Chapter 19

Hiruzen Sarutobi fell silent.

Looking at Uchiha Jin before him, he felt like a dog biting a turtle—no way to start.

After a long silence, he finally spoke: “Let’s speak plainly—what will it take for Itachi to restore the Police Force?”

“That’s something Itachi must ask our clan chief,” Uchiha Jin replied, immediately passing the buck.

Fugaku’s expression was sour; he had tried several times to rebuke him.

I’d love to take charge, but no one listens to me!

But.

Considering his own status as a powerless clan chief with no authority over Uchiha Jin, he let out a final sigh and gave up: “I can’t do anything—no one follows my orders.”

Hiruzen Sarutobi’s face darkened.

This had come full circle again!

Fugaku wanted to resolve this but lacked the power; none of the Uchiha listened to him.

Uchiha Jin had the power to resolve it, yet he had no intention of doing so—and crucially, he held no official position, so even as Hokage, Hiruzen had no grounds to punish him.

The matter was stuck—damn hard to handle!

But village security had to be restored; after a moment’s thought, he offered a faint smile: “Jin-kun, your rank truly needs upgrading—someone of your strength shouldn’t remain a Chunin forever.”

“I’m promoting Itachi immediately to Jonin, and I’m assigning Itachi as head of the Police Force, replacing Fugaku.”

“What do Itachi say?”

Hiruzen Sarutobi’s mind was crystal clear.

He couldn’t deal with Uchiha Jin precisely because his rank was too low.

And he couldn’t punish the entire Uchiha clan for fear of provoking rebellion.

Conversely.

If he elevated Uchiha Jin’s rank, then in the future, should Uchiha Jin refuse to act, Hiruzen would have the authority to discipline him directly.

But unfortunately.

What Hiruzen could think of, Uchiha Jin was no fool!

Without the slightest hesitation, he shook his head: “Hokage, Itachi’re joking—I’m not capable enough to pass the Jonin exam.”

“Special promotion? No thanks—it would be unfair to the other ninja.”

“Konoha upholds the Will of Fire—everything must be fair and just. Hokage, Itachi must lead by example!”

Uchiha Jin spoke with a quiet tone.

But hearing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi nearly exploded with rage.

The Will of Fire?

Do Itachi, an Uchiha, even have the right to speak of it?

He wanted to scream curses, even strike Uchiha Jin dead with a single blow.

But he couldn’t.

He couldn’t even retaliate—Uchiha Jin’s final words had completely trapped him.

As Hokage, he had to uphold the Will of Fire.

It was the foundation of his entire life as Hokage; with Uchiha Jin’s words, all possibility of forcing him into the position vanished completely.

According to Konoha’s rules, to become a Jonin, the first step is for the individual to apply voluntarily.

That was the dead end.

Of course, he could force a promotion!

But that required the individual to have accomplished a great deed—and Uchiha Jin had done nothing of the sort.

If it were his own loyalist, such a move would be easy.

Uchiha Jin? He wasn’t one of those!

Hiruzen genuinely feared that if he forcibly promoted him now, Uchiha Jin would immediately go out into the streets and accuse him of betraying the Will of Fire.

So, sigh.

With a helpless sigh, Hiruzen Sarutobi knew clearly:

To eliminate this Uchiha Jin, he could only kill him outright with raw power—trying to trap him through rules was far too difficult.

He didn’t understand!

This man was an Uchiha—why was he more cunning in power struggles than Hiruzen himself?

Finally.

Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head helplessly, then set down his pipe: “State your demands outright.”

“Konoha’s security must be restored immediately—there is no room for negotiation. If Konoha collapses completely, I’m sure other clans and civilians won’t let the Uchiha off the hook.”

“Of course, if Itachi’re ready to tear up the truce and start civil war, then I, Hiruzen Sarutobi, will meet Itachi head-on!”

His words carried overwhelming authority.

Looking at Hiruzen Sarutobi before him, Uchiha Jin’s eyes flickered—he seemed to glimpse the legendary ninja hero of old.

But.

Just as he was about to speak, Fugaku interrupted anxiously: “Jin-kun, stop this nonsense!”

“Konoha’s security isn’t a bargaining chip—it’s the Uchiha’s responsibility. Itachi must shoulder it.”

Uchiha Jin’s lips twitched.

Looking at Fugaku, he truly wanted to slap him dead.

Can’t Itachi see I’m negotiating with the Hokage?

But he took a deep breath and shrugged helplessly: “Fine, Itachi do it then.”

“Itachi’re the clan chief—Itachi decide. I’m done.”

Fugaku froze.

If I had any authority, would I let Itachi cause chaos here?

Meanwhile,

Hiruzen Sarutobi watched the sudden outburst from Fugaku. Though he agreed with Fugaku’s foolish words, he knew Fugaku had no influence within the clan.

So.

Bang!

Hiruzen slammed his fist on the table: “Fugaku, shut up!”

Fugaku: “...”

He stared at the furious Hiruzen Sarutobi, overwhelmed with a sense of injustice.

I’m on your side!

And yet,

Hiruzen Sarutobi ignored him entirely, turning straight to Uchiha Jin: “Jin, continue.”

“State your demands—anything I can do, I’ll agree to it for the sake of Konoha’s security.”

Uchiha Jin nodded.

This was how negotiations should be conducted!

That idiot Fugaku—completely clueless, only good at causing trouble.

His mind raced, and after a moment, his eyes lit up.

He cleared his throat, then spoke slowly.

“Hokage.”

“As a Chunin, I normally wouldn’t dare interfere in matters of this scale.”

“But since the Hokage has faith in me, and for the sake of Konoha’s Will of Fire, I’m willing to do my best to resolve this.”

“Yet the resentment within the Uchiha clan runs deep.”

“Without offering them some benefit, I truly have no power to act—I need the Hokage’s assistance.”

Hiruzen Sarutobi’s gaze darkened.

He regarded Uchiha Jin with new respect—this man wanted something for himself, yet wrapped it in the guise of defending the “Will of Fire.”

His tactics were indeed impressive.

But just then, he saw Fugaku opening his mouth again—and his head throbbed.

Why is Fugaku so stupid?

He quickly cut him off: “Fugaku, shut up—do not speak another word from now on!”

Fugaku, who had been about to rebuke Uchiha Jin, froze in shock at Hiruzen’s command.

And now,

Hiruzen Sarutobi ignored him entirely, speaking with grave seriousness: “What do Itachi want?”

“It’s not what I want—it’s what the clan needs,” Uchiha Jin countered.

Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed, exasperated: “Fine. What do the Uchiha need?”

“Our original lands,” Uchiha Jin said without hesitation: “The plot to the left of the Hokage Tower.”

“The Uchiha lands before the Nine-Tails’ attack—if Itachi return them to us, I guarantee I can fully resolve this matter.”