Chapter 43

"If I had the terrifying chakra reserves of the Uzumaki clan, I might have developed it long ago."

The Multiple Shadow Clone Technique is a great tool for developing ninjutsu, but Kisaragi's chakra reserves weren't nearly as vast. Although Kisaragi used shadow clones to assist in his development, the number he could create was too small.

"Kisaragi, aren't you going to the Konoha Police Force today?" Uchiha Mikoto asked him.

It was almost noon, yet Kisaragi was still training in the Uchiha clan's training grounds.

"There's no need. I trust they'll manage just fine. If I have to handle everything myself, I'd be worn out."

He had already become a hands-off leader. Unless Uchiha Shin and the others couldn't handle a situation, Kisaragi wouldn't get involved. That's what he trained his subordinates for—to help share the load.

Kisaragi wasn't the type of person who needed to control every bit of power directly. He believed in strength, and having strength meant having control.

"Mikoto, I want you to help me with the affairs of the Uchiha clan."

"Me? I can't do that," Mikoto immediately shook her head.

"Why not? Don't underestimate yourself—you can do it."

Kisaragi wanted to fully step back from managing the clan, and he needed someone he trusted most to handle things. Previously, he trusted Uchiha Shin and Uchiha Jin, but now, Uchiha Mikoto was also one of Kisaragi's most trusted individuals.

Kisaragi knew Mikoto's character well. After marrying her, he was confident she would never betray him. As the clan leader, there weren't many critical matters to handle, and the clan wouldn't disturb the leader unless necessary.

Kisaragi insisted, and Mikoto couldn't refuse, so she reluctantly agreed. Even though she would seek Kisaragi's opinion on matters, she still took on the responsibility.

With Mikoto managing the clan, Kisaragi had fully become a hands-off leader. However, he wasn't idle—his primary focus remained on improving his strength. For him, nothing was more important than power. Becoming the Uchiha patriarch and leading the clan was merely a means to an end, making it easier to accumulate evil points and strengthen himself. His goal was always clear.

In the evening, after Uchiha Shin returned from the Konoha Police Force, he reported the day's events to Kisaragi as usual.

Today, the Police Force had done quite a bit, shutting down stores owned by various families on flimsy grounds. In particular, Uchiha Shin had found an excuse to raid the Shimura clan's casino and shut it down.

Kisaragi already knew about this without Shin's report, as he had gained a considerable amount of evil points. Though each incident earned him a small number of points, the more incidents like this, the more the points accumulated.

"Patriarch, there's some news you might find interesting—it's about Hatake Sakumo."

"Ever since Hatake Sakumo failed his mission to save his teammates, some people have been stirring up gossip among the villagers. Even the very people he rescued have started accusing him. He hasn't left his house for days now," Uchiha Shin reported, a hint of schadenfreude in his voice.

Hatake Sakumo was a high-ranking Konoha official, the head of the Anbu, and had considerable status. Given the strained relationship between the Uchiha and Konoha's leadership, Shin was pleased to see Hatake Sakumo in trouble.

"I'm not interested in Hatake Sakumo," Kisaragi replied. He knew that Hatake Sakumo would die soon—he would take his own life. Sakumo's death would be beneficial for Kisaragi's plans. With the idea of provoking the Third Ninja War, Hatake Sakumo's death would make other villages less fearful of Konoha.

Konoha's White Fang had a solid reputation across the ninja world, and his death would diminish Konoha's deterrence.

"How about Uchiha Ryu? Has he made a move yet?"

Kisaragi had poisoned Uchiha Ryu and sent someone to monitor him.

"Not yet," Shin shook his head.

"Within three days, if he doesn't act against Sarutobi Shinnosuke, I'll personally take his head off."

Shin despised traitors. If Kisaragi hadn't stopped him, he would have killed Uchiha Ryu already.

"If he doesn't make a move in three days, there won't be any need to execute him."

The poison Kisaragi gave Uchiha Ryu would only last for three days, and after that, he would die anyway. Even if he completed his mission, Kisaragi never intended to let Uchiha Ryu live.

"Keep a close eye on Uchiha Fugaku and his group. If any of his men leave the village, eliminate them immediately."

Disloyal clan members didn't deserve to exist. Since they had chosen Uchiha Fugaku, they would pay the price.

"Also, monitor the Root organization more closely."

Kisaragi had already killed a spy Danzo had sent over. Knowing Danzo's character, Kisaragi was certain the man wouldn't let this matter go. It was prudent to keep a close watch on him.

After giving his instructions, Kisaragi dismissed Shin.

"Mikoto, how about inviting your best friend, Uzumaki Kushina, over tomorrow?" Kisaragi asked suddenly.

Mikoto, who had been preparing refreshments, froze. She knew full well that Kisaragi had ill intentions toward Kushina. If he wanted her to invite Kushina over, it was undoubtedly for something sinister.

"Can I refuse?" Mikoto asked softly.

"Of course."

Mikoto was surprised by Kisaragi's calm response. He simply nodded, as if he wasn't bothered at all. His indifference made Mikoto hesitate. Was he dissatisfied with her refusal? She didn't want to harm Kushina, but she also didn't want to displease Kisaragi.

After a long internal struggle, Mikoto sighed and silently apologized to Kushina in her heart.

"Sorry, Kushina."

"I'll invite Kushina over as a guest," Mikoto finally agreed.

Hearing her response, Kisaragi, who had been wearing an indifferent expression, smiled. Between him and Kushina, Mikoto had ultimately chosen him.