Seeing the reports submitted by the various patrol units, Fugaku fell into a long silence. A heavy weight pressed on his shoulders—he felt like he was being positioned as the next scapegoat.
"Clan Head Fugaku, Hokage-sama requests your presence."
Before Fugaku could finish organizing his thoughts, members of the Anbu appeared silently at his door.
Without a word, he carefully put away the documents on his desk and followed the masked Anbu ninja toward the Hokage's office.
When he arrived, the Third Hokage didn't bother with pleasantries.
"Fugaku, I've heard your police department apprehended a number of individuals from the Shimura clan today?"
"Yes, Hokage-sama," Fugaku replied calmly, his expression steady.
"Whether or not it was my personal intention, I only became aware of the arrests after reviewing the patrol reports. However, before I arrived here, the majority of those individuals had already been released. Only those whose crimes are legally confirmed remain in custody, pending formal procedures and trial."
"If you believe their detention is inappropriate, Hokage-sama, I can return immediately and order the remaining suspects released."
"Already released?" Hiruzen paused, his brow furrowing slightly.
"Well... it's good they've been let go. While it's a matter of public order, detaining people without substantial evidence could spark backlash. It would tarnish the image of the police department," he said, stroking his pipe. "As for those with confirmed charges, proceed as necessary through formal channels."
That was the authority of the police force, and the Hokage had no need to interfere directly unless absolutely necessary. Overreach would invite criticism, particularly now, when the village could ill afford public discontent.
If the charges were legitimate and the case files documented appropriately, everything would be clear upon review. Demanding a public release would only make things worse. The Third Hokage wasn't going to baby the Shimura clan.
"Fugaku, the village's top priority right now is regaining the daimyo's trust and investigating the assassination attempt. I trust you understand the importance of stability during such a time?"
The words, though calm, carried warning undertones.
"I understand, Hokage-sama. Please rest assured—you can trust the Uchiha."
After reaffirming his loyalty, Fugaku returned to the police department as if nothing had happened, which greatly relieved many of the squad captains. They had feared severe reprimands.
Inwardly, many gave a silent thumbs-up to Yan. Their trust in his insight grew. Yan had said everything would be fine, and sure enough, there were no repercussions. The patriarch hadn't even shown a hint of blame. On the contrary, he acted like it was all part of the plan.
Though several Shimura clan members were returned home, the clan leader of Shimura wasn't the least bit satisfied.
The individuals facing formal charges—especially the two jonin who had publicly assaulted a police captain—were still in custody.
Given that the incident had occurred in broad daylight with numerous witnesses, the charges were indisputable. Unless the police relented, those two jonin would undoubtedly spend time in Konoha's prison.
---
Chapter 58 – Strategies Are Not Clever, but They Are Effective
"Clan Head, the Uchiha are crossing the line! This is a targeted attack!"
"That so-called 'charge' is nothing but slander!"
Regardless of whether it was the Uchiha or the Shimura, clan meetings rarely lacked heated disputes.
Even the Hyuga clan, with its notorious and rigid internal hierarchy, wasn't immune to elders arguing incessantly during family meetings.
"Enough! You're all embarrassing yourselves!"
The head of the Shimura clan slammed his palm down on the table, silencing the uproar.
"I've already paid a formal visit to the Hokage. Now we wait for his decision. I trust Hokage-sama will act justly on our behalf."
A temporary hush settled over the room.
Many nodded in agreement, placing their hope in the Third Hokage.
"I'm not doubting the Hokage or the clan head," one elder interjected, "but Uchiha's actions are retaliation. If they're determined to bring us down, how can we stop them? They can arrest, release, and then arrest again at will. What's stopping them from doing it tomorrow?"
This wasn't some sophisticated conspiracy. Yan's tactics were direct: keep applying pressure to the Shimura clan until they cracked.
Anyone who calmly assessed the situation could see through the maneuvering.
But even if you saw through it—what could you do?
The Uchiha held law enforcement power. The Shimura could only endure it.
Repeated arrests, even without convictions, could demoralize and discredit. It wasn't just harassment—it was psychological warfare.
Those who understood might see the truth. But those who didn't?
They would begin to speculate. Why does Uchiha keep arresting people from Shimura? Something shady must be going on.
Even if innocent, the Shimura clan's name was being tarnished.
Building a good reputation took generations. Destroying it took days.
"They wouldn't dare! If it comes to that, we'll bring our case to the Hokage. I refuse to believe Uchiha would go to war with us!"
"We can strike back! Let them come! We'll show them we aren't weak!"
The meeting dissolved into shouting again.
The Shimura clan head felt his gray hairs increase. He couldn't let things spiral into open conflict.
The Uchiha could afford this kind of prolonged attrition. They didn't care if they got bad press—they were already considered a dark, militant clan by many.
The Shimura, however, had a carefully curated reputation and political ties to protect.
Besides, how could they retaliate? Most Uchiha were either part of the police force, occupied with family business, or serving in standard ninja squads.
You couldn't retaliate if you didn't know where to strike.
He prayed things wouldn't escalate further.
He also prayed that Hiruzen would intervene and rein in the Uchiha—or better yet, eliminate them as a threat altogether.
But Fugaku showed no signs of stopping.
The moment he turned a blind eye, the squad leaders beneath him felt empowered.
The entire police department now treated the Shimura as a surveillance target.
Shimura members were regularly detained without cause, held for a day, then released.
Then picked up again the next day.
It was maddening.
The situation at home deteriorated. Internal discord grew, but the Shimura's leader still waited in vain for Hiruzen to step in.
Instead, another chain reaction began.
The repeated arrests caused unrest. Villagers began to whisper: What's going on with the Shimura clan?
Once those seeds of suspicion took root, they were nearly impossible to remove.
And right now, the Shimura clan lacked the strength or influence to counteract the growing stigma.
Not until Danzo regained his position and influence could the Shimura hope to rehabilitate their image.
Meanwhile, the Third Hokage continued working on another front—persuading Jiraiya.
Eventually, their long and painful discussion bore fruit.
The standoff between teacher and student ended in a fragile compromise.
"I'll help the village find Tsunade," Jiraiya finally agreed, "but I'm not taking Naruto with me. And I can't promise she'll return."
He paused, then added, "Old man... the past is the past, but Naruto is innocent. The village owes it to him to clear his name. I don't want to see him slandered again for things beyond his control."
"Jiraiya... once people form certain impressions, it's hard to change their minds," Hiruzen replied gravely. "Naruto's caused his share of trouble, and Danzo's manipulations only made things worse..."
The request wasn't unreasonable, but it wasn't simple either.
The pit Danzo dug—smearing Naruto's name and manipulating public perception—couldn't be filled overnight.
A single announcement from the Hokage wouldn't suffice.
Unless they revealed Naruto's true heritage, the village would continue to see him as a menace, not a hero.
If the truth came out—that Naruto was the Fourth Hokage's son—maybe the villagers would reconsider.
But that was information the Hokage's office could not disclose.
"It's not impossible," Jiraiya said quietly. "We just have to try."
He understood the limitations.
Naruto had been reckless, and the hatred rooted in the village would not vanish easily.
"All I ask is that we try."
He didn't expect miracles—but he would make sure Naruto had a chance.