Revitalizing the Uchiha clan starts with becoming a Kage.

It seems that he agreed with the suggestion he had just made.

This leaves more autonomy to one group.

The worst-case scenario would probably be that the clan's security detail cooperates with a joint investigation.

Even though such an outcome would have some negative consequences, it wouldn't be the worst possible outcome.

'It seems things haven't reached the point of no return yet!'

Jiang Si took a deep breath and thought silently to himself.

"Yes, I believe you, Shoji, go!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi gave Shoji one last deep look, then gently waved his right hand.

"Yes, Lord Third Generation!"

After bowing his head in response, Jiang Si also vanished in a flash, heading back the way he came to his clan's territory.

Looking in the direction Jiang Si had left.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes flickered slightly, and he tapped the table lightly with his right index finger, just as he had thought and considered, as well as what he had just guessed.

Hiruzen Sarutobi did not believe that the Uchiha clan was behind this series of events.

He was more inclined to believe that the spies were from the other four major powers.

Of course, this might involve a small group of internal traitors, but it is highly likely that it has nothing to do with the Uchiha clan!

76. The Selection of Generals

However, one thing is one thing.

The necessary arrangements still need to be made. Regardless of whether the Uchiha clan is behind it or not, even just considering the opinions of Shimura Danzo, Mitokado Homura, and Utatane Koharu, it's still necessary to make our stance clear.

To put it bluntly, this was Hiruzen Sarutobi's three-pronged strategy: to deal with Danzo Shimura, to test the Uchiha clan, and to uncover the truth behind this series of disappearances.

If that one percent probability really comes true, and it turns out that some people in the Uchiha clan are behind it, then this is also a good test for Shisui and Shoji. If both of them can pass the test smoothly, Hiruzen Sarutobi will directly launch a purge of the Uchiha clan, just like his teacher, Tobirama Senju, did thirty years ago.

But what if Shisui and Shoji are really just deceiving themselves!

Hiruzen Sarutobi would choose to remain silent for the time being, because if the village were to take coercive measures against the Uchiha clan without any support within the clan, it would likely result in a lose-lose situation!

Hiruzen Sarutobi will use seemingly milder but actually extremely ruthless methods to deal with the Uchiha clan. At that time, the Uchiha clan will truly have no possibility of reconciliation with the village.

Hiruzen Sarutobi took a deep drag on his pipe, then slowly exhaled a thick layer of smoke. The many fragments of memories that flashed through his mind finally settled on a tall, slender figure with black hair.

'Jing, I hope your descendants can be like you, truly transcending the limitations of their own clan and considering all issues from the perspective of the entire village...'

On the other side, Shoji, who had left the Hokage's office building and was rushing back to his clan's residence, had a very serious expression on his face.

He didn't believe that Hiruzen Sarutobi would really do anything to the Uchiha clan. This wasn't about whether it was from the original story or not; since he came to this world and had influenced the people and things there to varying degrees, the future plot in the original story could no longer be used as a reference.

Rather, it is through the analysis of the current situation and the personality of the Third Hokage that Shoji can draw this conclusion. Why did the changes occur during this period, which are different from those in the original work? Shoji doesn't understand. If he had to say what the difference is, it would be the fact that he joined the Anbu. But this seems to have nothing to do with the disappearance case.

Don't tell me that it's impossible for my contact with Orochimaru to be exposed.

Even if we take a step back and assume that we are actually exposed, the top priority should be to capture us!

A mysterious identity, the Mangekyou Sharingan, and contact with Orochimaru.

Any one of these reasons alone would have been enough to make Hiruzen Sarutobi attack him, let alone all three combined.

Therefore, all of these factors can be ruled out.

What's left?

"There's absolutely no doubt that someone's causing trouble behind the scenes, and it's definitely that bastard Danzo!"

A chilling glint appeared in Jiang Si's eyes.

After eliminating all impossible answers, the one that remains, even without any evidence, is the only correct answer.

Even without knowing about Shimura Danzo from reading the original work in his previous life, judging solely from his memories and experiences in this life, Shoji could quickly pinpoint Shimura Danzo. The reason is simple: there is no one else who can be considered as a second option. Shimura Danzo's behavior in the original work almost completely embodies his hatred for the Uchiha clan!

If there's anything suspicious, immediately point it at Shimura Danzo; he's unlikely to be wrong even once in ten thousand times!

Therefore, it is perfectly normal for the general to think of this aspect.

If this old guy hadn't stayed in the village, or even in his own base, Jiang Si would have been willing to take the risk of killing him first, since this guy was a ticking time bomb.

However, the most important thing right now is to prioritize dealing with the current issues.

As Jiang Si looked at the approaching clan's encampment, he secretly made plans in his mind.

Now, while still having to carry out the first plan, he has two choices. One is to do as he said and have Fugaku lead the guards to cooperate with the ANBU in a joint investigation. However, doing so would easily provoke the atmosphere that the clan has managed to maintain with great difficulty, even though things seem calm at the moment.

But everyone in the clan knew it clearly.

The fire of anger has not yet been extinguished.

The vast majority of people remained silent only because they saw that their clan patriarch and elders, as well as Shisui and Shoji, who could be considered the most representative figures among the younger generation, had all taken a peaceful approach to resolving the dispute.

If everything proceeds smoothly according to the established plan, these people will indeed be gradually divided up one day, and their resentment will slowly dissipate. However, once there is a new stimulus, the anger within the clan will erupt once again.

In the original story, Shisui and Fugaku were unable to withstand this 'public opinion'!

In this life, even adding the General wouldn't help.

Therefore, this choice will only lead the clan back to the old path in the original story. It's just that the higher-ups might be satisfied, because the Uchiha clan will relinquish control of the security department!

This can be considered the most sincere gesture from the Uchiha clan.

For this reason, although this option is in Shoji's selection list, it must be at the very bottom. Don't be fooled by Shoji's passionate words to Hiruzen Sarutobi just now; it was mostly an act.

Even if Jiang Si had no experience in political struggle, his skill in mixing lies with truth had been honed to a high level.

Therefore, after eliminating all the above options, only one choice remains for the general.

They entered the encampment and headed towards the location of Uchiha Fugaku's residence.

Not long after.

Jiang Si then arrived at his destination.

The door was gently knocked on.

"Oh? It's General Jiang. Is there something urgent that you've come so early in the morning?"

A black-haired woman wearing a light purple robe and an apron appeared before Shoji. This woman with a gentle smile was none other than Uchiha Fugaku's wife, and Itachi and Sasuke's mother—Uchiha Mikoto.

"Yes, Aunt Mikoto, I have something urgent to discuss with the clan chief. Is the clan chief home?"

Jiang Si asked softly.

"Yes, Fugaku is in the living room right now. Please come in."

Mikoto turned to the side and said.

"Yes! Then I apologize for my rudeness!"

After bowing slightly, Jiang Si...

Without further hesitation.

They filed in and headed straight for the living room.

77. Danzo's decisiveness and treachery

In the study

After hearing the whole story and some of his own guesses and judgments from Shoji, Fugaku Uchiha's face showed an uncertain expression, and a hint of anger was faintly revealed in the depths of his pupils.

"Shoji-kun, are you sure that Danzo was behind all of this?"

Fugaku spoke in a cold voice.

"Most likely, although there's no evidence, if we're talking about who in the village harbors the greatest hostility towards our clan, it can only be that guy Danzo!"

Jiang Si nodded emphatically and replied.

"I did take the village's missing persons case very seriously in the past, and recently I've emphasized that the clansmen who patrol day and night should pay more attention to some minor issues. I never expected that someone would still seize on this and use it against me! Shimura Danzo, that old man!"

Fugaku took a deep breath, his words filled with a chilling intent.

You should know that you've worked incredibly hard to appease the anger within the clan during this period. Fortunately, the feedback from Jiang Si is quite positive. It's wishful thinking to resolve the conflict all at once, but it's quite possible to alleviate it a little. The Uchiha clan needs such an opportunity right now so that they can truly enter a period of dormancy and stability.

Waiting for the Fifth Hokage to take office.

However, it seems that Danzo is truly unwilling to let the Uchiha clan off the hook. He even managed to pin this fabricated incident on the Uchiha clan. Fugaku, who is considered a very well-mannered ninja, was still filled with rage at this moment.

However, Danzo is Danzo; the key to the problem still lies with another person.

"And what is the Third Hokage's opinion, General?"

After taking a deep breath, Fugaku stared intently at Shoji, and asked in a deep voice with a very serious expression.

Everyone else's opinion didn't matter, but Hiruzen Sarutobi's opinion was the most important.

Even in the original story, when the Uchiha clan was wiped out, Hiruzen Sarutobi seemed to want to fight for it, but in reality, he tacitly allowed it. Although Itachi and Obito were the main ones who carried out the massacre, the Uchiha clan was surrounded by hundreds of elite members of the Anbu and Root.

Danzo certainly had the ability to do something to the Uchiha clan, but there were limits. If the village really wanted to eliminate the Uchiha clan, it would require the approval of Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Hokage. No one else could do anything about it!

"I don't think we need to worry too much about this. The Third Hokage's words still imply that he is willing to believe in our Uchiha clan. However, I personally think that the Third Hokage may not be without the intention of using this opportunity to further suppress our Uchiha clan. In the end, our clan's strength is our greatest source of confidence for self-preservation, and also the biggest reason why the village is wary of us. On this point, the Third Hokage should be no exception."

Jiang Si nodded slightly and said.

"If it really is only limited to the Garrison Command, I think we can take a step back, but this premise really only applies to the Garrison Command. Commander, you should understand what I mean, right?"

Fugaku looked at Shoji and said.

To put it bluntly, Fugaku and Hiruzen Sarutobi are very similar, not only in terms of their clan and village conflicts, but also in their personalities, philosophies of life, and so on. They have very similarities, if Shimura Danzo hadn't been stirring things up in the original work and even attacked Shisui in the end.

After several years of constant friction, probing, and exchanging each other's bottom lines, Fugaku and Hiruzen Sarutobi may have been able to achieve a delicate balance between themselves and Konoha. Unfortunately, there are no "what ifs".

There's this guy, Danzo Shimura, in Konoha.

This is also the biggest obstacle for the company to carry out the first plan.

“I understand what the clan leader means, but we don’t need to be in such a hurry right now. The Third Hokage gave me two days. I think you should first compile the itinerary logs of all the patrol personnel in the security department for the past month, and then I would like to trouble you to personally report to the Third Hokage. This will both show our clan’s attitude and buy us a little time. The Dark Division has actually made progress in the missing persons case. Normally, we should be able to catch the real culprit in ten days at most. Now it seems that we need to take some unconventional measures. As long as we solve this case, the accusation that our clan was framed will be completely unfounded!”

The general said with a serious expression.

"I see!"

As Fugaku listened to Shoji's words, a glint of light flashed in his eyes, and his previously tense expression eased a little. Putting everything else aside, when he realized that the Third Hokage only wanted to use this incident to warn them and did not really believe that the person behind the scenes was their Uchiha clan, his biggest worry could be put aside for the time being.

Of course, if it turns out later that the matter is related to their Uchiha clan, then that's another story, since the Nine-Tails' rampage a year ago is still fresh in everyone's memory.