Chapter 35

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"Victory!"

"Great, big... Victory?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at the member of the Anbu with a puzzled expression, a black question mark practically hovering over his head.

The Anbu member, brimming with admiration, excitedly reported, "The Uchiha Patriarch led his forces to annihilate a trap brigade of fifty men. All kumo elites, including a Jōnin Druid, were killed!"

Danzo, Koharu, and Mitokado Homura all turned to look at Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Sarutobi coughed twice, trying to maintain composure. "That's great, but it's just one squad. Let's not spread it too much, just in case..."

But soon enough, the news was out: "Uchiha Patriarch Toki led the Defense Department to a major victory! 50 enemy troops were annihilated, including 1 Jōnin!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen: "???"

The most powerful thing about Sarutobi Hiruzen had always been his political maneuvering, but it was also his greatest failure. His over-reliance on the "Will of Fire" led him to control the Anbu through a kind of cult-like loyalty, not through ruthless training. His goal had been to establish an organization loyal to the Hokage, ensuring that the Sarutobi clan could always influence the Anbu, regardless of who held the Hokage title.

However, this meant that even in front of the Anbu, he had to maintain his image as the righteous heir to the "Will of Fire." If this image collapsed, it could cause dissent within the ranks.

For example, right now, despite feeling enraged and wanting to vomit blood, Sarutobi had to appear as though he was celebrating the village's victory. His original plan had been to send the Anbu to Nara Shikaku to suppress the news of the victory, but somehow the word had already spread far and wide!

"I'll head to the Hokage Building... the Village Chief's Office!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen stormed into Nara Shikaku's office, his face darkened by frustration. But as soon as he stepped inside, he heard a sarcastic voice:

"Oh~ Isn't this the Sarutobi patriarch? Shouldn't you be retired in your clan lands instead of stirring up trouble? I hear your City Management Brigade is becoming quite infamous."

Sarutobi glanced over at Uchiha Setsuna, one of the Uchiha still in the village, and frowned.

"What are you doing here?" Sarutobi asked.

Uchiha Setsuna smirked. "Whatever you're here for, I'm here for it too."

Sarutobi's expression soured. He resisted the urge to strangle the arrogant Uchiha.

Turning to Nara Shikaku, Sarutobi asked sternly, "How could you allow such important military information to spread so carelessly?"

Before Nara Shikaku could respond, Uchiha Setsuna butted in, shouting, "The patriarch said, whether we win or lose, we report to the village immediately. We can't let the heroes who fight on the frontlines feel neglected! We fought hard to protect the peace of the village, and if the villagers don't even know to be grateful, what's the point of protecting them?"

Sarutobi's eyes narrowed as he looked at Uchiha Setsuna, his face twisting with discomfort. His gaze shifted back to Nara Shikaku, and suddenly, he understood Uchiha Toki's true intentions. The Uchiha patriarch wasn't just looking to win battles—he was aiming to control public opinion, to reshape how the Uchiha clan was viewed by the village.

This was the very weapon Sarutobi and Danzo had used for years to eliminate their political enemies—now being wielded openly by Uchiha Toki.

Danzo's clandestine rumors weren't even in the same league. This was a bold, transparent strategy.

Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes glinted as he regarded Uchiha Setsuna.

But then, with a kind smile, he said, "I see. Well, if that's the case, I have no objections. I was merely concerned that rumors in the village might give our enemies an advantage. If Patriarch Toki feels it's worth publicizing, I won't oppose it. I was simply offering a word of caution."

"But keep in mind," Sarutobi continued, "this was just a small squad that was defeated. The real army is still on its way. With Patriarch Toki's strength, I hope this isn't a case of celebrating too soon. If the tides turn, wouldn't the earlier news become a joke?"

Uchiha Setsuna sneered. "You, a retired old man, should focus on retirement instead of poking your nose into the Ministry of Defense. With all the complaints piling up against your City Management Brigade, you should worry about your own department. When our patriarch returns, your captain might be forced to step down."

Sarutobi Hiruzen: "Huh, is that so? Well then, I'll be going now. I won't keep the two of you."

As Sarutobi left, his face became dark and grim. His greatest tool—public opinion—had been turned against him twice now. First during the Hokage election, and now, with this sudden triumph. The Uchiha clan had gotten smarter—they knew how to sway the villagers to their side.

"Uchiha Toki..." Sarutobi muttered under his breath. He took out his tobacco pipe and took a deep drag. "It seems I'll have to rely on Danzo's troublemaking again this time..."

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