Chapter 520

"How is the resettlement of Shisui and the other Uchiha going now?"

"Did you encounter any difficulties?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's tone was flat.

His face was very cold, carrying infinite majesty.

He glanced indifferently at the clan junior sitting opposite him, who looked very cautious, and took a sip of tea before asking casually.

Yes.

In the eyes of outsiders, he, the Hokage, was very kind.

Only within the clan.

Facing these true "own people," would he truly return to his original face.

Arashi Sarutobi, his nephew.

He was also the junior he was most satisfied with, and could be considered a person he was truly focusing on cultivating.

However.

He didn't let him become a registered ninja of the village, but instead let him be responsible for the clan's affairs.

As for strength.

Arashi Sarutobi was already an elite Jonin, and could even barely fight against a Kage-level powerhouse for a short time.

Although he might not be able to win, there was absolutely no problem with running away.

He could be considered an elite of the Sarutobi clan!

Therefore, Hiruzen Sarutobi's cultivation of him was more inclined to let him become a great steward, responsible for managing the big mess at home, and secretly commanding the Sarutobi clan's secret ninja troops.

As for real power, he shouldn't even think about it.

In Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes, that could only be handed to his own biological child.

That is, Asuma Sarutobi!

Although his eldest son was slightly inferior to Arashi Sarutobi in both strength and planning.

But, it didn't matter!

He believed that under his own planning, his child Asuma Sarutobi would sooner or later be able to control the power in the village.

Even if Arashi Sarutobi wanted to rebel, Asuma could easily suppress him.

Yes.

Regarding his precious son, Hiruzen Sarutobi had long thought it through.

Now he was an Anbu captain; after cultivating confidants and completely controlling the Anbu, and after making some contributions, he would directly promote him to elder.

Then.

Let him serve as the Ninja Academy principal in the capacity of an elder, and also be responsible for the financial side.

Relying on the Ninja Academy to cultivate juniors, he would expand his influence in the village, while relying on the village's finances to win over major ninja clans.

After Shikaku Nara stepped down, he would let Asuma become the Jonin Commander.

Now, the timing would be ripe.

As long as he could reach this height, plus his own support, would ascending to Hokage still be a difficult task?

Minato Namikaze?

A mere puppet, just a pawn used to delay time for Asuma's growth.

Nothing more!

This was also the fundamental reason why Hiruzen Sarutobi dared to give power to Arashi Sarutobi, even though he knew in his heart that Arashi had some resentment toward him.

He wasn't afraid.

Since he dared to promote him, he had him in his pocket.

Even if you are unwilling, you have to be a great steward for my son Asuma for a lifetime.

After all.

You are just a person who doesn't even have a ninja status, and you have basically not interacted with outsiders for these years.

Within the Sarutobi clan, you are a figure.

If you truly leave the Sarutobi clan, do others know who you are?

Just like Danzo.

Since you chose the root buried deep underground, don't think about showing your head in this lifetime.

Arashi Sarutobi was the same.

No matter how powerful he was, he could only be Asuma's shadow and assistant.

"Reporting to the Clan Head," Arashi Sarutobi said respectfully, "everything has been arranged."

"The place arranged for these Uchiha belongs to the flank near the Forest of Death, so even if an emergency occurs, they can block blades for the Sarutobi clan."

"Those Uchiha have quite good temperaments, and they didn't have any objections."

"However, is the allocation of 200 million a bit too much?"

Even while sitting, he still bowed slightly.

Yes.

Facing his own clan head, he didn't dare to be negligent at all.

Even though he had already controlled the power of the Sarutobi clan, when he saw Hiruzen Sarutobi, he couldn't help but feel slightly afraid.

The reason was simple.

It was precisely because he held power that he interacted with Hiruzen Sarutobi more.

Therefore, he naturally knew more about his clan head's ruthless methods.

So.

No matter how much dissatisfaction he had in his heart, he wouldn't have any other thoughts before Hiruzen Sarutobi died.

He would wholeheartedly work for the clan and execute Hiruzen Sarutobi's requirements without compromise.

This was his way of survival!

"Mm, very good." Hiruzen Sarutobi said gloomily, "The Sarutobi clan doesn't lack mere money."

"Trading 200 million for the loyalty of a Mangekyo is a deal I think is worth it."

"However, for these Uchiha, the clan must monitor them secretly; if there is anything suspicious, report it to me immediately."

"Pacification and brainwashing work must be carried out long-term."

"We must ensure the absolute loyalty of these Uchiha to our Sarutobi clan."

"Go down."

After speaking, he waved his hand.

Arashi Sarutobi bowed slightly and then exited the room.

After he left, Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned, revealing a look of heartache.

Yes.

That was a full 200 million!

Although the Sarutobi clan had a lot of money, it would be a lie to say he didn't feel heartache for taking out so much money at once.

But, there was no help for it!

In order to buy a horse's bones with a thousand gold, this money had to be spent.

And just as Hiruzen Sarutobi was sighing while leisurely drinking tea, Arashi Sarutobi walked in again.

"Clan Head."

"Jonin Shikaku Nara is outside requesting an audience!"

Hmm?!

Shikaku Nara?

His strategist was back?

This was a good thing, so he didn't hesitate: "Invite him in quickly!"

"Yes!" Arashi Sarutobi bowed and exited.

About two minutes later.

Shikaku Nara walked in, dusty from the journey, and bowed immediately upon seeing Hiruzen Sarutobi.