"Hiruzen Sarutobi's handling of Orochimaru's unusual behavior, even if not an active cover-up, was at least a long-term indulgence and oversight, an unspoken fact within the higher-ups. Once this is confirmed, with conclusive evidence, he will be held accountable. At that time, you can use this as an opportunity, under the pretext of 'rectifying village discipline and eliminating hidden dangers,' to publicly question the Third Hokage's inadequate supervision of his direct disciples during his tenure, thereby weakening his and his advisory group's influence in key decisions and truly taking back the power that rightfully belongs to the Hokage. This is the most direct and effective way to break down the obstacles in the current power structure."

Minato Namikaze was startled; he instantly understood Wu Xian's meaning.

By using this incident, one can publicly question the Third Hokage's leniency and negligence towards his disciples during his tenure, weaken his influence, and thus break the constraints in the current power structure, allowing oneself, as the Fourth Hokage, to truly grasp real power.

This is undoubtedly the best political option.

But is using the crimes of others, especially tragedies that may involve multiple lives, as bargaining chips in political struggles in line with his unwavering will to fight?

While undermining Hiruzen Sarutobi's prestige would allow him to seize power more quickly, it would also inevitably damage the reputation of the Third Hokage who dedicated his life to Konoha, and could even cause unrest in the village.

He originally hoped that he could gradually gain the complete trust of the third generation and the advisory group through time and achievements, and achieve a smooth transition.

"We also cannot simply view this as a political opportunity,"

Wu Xian seemed to see through his hesitation, and his tone became more serious, carrying an unusual air of solemnity.

"We cannot stand idly by! Behind every missing ninja could be a mother waiting for her son's return, a wife who has lost her husband, or a child who will never see their father again! The Third Hokage has been delaying action, citing insufficient evidence, which is condoning crime! And you, Minato..."

He addressed him by his first name, emphasizing the private and important nature of the conversation.

"You are now the Hokage of Konoha! The Fourth Hokage, recognized by the entire village! Protecting every villager and safeguarding their lives from innocent harm is the Hokage's inescapable, uncompromising, and fundamental responsibility! The families of those who went missing are waiting in despair for the truth, for an explanation, for justice to be served! Not for silence and cover-ups under the guise of high-level political maneuvering!"

These words struck Minato Namikaze's heart like a heavy hammer.

He was also born into a commoner family and rose to the position of Hokage step by step through his own talent and hard work. He has a deeper understanding of the suffering of ordinary ninjas and villagers.

Wu Xian's words precisely touched the softest yet most resolute part of his heart.

His most basic sense of justice and his understanding of the responsibilities of the "Hokage".

He thought of his companions who trusted and supported him, and of the ordinary villagers who were rebuilding their homes.

If even the most basic safety of life cannot be guaranteed, how can we talk about the future?

That reluctance and hesitation began to melt away in the face of a strong sense of responsibility and justice.

He took a deep breath, as if to expel all his hesitation, and a firm and sharp light shone again in his azure eyes—the decisiveness of the "Golden Flash."

"I see."

His voice regained its usual steady and powerful tone.

"Act now, Wu Xian. In the name of the Fourth Hokage, I grant you full authority over this matter! No matter who you track down, no matter how prestigious their status or how powerful their background, you must investigate to the end and show no leniency! For the sake of Konoha's justice, for the sake of our missing comrades, and for giving those who have gone missing and their families an explanation!"

"For Konoha!"

Wu Xian nodded slightly.

A barely perceptible smile played at the corners of his lips: "However, Fourth Hokage, the internal relationships within the Anbu are intricate and complex. It's inevitable that some will be influenced by the old powers, and may hesitate to act. What I need is absolute execution, a thorough investigation unaffected by personal relationships. Therefore, I request that the Uchiha clan participate in this investigation."

Wu Xian made a request.

This proposal is brilliant, fully demonstrating Wu Xian's profound understanding and precise control over the power structure of Konoha.

Officially, the Uchiha clan, as the head of the Konoha Police Force, is responsible for maintaining village order and investigating illegal activities. Their involvement in investigating the disappearance of ninjas is perfectly legitimate, and no one can find fault with it.

From a personal perspective, the Uchiha clan's traditions are precisely the most ideal "weapon" to break the current deadlock in the investigation.

They are known for their arrogance, rigidity, and impartiality. The clan reveres absolute power, adheres to strict rules, and has only the honor of the Uchiha clan and the laws of Konoha in their eyes.

This deeply ingrained personality makes them almost naturally immune to the influence of the complex political maneuvering and personal networks within the upper echelons of power.

Once the clues ultimately point to Orochimaru, who has a deep master-disciple relationship with the Third Hokage, other investigators may hesitate due to old feelings or the need to consider the reputation of their factions, but the Uchiha will never do so.

They will act like the most sophisticated and ruthless law enforcement machine, impartial and meticulous, relentlessly pursuing clues until the truth comes to light, even if it means tearing the sky apart.

They are precisely the sharpest and most uncontrollable "knife" that Wu Xian needs at this moment.

On a deeper level, this is also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Uchiha clan, which has been in an increasingly awkward situation in recent years.

Due to historical issues, especially the failed coup attempt by Setsuna Uchiha during the Second Hokage's reign, the Uchiha clan has long been subtly excluded from the core of power within the village, resulting in a deep estrangement from the higher-ups.

If one can achieve success in such a major case that shakes the entire village, it will undoubtedly greatly prove to the villagers and higher-ups that one's value to the village and one's unquestionable loyalty, thereby significantly improving the situation of the community and even potentially regaining some of the long-lost voice.

Therefore, once they receive official authorization from the Fourth Hokage, the Uchiha clan, led by clan head Fugaku Uchiha, will undoubtedly devote all their efforts and spare no expense to the investigation.

Both righteousness and legitimacy are in their hands, and the driving force of self-interest is clear and unambiguous.

Wu Xian's move can be described as achieving multiple goals at once. He not only wanted to use the power of the Uchiha to thoroughly investigate Orochimaru, but his deeper intention was to firmly grasp the hilt of this sharp "double-edged sword" on his and the Fourth Hokage's side.

This opportunity could potentially win over the long-marginalized Uchiha clan, making them a new faction that supports the Fourth Hokage's new policies and counterbalances the old high-level forces led by the Third Hokage and his advisors.

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