Konoha: We, the Uchiha, are ready to give up!

"How are Shisui and the other Uchiha clan members being settled?"

Have you encountered any difficulties?

Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke in a flat tone.

His face was extremely cold, exuding boundless majesty.

He glanced indifferently at the junior member of the clan sitting opposite him, who looked very reserved, took a sip of tea, and then casually asked a question.

Yes.

To outsiders, he was a very kind Hokage.

Only within the clan.

Only when facing these true friends will he truly reveal his true colors.

Sarutobi Arashi, his nephew.

He was also one of his most satisfied juniors, and a key person he was truly grooming.

only.

Instead of making him a registered ninja in the village, he was put in charge of various matters within the clan.

As for strength...

Sarutobi Arashi was already an elite Jonin, and for a short period of time, he was even able to barely hold his own against a Kage-level powerhouse.

Although 793 might not be able to defeat them, escaping would be no problem.

They can be considered the elite of the Sarutobi clan!

Therefore, Hiruzen Sarutobi's training of him was more inclined to make him a steward, responsible for managing the large household affairs and secretly leading the Sarutobi clan's secret ninja force.

But don't even think about getting real power.

In Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes, only his own biological children could be entrusted with this task.

That is, Sarutobi Shinnosuke!

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

But it doesn't matter!

He believed that, under his own planning, his son, Sarutobi Shinnosuke, would eventually gain control of the village.

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

Yes.

Hiruzen Sarutobi had already made up his mind about his precious son.

Once the current captain of the secret service has cultivated his confidants and completely controlled the secret service, and after he has made some contributions, he will be promoted to elder.

then.

Let him serve as the principal of the Ninja Academy for a few years as an elder, and take charge of the finances as well.

He relied on the Ninja Academy principal to train the next generation and expand his influence in the village, while also using the village's finances to win over various ninja clans.

After Nara Shikaku stepped down, Shinnosuke was made the Jonin class leader.

Now, the time is ripe.

If one can reach that level, and with one's own support, becoming Hokage shouldn't be too difficult.

Minato Namikaze?

He's just a puppet, a pawn used to buy time for Shinnosuke's growth.

That's all!

This is the fundamental reason why Hiruzen Sarutobi, even though he knew in his heart that Arashi Sarutobi harbored some resentment towards him, still dared to delegate authority to him.

He is not afraid.

Since they dared to promote you, they've got you figured out.

Even if you're unwilling, you have to be my son Shinnosuke's butler for life.

after all.

You're just a nobody who doesn't even have a ninja identity, and you haven't even interacted with outsiders much in recent years.

Within the Sarutobi clan, you are quite a figure.

If you truly leave the Sarutobi clan, will anyone else know who you are?

Just like Danzo.

Since you've chosen to bury your roots deep underground, you can forget about ever sprouting again.

Sarutobi Arashi was the same.

No matter how capable he is, he can only be Shinnosuke's shadow or assistant.

"Reporting to the clan leader," Sarutobi Ran said respectfully, "everything has been arranged."

"The place assigned to these Uchiha is near the left flank of the Forest of Death, so that they can protect the Sarutobi clan from harm in case of an emergency."

"Those Uchiha are all fairly good-natured, so they don't have any complaints."

"But isn't a grant of 200 million a bit too much?"

Even while sitting, he still bowed slightly.

Yes.

He dared not be negligent in the slightest when facing his clan leader.

Even though he had already taken control of the Sarutobi clan, he still couldn't help but feel a slight fear when he saw Hiruzen Sarutobi.

The reason is very simple.

It was precisely because he was in power that he had more contact with Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Therefore, he was naturally more aware of the ruthless methods of his clan leader.

and so.

No matter how dissatisfied he was, he wouldn't have any other thoughts until Hiruzen Sarutobi died.

He was wholeheartedly devoted to his clan and carried out Hiruzen Sarutobi's requests without question.

This is his way of surviving!

"Hmm, very good." Hiruzen Sarutobi said quietly, "Sarutobi has no shortage of money."

"Two hundred million for the loyalty of Kaleidoscope, I think this deal is worth it."

"However, these Uchiha are to be secretly monitored within the clan. If anything seems amiss, they must be reported to me immediately."

"The work of appeasement and brainwashing must be carried out over a long period of time."

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

"Go down."

After he finished speaking, he waved his hand.

Sarutobi Ran bowed slightly before leaving the room.

After he left, Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned, a look of pain on his face.

Yes.

That's a whopping two hundred million!

Although the Sarutobi family is very wealthy, it would be a lie to say he didn't feel the pinch of spending so much money at once.

But there was nothing we could do!

To buy horse bones with a thousand pieces of gold, this money still has to be spent.

Just as Hiruzen Sarutobi was leisurely drinking tea while reminiscing, Arashi Sarutobi walked in again.

"Lord Patriarch."

"Jonin Shikaku Nara requests an audience from outside!"

Ok? !

Nara Shikaku?

Has his strategist returned?

This is great news! Without hesitation, he said, "Please come in!"

"Yes!" Sarutobi Arashi bowed and withdrew.

About two minutes later.

Nara Shikaku walked in, looking travel-worn, and immediately bowed upon seeing Sarutobi Hiruzen.