Outside the Police Department, the atmosphere was tense.
The Konoha leadership stood face-to-face with the Uchiha, while the heads of many other clans exchanged wary glances. No one's expression looked good.
Especially with severed limbs scattered all over the ground, bright red blood flowing, and the stench of iron heavy in the air.
What on earth happened here?
Aside from the Uchiha and Sarutobi Hiruzen, everyone else looked completely bewildered. After all, they had only been summoned here in haste by the Hokage. None of them knew the full story yet. And these dead people before them—who exactly were they?
"Clan Leader Fugaku, can you explain this?" Koharu Utatane adjusted her glasses, her eyes sharp and severe. "Who are these dead people?"
Homura Mitokado's face was equally grim.
After taking a deep breath, he too fixed his gaze on Fugaku.
"This is very important.
For the stability of Konoha, the Police Department must give an explanation.
Otherwise…"
His tone turned ice-cold.
Yes. He still didn't know the full truth, but judging from Hiruzen's urgency and severity, he had his suspicions.
The other clan leaders remained silent for now, but their furrowed brows betrayed the tension. They too looked at Fugaku, waiting.
They needed an explanation.
Truth be told, none of them wanted to get involved in the grudges between the Uchiha and the Konoha leadership. But at the same time—if the Uchiha couldn't provide a reasonable answer, then for the sake of resisting other shinobi villages, they would have no choice but to side with the Hokage's faction, even if they didn't want to.
Fugaku looked nervous.
Even though Kai had reassured him earlier, now that he was facing this scene in reality, he couldn't help feeling guilty. Sweat poured down his forehead, and he swallowed hard.
But before he could speak, Kai clapped him on the shoulder and stepped forward.
Narrowing his eyes slightly at the crowd before him, he smiled faintly.
"Well, isn't this unexpected!"
"I never thought simply arresting some spies would alarm even the Hokage himself."
"But this battle lineup is a bit much, don't you think? Just some spies—was it really necessary to mobilize so many of Konoha's elites?"
"But it doesn't matter. As Minister of the Police Department, I, on behalf of the Uchiha, thank the Hokage for his support."
"Your aid is appreciated!"
"The Uchiha Police Department has full confidence in defeating any enemy that dares intrude!"
Kai smiled as he spoke.
Even while facing the Hokage, the elders, and all the powerful clans, he remained utterly calm, spouting formal pleasantries as if nothing was wrong.
As for the dead men on the ground? He directly labeled them as "spies."
Whether they believed him or not didn't matter—he believed it, and that was enough.
"Oh? Spies, you say?" Hiruzen's voice was icy. "How amusing."
"So many spies infiltrated the village, yet the Sealing Corps didn't detect them, nor did the Anbu. And somehow, only the Uchiha discovered them?"
"By that logic, it seems Konoha should be thanking the Uchiha, shouldn't we?"
Hiruzen sneered.
Clearly, he didn't believe a single word Kai said.
The others frowned as well. Nobody with half a brain would buy such an explanation.
But that didn't matter.
As long as the story was barely plausible, they would turn a blind eye.
In fact, what really caught their interest was Kai himself.
They'd long heard rumors about this Uchiha genius—how he awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan in his first war, and even defeated the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist singlehandedly.
Now, seeing him in person, they were even more shocked.
He could look the Hokage dead in the eye and lie without flinching, all while putting on a show of loyalty and devotion.
Damn it.
Was this really an Uchiha?
Just then, another squad arrived from afar, led by none other than Danzo.
His face was ashen with fury, his eyes burning with murderous intent.
"Uchiha Kai, don't spout your bullshit!"
"With us protecting Konoha, how could spies possibly infiltrate?"
"This is nothing but a conspiracy by the Uchiha! Hiruzen, we can't tolerate this clan any longer."
"Attack!"
Danzo's voice dripped with venom.
Inside, his hatred for Kai was overflowing.
So many Root operatives—all wiped out.
He had poured stolen funds and painstaking effort into raising those elites.
And now?
They hadn't even made a ripple before being slaughtered by Uchiha Kai.
The thought twisted like a knife in his chest.
And besides his anger, he felt deep fear.
Kai was too strong!
If not for Hiruzen being present, Danzo wouldn't have dared show himself here so easily.
Because he was afraid—truly afraid.
Other Uchiha, even the radicals, would never dare openly attack a village elder. To Danzo, they were all cowards.
But Kai was different.
This one actually dared to kill without hesitation.
The mangled corpses at their feet were all the proof needed.
His mouth twitched.
This unpredictable Uchiha absolutely could not be allowed to live.
By any means necessary, he had to die!
"Hiruzen, what are you waiting for?" Danzo barked. "Do it already!"
Hiruzen rolled his eyes.
Do what? Was the man insane?
Without solidly pinning the blame on the Uchiha, did Danzo really think the clans would back him?
After a pause, Hiruzen finally spoke slowly.
"Uchiha Kai, is it?"
"Your earlier excuse doesn't convince me—and it won't convince anyone here."
"I'll give you one last chance. Tell us the truth."
"What really happened?"
"This many people dead in the village—don't think you can gloss it over with a few vague words."
As the Hokage spoke, the others nodded.
He was right.
With this many casualties, if the Uchiha couldn't provide a proper explanation, there was no way this matter would just blow over.
Once again, all eyes fell on Uchiha Kai.
Everyone was curious—how would he answer this time?
But unfortunately for them, Kai's expression remained as calm as ever.
"This is an injustice!" Kai began his performance. "These men really were spies!"
"If the Hokage doubts me, then simply investigate the village. See if any of our shinobi are missing."
"After all, these were all Jounin. Even in Konoha, the number of Jounin is limited, isn't it?"
"A quick check will confirm it easily!"
"And another thing."
"What normal Konoha shinobi would launch a midnight assault on the Police Department?"
"Even if I take a step back—these men may be dead, but their heads are still intact."
"With the Yamanaka Clan right here, check their memories. The truth will come to light."
"Am I wrong?"
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