Depending on someone like Danzō to bring prosperity to the clan was a foolish delusion. If anything, the Shimura clan might be dragged down with him and annihilated before they could benefit from his so-called "backfeeding."
Waving his hand, Clan Head Shimura declared:
"That's enough. I'm heading to the Hokage's office. Notify the clan not to panic. This matter will be resolved shortly. Uchiha can't keep causing trouble for us forever."
Though Danzō's attitude had been detestable, he had still provided the Shimura clan with a sense of security—for now.
The Shimura Patriarch believed that with the Third Hokage stepping in, things could be handled smoothly. Surely, Sarutobi Hiruzen would step in and warn Uchiha not to stir trouble again.
What the Shimura Patriarch failed to consider was that the Third Hokage was already entangled in more pressing matters and wouldn't have the time or energy to focus on this small-scale power struggle.
Even if he were to intervene, the best he could do was compel the police department to release those not found guilty. Anyone found in violation of the law would remain detained.
Leaving his estate, the Shimura patriarch rushed toward the Hokage's office.
Meanwhile, within the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage sat deep in thought. The ongoing standoff with the Daimyō's residence weighed heavily on him. He wanted a resolution that wouldn't drain resources or stir chaos, but Jiraiya was proving to be an obstacle.
Jiraiya, who had returned to take Naruto away from Konoha, met fierce resistance from the Hokage. Despite Jiraiya's insistence, the Third Hokage refused to allow Naruto to leave the village under these circumstances.
It was rare to see Jiraiya so obstinate, but once he dug in his heels, even Sarutobi Hiruzen found him difficult to sway.
Just then, a knock at the door broke his train of thought.
"Lord Hokage, Clan Head Shimura requests an audience."
The Hokage frowned. "What does he want now?"
Due to his need for privacy, Sarutobi had previously instructed the ANBU posted outside to screen all visitors carefully.
"Let him in."
Setting aside his worries, the Hokage composed himself and took a deep puff from his pipe as he prepared to face whatever new complaint awaited.
"Lord Hokage," Shimura greeted respectfully after stepping in and closing the door behind him.
The Third Hokage, who was weighed down moments ago, forced a polite smile to his face.
"No need for formality. I asked ANBU to keep guests out for a while because things in the village are rather hectic."
"As expected," Shimura replied with practiced flattery. "Lord Hokage is burdened with the affairs of the village. You deserve time to rest and reflect."
Sarutobi chuckled, the smile on his face brightening. "Still the same smooth talker. If only Danzō were as easy to manage."
"Hehe, Hokage-sama surely jests," Shimura replied, not daring to comment further when it came to Danzō.
After a few more pleasantries, Sarutobi got to the point. "So, Chief Shimura, what brings you here today?"
Time for the real issue.
Shimura immediately dropped his pleasantries and put on an aggrieved expression.
"Lord Hokage, we need your intervention. The Uchiha have gone too far. They've been detaining members of our clan indiscriminately. We've been denied visitation and aren't even told what charges were filed!"
The Third Hokage was momentarily speechless.
That was it?
The patriarch of a major clan had rushed to his office just to complain about a few detentions?
Many clans had members arrested by the Police Department—this was not unusual.
"Only members of the Shimura clan have been detained?"
The fading smile on Sarutobi's face told a different story. He wasn't pleased anymore.
He had expected some significant matter, not a standard village administrative issue. Even a less patient leader might have lashed out at the unnecessary disruption.
"No, Lord Hokage, it's not like that!"
Realizing the misunderstanding, Chief Shimura anxiously explained:
"Since this morning, the Uchiha Police Department has been targeting us. Numerous clan members have been detained on bizarre accusations. Some were arrested simply for questioning authority or arguing. They even assaulted one of our members on the street! Over a dozen people taken in just today!"
"That's blatant persecution!"
Even if there were reasons to arrest one or two, this was systematic. Clearly, Uchiha was using their power to suppress them.
What the hell were the Uchiha planning?
They had promised to act peacefully just yesterday, yet today they seemed more aggressive than ever.
Wait...
Was it because of what happened yesterday?
The Third Hokage quickly connected the dots.
Considering how dangerous Danzō's involvement was, it wasn't unreasonable for the Uchiha to lash out in other ways. They couldn't openly go after Danzō, so instead, they targeted the Shimura clan.
After all, Danzō was one of them.
Seeing the bigger picture now, Sarutobi took a deep breath and offered a placating tone:
"Return to your estate and await word. I'll summon Uchiha Fugaku to provide an explanation personally. This matter will be resolved soon."
Although Sarutobi usually avoided getting involved in minor disputes, the Uchiha had gone too far. If he didn't intervene now, other clans—like Mitokado, Koharu, or even his own Sarutobi—might be next.
"Yes, thank you, Lord Hokage!"
Relieved, Chief Shimura bowed and left the office in high spirits.
"Summon Uchiha Fugaku."
"Yes, Lord Hokage."
ANBU moved swiftly to deliver the summons.
Fugaku had already been briefed about the arrests, but since no team leaders had raised concerns, he had assumed it was just routine policing.
Inside the Third Unit's lounge, several Police captains had assembled.
One of the senior captains, Yan, looked slightly uneasy.
"Yan, we've arrested quite a few already. What should we do next? Proceed with convictions?"
The Police Department had authority to detain and prosecute minor crimes, submit reports, and transfer convicts to proper detention. However, sloppy work could result in political backlash if the Hokage's office decided to investigate later.
"Convictions? Based on what?" Yan asked calmly, the corners of his mouth lifting in a sly smile. "Did you all forget the department's legal protocols?"
"Yan! This isn't the time for jokes!" one of the other captains snapped.
"Yeah, we're waiting for a plan here. The detainees can't be held forever without a decision."
"It's fine to detain someone temporarily for questioning, but convicting them without proper evidence could backfire," another said anxiously.
Yan's expression turned serious as he stood up.
"I'm not joking. Listen carefully."
He banged the table sharply, drawing everyone's attention.
"We're doing this step by step. Those without evidence or confirmed charges will be released. Simple as that."
"What?! Then what was the point of detaining them in the first place?"
"If we let them go now, we'll look like fools!"
"No."
Yan's tone hardened as he took control of the room.
"We detained them to apply pressure. Not to convict everyone all at once. This isn't about throwing every Shimura member into prison—this is psychological warfare."
He continued coldly:
"If someone's guilty, follow standard procedure. Interrogate, confirm evidence, then sentence."
"But if there's no evidence or no formal charge, release them."
"Because if we jump the gun now, the Hokage's office will have reason to shut this down entirely."
"And I'm sure the Shimura have already reported to Hokage-sama. But they can't claim persecution if we're following protocol."
Yan smirked and folded his arms.
"We hold the upper hand. We release today, detain again tomorrow. They'll always be on edge. That's the strategy."
He looked around and added:
"Also, remember to file a report for every release and send it to the Patriarch. If the Shimura file complaints, Fugaku will need to be armed with official documentation so he's not blindsided."
Play it smart, Yan thought. No need for reckless aggression—just consistent pressure. Keep them guessing.