There had been some administrative complications in the Daming Mansion this year, which had caused significant delays in the disbursement of funds allocated to Konoha's various departments. Given the gravity of the situation, the Third Hokage decided that he would personally travel to the Daming Mansion to resolve it.
"I need to visit the Daming Mansion in person," Sarutobi Hiruzen stated seriously. "For that reason, I hope the police department can dispatch a team to escort me. Who do you think is most appropriate to accompany me?"
"To the Daming Mansion?"
Fugaku Uchiha was stunned. He hadn't expected such a request.
Such high-level diplomatic and protection missions were almost exclusively handled by the Anbu. The higher-ups hardly ever involved the Uchiha Clan in such matters, let alone entrust them with the Hokage's personal safety. It was practically unheard of.
For the Hokage to ask the Uchiha Police Force to assign an escort—it was surreal.
What exactly was the Third Hokage planning?
Though suspicion filled his mind, Fugaku answered truthfully, maintaining his composure.
"Lord Hokage, among the Uchiha, aside from myself and a few elders, there are several capable members currently serving in the police force. I believe Shisui would be the most appropriate, but he's already been reassigned from the department."
"What about Uchiha Hiko?" the Third Hokage asked, eyes calm as he directly named the individual.
Fugaku's heart skipped a beat.
So that was the real target all along.
Was this about testing Hiko? Or perhaps verifying the rumors surrounding his illness?
Fugaku's thoughts raced, but his expression remained neutral. He replied cautiously, "Hiko's strength ranks at the top among our clan, but he only recently recovered from a serious condition. I'm concerned that such a task might be too demanding for him."
He did not want Hiko interacting with the Third Hokage directly—not yet, not like this.
But the Third Hokage didn't yield. A benevolent smile stretched across his weathered face as he calmly said, "Fugaku, I have faith in him. Hiko and the two rising stars—Shisui and Itachi—have been drawing much attention. I don't think this is beyond his ability."
So he was insisting.
Fugaku realized he had no choice.
With the Hokage already naming Hiko directly and dismissing all reservations, could he really say no?
Of course not.
The Third Hokage didn't allow him time to object further. "It's decided. Tell him to prepare. I want him at the village gates by 2 p.m. sharp."
With no fanfare, Fugaku could only bow and respond, "Yes, Lord Hokage."
Leaving the Hokage's office with a heavy heart, Fugaku headed straight to the police department. He entered Hiko's office and explained the situation.
"Me?" Hiko echoed in surprise. "Protecting the Hokage to the Daming Mansion?"
His disbelief was visible. Just as Fugaku expected.
This was clearly an Anbu assignment. So why was the Hokage dragging him into it?
"Yes," Fugaku nodded grimly. "I suspect there's more to it. But officially, it's a protection mission. You'll take two others with you—choose who you trust. The Anbu will remain in the shadows as the true guardians. You'll only be there to represent the police force visibly. Besides, the Hokage is more than capable of defending himself."
Hiko could only exhale wordlessly.
The absurdity of the situation left him with no words. Was this some sort of test? A trap?
He had no choice.
Fugaku left with more warnings, telling Hiko to stay sharp and not let his guard down.
While Hiko was vexed by the assignment, Izumi was elated. She jumped with joy, her energy boundless.
She had no idea how bitter reality could be.
After some thought, Hiko decided to bring Izumi and Uchiha Kaze. He left the others, like Chi Yan, behind at the department.
Kaze was steady—quiet but reliable. Izumi, well, she was energetic and... good at errands. Hiko couldn't expect her to contribute in a fight, but she would be useful in simpler roles.
Once he'd changed into more formal gear and prepared his standard loadout, the team headed out.
Helmets? Please. They were part of the police force, not ceremonial guards.
Despite his confusion over the Hokage's decision, Kakashi dutifully led the Anbu operatives who would ensure security from the shadows.
Outside the village gates, the Third Hokage stood by the roadside, puffing contentedly on his pipe.
A habitual smoker, it seemed.
Suppressing the urge to roll his eyes, Hiko stepped forward and said, "Lord Hokage, we're ready."
The Third Hokage smiled kindly. "Good. I heard your condition has improved considerably?"
"Yes," Hiko replied politely. "Thanks to the clan's experience with bloodline-related conditions, it's under control."
Hiko kept his tone neutral, indifferent, and focused on their surroundings. He wanted to minimize conversation. But the Third Hokage had other plans.
"You remind me of my younger self," he said, puffing again. "So spirited."
Hiko resisted the urge to groan aloud.
Please, just walk quietly.
The Hokage, however, was just getting started.
He began discussing the Will of Fire.
Endlessly.
By now, Hiko realized this was a calculated move. The Third Hokage wasn't trying to bond—he was testing him.
Trying to gauge his loyalty. Trying to mold him into another Shisui.
It was exhausting.
Even Kaze, the ever-quiet Uchiha, was showing signs of mental collapse. The endless preaching had dulled his eyes.
The Will of Fire this, the village that...
Even Izumi, so bright-eyed and fresh from the Academy, was clearly overwhelmed. Hiko noticed her shiver with second-hand embarrassment.
"When I think of Kagami," the Hokage sighed, eyes wistful. "He was a fine man... a friend and comrade."
"..."
From the shadows, the Anbu agents turned to glance at Kakashi.
Was this really their Hokage?
Had he always been this nostalgic?
The sun dipped lower, and only then did the endless monologue cease.
There had clearly been an agenda behind it all.
After an entire day of indirect prodding, Sarutobi had come to a few conclusions.
Hiko wasn't like most Uchiha. He didn't show hostility toward the village itself. That alone made him stand out.
However, no matter how hard the Hokage tried to indoctrinate him, Hiko showed little enthusiasm for the Will of Fire. That disappointment was evident in the Hokage's face.
Still, there was value here. Hiko wasn't Shisui No. 2, but he could serve a purpose.
Later that evening, during their patrol shift, Kaze finally broke his silence.
"Captain, next time something like this happens… don't bring me."
For Kaze to say such a thing—stoic, dependable Kaze—it spoke volumes.
The Third Hokage's mouth jutsu was on another level.
Hiko snorted.
"You think I wanted this?"
If he had the choice, he'd gladly gag the old man himself.
"Hang in there. We'll probably be done tomorrow."
He suspected the Hokage's goal had already been accomplished. The rest of the trip would be quieter.
It had to be.
Even the Hokage's throat had limits.