The atmosphere in the Hokage's Office was somewhat heavy.
The sunlight outside the window was bright, but the expressions of the three people inside varied.
"Lord Hokage, that's the situation."
Uchiha Kagami stood before the desk, his face as gentle as ever, but his tone held a hint of helplessness.
"The recruitment for 'Root' has met with great resistance within the clan."
Sarutobi Hiruzen listened quietly, his fingers tapping a rhythmic beat on the desk.
Ever since he had ordered the reorganization of "Root" and appointed Uchiha Kagami as its second-in-command, the fledgling organization had begun its intensive preparations.
Selecting elites from the major clans was Hiruzen's established policy. The Yamanaka, Nara, and Akimichi clans, as well as his own Sarutobi clan, had unreservedly sent their most outstanding young members.
Only when it came to the Uchiha clan did things get stuck.
"The elders believe that the Uchiha elite should remain in the Military Police Force. That is the honor and duty bestowed upon our clan by Lord Second," Uchiha Kagami continued.
"They feel that sending Uchiha prodigies to a department that handles 'dirty work' is a defilement of the Sharingan."
"And even..."
He paused, seeming to choose his words carefully.
"There are even some who say that you, Lord Hokage... are too young and not worthy of the Uchiha's full loyalty."
Standing to the side, a smirk played on Shimura Danzo's lips.
This was exactly the outcome he wanted to see.
Hiruzen wanted to use Uchiha Kagami to dilute his power?
Those stubborn old fools from the Uchiha clan wouldn't let Hiruzen get his way so easily.
He had even prepared his words, ready to propose that he personally "persuade" the Uchiha when Hiruzen was at a loss, thereby regaining control over "Root."
However, there was no surprise or anger on Sarutobi Hiruzen's face.
He just looked at Uchiha Kagami calmly and asked, "Kagami, what do you think?"
Uchiha Kagami was taken aback for a moment, then said seriously, "I think this is short-sighted! The light of the Will of Fire should shine on every corner of the village. 'Root' exists to protect the village, which does not conflict with the duties of the Military Police Force! The elders' stubbornness will only deepen the rift between the clan and the village!"
"Well said."
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded, seeming pleased with the answer.
He didn't make an immediate decision, but quietly activated the simulator in his mind.
[Currently facing a critical choice: How to handle the Uchiha clan's resistance to "Root"?]
[Simulation Option A: Use the authority of the Hokage to forcefully command the Uchiha clan to hand over personnel.]
[Initiating future simulation...]
Blood-red text appeared before his eyes.
[You issue a mandatory conscription order. The Uchiha elders, under the pressure of the Hokage's authority, eventually hand over a few clansmen.]
[But this move causes a fierce backlash within the Uchiha clan. They see it as suppression and humiliation from the new Hokage.]
[Because Uchiha Kagami resolutely carried out your orders, he is regarded as the "Hokage's running dog" within the clan, becoming isolated and ostracized. His situation becomes extremely difficult.]
[The rift between you and the Uchiha clan deepens sharply from this point on.]
Sarutobi Hiruzen felt no ripples in his heart; he even wanted to laugh a little.
Brute force?
That's not politics; that's a children's squabble.
He slowly looked up, his gaze passing over Uchiha Kagami to land on Danzo.
"Danzo, what do you think?"
Danzo's heart skipped a beat. He didn't expect Hiruzen to suddenly ask him.
He took a step forward and said in a deep voice, "Hiruzen, the Uchiha have always been proud. A soft approach is useless against them. I believe we should take a hard-line stance to make them understand that the Hokage's will is not to be defied!"
He spoke with righteous indignation, as if he were genuinely considering Hiruzen's best interests.
"Oh? A hard-line stance?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled noncommittally, then turned back to Uchiha Kagami.
"Kagami, I have a new mission for you."
"Your orders, sir!"
"Stop arguing with the elders. They're old, and their minds don't work as quickly anymore."
Sarutobi Hiruzen's words surprised both Kagami and Danzo.
"In my name, go to the Konoha Military Police Force."
"From the Military Police Force, pick out ten suitable candidates."
The office was silent, only Hiruzen's steady voice echoing.
"Tell them that I, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, have taken a liking to their talents and will personally guide them in a month-long intensive training of the Will of Fire."
"The training location will be on the top floor of the Hokage building."
"During the training period, all their benefits will be in accordance with Anbu standards."
"After one month, the one with the best performance will be personally granted the title of 'Hokage's Direct Guard' and promoted to Special Jonin."
Boom!
These words were like a clap of thunder, exploding in the minds of Uchiha Kagami and Shimura Danzo.
An incredible light instantly burst forth from Uchiha Kagami's eyes.
He understood!
He completely understood!
This move by Lord Hokage was simply a stroke of genius.
Bypass the rigid-minded elders and go straight to the grassroots to dig out the buried and marginalized talents.
This wasn't conscription at all; it was a promotion.
It was an opportunity given by the Hokage himself.
Intensive training of the "Will of Fire"?
Personal guidance from the Hokage?
The title of "Hokage's Direct Guard"?
With each of these conditions thrown out, what an immense temptation it would be for those young Uchiha who were languishing in the Military Police Force.
This was not only giving them a chance to rise to the top in a single step, but also giving them, as Uchiha clansmen, the hope of truly integrating into the core of the village's power.
Didn't the elders talk about honor?
What could be more honorable than becoming the Hokage's direct guard?
Didn't the elders talk about loyalty?
When this batch of Uchiha elites, promoted by the Hokage, returned to the clan, who would they be loyal to?
The stubborn old fools who only suppressed them, or the Third Hokage who gave them a new life and honor?
This move was like cutting the ground from under their feet, yet it was completely open and aboveboard.
It was an overt scheme.
On the other side, Shimura Danzo's face had turned ashen.
He clenched his fists so tightly that his nails were about to dig into his flesh.
He felt like a self-important clown.
He was still thinking about how to use hard-line tactics to suppress the Uchiha, while Hiruzen, standing on a higher ground, had already effortlessly dismantled their barriers with benefits and the promise of a future.
What made him even more frustrated was that he couldn't object to Hiruzen's plan.
Because, in name, these people would eventually be added to "Root," so his nominal power was not damaged.
But in reality, this batch of Uchiha, personally trained by the Hokage, would only have the Hokage in their hearts. Where would there be a place for him, Danzo?
Hiruzen was using his pot to cook his own meal!
"What's wrong, Danzo?" Sarutobi Hiruzen's gaze fell on him again. "Do you think my method isn't 'hard-line' enough?"
Danzo's Adam's apple bobbed. He squeezed out a few words from between his teeth.
"...No, it's very... good."
"Then it's settled," Sarutobi Hiruzen said decisively to Uchiha Kagami. "Kagami, go ahead and do it. Remember, you are the Hokage's second-in-command, representing my will. Whoever dares to obstruct is my enemy."
"Yes! Lord Hokage! I will not fail you!"
Uchiha Kagami bowed deeply, then turned and strode away, his back filled with unprecedented drive.
In the office, only Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzo remained.
Sarutobi Hiruzen stood up and walked to the window, looking down at the prosperous village below.
"Danzo," he said suddenly.
"...Here."
"'Root' is for eradicating enemies that threaten the village, not for creating internal conflicts."
"It's a scalpel, not a hammer."
Sarutobi Hiruzen turned around, looking calmly at his companion whose expression was fluctuating between cloudy and clear.
"Remember, the one holding this scalpel is me."