Naruto: Starting with Tsunade

Chapter 382 Konoha Guard, I, the Uchiha, am quitting!

Aokiji raised his hands, slightly yielding, "I see, it seems I misunderstood."

Apologizing voluntarily and being forced to apologize are two completely different things.

After all, I've already apologized, what more do you want from me?

Although he was apologizing, his calm and relaxed voice showed no sign of remorse.

Obviously, this kind of thing will not be forgiven by everyone.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Koharu Utatane tried to make her presence felt and added insult to injury, directly pointing out the problem: "I know you came back because of the Uchiha incident and are very dissatisfied with the village, wanting to stand up for your clansmen, but why can't some things be said in private? Everything can be discussed."

I'm afraid I'll kill you all in private... Aokiji ignored this rebuke and let it go in one ear and out the other.

This was the first time Koharu Utatane had been so ignored since taking power, which ignited her anger. However, she remained rational and said righteously, "We old folks don't care, but your behavior will cause unnecessary trouble, which is not good for either the village or the Uchiha."

After saying that, she deliberately added a seemingly magnanimous remark: "Don't say things that are detrimental to unity next time. The village is grateful for your past contributions, but that's not a reason for you to act recklessly."

"Since we've brought up the Uchiha clan, I'd like to ask them properly." Aokiji laughed, clasped his hands together, and placed them on the table, stating bluntly: "Why did you settle the Uchiha clan in that remote, out-of-the-way place in the suburbs? When I returned to the village, I almost couldn't find my way back; I thought I'd gone to the wrong place."

The Konoha leadership, thinking about Aokiji's sudden and high-profile return, couldn't help but curse inwardly. It didn't seem like they were unaware of this; it was clearly a carefully planned scheme.

Perhaps fearing that Koharu Utatane might say the wrong thing to Danzo, Hiruzen Sarutobi took over the conversation and replied, "Since you already know about the Nine-Tails' night, you should know the state of the Nine-Tails' eyes at that time, right?"

Aokiji countered, "Does the Hokage mean the village doesn't trust the Uchiha?"

Danzo initially made this suggestion, and now Hiruzen Sarutobi has to respond: "I didn't say that."

"Even if the Uchiha clan had any evil intentions, they wouldn't be so foolish as to use the Sharingan to control the Nine-Tails. Anyone can see the three-tomoe markings on the Nine-Tails' huge eyes."

Aokiji stated confidently, "It's obvious that someone is using the Sharingan to deliberately sow discord between the Uchiha clan and the village. Can't the village even see that?"

That's true.

Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed and said helplessly, "But after that, everyone's hearts are in a state of extreme sensitivity and irrationality. At this time, everyone will subconsciously want to vent their emotions."

"If the Uchiha clan continues to stay in the center of the village, it will inevitably provoke unnecessary conflicts and give enemy villages an opportunity to take advantage."

"For the sake of the village's stability, I had no choice but to resort to this measure. I will put the Uchiha clan through this hardship for now, and when the time is right, I will naturally bring them back to the center of the village."

Hiruzen Sarutobi made a good point; he didn't say he wouldn't let the Uchiha return, it was just not the right time yet.

"I just find it strange. Our Uchiha clan didn't desecrate anyone's ancestral graves, so why do I feel like the village had a lot of prejudice against our Uchiha clan back in my day?"

"I thought it would gradually improve over time, but decades have passed and it has not only not improved, but has gotten worse. What's going on?"

Aokiji said, his voice trembling with emotion, "Aren't we comrades? How can you not even have this much trust? Haven't we Uchiha clan shed enough blood on the battlefield?"

Aokiji's words deeply moved the three clansmen behind him.

"This is my incompetence."

Despite being the Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi maintained a humble demeanor, which easily won him favor. Coupled with the previous misunderstanding, this led everyone present to believe almost unconditionally what Hiruzen Sarutobi said.

"Lord Hokage, you don't need to explain, we believe you."

"That's right, that's right."

At this moment, a rational person jumped out and said, "Everyone is working for this village, and everyone is making silent contributions. Why is it that your Uchiha clan talks so much and is so distrusted? First, think about your own problems, whether you have done anything wrong, whether you have worked hard, and stop blaming others and being prejudiced."

Hearing the above, Fugaku could still suppress his anger by clenching his fists, but Yashiro and Inahime couldn't hold back. They activated their Sharingan in excitement, their brows furrowed in anger:

"You bastard! Who are you calling not working properly?!"

With so many eyes watching in front of everyone, the ninja who had just made the sarcastic remark felt quite confident: "What, you're not doing your job properly, and you won't even let me say anything?"

Another person chimed in, "That's right, that's right. Others may fear your Uchiha clan, but I'm all alone, with no ties to anyone, so I'm not afraid of you."

How could Yashiro and Inahime tolerate such provocation?

He immediately declared that he would go up and fight.

Let this insolent fellow see what the urban management team is all about.

Aokiji waved his hand to stop his two brain-dead subordinates.

"Lord Aokiji!"

Yatsushiro and Inahime opened their eyes wide and shouted in unison, expressing their dissatisfaction.

The ninja who was arguing with others smiled smugly.

Aokiji closed his eyes for a moment, then said, "Good, very good."

Upon hearing this, everyone was a little stunned and confused about what Aokiji was up to. Given Aokiji's personality, shouldn't he immediately retaliate when his own people were insulted?

Why are they still cheering?

As everyone was filled with doubt, Aokiji continued, speaking in a clear and resounding voice: "Since everyone here doesn't hold such prejudice against us Uchiha, then from this day forward, our Uchiha clan announces our withdrawal from the Konoha Police Force."

"W-what—!"

Upon hearing this, everyone, including the Konoha leadership, was thrown into a frenzy.

Those few high-spirited Jonin never expected that Aokiji would choose to lead his clan in such a defiant stance, directly announcing his withdrawal from the Konoha Police Force.

"Hey, Aokiji!" Even Jiraiya couldn't help but speak up at this moment.

"Aokiji, calm down." Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned deeply. "Do you know what you're saying?"

"calm?

Aokiji, representing the Uchiha clan, said indignantly, "Our Uchiha clan is heartbroken."

"Aokiji, don't do anything foolish! Are you going to lead the Uchiha clan in a rebellion against the village?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi preemptively defined the nature of the matter, thus creating an impression and subconscious awareness among the others.

"I didn't betray the village, don't talk nonsense."

Aokiji immediately denied it: "Konoha was founded by the Senju and Uchiha clans. Anyone can betray the village, but we Uchiha are the only ones who would never betray it."

Aokiji still seemed angry, and Hiruzen Sarutobi knew that persuasion was useless. He looked at the other person in charge, paying close attention to his speaking skills and trying to understand the other person's perspective:

"Fugaku, although Aokiji is your elder, you are now the clan head. Do you really want to watch all the efforts the Uchiha clan has made go to waste?"

The Konoha Police Force is a tool used by the village to observe every move, so we can't just let Aokiji withdraw so easily. That would cause the Uchiha clan to develop in an uncontrollable direction.

"Lord Hokage, I am no longer the clan leader."

Fugaku smiled wryly: "The decision rests with Aokiji; I have no right to interfere."

"What?!"

These words caused an uproar among those present.

The Uchiha clan has a new clan leader.

The Konoha leadership was the most shocked.

When did the Uchiha clan change its leader?

Why haven't the bull-headed and horse-headed figures planted in the Uchiha clan responded to any messages?

Is it...

"I'm getting old and my strength is failing me. In addition, I've always been busy with work and neglected my family. From now on, I plan to spend more time with my family. Therefore, I intend to hand over the position of clan chief to Qingzhi. With his prestige, I don't think any clan members will object."

Everyone thought to themselves, "Aokiji is older than you, isn't he?"

After explaining, Fugaku added, "Originally, this kind of thing was supposed to be announced a few days later."

Hiruzen Sarutobi breathed a sigh of relief; thankfully, the spy hadn't been exposed. He then asked, "Does anyone else in the Uchiha clan know?"

Fugaku shook his head: "Only the four of us know about this."

"Putting aside other reasons," Hiruzen Sarutobi advised, "we hope you can calm down and withdraw from the Konoha Police Force. This is a big matter, and we should discuss it with the entire clan."

Fugaku responded, "I think Aokiji will listen carefully to everyone's opinions at the clan meeting in a few days."

Hiruzen Sarutobi started playing the emotional card: "In short, I hope you can calm down and not act impulsively. The Konoha Guard is, after all, the culmination of your many years of hard work."

"Yes, I'll try to persuade him again once Aokiji calms down."

Fugaku still needs to put on a show.

◎

After the meeting, Jiraiya sought out Aokiji alone.

Aokiji said to Fugaku and the others behind him, "You guys go back first, I have something to say."

After the three left, Aokiji and Jiraiya found a secluded place to talk.

"Speak, what do you want to tell me?" Aokiji crossed his arms and leaned against a large tree.

(End of this chapter)