Chapter 62: Negotiation
Due to the curfew in the village, Uchiha Douhuan made his way to the Hokage Building without any interruptions, only passing by a few patrol members dragging severely beaten rioters back to the Police Force headquarters. When the officers saw him, they greeted him with enthusiasm. Douhuan smiled and waved back, reminding them to hurry back and finish up their tasks so they could receive their bonuses and new jutsu scrolls before heading home.
Hearing that, the patrol members became even more spirited, shouting "Loyalty!" as they gave the nearly unconscious rioters a few extra kicks before moving on.
When Douhuan arrived at the Hokage Building, he ran into Kakashi just as he was entering. The two exchanged a knowing smile and walked in together. After a brief announcement of their arrival, they pushed open the door to the Hokage's office.
Before the Hokage could speak, Koharu Utatane immediately lashed out, "Uchiha Douhuan! What was the meaning of tonight's Police Force actions? Are you trying to—"
Before she could finish, Douhuan's Mangekyō Sharingan activated, and his Chakra and ocular power surged, filling the office with an oppressive atmosphere. A dark skeletal arm marked with blue runes materialized from his Susanoo, casually picking up two chairs from the corner and placing them in front of the desk. Douhuan sat down nonchalantly and gestured for Kakashi to do the same.
Kakashi, smiling faintly, adjusted his clothes and took his seat as well.
Seeing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze turned serious. He instantly recognized the technique—Susanoo, the ultimate manifestation of the Mangekyō Sharingan. The last time he saw such power was in his youth, when Madara Uchiha unleashed it on the battlefield. Though Douhuan's version was far from that legendary might, it was clear that he wasn't using his full strength either.
What was even more concerning was seeing Kakashi sitting calmly beside Douhuan, openly indicating their alliance. Sarutobi couldn't help but cast a resentful glance at Koharu and Homura—these two fools had practically pushed Kakashi into Uchiha's arms.
Having witnessed the confrontation between the Fourth Hokage's former subordinates and the Jonin platoon through his crystal ball, Hiruzen knew that Kakashi was now rallying the remnants of Minato's loyalists behind him. Meanwhile, Douhuan had subtly but effectively consolidated his influence within the village. Sarutobi understood that the initiative had already slipped from his hands.
"Advisor Koharu," Douhuan leaned back in his seat, his tone light but mocking, "words spoken can't be taken back. Be careful what you say."
"You...!" Koharu's face flushed with anger, but Sarutobi's loud bang on the table silenced her.
Hiruzen spoke with a forced smile, "Douhuan, I have already understood the situation. You did well tonight. Maintaining the village's stability is the responsibility of the Police Force. This matter must be dealt with seriously."
"Hiruzen!" Homura Mitokado cried out, clearly displeased.
Hiruzen interrupted, "It's late, and you two are getting on in years. Someone come and escort the two advisors home."
He understood very well that before formally negotiating with Douhuan, the first order of business was to remove these two fools. They had no grasp of the gravity of the situation, still treating the Uchiha as if they were powerless to stage a rebellion. In reality, with Douhuan's current influence and power, any reckless provocation could be catastrophic.
"Actually, there's no need to hurry them off," Douhuan said with a relaxed smile. "Since the two advisors care so much about village affairs, they might as well stay and listen. What I'm about to say is closely related to them."
"What do you mean?" Koharu asked, her voice tense.
Before Douhuan could respond, a loud explosion echoed from the southern part of the Hokage Building.
Both advisors and Sarutobi's faces changed drastically. Sarutobi immediately recognized the direction—it was where the Koharu and Homura clan estates were located.
"What did you do?!" Homura demanded, gritting his teeth.
"Oh, nothing much," Douhuan replied nonchalantly. "Just sending people to arrest those involved in colluding with the rogue ninja Orochimaru—those who murdered fellow villagers, spread malicious rumors, and tarnished the honor of the village's heroes."
Smiling, Douhuan added, "Coincidentally, the suspects happen to belong to the clans of the two advisors and the late Shimura Danzō."
"Just arrests, right?" Sarutobi lit his pipe, his eyes scrutinizing Douhuan.
"Of course," Douhuan replied calmly. "Leading the operation is Shisui Uchiha—surely you can trust someone from your own Anbu."
Sarutobi nodded, injecting chakra into his crystal ball to activate his Telescope Jutsu. Soon, the image of the Uchiha clan's green Susanoo appeared, towering over the battlefield as a multitude of hostile shinobi launched jutsus at it. Despite the relentless attacks, the colossal figure remained unmoved. A mere flick of its hand sent dozens of attackers sprawling to the ground.
"That's..." Koharu and Homura were visibly shaken, their faces pale.
Douhuan smirked, not missing the opportunity to enlighten them,
"That is the ultimate power of the Uchiha clan—Susanoo. You might want to think about how to explain yourselves to the Hokage. The interrogation of the rioters has revealed that the rumors were incited under your orders."
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