Seeing that Uchiha Akihito showed no intention of settling scores after the fact, Hiruzen Sarutobi secretly let out a sigh of relief.
He was well aware of the little maneuvers Konoha's higher-ups had made during the war.
If Akihito insisted on pursuing the matter, then as Hokage, he would have to give everyone an explanation.
As for the decision not to send reinforcements—Hiruzen knew he was in the wrong.
He had hoped to use that opportunity to eliminate Akihito, this looming threat to his authority.
But who could have expected that Akihito would pull off a shocking reversal in the face of certain doom?
Instead of getting rid of him, Hiruzen had only put himself in an awkward position.
If Akihito tore off all pretense, the Third Hokage would be stuck between a rock and a hard place.
Hiruzen couldn't help regretting that he had listened to the two advisors' suggestion in the first place.
Unfortunately, spilled water could not be gathered again.
It was already too late for regret.
Uchiha Fugaku pulled Akihito aside to speak in private.
By now, Fugaku had fully aligned himself with Akihito. There would be no more wavering toward Konoha's higher-ups.
Patting Akihito on the shoulder, Fugaku said sincerely, "To defeat Kumogakure's A–B Combo all by yourself…"
"In just half a year, your strength has improved by leaps and bounds."
Akihito smiled faintly. "Just good luck."
Fugaku chuckled as well.
Everything about this junior of his was admirable—except that he was far too modest.
Defeating two Kage-level powerhouses alone—how could that possibly be explained away as mere luck?
It wasn't as though the dignified Fourth Raikage had suddenly lost because of a stomachache.
Fugaku lightly punched Akihito's shoulder.
"You brat…"
"Still hiding things from Uncle Fugaku?"
"Come on, tell me the details."
Akihito forced on a serious expression.
"Uncle Fugaku, I'm the Clan Head now."
"Mind your wording."
Fugaku immediately played the seniority card.
"So what if you're Clan Head?"
"I'm the former Clan Head!"
"Forget status—let's talk seniority."
Akihito's lips twitched.
Since when did Uncle Fugaku learn to act shameless?
Was it that once people laid down their burdens, they tended to let themselves go?
Just as the two were chatting merrily, Danzo—leaning on his cane—suddenly approached.
His expression gloomy, Danzo spoke in a low, half-commanding tone.
"Where is the Eight-Tails' jinchuriki? Hand him over to Root for handling."
Akihito narrowed his eyes.
He expected to take the Eight-Tails from him with nothing but empty words?
Who did Shimura Danzo think he was?
Seeing that Akihito remained unmoved, Danzo's tone grew harsher.
"Uchiha Akihito, did you not hear what I just said?"
Fugaku's face darkened.
"Lord Danzo, what you're doing—"
Before he could finish, Danzo coldly cut him off.
"Silence. When is it your turn to speak here?"
"Uchiha Akihito, hand over the Eight-Tails at once!"
Akihito's lips curled into a cold smile.
I haven't even gone looking for you yet—and you've delivered yourself to my door?
Perfect.
"Ahem…"
Akihito cleared his throat and said calmly, "And what if I refuse?"
Danzo's face sank.
"You dare defy the orders of your superiors?"
Akihito sneered.
"Defy my superiors? Heh."
"Since when did Root become the superior of the Police Force?"
Root and the Police Force were both organizations under the broader Anbu system.
By convention, Konoha's six major departments operated independently—none stood above the other.
As Captain of the Police Force, Akihito was fully qualified to stand on equal footing with Danzo, the head of Root.
Danzo froze.
Uchiha Akihito wasn't giving him, the Hokage's Advisor, the slightest face.
If this could be tolerated, what couldn't?
A cold glint flashed through Danzo's eyes.
"Uchiha Akihito, are you determined to make an enemy of me?"
Akihito showed no fear.
"And what if I am?"
"You senile old fossil."
At Akihito's casual insult, Danzo nearly exploded with rage.
Since the Second Hokage's death, who in Konoha had ever dared curse him to his face?
Not even the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, nor the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze!
Danzo roared, "Insolent brat!"
"The Uchiha are courting death!"
Akihito's expression instantly turned icy.
"Is that so?"
"Say one more word, and see if I don't draw my blade and cut you down right here."
Danzo opened his mouth—
But after weighing the situation, he chose caution.
If Akihito could defeat Kumogakure's A–B Combo, then dealing with a single Danzo would hardly be difficult.
At that moment, the Third Hokage—having finished addressing the troops—walked over.
Sensing the tense atmosphere, Hiruzen immediately asked, "What's going on here?"
Akihito replied calmly, "Lord Danzo just demanded the Eight-Tails' jinchuriki from me. I refused."
Upon hearing this, Hiruzen turned and rebuked Danzo at once.
"How to handle the Eight-Tails' jinchuriki will be decided after collective discussion."
"There's no need for Root to concern itself."
Danzo's expression darkened.
Now that the Hokage had spoken, it was practically impossible for him to wrest the Eight-Tails from Akihito's hands.
Though Danzo backed down, Akihito had no intention of letting the matter rest.
Clearing his throat, he asked with faint mockery,
"At the end of the war, I was ambushed by two of our own."
"May I ask, Lord Danzo—what exactly was that about?"
Danzo feigned ignorance.
"Oh? Such a thing happened?"
"I will have Root investigate it thoroughly."
He tried to shift the topic, but Akihito pressed on.
"I've already investigated."
"They said it was your order."
Not only did Danzo refuse to admit it—he struck back.
"Utter nonsense!"
"How could I possibly do such a thing?"
"Uchiha Akihito, do you know the crime of slandering the Hokage's Advisor?"
Akihito chuckled.
"Whether it's slander—you know that best."
"The Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal isn't exactly common in Konoha, is it?"
He might not be able to make the two assassins speak—but that didn't mean he lacked evidence.
Seeing the confrontation escalating, the Third Hokage immediately stepped forward to smooth things over.
"Before the matter is fully investigated, let's refrain from jumping to conclusions."
"Akihito, rest assured—I will definitely give you an explanation regarding the assassination on the battlefield."
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