Yes, the Hokage!

“Fenglan, Danzo did something wrong. I will demand an explanation from him.” In front of Shisui, Hiruzen couldn’t be too obvious and still had to maintain his image as a nice guy. “But the Third Shinobi World War has just ended. The village can’t be in turmoil. Otherwise, if external enemies take advantage of the situation, the consequences will be unimaginable.”

His excuse was exactly the same as when he wiped out the Uchiha clan, but sorry, Feng Lan wasn't buying it.

"That's none of my business, Third Hokage. You should know I hate hearing lies... and nonsense."

Zhishui, standing to the side, couldn't help but frown. If before, Fenglan seemed to be hidden in his sheath, concealing his brilliance and keeping his sharp edge hidden, making it difficult to discern his thoughts, then now Fenglan was fully revealed, a demonic blade that could harm both himself and others. He gave the impression that if anyone dared to touch a hair on his head, he would fight to the death to tear off pieces of their flesh.

Little did he know that this naive and clueless demeanor was a deliberate act by Feng Lan.

Hiruzen couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Young people are just young people. Although they are very smart, they are ultimately inexperienced. They get angry as soon as they encounter a little bit of targeting. Thinking back, he seemed to be overjoyed when he got some benefits. Perhaps his seemingly deep cunning was not actually that hard to fathom.

After all, he's about the same age as Minato. He's a young man, so what kind of young man isn't impetuous?

I originally wanted to train Fenglan to be a qualified successor of the Will of Fire, to truly inherit my mantle, but now it seems that she still needs to be polished.

"I will make Danzo apologize to you and appropriately reduce his power," Hiruzen replied. "And your previous proposal to 'reduce redundancy in the middle ranks' in the reform plan will also be approved..."

"This is it."

Feng Lan's expression shifted back to her smiling demeanor: "I'm not an unreasonable person, I just want justice. As long as Danzo is willing to back down, this matter will end here. However, didn't the Lord clearly state that Konoha's finances are currently tight regarding reducing redundancy..."

Although she knew that it was precisely because of the tight supply that redundancy should be reduced, Feng Lan acted as if she didn't know anything: "I won't trouble you to approve this proposal, after all, ninjas also need to eat. As compensation, how about Danzo introduces Lord Orochimaru to me?"

Although Shisui couldn't understand these strategic maneuvers, Fugaku had mentioned to him that they would rely on Orochimaru to treat Obito, since they would need his Sharingan to monitor him.

Upon hearing Fenglan bring up the matter, he suddenly realized: "So, Lord Fenglan's actions were all to help Obito and the Uchiha clan."

Although he was still somewhat confused by Shisui's style of doing things, he couldn't help but feel a little goodwill towards him, after all, he was also a member of the Uchiha clan.

"That's no problem, but what about Orochimaru..."

"I will personally handle Orochimaru's side," Feng Lan said with a smile. "And the Third Hokage, this is just to seek justice for me... The Uchiha clan injured a young man, so they should at least give him some compensation."

He then offered another proposal: "First, Inagi's medical expenses should be covered by Ne, and then I think Fugaku would be very suitable to be our meeting recorder... Of course, he doesn't have the power to vote or vote, he just records."

Hiruzen Sarutobi was silent for a few seconds. He already knew that Feng Lan had gotten involved with the Uchiha clan, but he didn't expect that this kid would be so blatant in asking the Uchiha for benefits.

But Danzo is indeed in the wrong in this matter. Although I am Danzo’s enemy, I still have to help him out at this time, because Danzo and Root do indeed bear a lot of darkness in Konoha. Without them, many things would be difficult to handle.

Besides, a recorder without voting rights can't really change anything. This kid has already thoroughly offended Danzo by publicly proclaiming the Root organization's affairs on the street. Since there's no possibility of cooperation between the two sides anymore, giving him this little benefit isn't a problem. They can also use the Uchiha clan to keep Danzo in check; after all, since that old guy didn't let Orochimaru become Hokage, he's become increasingly reckless in his anger.

Having made up his mind, Hiruzen slowly nodded: "Tomorrow I will vote with the other members of the advisory board, but there is one condition: Fugaku's records must be reviewed by me before they can be archived."

Feng Lan knew what he was wary of, so she immediately stated her position: "He only has the right to record things."

What he needed was never for Fugaku to actually have a place in the upper echelons, but rather to make the other party believe that he was a benefactor of the Uchiha clan.

"Then there shouldn't be any problem." The Third Generation's reply indicated that he had already agreed, and the so-called vote was just a formality.

"This is wonderful. It has averted internal strife and ensured that the villains received their due punishment." Feng Lan smiled and narrowed his eyes. "Third Hokage, you truly are the cornerstone of the village."

Chapter 9 Danzo's Eyes

Shisui returned to the Uchiha camp with a heavy heart. He still couldn't figure out what kind of person Fenglan was. Although his actions today seemed to be helping the Uchiha, he still felt that it wasn't that simple.

And then there's the Third Hokage. Although he's still kind and approachable, he seems a bit different from the Third Hokage of the day, giving me an inexplicable, strange feeling.

"Zhishui, the clan chief wants to see you." Before he could even get home, he was immediately stopped by his clansmen on the street.

"Okay, I'll be right there." Upon hearing this, Shisui hurriedly set off for Fugaku's office.

Fugaku had been waiting there for a long time, and Itachi was also beside him: "Itachi and Tetsuka have already told me what happened on the street. Now let's talk about what happened after Furan went to the Third Hokage."

"Yes." Zhishui nodded and told him everything.

"Hmm..." Fugaku closed his eyes to process these thoughts, and after a long while, he slowly spoke, "What do you think?"

"Lord Fenglan has indeed helped our clan gain a lot of benefits, but I always feel something is off," Zhishui told the truth.

“That’s because he’s not simply helping us, but expanding his own power.” Fugaku, with his greater experience, easily answered Shisui’s question. “The more benefits we gain now, the more deeply we’re bound to his ship… In the end, we’ll be powerless to control ourselves, because everyone will think we’re part of the Fenglan faction, and we won’t be able to explain ourselves.”

Shisui suddenly realized and couldn't help but frown, while Itachi's expression was somewhat peculiar. Clearly, they didn't like Fenglan's approach, but for some reason, they weren't so opposed to it either.

"Then, Chieftain, what should we do?" After a long while, Zhishui couldn't help but ask.

"What else can we do? Now that we're on this ship, we should protect it and not let it capsize," Fugaku said calmly. "But before that, I need you to do one thing."

The bloodshot in his eyes suddenly expanded, indicating that he had activated his Sharingan: "When Danzo comes to apologize to Fenglan tomorrow, you must find a chance to see what's under his bandages. Once you've confirmed that..."

Fugaku sighed deeply. Now that he had confirmed this, what could he do? Directly turn against Danzo and fight him? That was impossible. Not to mention the immense power of the Root organization, the Third Hokage would never agree to it.

All we can do is firmly commit ourselves to Fenglan's ship.

"Yes, I understand." Shisui seemed to realize something as well, and solemnly agreed.

……

The next morning, Fenglan brought Shisui to the Hokage's office and explained the matter to Minato. He said that under the Third Hokage's persuasion, he had decided to turn hostility into friendship and that he would let it go as long as the other party apologized.

“Fenglan, you…” Minato’s expression was a little strange. Just as he was about to speak, the office door was pushed open, and the Third Hokage walked in with Danzo.

Danzo was still dressed in the same way, all in black, with bandages covering his eyes and leaning on a cane. He said expressionlessly, "Advisor Fenglan, I have failed to discipline you properly, which has led to my subordinates speaking ill of you behind your back. I hope you will forgive me."

This attitude doesn't sound like an apology at all; someone who didn't know better would think it was a protest.

Feng Lan replied with a smile, "Lord Danzo, you flatter me. You are getting old, so it's normal for your subordinates to be disobedient. In the future, please take better care of your health and worry less."

His sarcastic remarks immediately enraged Danzo, who remained expressionless, though his cane cracked slightly from being gripped so tightly. The Third Hokage, clearly pleased with this, stepped in to smooth things over, saying, "Alright, both of you are pillars of Konoha. I owe a great deal to Danzo's help during my time in office, and Fenglan is also a crucial support for Minato. From now on, let's put aside our differences and work together for the village's future."

"sure."

Feng Lan smiled, which was exactly the effect he wanted to achieve: to make Danzo conflict with the Third Hokage, thus convincing him that there was no possibility of cooperation between him and Danzo.

This sounds a bit hard to understand. Feng Lan had just slammed his fist on the table and threatened the Third Hokage to join forces with Danzo. Why is he acting like this now?

This answer needs to be considered from the perspective of three generations.

Based on Fenglan's previous use of his own plan to test the waters, he concluded that Hiruzen Sarutobi is still the actual ruler of Konoha.

As a Kage who stands above many ninjas, his subordinates are treacherous, greedy, lustful, and unruly... These flaws can be tolerated, and can even be seen as advantages at times, because people with such flaws are certainly easier to control.

If he didn't even have this much tolerance, the Third Hokage wouldn't have become the Hokage. Didn't he even keep Danzo by his side when he repeatedly sent people to assassinate him?

What he, as a person in a high position, could least tolerate was his subordinates who were ambitious and formed cliques, trying to seize his position, which was no different from the imperial power!

Unfortunately, this is exactly the image that Feng Lan is projecting at this time, so he has to distance himself from Danzo at the appropriate time, especially to let the Third Hokage know that there is absolutely no possibility of cooperation between the two of them.

As long as Feng Lan doesn't cooperate with Danzo, it won't matter how much Minato trusts him. Therefore, as long as the power he controls doesn't cross that line, the Third Hokage can turn a blind eye and even push Feng Lan to fight Danzo, while he supports him from behind, thus weakening the power of both of them and keeping them in a delicate balance.

This is also a method of governing subordinates used by monarchs throughout history. It is an unspoken rule that one must master if one wants to get along well in Konoha as a high-ranking official.

Just as the scene was filled with joy and harmony, an extremely sharp killing intent suddenly rose from behind Feng Lan!

Shisui stared intently at Danzo's bandages with his blood-red Sharingan. In the Sharingan's vision, the flow of chakra beneath the bandages revealed the outline of the eye—it was indeed the Sharingan!

No matter how calm and tolerant he was, he couldn't stand seeing his own people's eyes darting towards outsiders. Even a Buddha has anger!

Upon seeing Shisui's expression, Danzo's gaze immediately sharpened, and his other hand was already quietly forming a hand seal.

"Shisui!" Fenglan shouted sharply, grabbing his wrist. "You mustn't be rude in front of the Hokage!"

His words were quite subtle, not specifically referring to the Third or Fourth Hokage, but they clearly brought Shisui back to his senses somewhat. He lowered his head unwillingly, his fingers trembling, the tomoe of his Sharingan spinning wildly and then slowly coming to a stop.

"Danzo." The Third Hokage gave a timely hum, signaling Danzo to put down his secretly forming hand seals.

In the end, Minato sighed and said, "Let's leave it at that, Lord Danzo. Please go back with Lord Hiruzen."

“Then we’ll take our leave.” Hiruzen nodded, gave Danzo a look, and the two turned and left.

"I'll take Shisui back first..."

Fenglan wanted to retreat, but was stopped by Shuimen: "No, let's make things clear right here."

Minato's face was more serious than ever before, and his words carried an air of authority. It was the Fourth Hokage's order, not a request from his friend Minato Namikaze.

Feng Lan froze for two seconds, then gave a wry smile and said, "What else is there to say? Minato, didn't you already guess it?"

Minato said solemnly, "Under Danzo's bandages is the Sharingan."

"Ah."

Shisui forced himself to keep from choking up. After all, he was only a teenager. Even though he had participated in World War III and experienced life and death, he never expected that the black hand would reach out from behind him, from the person he thought was his comrade.

Shouldn't we all believe in the Will of Fire and risk our lives to protect each other?

Minato's expression also darkened: "This matter..."

“We will definitely give you an explanation.” Feng Lan took over his words seriously. “Whether it’s Danzo or Orochimaru, they will pay the price for what they have done… but not now. The time is not ripe. Taking action now will only… cause internal strife in the village and allow external enemies to take advantage of the situation.”

He couldn't help but laugh at his own hypocrisy. Just yesterday, he had told the three generations that he wouldn't fall for this kind of thing, but then he turned around and used these things to lecture Shisui.

“I…” Shisui clenched his fists angrily, “I know.”

"Alright, I'll take you back first. Let's call it a day for today's guard duty." Feng Lan pulled over Zhi Shui, who seemed a bit lost, and the latter subconsciously complied.

Just before he left, Minato's voice came from behind him: "Fenglan, when you come back, we need to have a talk... a good talk."

Feng Lan didn't turn around, but pushed the door open and left, leaving behind only one word:

"it is good."

Chapter 10 The Uchiha's Choice

Upon seeing Fenglan and Shisui, who could barely control his expression, at the Uchiha's base, Fugaku already knew the answer to the question he was most concerned about.

He seemed to have aged several years in an instant, and said in a hoarse voice, "Let's go back to the office first."

“Let’s call Itachi over and listen together,” Feng Lan said in a deep voice. “He is the future of the Uchiha clan, and he should know something by now.”

"But Itachi is only six years old..."

"Let's go now."

Just like Minato back then, Fugaku could tell that Fenglan was speaking in a commanding tone, and now was the time for him to make a decision.

"Yes."

Making this decision didn't take much time, especially after confirming that Danzo's bandages concealed the Sharingan.

Soon the office door was closed, and there were only four people in the room. Zhishui then recounted what he had seen and what happened afterward in detail.

"That bastard!" Even in front of Feng Lan, Fugaku still lost his composure. His Sharingan spun angrily as he slammed the cup in his hand to the ground. "What a Shimura Danzo! What a Orochimaru! He really thinks the Uchiha clan has no one left!"

Itachi's small face couldn't hold back any longer, and a fleeting look of anger and loss of control appeared. But surprisingly, he regained his composure before his father, which was quite subtle.