In Naruto's Office.
The Konoha Elder Advisory Council had gathered, including Danzo Shimura.
Koharu Utatane and Mitomo Yamanaka's faces darkened one after another as they turned toward the discussion. Of course, the darkest shade belonged to Danzo, sitting nearby.
It was human nature: Danzo thought his plan was flawless. He believed he was about to claim Uchiha Fenghuo as a valuable asset, embracing him like a prized tool—only to be thwarted by the stubborn Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, who, in Danzo's eyes, was a self-sabotaging old man bringing ruin upon himself and others. No wonder Danzo's mood was foul.
"I absolutely oppose this!" Zhuan Zhu Xiaochun's voice cracked with anger. "Letting two Uchiha clan members join the ANBU—what are you thinking?!"
"Since the Battle of the Valley of the End, the Uchiha clan's resentment has only deepened. They've clashed repeatedly with the Senju, even scheming for Naruto's position as Hokage. Our predecessors established the police force precisely to keep a lid on their ambitions, assigning Uchiha members only to internal police roles to pacify their unrest. After all these years, have you forgotten that, Hiruzen?" Mitomo Yamanaka's tone was earnest and serious.
"Now, if you let two Uchiha join the ANBU, what happens if there's a breach? Secret ANBU information could leak. Have you considered the damage?"
Danzo couldn't hold back. "Hiruzen, you've completely overlooked the big picture. As Hokage, you must prioritize the village's overall safety!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi took a slow drag from his kiseru pipe and fixed Danzo with a steely glare. "Wasn't this your idea in the first place, Danzo?"
"What?" Koharu and Mitomo stared daggers at Danzo, confused and outraged.
The old man's face reddened slightly, but he replied calmly, "Hiruzen, I merely offer advice. The final decision rests with you."
Shameless!
If Hiruzen were thirty years younger, he swore he'd have given Danzo a good thrashing right then and there.
"No matter what, we must never allow Uchiha clan members into the ANBU!" Zhuan Zhu Xiaochun insisted. "Especially Uchiha Fenghuo. He may seem gentle, but his heart is ruthless, and his talent is extraordinary. His Sharingan has evolved to the Mangekyo Sharingan—he reminds me of his ancestor."
Uchiha Madara? Impossible!
Hiruzen glanced at Danzo and quietly thought: Fenghuo evolved his Mangekyo Sharingan at fifteen. How old is Fenghuo now? His potential as a wielder of the Will of Fire was undeniable. If trained properly in the ANBU for two years, he could become a pillar of Konoha's future.
As for Uchiha Tianquan, Hiruzen believed the ANBU's sealing techniques could secure his loyalty and silence. The ANBU torture division specialized in such matters.
"Danzo, Koharu, Mitomo," Hiruzen said firmly, "I have made my decision. This discussion is over."
"Third Hokage!" Zhuan Zhu Xiaochun hissed, anger deepening the lines around her eyes.
Inside Danzo, six streams of chakra coiled and surged as his internal organs hummed with tension. After observing Fenghuo's performance in the Forest of Death, Danzo had thought he could easily control this genius. Yet Hiruzen had decisively crushed his scheme by risking the entire ANBU for Fenghuo's future.
This was illogical—unscientific.
Danzo's face darkened. Without Fenghuo, Danzo would never get his way. For the stability, unity, and prosperity of Konoha, geniuses from the Uchiha clan must never be allowed to rise.
At the Konoha Police Force Office.
Uchiha Yamano looked at his son, frowning deeply.
"Father, what must I do to join the ANBU this time?" Uchiha Fenghuo's eyes gleamed with eagerness, restless and impatient.
"Tianquan, no matter what your ambitions are, you must absolutely not do this!" Uchiha Yamano warned firmly. The Uchiha clan had not yet fully recovered from their last crisis. Gaining ANBU secrets would only provoke the Third Hokage to suppress the Uchiha further. The risks far outweighed any potential gains.
"But Father, this chance only comes once in a lifetime! If we don't take it now, when?" Fenghuo argued stubbornly, convinced his actions would benefit the clan.
A fierce quarrel broke out between father and son before they parted in frustration.
"This kid makes me worry more and more," Uchiha Yamano muttered, slapping the table.
Beside him stood a young ninja—Uchiha Fugaku.
"Fugaku, you've seen Tianquan's reckless nature, right? He's brave, but too impulsive. Uchiha's future depends on you."
"Master Yamano, you're too harsh!" Fugaku said nervously.
"Danzo's hostility toward our clan is obvious. There can only be one voice leading the Uchiha's future. You understand me, right?" Yamano spoke in a low tone. "My father and I have high hopes for you."
What did this mean?
Was he being chosen as the next clan head—and the captain of the Konoha Police Force?
Fugaku was stunned.
"By the way, how are things with Mikoto?"
"Huh? Oh, that's fine…" Fugaku hesitated, caught off guard by the sudden topic change.
"If it suits you, marry her soon and have children quickly!" Uchiha Yamano ordered. "A clan patriarch without heirs is a disaster."
"But Master Yamano…" Fugaku faltered.
"Don't worry. Even if my father retires, he'll remain an elder and support you."
"I understand! I will marry Mikoto as soon as possible," Fugaku said without hesitation.
"Treat her well after marriage," Yamano smiled.
"Of course—I care for her deeply." Fugaku smiled happily.
At a Barbecue Restaurant.
"Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
Friends reunited—Obito, Kai (Might Guy), Kurenai Yuhi, Lin, Fenghuo, and… Kakashi.
"Kakashi, you're such a loner now! Won't you ever go out with anyone after graduation?" Lin gushed, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
Obito sat beside her, heart aching as he watched Lin's blush, his teeth clenched tight in jealousy.
"Oh, really? Sorry about that." Kakashi shrugged casually, his cool demeanor unmistakable.
"So, Fenghuo, are you and Kakashi joining the ANBU together?" Kurenai asked eagerly. "I want to join too!"
Fenghuo gulped nervously, still shaken. He had once feared becoming Danzo's pawn, but now the Third Hokage had made the final call.
Honestly, Fenghuo felt grateful.
"But I'm even happier you and Kakashi didn't fight. I was worried." Kurenai's eyes shone with innocent kindness, like a caring housekeeper.
Hearing that, Fenghuo and Kakashi exchanged a glance—understanding and mutual respect passing silently between them.