Chapter 98

Late at night, in his own small courtyard.

Uchiha Jin and Fugaku sat before the tea table in the living room.

"Clan Head, how do Itachi feel?"

Pouring a cup of tea for Fugaku, Jin couldn't help but smile and speak.

Fugaku let out a bitter laugh.

Helplessly shaking his head, he let out a long sigh.

Yes.

Just now, he had truly opened his eyes!

He even couldn't help but wonder, if he were in Uchiha Jin's place.

Facing such a dire situation tonight, what solution could he possibly think of?

He thought for a long time and concluded that the only option was to admit defeat.

Honestly confess his mistakes, sincerely apologize to the Hokage, and beg for Hiruzen Sarutobi's forgiveness.

In the end, most likely.

He would have to agree to some outrageous demands from Hiruzen Sarutobi and pay a huge, devastating price.

At that time, considering that truly pushing the Uchiha to the brink would not be good for the village, Hiruzen Sarutobi would naturally let the matter end there.

The Uchiha would pay the price and still have to be grateful for the Hokage's mercy.

This was the only solution Fugaku could think of!

But, who would have expected.

Today, with Uchiha Jin, the situation turned out so drastically different.

They were clearly Root members, yet Hiruzen Sarutobi dared not admit it.

In the end.

He was forced to admit their identity as 'spies', and even had to praise the Uchiha for their merit, just to hastily resolve tonight's incident.

Moreover, the three Anbu members captured during the day were beaten by the Uchiha into such a wretched state that they could no longer function as ninja.

But, then what?

Hiruzen Sarutobi could only endure!

"Jin-kun, why?"

"Even though it happened right before my eyes, I still cannot understand."

"With just a little investigation, the truth could have been uncovered. Why didn't the Hokage investigate, but instead simply admitted it?"

"Itachi must know, the Uchiha today were so arrogant and reckless that they didn't even have the Hokage in their eyes!"

"Over twenty Jonin from the Root died, and three Anbu members were even beaten into disability."

"Before the Hokage arrived at the beginning, his rage and killing intent were so intense that I thought he was about to attack the Uchiha."

"But later, how did it turn out like this?"

"Don't laugh at me, Jin-kun, but even now I still can't figure it out."

"I even feel a sense of unreality, and my heart still doesn't feel at ease."

Fugaku looked puzzled.

Although his abilities were not great, he was a very humble person.

He was willing to ask questions of those beneath him.

Since he couldn't figure it out, he naturally asked.

Uchiha Jin did not hide anything.

He explained the intricacies of the situation in nearly exhaustive detail.

Only then did he speak softly.

"The logic is this simple."

"The posture Hiruzen Sarutobi initially took was merely to scare us."

"As long as we felt guilty or panicked, we would easily reveal our weaknesses."

"Once the Hokage seized upon those weaknesses, we would be like meat on a chopping block, at his mercy."

"Essentially, he was bluffing!"

"After all, just think about it: would he dare admit it was the Root?"

"In the middle of the night without reason, on what grounds would the Root raid the Police Force? Did the Uchiha truly commit any crime?"

"Furthermore, the same applies to the Anbu."

"Once he admits those three are Anbu, the Hokage must explain why those three Anbu members were inciting trouble among the crowd during the day and attempting to frame the Police Force."

"Without a valid reason, how would he, the Hokage, maintain his authority?"

"So, that is how it is."

"Even though Hiruzen Sarutobi is the Hokage, he must still follow the rules when acting."

"I told Itachi all this, Clan Head, to remind Itachi: whenever Itachi meet with the village elders in the future, no matter the situation, never panic."

"Think clearly before Itachi speak."

"If Itachi are unsure, just stay silent and then come ask me."

"The elders of Konoha have hearts that are not just dirty, but terribly so."

"Clan Head, Itachi are an honest man, so do not let yourself be fooled."

"From now on, leave all matters of dealing with the village to me. Your job is to stabilize the clan's internal situation and prevent anyone with ulterior motives from causing trouble for us."

Yes.

Uchiha Jin would not waste effort on futile things.

Since he was not sleeping late at night but instead speaking these words to Fugaku, it was to give him a warning.

Through tonight's events, let him witness the gap.

Let him know how filthy the methods of the Hidden Leaf Village's higher-ups truly are!

The core meaning was very simple.

Clan Head, Itachi are too naive; Itachi lack the ability to contend with the Hidden Leaf Village's higher-ups.

So, just let it go.

From now on, leave all matters between the Uchiha and the Hidden Leaf Village entirely to me, Uchiha Jin.

Itachi are only responsible for keeping the clan stable and preventing certain individuals from causing trouble.

Simply put, do not add to the chaos!

His greatest fear was that after achieving some results today, Fugaku would recklessly throw himself into danger the very next day.

Do not doubt it.

It is not just Fugaku; the entire Uchiha clan lacks sense.

After being tricked, they even help their enemies count the money!

Uchiha Fugaku: "..."

His mouth twitched.

Jin had spoken plainly; if he still did not understand, he would truly become a fool.

Was this not clearly showing his disdain for him?

However, upon careful thought.

His level was indeed insufficient; facing this group of old schemers, he was truly no match for them.

So, forget it!

Taking a deep breath, Fugaku helplessly shook his head.

"Lord Jin, rest assured."

"From now on, unless absolutely necessary, I will not even leave the clan grounds."

"Is this acceptable?"

"And I guarantee I will keep an eye on this group of radical troublemakers, absolutely preventing them from causing Itachi any disruption."

"Even when the Hokage convenes a meeting in the future, Itachi may represent the Uchiha in attendance."

"However, be extremely cautious."