The destruction of Uzushiogakure was clearly due to the Third Hokage's negligence. As a small island off the eastern coast of the Land of Fire, the Land of Whirlpools held a key geographical position in resisting the Land of Water.
When Konoha was caught in the turmoil of the Second Great Shinobi War, Uzushiogakure was suddenly destroyed by shinobi of unknown origin.
This was undoubtedly a premeditated attack. No wandering ninja could have executed such a devastating assault.
Fortunately, Uchiha Naraku rescued many members of the Uzumaki clan, preventing them from being erased from history.
Now in the 38th year of the Third Hokage's reign, Hiruzen Sarutobi, in his early forties, was entering middle age—his energy waning but still radiating the aura of a legendary shinobi.
An Anbu operative entered through the office window and whispered something into the Hokage's ear.
Sarutobi blew a smoke ring from his pipe and nodded slowly.
Moments later, the office door opened, and Uchiha Fugaku stepped inside.
"Hokage-sama," Fugaku greeted respectfully.
"Haha, Fugaku, you're here. Please have a seat."
Two Anbu appeared immediately, placing a chair behind Fugaku with precise coordination.
Fugaku was slightly puzzled. Though he had always respected the Hokage's gentle demeanor, this kind of courtesy was uncharacteristic.
"Hokage-sama, is there some special mission for which you've summoned me?" Fugaku asked calmly. He suspected a high-risk assignment might be involved.
He had served in the Second Great Shinobi War and had earned the moniker "Fugaku of the Evil Eyes." His confidence in his combat abilities was well-founded.
"Fugaku, I only asked you here to talk. There's no secret mission involved. I've watched you grow into a fine shinobi who has contributed much to Konoha. I'm proud of you."
Sarutobi puffed gently on his pipe, his tone warm and nostalgic. Truly, he had earned the title of "The Professor," and his words stirred a subtle pride in Fugaku.
At nineteen, Fugaku was still in the prime of youth, raised and shaped during Sarutobi's era.
"Hokage-sama, you flatter me. As a shinobi of Konoha, it's my duty to serve the village. That is the way of the shinobi."
Fugaku spoke modestly. At this time, in all the great shinobi villages, shinobi were still considered tools of war—such was the fate of a shinobi.
"I heard that the Uchiha clan has nominated Naraku as clan head. Not long ago, he even requested to go to war. Naraku is indeed talented, but he can be a bit impulsive."
Sarutobi's subtle criticism of Naraku made Fugaku frown slightly.
Though he had his own ambitions within the Uchiha, Fugaku remained a loyal clansman and could sense the Hokage's disapproval toward their chosen leader.
"You are right. The clan head has brought many changes to the Uchiha," Fugaku replied carefully, acknowledging Naraku's achievements.
The transformation within the Uchiha over the past three years hadn't gone unnoticed—not only by Fugaku and the clan elders but also by Sarutobi Hiruzen and his advisors.
The creation of the Uchiha Clan Affairs Office, mirroring the structure of the Hokage Building, clearly pointed toward a consolidation of power.
This development was troubling to Sarutobi, who had long sought to reduce the influence of the powerful shinobi clans.
The strength of Konoha was built on the loyalty of its clans, but those same clans often challenged the authority of the Hokage.
Among them, none were more dangerous than the Uchiha—the largest and most fearsome of them all.
Now that the Uchiha had elected a leader and were moving with unity, their cohesion posed a significant threat.
Especially since Uchiha Naraku had also taken a commanding role within the Konoha Military Police Force, the balance of power was shifting.
Was Naraku the clan leader or the police captain? His moves signaled a clear intent to take over the entire force.
Such a figure was clearly ambitious.
The Uchiha elders, meanwhile, remained passive—doing nothing to restrain Naraku's growing influence, which made the Third Hokage even more wary.
The Hokage's faction had always preferred a divided Uchiha—a fragmented clan was a manageable one.
If Sarutobi could channel the Uchiha's energy into wars, diplomatic missions, or internal disputes, it would bolster the Hokage's prestige.
But his handling of many affairs had been too hasty, leading to a loss of trust and eventually his resignation in disgrace after the Third Great Shinobi War.
Now, the Third Hokage exhaled another puff of smoke and looked intently at Fugaku.
"Fugaku, the Konoha Military Police Force is essential for maintaining law and order in the village. I have high hopes for you. I trust you'll manage it properly—identify any infiltrators or traitors among the ranks."
"There have also been numerous complaints from villagers and shinobi alike. Cleanliness, security… small issues, but they affect the village's image. The people are uneasy. I hope you'll take care of it."
The Third Hokage's tone grew more serious, though still laced with warmth.
During the war, Sarutobi had no time to address Uchiha affairs closely. But now, with peace approaching, he had recognized Naraku's ambition and could not allow him to seize full control of the Police Force.
Sarutobi was fully aware of the friction between Fugaku and Naraku—between different branches of the Uchiha clan.
This meeting served a greater political purpose: to subtly show Fugaku favor, encourage him to challenge Naraku, and restore a division within the clan.
If Fugaku succeeded, it would tarnish Naraku's image and sow disunity. Even if he failed, resentment among the elders would fracture the clan further.
A divided Uchiha was a manageable Uchiha.
Sarutobi intended to use Fugaku to counterbalance Naraku. He would not sit idly by and watch the Uchiha grow unified and powerful.
As a seasoned politician, Sarutobi Hiruzen knew all the tricks: divide and conquer, ally with rivals, disrupt unity, and build factions.
He and his advisors had once struggled to suppress Uchiha Daizō and Uchiha Sanzō —brothers who had wielded great power and challenged the Hokage's rule.
Back then, during the transition from the Second to the Third Hokage, Sarutobi had only secured his position thanks to the support of the loyalists from the Second Hokage's guard.
The deaths of the Senju brothers had plunged the village into instability. The major clans grew restless.
Fortunately, the "Konoha Four"—Sarutobi, Danzō, Homura, and Koharu—stood united.
Shimura Danzō, cold and ruthless, had done the dirty work needed to eliminate many threats to the Hokage's position.
But the Uchiha Military Police Force had always remained a thorn in their side…