Leaf's movements, and keep an eye on that group from Cloud Village."

"Yes, Father Tsuchikage."

Yellow Earth nodded; Leaf's weakness has never been a bad thing for the ninja world, but in the end he sighed regretfully.

"The Nine-Tails claims to be the strongest tailed beast; if it could ravage Leaf massively, sending them back four or five decades would be great."

Bang—

Hearing that, Greatfield Tree could no longer hold back; he leapt up and slapped his big son's head.

"Tsuchikage, what are you doing?"

Yellow Earth's eyes burst with stars from the blow, but he still didn't dare say anything, only looking at his father with grievance.

"Rewind four or five decades? You actually thought of that, you idiot!"

Greatfield Tree glared fiercely at Yellow Earth; if Leaf rewound four or five decades, they'd probably cheer joyfully: 'Is there such a good thing?'

Now within Leaf, the faint shadow of that ghost from back then already lingers; are you planning to make that shadow truly become the ghost of those days by rewinding four or five decades?

At that moment, he was convinced that his big son could not become the successor; he truly needed to look for new talent.

"Why does Leaf always have so much talent, yet it's difficult for us to find a suitable one?"

——

The turmoil of the ninja world is temporarily unrelated to Yuzhi, but Yuzhi now feels a bit of a headache.

After a night of fierce fighting, all the residents had left the shelter and returned home one after another.

The Uchiha Clan was the same, but each of them returned home brimming with excitement.

Especially those who took part in the battle; although they were mostly just on the sidelines, everything they witnessed tonight thrilled them beyond control.

The Nine-Tails was dealt with by Yuzhi and Hikari, and the mysterious figure on Danzo's side was blocked by Stillwater.

Moreover, tonight the vast majority of Leaf's residents were evacuated and rescued by the Police Department!

All these combined made them immensely proud, even Uchiha Xin and Uchiha Xiu felt the same.

Thus early in the morning, the two of them, together with other clan members, waited quietly at Yuzhi's doorstep.

But while waiting, they also complained, something like 'Why are Lord Yuzhi and Lord Ying still living in a place like this?'

Those words left Uchiha Xin and Uchiha Xiu with dull faces; they glared at each other as if blaming the other's slow progress.

Moreover, their presence made the surrounding residents uneasy; even though the clan tried hard to bridge the gap, these people were still important figures.

Fortunately, each of them was amiable, and the nearby residents realized that Yuzhi seemed also to be a member of the clan, which put them at ease.

What made the residents even prouder was that they had heard of everything Yuzhi and Hikari did last night; after all, Yuzhi emerged from among them!

"Lord Yuzhi, Lord Ying."

No one knew how long they waited, but Yuzhi finally opened the door slowly, only to see the group waiting outside.

In the end, there was no choice but to let them wait until Hikari finished washing before letting them in, and the group packed Yuzhi's already small house to the brim.

"Please don't feel obliged; my humble dwelling is simple, my hospitality lacking, I hope you won't mind."

Yuzhi shook his head; he had just been about to look for them, but they came on their own, which saved him a lot of trouble.

Hikari sat on the edge of the bed, looking at the crowd of people, and she had no intention of leaving.

This is her home; how could anyone let her go?

"We are the ones who have wronged the elders."

Uchiha Clan Xin and Uchiha Clan Xiu glanced at Yuzhi and Hikari, then immediately bowed their heads.

To think we let two Mangekyou Sharingan stay in a place like this—truly damned.

"Alright, my new house is almost finished; we haven't been bothered by such matters."

Yuzhi shook his head, then spoke.

"I have called you today about the Police Department; the Third and Fourth Generations have already decided that night patrols need to become routine.

They will solve the current funding issue for the Police Department, but we must handle the personnel matters ourselves.

I hope you discuss and nominate someone to act as liaison, and then recruit personnel from other families.

Furthermore, we cannot relax the civilian ninja sector; we actually need more personnel there, understand?"

"Yes, Lord Yuzhi."

All those present responded loudly at once; even though they were all standing, they were all willing.

"Sir, I propose that we let the Police Department's existing outstanding personnel conduct the training."

Uchiha Clan Xin thought for a moment, then immediately spoke.

"They have experience and ability, and the training work is relatively easy; as long as benefits remain unchanged, I think someone will be willing."

"That's a good suggestion; I have a similar idea, after all the great clan has so many members, we must look after them."

Yuzhi nodded, but soon he smiled and said.

"However, I have an even bigger idea—a deeper reform of the Police Department at once."

Yuzhi's words made everyone present pause in surprise.

The current Police Department is already good; why does it need another reform?

But no one raised objections; some even took out scrolls, intending to note Yuzhi's words and study them later.

"Actually, I've been pondering a question: whether the placement of the Guard Department is appropriate."

Yuzhi spoke calmly; he already had a plan in mind, and last night the Third Generation voluntarily asked them to devise a scheme.

He naturally wouldn't miss this opportunity; after all, one of his duties is "Police Department Director," right?

"An unsuitable location naturally hampers our personnel's ability to dispatch, to detect issues promptly, and to handle them.

Moreover, night patrol staff need rest, and backup personnel are required for support and response; does everyone agree?"

"Exactly, that's right."

Uchiha Clan Xin listened, thought seriously for a moment, his eyes brightening as he immediately nodded.

"Lord Yuzhi, our Police Department still needs to handle some civilian matters.

But sometimes it's not easy for them to find us, and our headquarters is situated far away."

"Therefore, I think we can establish a branch in each region."

Uchiha Clan Xiu at this moment had fully caught on; he glared at Uchiha Clan Xin and quickly said.

"This branch will handle affairs of its specific area, while our headquarters dispatches personnel and periodically audits the branch to ensure its efficiency and status."

It must be said, these two, remnants of the original Eagle Faction and Dove Faction, have climbed to high positions and indeed possess considerable ability.

Yuzhi likes to employ them, because they are both sufficiently resourceful and intelligent, and they are among the few who truly grasp Yuzhi's ideas.

With such subordinates, who wouldn't want to use them?

Their words immediately prompted the others, presenting another chance to enlarge the "cake"!

Although when dividing the cake we will certainly consider other families, after all the Uchiha Clan has only so many members.

But after a year of immersion, they all understand the meaning and importance of "dividing the cake".

Having cake to share has never been a bad thing for the Uchiha Clan, especially since they can eat it themselves!

"Good, but it needs to be more detailed."

Yuzhi nodded, a smile appearing on his face.

"Regions need management, but each street and block must allocate personnel and handle issues according to actual conditions.

Bustling areas naturally require more stations and staff, while remote places can have fewer.

However, benefits cannot change, nor can the requirements for them, and as you mentioned, residents find it hard to locate us.

In the future, these police stations will become the key for them to find us.

From now on, regardless of the size of matters in the village, even neighborhood disputes, everyone must learn to mediate such conflicts, understood?"

Mediating such petty disputes as well?

Everyone present was shocked by Yuzhi's plan, but upon reflection, it seemed to align with the Police Department's original intent.

However, Yuzhi's demand gave them a headache; making the Police Department handle such minor issues—wasn't that overkill?

But they quickly considered a point: since so many civilian ninja have joined, they come from ordinary people and might be more adept.

"In that case, we must treat each Police Department member more cautiously, in case the person handling an issue knows someone from our side."

Uchiha Clan Xin immediately thought of the key point and said, his head lowered.

"Then we naturally need a disciplinary force; oversight is always necessary, right?"

Yuzhi shrugged, turned his head, and offered another idea.

"Moreover, why can't you set up a dedicated team to handle such neighborhood disputes, letting them be responsible for coordination?"

"We understand."

Uchiha Clan Xin immediately laughed, while Uchiha Clan Xiu quietly asked at this moment.

"Lord, how should we control the scale when handling these matters?"

"As long as the problem isn't huge, we mainly adjust it, and also analyze according to the specific issues of the conflicting parties."

Yuzhi thought for a moment, and finally gave only a rough answer.

"Of course, if the problem escalates it's no longer our business; don't forget our 'Legal Affairs Office' is almost ready."

If things get big and people cause more trouble, then they'll go to the Legal Affairs Office.

The Legal Affairs Office also belongs to the Police Department; although it's not fully launched yet, it has already received Hokage's approval and is waiting for a suitable opportunity to be implemented.

Originally Uchiha Xin and Uchiha Xiu and the others thought handing the 'Legal Affairs Office' over to someone else might be a loss.

But now they think it's actually better to give it to others; after all, the headache later won't be theirs!

"I don't even know which unlucky souls will end up at the Legal Affairs Office."

For a moment, an unknown number of people began to chuckle inwardly.

Even though the clan is getting more competitive, the clan's improving fortunes also lift their spirits; sometimes everyone naturally becomes a spectator laughing at others' jokes.

Such things were unimaginable in the old Uchiha.

"The matter we're discussing this time needs to be documented, so it can be handed to the Hokage for review."

Yuzhi nodded, then his gaze swept over everyone present.

"Anything else? If not, everyone can rest; after all, we've all been busy through the night."

"Sir, this time we came with some ideas."

Uchiha Xiu and Uchiha Xin took a deep breath, then spoke together.

"Sir, first about Shisui; we never expected him to also possess the Mangekyou Sharingan."

"With his strength, continuing as a squad leader in the Police Department would be a waste of talent."

"Secondly, sir, the clan cannot be without a Clan Leader for a day, and the Police Department cannot be without a minister forever."

"We sincerely hope you will consider that both the Police Department and the clan need a suitable captain!"

"Please consider, sir!"

Everyone shouted in unison at that moment, their lofty voices echoing throughout Yuzhi's small hut. ——

"Lord Tuan Zang, this is the list of survivors from this incident."

In a laboratory within the Leaf Village ANBU forest, Tuan Zang took a file handed over by a Root operative; after just a glance, his blood pressure spiked.

As a result of this battle, nine‑tenths of the original Root reserve personnel died, with only a handful surviving.

After all, the Root Underground Base collapsed, and many people didn't have time to escape before being buried underneath.

Even those who fled with him and Orochimaru saw many die at that damned guy's hands!

"Mi Yan, right?"

Tuan Zang seemed to remember that the guy's name was Mi Yan, but he was certain that this guy did not die at the hands of that Mangekyou‑eyed person, right?

Then why did he come back to life, and why did his eyes become those strange Mangekyou eyes?

"The crucial point is, this guy looks not like a living person at all, more like a puppet."

Tuan Zang's power is still there; otherwise he couldn't have used Wind Release to cut Sasuke's Susanoo.

Shisui can sense what's happening, so can Tuan Zang; now he has a thought—could that Mangekyou‑eyed guy be coming for revenge?

"Damned it, Ban Zang betrayed my information!"

Tuan Zang is famous in the ninja world, but his name is known only to the upper echelons of the villages.

He is the type who hides in darkness, naturally unable to bask in sunlight like others.

After pondering, he realized that being precisely located this time must have been because Ban Zang sold him out!

"Damned bastard, you made me lose the Root's main force; now you've made me lose all of Root again!"

Tuan Zang's remaining hand clenched into a fist fiercely; although he survived, he was gravely wounded.

He lowered his head, stared at his empty right arm, and his gaze grew even more sinister.

"I must restore my arm; losing a hand affects me too much and hinders my competition for Hokage!"

The first person Tuan Zang thought of was Orochimaru; Orochimaru has already cultivated a weakened Wood Release.

Although it requires Sharingan for further experiments, Tuan Zang could no longer wait.

Especially everything that happened this time made him feel the village was on the brink of collapse.

The Uchiha actually produced three pairs of Mangekyou Sharingan users; each of them is a destabilizing factor for the village!

Even if they seem to save the village, in Tuan Zang's view these people hide power with malicious intent.

And since those three pairs of Mangekyou can even oppose the Nine‑Tails, if they go berserk inside Leaf Village, who can stop them?

"Moreover, their eyes are all Mangekyou; I imagine resisting Wood Release assaults will be even easier!"

At that moment, greed flashed in Tuan Zang's eyes; he knew he had to act.

"Uchiha Haori, and that Uchiha Ying, the two are inseparable and hard to deal with."

"But Shisui's relationship with them is poor; otherwise he wouldn't be a squad leader in the Police Department while bearing the title of Leaf Village prodigy."

"Since that's the case…"

Tuan Zang naturally knew some details about Shisui, and yesterday Shisui left a deep impression on him.

He thinks he can recruit Shisui into Root; after all, with Itachi Uchiha's experience and his role as Hokage's aide, he has the authority!

Besides, only Sharingan can counter Sharingan; those two are Mangekyou, so naturally only another Mangekyou can oppose them.

Itachi Uchiha survived this calamity, but although he has talent, he is still far too young.

Shisui could come in and teach him, even help him find a way to awaken the Mangekyou—truly a win‑win.

"And at the critical moment, we could try using Shisui's eyes to help me better adapt a Wood Release arm."

Tuan Zang already has a plan in mind; once he discusses the pros and cons with Sarutobi Hizan, he will tell them about the Uchiha threat, and everything will go smoothly.

"Moreover, this incident involves the Fourth Hokage's protection of the jinchuriki, which is the weakest time for jinchuriki production."

If she hadn't become pregnant, there naturally wouldn't have been last night's incident, as long as this news spreads throughout Leaf Village.

At that moment, Danzo's gaze grew especially fervent; he seemed to see the Hokage waving at him again!

Although there are few people left at the base, recruitment can still be done quickly; most crucially, You Nu Longma, though severely wounded, survived.

Once You Nu Longma recovers, he will recruit some capable people to stabilize the base's fundamentals, and then he can begin to act.

After all, he is still the Hokage's assistant!

"But shouldn't there have been a meeting after the Nine-Tails? Why haven't I received any news yet, old man?"

Danzo suddenly thought of something, which made him furrow his brows slightly, but he quickly shook his head.

"I suppose they know the old man is injured and want him to rest a bit; that's fine."

——

"Are you preparing to become the Clan Leader and the Police Department Minister?"

In Yuzhi's room, Hikari looked at the spotless room, pursed her lips, and turned her head toward Yuzhi.

When the group that attended the clan meeting left earlier, they deliberately tidied the room.

Moreover, before leaving, they suddenly remembered the silent Hikari, and suggested to Yuzhi whether Hikari should also be allowed to join the clan meeting.

Yuzhi neither accepted nor rejected the matter, but said to let Hikari decide for herself.

However, she clearly hasn't decided yet, and she also seems more concerned with something else.

"The Clan Leader and the Police Department Minister have always been mine; that was sealed the moment I eliminated those elders."

Yuzhi smiled, walked toward the bed and then sat directly beside Hikari, laughing as he said,

"The reason we didn't acknowledge it publicly was simply that the situation then wasn't good, and the Uchiha Clan and the Police Department both needed to change.

Now it's about right; I could acknowledge it outright, but I personally feel it's better to wait a bit longer.

After all, we can still keep asking Leaf Village for funding; when they stop giving it, I'll make my move then."

Yuzhi's remark was also a joke, but he truly felt the timing wasn't right now.

He's still young, no need to rush, and his reputation is still being 'blown up' by Leaf Village.

He doesn't need to hastily use the Police Department Minister title or the Uchiha Clan Leader position to keep boosting his reputation.

Continuously maintaining 'heat' is the key, as that will allow him to steadily advance toward the Hokage position!

Moreover, he also dreams of going out to have fun and earn more missions.

Now, suddenly becoming both Minister and Clan Leader locks his freedom instantly, which is not what he wanted.

Doing more system tasks to accelerate his own growth is the real key to his progress.

Especially, his Susanoo needs more tailed-beast-related power!

【Scattered Nine-Tails chakra has been injected into the target—inside Susanoo】

Having Nine-Tails power within oneself is indeed nice, especially since he'll often meet Kushina and Minato in the future.

If it's discovered that he has Nine-Tails chakra inside him, that would be quite awkward.

Hiding the Nine-Tails inside Susanoo not only aligns him with future Sasuke's ultimate Susanoo, but at critical moments he can also draw Nine-Tails chakra from within Susanoo.

Obviously that's far better than sealing it inside his own body, especially since he also knows one thing.

"It seems Nine-Tails chakra can gradually cultivate its own consciousness, becoming a new Nine-Tails.

But they remain in a split state, with the original still the one inside Kushina's body?"

That unlucky kid named Sora was sealed by his father with Nine-Tails power, and now can even form a chakra cloak.

If this continues, it's hard to say what it'll become; Yuzhi doesn't want an independent consciousness to appear inside him, especially since these chakras were generated by the system.

"But Naruto doesn't have the Nine-Tails; although his future development won't be lacking, it still feels like something's missing. Should I give him a hand?"

Yuzhi stroked his chin, beginning to ponder Naruto and the Nine-Tails.

But Hikari saw Yuzhi sitting beside her, and started thinking again, which left her feeling a bit helpless for a moment.

That guy, he can't be thinking up some nonsense again, can he?

Thinking that, Hikari hesitated whether to move aside, but at that moment she suddenly noticed something and whispered to Yuzhi,

"Stop overthinking; someone's arrived."

"Hm? Everyone who should have spoken already did, why is there still someone?"

"It seems it's Shisui and Kakashi, among others."

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