Chapter 72: Internal Strife and External Threats
Just as Yusuke expected, the Third Hokage readily agreed to the first two demands.
"As expected of you, Lord Third—you are indeed a man of great understanding and fairness. I respect that," Yusuke said with a slight nod. "However… those two points alone are not enough to appease the Uchiha clan."
The Third's expression darkened, his brows drawing together.
"Then go on. Let's hear the rest."
"Third—our losses tonight were severe. The Police Force is short-handed and unable to maintain full functionality. We must be allowed to recruit non-Uchiha shinobi from the village to restore proper operations."
The Police Force, long held as the exclusive domain of the Uchiha, had always been a source of tension in the village. Their isolation and exclusivity alienated them from the rest of Konoha's factions, leaving the clan politically vulnerable and friendless.
By opening recruitment to the rest of the village, Yusuke hoped to attract unaffiliated shinobi and build new alliances. It was a way to re-integrate the Uchiha into village politics—through cooperation, not opposition.
Of course, this came with risks: the police force would no longer be purely Uchiha-controlled. Inevitably, spies or saboteurs might slip through.
But Yusuke had anticipated this. He and Itachi would personally screen all new recruits through genjutsu-based interrogations. Anyone with ill intent would have nowhere to hide.
When Yusuke presented his third demand, Hiruzen's frown deepened.
A master of politics himself, the Hokage quickly saw the bigger picture—and for a moment, he silently revised his evaluation of Yusuke.
"I thought he was just a powerful young shinobi… but he may be even more troublesome than Fugaku ever was."
And then Yusuke dropped his final demand—one that instantly made Hiruzen stiffen in disbelief.
"Fourth… the Uchiha clan requires a seat on the Hokage Advisory Council."
The Third shot to his feet, stunned.
"What?! Absolutely not. The position of Hokage Advisor carries great weight and responsibility. Only those with exceptional wisdom and a lifetime of service can qualify."
It was a diplomatic way of saying: No one in the Uchiha clan is worthy of such a post.
Yusuke gave a sharp, derisive laugh.
"So let me get this straight. The Uchiha, co-founders of this village alongside the Senju, aren't even worthy of a single advisory position? That, Lord Hokage, is the real absurdity."
"It's because we've had no voice at the highest levels that people like Danzo were able to operate in the shadows—plotting against us unchecked, treating our clan like enemies within our own village!"
Though he spoke of Danzo, the implication was clear—Hiruzen himself bore some of the blame. And the Third knew it.
With a slam of his palm on the desk, Hiruzen's anger finally broke through.
"Uchiha Yusuke! Do not forget your place! Are you threatening the Hokage?!"
Yusuke met the outburst without flinching.
"Lord Third, this demand is non-negotiable."
"And no—I'm not threatening you…"
As he spoke, Yusuke's Sharingan activated with a flash. Beside him, Itachi's eyes turned crimson as well. A wave of invisible pressure radiated from Yusuke—a suffocating force that made the very air grow heavy.
"This," he said calmly, "is a warning."
As the immense pressure radiated from Yusuke—nearly tangible in its intensity—and both Sharingan patterns glowed menacingly before him, Hiruzen fell silent.
Itachi's eyes were unmistakably Mangekyō Sharingan, and as for Yusuke's flame-like golden-red tomoe—Hiruzen had never seen such a variant before. He mistakenly assumed it was simply another form of the Mangekyō.
Thanks to his deep trust in Shisui, Hiruzen was actually more familiar with the Mangekyō Sharingan than most members of the Uchiha clan themselves. And he understood well just how strange—and terrifying—its powers could be.
Now, with two Mangekyō locked onto him, paired with Yusuke's overwhelming spiritual pressure, the Third could feel his breath catch—an oppressive weight settling over him.
Yusuke, watching the deeply furrowed brows of the Hokage, smirked coldly to himself.
"He's probably weighing the cost of using the village's military might to subdue the Uchiha…"
But Yusuke was certain: a cautious man like Hiruzen would never risk total confrontation. Sooner or later, he would fold.
And sure enough, moments later, Hiruzen gave a long sigh and spoke.
"Truth be told, I have considered this before… The Uchiha clan does deserve a place among the Hokage's advisors."
"However, the choice of Hokage Advisor is no small matter. Not even I can make the final decision—I can only recommend candidates."
"Whether the position is granted or not depends on the Daimyō's approval."
Yusuke replied coolly, "As long as you are willing to nominate me, Lord Third, whether it succeeds or not, we'll consider the condition fulfilled."
Seeing the unreadable calm on Yusuke's face, Hiruzen couldn't quite tell what the young man was planning next. But he had already been pushed into a corner—there was no way to retreat now.
"Then… who does the Uchiha clan wish to put forward as their nominee?"
"Naturally—me. Uchiha Yusuke."
—
After leaving the Hokage's office, Itachi couldn't help but speak with admiration in his voice.
"I didn't expect you to gain so much for the clan through this negotiation, Sensei."
Yusuke's voice was quiet, but firm.
"An enemy is like a spring. If you're strong, they weaken. But if you show weakness, they push harder."
That said, Yusuke's aggressive approach had been calculated. He had chosen it because of who he was dealing with.
Had Hiruzen been anything like the current Fourth Raikage—headstrong and stubborn—Yusuke would have had no choice but to take the Uchiha and leave Konoha altogether, even if it pained him.
The Raikage was the kind of man who would charge ahead even knowing it would lead to mutual destruction.
Itachi nodded in agreement, then asked, "But even if the Third nominates you… how do you plan to get the Daimyō's approval?"
Yusuke smiled.
"Don't worry—I have my ways."
"Besides… a mere advisory role? That's not my true goal."
"Even with Danzo gone, Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane still control the council alongside the Third. Even as an advisor, I'd have little real influence."
Itachi frowned in concern. "Then what exactly are you planning, Sensei?"
Yusuke's lips curled into a faint smile. "You'll see soon enough."
With the external threat temporarily quelled, Yusuke had taken the first step in securing the clan's future.
"Now… it's time to deal with the internal threats."
A chilling gleam flickered in his eyes as the thought passed through his mind.