บท 98: Chapter 98
"Quite generous, no, should I say it's a significant concession."
Upon exiting the Hokage building, Kaito couldn't help but laugh and shake his head. Today, he had witnessed Sarutobi Hiruzen's massive concessions.
When Sarutobi Hiruzen proposed for all departments to investigate the influence and agents of Danzō within them, it was indeed a concession.
The departments he referred to were all tightly controlled by him, how could Danzō possibly infiltrate them with ease?
The Medical Department, the Mission Department, and the Education Department, these were all crucial departments in the Konoha, as they touch every aspect of a ninja's life.
It is due to these departments, along with the care and cultivation of his own clan during his years as Hokage, that there's a Sarutobi legion in the future.
But now, due to an attack, due to Danzō, Sarutobi Hiruzen had to open the gates, he had to let everyone in.
"However, it seems I underestimated the cunning of those clan leaders and department heads. They certainly struck with ruthlessness."
To truly settle this matter, simply opening up these departments is far from enough.
After all, the matter of Danzō exploded like a bomb. Even if Sarutobi Hiruzen did not directly order it, everyone knows what kind of person Danzō is.
The clan leaders and department heads fiercely snatched power from Sarutobi Hiruzen's hands in the subsequent meetings.
Or to say, they were striking hard against Sarutobi Hiruzen's influence.
For example, some proposed to cleanse their own departments to avoid infiltration by Danzō's people.
This is not for Danzō, this is to kick out those who hold special positions and are loyal to the Third Hokage from their own departments.
The meeting did not last long, it ended in about two hours, but its intensity left Kaito pondering.
Especially Sarutobi Hiruzen's silent acceptance of the defeat, if there were smartphones with cameras in this world, Kaito would really like to record it.
However, Kaito did not participate in any struggle for power. Not that he didn't want to, but he didn't have enough manpower.
The Uchihas...
Those more innocent individuals, even if they acquired those positions, would only drag their feet. Kaito did not want to lose face.
And he had already gained enough benefits, he didn't want to stir up envy for now.
"But it ends here. The next step is to focus on developing my own clan, to increase both the strength of the clan and myself."
Although Kaito did regret that no real hero stepped up to impeach Sarutobi Hiruzen, to see how he would handle it.
But it's not a big deal if it didn't happen. After all, Kaito wasn't planning to kick him out right now.
The most important thing for him now is to focus on the development of his own clan and increasing his own strength, other matters can be put aside for the time being.
"Hm?"
While walking, Kaito suddenly noticed a figure standing ahead, watching him. The man was Nara Shikaku.
"Lord Shikaku, I didn't expect to meet you here."
Though Kaito was curious about why Nara Shikaku was alone and not with his two best friends, he greeted him cordially since they had crossed paths. After all, Kaito owed a favor to the Nara clan, however insignificant it may be.
"Isn't it normal for us to run into each other after a meeting?"
Nara Shikaku said with a smile, though he couldn't help feeling a bit sentimental as he looked at Kaito's young face.
"I never expected such a great change within the Uchiha. Seeing Clan Head Kaito so young, I feel like I'm getting old."
"Minister Shikaku is not old. As for the Uchiha, we have our own circumstances. I believe my youth can bring some different changes to the Uchiha."
Kaito showed a smile, then his expression became serious.
"I must thank you, Lord Shikaku. I just haven't had the chance."
"Thank me? For what? Clan Head Kaito, although you are Yamanaka's classmate and teammate, this is only our second meeting, isn't it?"
Nara Shikaku blinked as if he didn't understand what Kaito was talking about.
Ninjas are natural actors, often playing dead at crucial moments, and even having to impersonate others for some missions. Having been in Konoha's upper management system for so long, Nara Shikaku was an expert at playing dumb. Kaito knew it was best to leave some things unsaid.
"However, Clan Head Kaito did surprise all of us. The performance of the Uchiha clan last night was rather astonishing."
Nara Shikaku did not dwell on the subject, he suddenly smiled at Kaito, then quickly lowered his voice and said,
"And if we're talking about gratitude, it should be us thanking you."
Nara Shikaku's words made Kaito instantly realize that he had been waiting for him here.
As for whether the gratitude was for Kaito taking out Danzō, avenging their 'Ino-Shika-Chō' clans, or for exposing Danzō, allowing them to gain more benefits from Sarutobi Hiruzen, it was a little uncertain.
"Actually, if possible, we wouldn't want to do it like this, but we were driven to a dead end and had to find ways to resist."
Regardless of the reason, Kaito knew what he had to do. He sighed slightly and spoke somewhat helplessly.
"Acting like this within the village will indeed have a significant negative impact, but without sufficient deterrence, how can we protect ourselves?
It's like a raised palm, people will only worry about it truly striking down when they know how much it hurts."
Upon hearing Kaito's words, Nara Shikaku couldn't help but nod in agreement with his viewpoint.
Taking action indeed would have extremely adverse effects, but given the Uchiha's current situation, it would be very hard to protect themselves without doing so.
"Don't overthink it, Clan Head Kaito. You've done well enough."
Nara Shikaku's expression was utterly serious as he spoke quietly to Kaito.
"Few dare to go this far because it requires ample power, ample courage, and sufficient control over the situation.
The Uchiha possess all of these, and you also have the advantage of moral righteousness.
As you said, your 'raised palm' has demonstrated its power.
Naturally, unless in specific circumstances, no one would willingly allow it to come down."
Nara Shikaku's words were very encouraging to Kaito, and they aligned closely with his own thoughts.
If there are no specific circumstances, what about when there are?
Kaito knew that what he had done would certainly incite dissatisfaction in Sarutobi Hiruzen and his interest group.
Although they currently lack the energy and ability, they would surely settle the score with him in the future.
However, when the future comes, it's unclear who will be settling the score with whom!
They remember what Kaito has done, but Kaito is also a cautious man...
//
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