Konoha.
The village was decorated everywhere with lanterns and banners, overflowing with a festive atmosphere.
The news of Uchiha Yusuke leading the allied forces to a great victory over Kumogakure had already spread in all directions.
The villagers who longed for peace were absolutely overjoyed. To provoke such an intense reaction, Uchiha Yusuke's contribution was beyond question.
The war had just ended, yet he had already sent word ahead to Uchiha Fugaku.
With Fugaku's maneuvering behind the scenes, news of Yusuke's decisive victory over Kumogakure spread instantly to every corner of Konoha.
Before Uchiha Yusuke had even returned, his heroic deeds had already been woven into stories, eagerly passed from mouth to mouth among the populace.
Konoha's higher-ups were ultimately a step too slow!
Even if they wanted to suppress the news now, there was no way they could erase Uchiha Yusuke's brilliant image in the hearts of the people.
At this moment, Uchiha Yusuke was like a future "Prince Naruto," crowned with the title of Hero of Konoha.
And titles like that were incredibly effective at shaping public opinion.
Before becoming a hero, Uzumaki Naruto had been nothing more than a street rat everyone scorned.
Even with someone like Jiraiya as his teacher, he had still been largely ignored.
But once he became Konoha's hero, Naruto's popularity in the village skyrocketed overnight.
Just walking down the street, he'd be swarmed by clueless fangirls trying to strike up conversations.
With that kind of public support, even Konoha's leadership had to think twice about Uchiha Yusuke.
Striking down a hero without cause was an easy way to get drowned in spit!
Konoha streets.
Two Uchiha clan members from the Police Force passed by, and several shop owners immediately surrounded them.
"The Uchiha are amazing!"
"Is Clan Head Yusuke coming back soon?"
In the past, they had always found the Uchiha's aloofness somewhat unpleasant.
But after learning of Uchiha Yusuke's heroic feats, their views had completely changed.
The Uchiha clan was exceptionally talented and immensely powerful.
If they were a little proud, wasn't that only natural?
The Uchiha never bullied the weak or oppressed the innocent—they were just proud. And there was nothing wrong with that!
"Heh, heh…"
Faced with the enthusiasm of the passersby, the two Uchiha Police Force members could only scratch their heads and grin foolishly.
So far, they still weren't quite used to it.
Since when had the Uchiha clan become this popular in the village?
Thinking it over carefully, this was all thanks to Clan Head Uchiha Yusuke!
...
Hokage Building.
Hokage's Office.
The Konoha F4 gathered together. The room was silent, the atmosphere faintly heavy.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, stared absentmindedly at the photo of Namikaze Minato on the wall.
Could Uchiha Yusuke's strength truly rival that of the Fourth Hokage?
Why wasn't this man part of my Hokage faction?
Although detailed reports from the battlefield had yet to arrive, the news that Uchiha Yusuke had defeated Kumogakure's AB Combination had already spread throughout Konoha.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was perfectly aware of the strength of the Fourth Raikage and Killer B.
For Uchiha Yusuke to defeat them meant that he was no less formidable than the Fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato.
No one had informed them—yet the news had already flooded the village.
Without even thinking, Hiruzen knew this had to be Uchiha Yusuke's doing again.
From this alone, it was clear that Yusuke harbored deep wariness toward Konoha's leadership.
But now, Uchiha Yusuke had become a household name—a hero of Konoha. Even Hiruzen found himself at a loss over how to handle him.
Uchiha Yusuke already had public opinion on his side, and his personal strength was in no way inferior to theirs.
If they continued to act rashly against the Uchiha, Yusuke might seize the opportunity to strike back.
In Hiruzen's hands now was nothing more than a decaying Hokage authority. He had no confidence that he could suppress the Uchiha.
If Uchiha Yusuke truly turned against them, Konoha itself might face destruction.
Hiruzen Sarutobi had enjoyed a lifetime of renown. He would rather surrender a portion of his authority than allow his legacy to be stained in his later years.
The Hokage needed to be remembered with honor—being cursed for eternity was Danzō's job.
After sorting through these thoughts, Hiruzen spoke calmly.
"Uchiha Yusuke has just rendered great service."
"Matters concerning the Uchiha should be set aside for the time being."
Once the Third Hokage made his decision, the two advisors immediately nodded in agreement. Danzō—the one who had always advocated relentlessly targeting the Uchiha—was once again left isolated.
Seeing that nothing could be done, Danzō let out a cold snort and left behind a harsh warning.
"Indulging the Uchiha like this…"
"You will regret it sooner or later!"
The Konoha F4 dispersed unhappily, Danzō departing with resentment in his heart.
Hiruzen didn't want to see Uchiha Yusuke rise—but the problem was, he had no way to stop it.
He had already done everything he could.
Who could have predicted that Uchiha Yusuke would still manage to defeat Kumogakure head-on, even without reinforcements?
If anyone was to blame, it could only be Kumogakure for being utterly useless.
The Fourth Raikage, teamed with the Eight-Tails jinchūriki Killer B, couldn't even handle a single Uchiha Yusuke?
And they dared call themselves the strongest combination?
Heh.
...
After several days of travel, the ninja allied forces led by Uchiha Yusuke finally returned to Konoha.
At the village gates.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, had already prepared a ceremonial welcoming party and was waiting there.
Though he was deeply wary of Uchiha Yusuke, he still had to put on a proper show.
Yusuke had just won a major victory—Hiruzen naturally needed to step forward personally and offer praise.
It was worth mentioning that upon hearing news of Yusuke's imminent return, many villagers spontaneously organized themselves and joined the welcoming crowd.
Though Hiruzen felt some displeasure, he did not order ANBU to disperse the people.
Ordering ANBU to clear the crowd would easily earn him the reputation of ignoring public sentiment.
The venerable Third Hokage valued his image above all else. He would never allow such a stain on his reputation.
Under countless gazes, Hiruzen Sarutobi stepped forward with a warm smile.
He gently patted Uchiha Yusuke on the shoulder.
"I've heard everything."
"You've done very well."
"This time, Konoha's victory over Kumogakure—Yusuke, you deserve the greatest credit."
Uchiha Yusuke replied with a smile,
"You flatter me, Hokage-sama."
"Protecting Konoha is simply my duty."
After addressing Yusuke, the Third Hokage turned his gaze toward the allied forces.
"Everyone has worked hard."
"I will arrange for rewards to be distributed based on merit."
"Those killed or wounded will receive compensation according to regulations."
"The names of those who fell may be engraved on the Konoha Memorial Stone."
"Those who died protecting the village are Konoha's heroic spirits, worthy of eternal remembrance!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi's words were heartfelt, instantly reddening the eyes of many.
The crowd erupted in cheers.
"Konoha forever!"
"Long live the Hokage!"
Watching the impassioned masses, Uchiha Yusuke curled his lips slightly.
He had gone through life-and-death battles to earn a bit of prestige—yet Hiruzen Sarutobi, with nothing more than a few well-polished words, had effortlessly overshadowed him.
One had to admit it.
This Third Hokage was truly formidable.
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