Uchiha Triumph, the Third Hokage's Frustration

"Victory!" 

"Great, a... victory?" 

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at the ANBU with a puzzled expression. 

The ANBU, with admiration, said,

"The Uchiha clan head successfully led his men to annihilate a 50-man trap squad! All of the Kumo shinobi elites, including Jonin Druid, were slain! None of the Defense Department shinobi were injured!" 

Shimura Danzo, Koharu Utatane, and Homura Mitokado all turned to Hiruzen Sarutobi. 

Clearing his throat, Hiruzen Sarutobi said,

"Ahem, is that so? That's great news. However, it's just a small victory. Let's keep this under wraps for now. Who knows..." 

"Extra! Extra! Uchiha Clan Leader Toki led our defense forces to a major victory! 50 enemy soldiers, including one Jonin, were all eliminated! Extra! Extra!" 

Hiruzen Sarutobi: "???" 

However, his greatest weakness was also his political acumen. His biggest mistake was that he relied too heavily on the Will of Fire, even using it to control the Anbu rather than cultivating death squads. 

His goal was to create an organization loyal to the Hokage to maintain the Sarutobi's control over the ANBU, but this required maintaining the image of the shining inheritor to the Will of Fire. 

If that image were to crumble, it could lead to undesirable thoughts within the ANBU. 

For example, at this moment, although he felt like he was going to cough up blood, he had to maintain the appearance of celebrating the victory alongside the village. 

Originally, he planned to have the ANBU inform Shikaku Nara to keep this victory confidential until the war was over. So, why was it being shouted out loud like this!? 

"I'm going to the Hokage Tower... the village chief's office!" 

Hiruzen Sarutobi went to Shikaku Nara's office with a grim expression. 

As soon as he walked in, he heard a gloating voice,

"Oh~ isn't this the Sarutobi clan head? Why aren't you staying in your clan and enjoying your retirement? I heard that your urban management team is abusing its power in the village, and its reputation is almost ruined?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi fixed his eyes on him and saw that it was Uchiha Tekka, the mouthpiece of Toki who had stayed in the village.

Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned and asked, "What are you doing here?"

Uchiha Tekka chuckled. "Whatever you're here for, I'm here for."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's face darkened, barely suppressing the urge to strangle this little bastard. 

Turning to Shikaku Nara, he said sternly,

"Why spread such crucial military information casually? Until the war is over, it should be kept confidential." 

Before Shikaku Nara could respond, Uchiha Tekka immediately interjected,

"Confidential my ass! The clan leader said to report to the village regardless of victory or defeat. We can't let the heroes who fought and risked their lives on the frontlines feel neglected. I risked my life protecting the peace of the village. If the villagers don't even show gratitude, what's the point of protecting them?" 

Hiruzen Sarutobi's pupils contracted as he looked at Uchiha Tekka with an unpleasant expression. 

Glancing at Shikaku Nara, he finally understood why Uchiha Toki was willing to take on the arduous defense work and divide his internal political power. 

This guy really wanted to control public opinion, to change the Uchiha Clan's reputation in the village! 

This was the tool Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo had used to eliminate dissidents, but now it had become Toki's weapon, and it was being used openly. 

The rumors spread by Danzo were not at the same level as this. 

A political scheme, a bold and open political scheme! 

Hiruzen Sarutobi squinted at Uchiha Tekka, his face revealing a gentle expression once again,

"I see. If that's the case, I have no objections. I was just worried that the enemy might gain intelligence through village rumors. Since Clan Leader Toki is willing to publicize it widely, then I naturally have no objections. I was merely offering a friendly reminder.

Now, it's just one small victory. The real battle is yet to come. With Clan Leader Toki's strength, what if he celebrates too early? Oh, I mean, what if we lose? The previous happy news will become a joke." 

Uchiha Tekka sneered,

" None of your business, retired old geezer. Just retire peacefully and don't wander around causing trouble. You have more time to manage your own urban management team. The complaint box is overflowing, and your captain will likely be replaced when the clan head returns." 

Hiruzen Sarutobi:

"Huh? Is that so? I'll go check on that right away. I won't keep you two company." 

As Hiruzen Sarutobi walked out of the room, his expression darkened. 

He had always used public opinion to build himself up, but now he had been tricked by public opinion twice. 

Once during the Hokage election, and now this sudden extra. 

The Uchiha Clan suddenly became smarter, knowing how to win over the villagers' hearts. 

"Uchiha Toki..." 

Hiruzen Sarutobi took out his pipe and took a few deep breaths.

"Looks like this time I'll have to trouble Danzo..."