Naruto: Uchiha Rejects Konoha

The Konoha Intelligence Department is completely occupied. For the Intelligence Department, the corpse of a shinobi is a valuable asset, providing a wealth of information.

However, those capable of such missions are likely prepared to prevent information leaks. Therefore, despite Konoha obtaining many corpses recently, the information gathered has been frustratingly limited.

In the Hokage office, the Third Hokage, Tsunade, Jiraiya, and the idle Uchiha and others are present.

Under special circumstances, each shinobi clan has been assigned a task. The Uchiha, however, left the high-level meeting directly, ignoring orders from the Hokage's office.

In such circumstances, the Third Hokage is understandably hesitant to include the Uchiha in the battle sequence. What if they disregard orders entirely? Do they still care about their own village?

While other shinobi clans may not abandon Konoha, it is conceivable for the Uchiha to do so…

"Third Hokage-sama, there's something I wanted to ask you.

Kumogakure is overly familiar with Konoha's defence layout, don't you think? It's said that they almost abducted the previous Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, and it went undetected at the time.

Also, in the incident with Hyūga, although he was supposedly under Uchiha surveillance, he managed to escape Konoha effortlessly."

Everyone in the Hokage's office turned their attention to Yagami as he spoke.

The others present were older than him; they had experienced these events firsthand but hadn't connected them until Yagami's reminder. "It seems like someone is indeed too familiar with Konoha," he added.

Leaving aside Kushina's situation, Konoha had a vested interest in her, as she was the future Jinchūriki and needed to feel a connection with the village.

But the Hyūga incident was another matter. Not only did he evade the village's surveillance, but even Anbu couldn't locate him after he disappeared, allowing him to reach the Hyūga clan's grounds from his mission post.

If he had been a powerful shinobi or a master of concealment techniques, that would be one thing.

The ninja world is vast, and geniuses of all kinds exist, yet he didn't avoid the Uchiha's surveillance, nor did he withstand even a single move from Hiashi. It was evidently not a case of skill or technique.

"To obtain the village's defence layout—and to acquire it immediately when it changes—the mole must be close to the centre of power!"

Tsunade frowned slightly. She had suspected from the beginning that Konoha harboured a spy; otherwise, the current situation would be inexplicable.

The Third Hokage could feel his face burn with embarrassment. He'd been criticized by Anbu, then the Police Department, and now Yagami was calling him out. Even with his thick skin, he was feeling the sting more frequently than ever.

Whether it was Kushina or the Hyūga incident, both had happened under his administration. If there really was a mole, the responsibility fell squarely on him.

"I will handle this matter, but our top priority is to address the pressure from other shinobi villages.

Kumogakure's actions are just the beginning.

Due to the presence of Wood Release, other villages are bound to pressure us, and we may need to negotiate, even if it means fighting."

This can only be dealt with in time. Fugaku, I hope—

"Third Hokage-sama, by the daimyo's request, the harbour terminal has begun operation.

As a clan appointed by the daimyo, most Uchiha shinobi have gone to the dock under Shisui's leadership, and some were even recruited by the Daimyo Prefecture.

To be honest, we're the only Uchiha remaining in the village."

As soon as the Third Hokage mentioned Fugaku's name, Yagami interjected, "We have no one in the Uchiha clan available, so don't come looking for us!"

"What? You're saying you, Uchiha, are the only ones left in the village?"

The expression on the Third Hokage's face changed drastically as he looked at the Uchiha in the office. There were only four of them, including the clan leader Fugaku.

Such a large clan—when did they leave? Why was there no movement at all?

"That's not entirely true.

Mikoto and Sasuke are still here.

Additionally, Lord Third Hokage, the entire Uchiha clan, has now moved to the harbour dock.

It would be a pity to have such a large piece of land like the Uchiha clan's estate sitting empty.

Does the Village have any interest in buying it back? We'll leave a small area to establish contact points."

Fugaku slightly raised his hand as he spoke. Now that all the clansmen had departed, those remaining were all strong fighters. After being forced into submission for so long, he no longer felt the need to show much respect for the Third Hokage.

"No… Fugaku! Why is this happening? It's not as if Konoha can't accommodate you. Uchiha, you…"

The Third Hokage suppressed the anger rising within him and sighed heavily.

"There's nothing we can do about it.

From Jōnin to civilians, they all want to go to the harbour and start anew.

Although the clan leader tried to persuade them multiple times, they refused to change their minds.

They're members of the Uchiha clan.

The clan leader has faced the same experiences they have, and there's no reason left for them to stay!"

Yagami sighed as well. Although his tone was resigned, the meaning behind his words was unmistakable.

Exactly! Because Konoha couldn't accommodate the Uchiha, they were forced to raise their banner and leave!

Away from Konoha, the Uchiha could lead happier, freer lives without the cold stares and endless slander. Only a fool would choose to remain!

The Third Hokage's face twitched. He couldn't argue against this, as it was undeniable that the Uchiha had been marginalized in Konoha.

Although the Uchiha had moved their entire clan out of Konoha without a word, which was unacceptable to the Third Hokage, now was certainly not the time to confront the Uchiha.

Konoha could face an invasion from other villages at any moment. It wasn't feasible to divert a team to settle scores with the Uchiha under these circumstances, was it?

And even if they could, it might provoke the Uchiha's wrath, leading to three Susanoo crashing down on Konoha.

"Forget it! Old man, this is the Uchiha's own decision and one forced by the village. Bibo hasn't left the village at this moment."

Tsunade interrupted the Third Hokage. She didn't want things between the Uchiha and Konoha to escalate, but she also had no grounds to insist that the Uchiha stay to defend the village.

Yagami had once said to her, *How could the village ever regard us Uchiha as comrades?*

She had never forgotten his words, knowing that even if the Uchiha had stayed in Konoha, they wouldn't involve themselves in this matter.

"Lord Hokage! The intelligence has been organized!"

As the Third Hokage sat silently, Yamanaka Inoichi walked in with a scroll. Urgency seemed to override protocol, as he hadn't even knocked on the door.

Before the Third Hokage could reach for the scroll, Tsunade took it and opened it. After a quick read, her expression darkened.

"This is interesting! No wonder the enemy got so close to the Hokage Building without Anbu noticing. Anbu personally escorted them the whole way! Incredible."

Tsunade dropped the scroll onto the table, leaving a fist-shaped indentation.

Hearing this, the Third Hokage forgot about the Uchiha entirely. He quickly picked up the scroll, and as he read, the twitch at the corner of his mouth became more pronounced.

If the silent infiltration of Konoha had been merely humiliating, this information was enough to make him, the Hokage, lose all dignity.

What is Anbu? It's the most crucial department in Konoha, a force under the direct control of the Hokage. Only those who pass rigorous Hokage screening can join this elite team.

Yet, within this team, there were those collaborating with the enemy, aiding them in bypassing village defences to reach the heart of Konoha.

It seemed unbelievable, but it had happened!

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