Chapter 20: Part 3
Unsurprisingly, the Uchiha elders were livid, their anger boiling over as they incessantly berated and interrogated Tenjo. He was given no opportunity to explain or defend himself.
Day after day, the Uchiha clan simmered with outrage, their collective displeasure directed solely at Tenjo. He became the lightning rod for their frustrations, enduring the full force of their wrath.
"Tomorrow night, after receiving the task from the Hokage, I will take care of a few of them," Fugaku whispered to his father, his voice laced with determination. "Once that is done, Father, you must swiftly dismantle the entire Police Force operation. It doesn't matter how you do it, but ensure that everyone knows about the deaths of the elders and how you warned the Hokage about further deaths, only to be dismissed. The entire village of Konoha must become aware that it was the Hokage who ignored your counsel, and you should proclaim that the Police Force is a failed institution if its concerns and warnings are disregarded. Cease all operations for at least one to two weeks."
Fugaku outlined his strategic plan to his father, leaving no room for doubt. In the study room's subdued ambiance, their bond as father and son strengthened, fortified by their shared resolve to navigate the treacherous path ahead. They understood the gravity of the impending conflict and the necessity for Fugaku to take action amidst the chaos. With unspoken understanding, they prepared to face the challenges together, anchored by the enduring strength of the Uchiha lineage.
[POV: Narrator]
[Date: The next morning]
[Location: Hokage Building]
The next morning, within the solemn confines of the Hokage's Office, Uchiha Fugaku stood outside the door, awaiting permission to enter. It was just him and the Third Hokage in the room.
"Hokage-sama, Uchiha Fugaku is here to present his report," announced the secretary, her voice carrying a tinge of allure that Fugaku couldn't help but notice. However, he quickly pushed aside his thoughts, focusing on the task at hand.
"You have demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication in your previous assignment, and I have high expectations for your performance this time," Sāndaime remarked with a sense of authority. "Uchiha Fugaku, based on the verification of the information you provided about Sunagakure, I hereby grant you the esteemed rank of Konoha Jōnin. Congratulations. Now, I have an S-Rank mission that requires your involvement and successful completion."
As the weight of his new status settled upon him, Fugaku maintained a calm and collected demeanor. Deep within, however, his heart pulsed with anticipation, knowing that this mission would test his mettle like never before. He had prepared himself meticulously, mentally and physically, for the challenges that lay ahead.
With a firm resolve and unwavering focus, Fugaku met the Hokage's gaze, ready to embark on this perilous journey that would define his abilities as a Jōnin and cement his place among the elite shinobi of Konohagakure.
"As a loyal shinobi of Konohagakure, it is my solemn duty to see this task through to its completion," Uchiha Fugaku affirmed.
The Third Hokage nodded, his expression reflecting satisfaction with Fugaku's unwavering commitment.
"Konoha has suffered the loss of two Elders consecutively, and the Wind and Rain countries are the prime suspects," stated the Third Hokage with a touch of solemnity. "It has been years since the last ninja war, and many have forgotten the true strength of Konoha. That is why we are establishing the Vanguard Squad, and you, Uchiha Fugaku, will serve as its captain under Hatake Sakumo."
Fugaku acknowledged the Hokage's words, his mind already processing the underlying implications. While his loyalty to Konoha remained unwavering, Fugaku also harbored his own aspirations and objectives, knowing that leading the Vanguard Squad would provide him with a platform to further his own agenda.
"Yes, Hokage-sama," Fugaku responded with measured composure, concealing the depth of his ambitions beneath a facade of obedience.
To Fugaku's surprise, instead of being placed under the guidance of one of the legendary Sannin, he found himself assigned to none other than Hatake Sakumo.
Leaving the Hokage's office, Fugaku carefully unsealed the task scroll, revealing the details that awaited him. The scroll disclosed the meeting time and the designated location for the mission, both of which lay beyond the borders of Konohagakure. Tomorrow morning, at the break of dawn, Fugaku was to rendezvous with his comrades in a dense forest known for its mysterious aura.
As he perused the scroll, Fugaku noticed the distinctive autograph of the Third Hokage, etched at the tail end of the parchment. Its presence served as a symbol of authority, signifying that only those who possessed the Hokage's endorsement could partake in the Vanguard Troops. With a sense of purpose and determination, Fugaku acknowledged the weight of this mission, fully aware that the Hokage's autograph represented a seal of approval and a testament to his competence.
Eager to embark on this new journey and prove his worth, Fugaku meticulously secured the task scroll, ready to face the challenges that awaited him in the forest beyond the village walls.
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