Naruto: I am Uchiha Fugaku

"Could it be...?"

The Third Hokage's expression changed as he realized the reason.

The other ninjas present also had shifting expressions as they came to the same conclusion.

The reason Orochimaru hadn't made a move was likely because this wasn't the real Orochimaru, but merely a shadow clone.

While shadow clones were far weaker than the original in combat, when not engaged in battle, even the Byakugan—with perception abilities surpassing the Sharingan—couldn't distinguish between a shadow clone and the real body.

"Too slow, Sarutobi-sensei. You've truly grown old!" Orochimaru sneered.

Then, his body dissolved into white smoke and vanished.

This had indeed been a shadow clone all along!

In truth, after summoning Manda, he had secretly replaced himself with a shadow clone.

He had the clone control Manda to wreak havoc in Konoha while he himself took advantage of the village's distraction to slip away unnoticed.

The success of this plan relied primarily on having a powerful summon like Manda at his disposal.

For anyone else, both the summon and shadow clone would have been quickly eliminated, failing to buy any meaningful time.

"Damn it!"

The Third Hokage's face darkened, as did those of the clan heads.

They'd been thoroughly played by Orochimaru.

With this much time wasted, the real Orochimaru had likely already escaped Konoha.

"As expected, he got away..."

Uchiha Fugaku wasn't surprised by Orochimaru's escape.

If Orochimaru had been so easy to capture, he wouldn't have survived this long.

"Clan Head Fugaku!"

Suddenly, the Third Hokage turned, his cold gaze fixed on Uchiha Fugaku.

"..."

Fugaku sensed trouble—the Hokage's expression was clearly hostile.

Sure enough, the Third spoke coldly: "The Security Force failed to detect Orochimaru's infiltration and respond in time, resulting in significant damage to the village. As its captain, you bear undeniable responsibility."

"You speak truth, Hokage-sama."

Fugaku thought to himself that the Hokage was indeed making his move.

Though displeased, he had to admit the Security Force was at fault this time.

It was their duty to maintain village security, and their failure to detect a dangerous rogue like Orochimaru was clearly negligence.

He had actually discovered Orochimaru's presence, but couldn't reveal it due to their secret dealings—exposing Orochimaru would prompt retaliation through disclosure of their arrangement.

"Orochimaru can't have gone far yet. I order the Security Force to pursue him immediately to atone for this failure!"

The Third's icy command made Fugaku's expression darken.

This order revealed the Hokage's malicious intent.

Orochimaru was an S-rank missing-nin with Kage-level strength.

By sending the Security Force after him, the Third clearly aimed to weaken the Uchiha clan through Orochimaru's hands.

"Hokage-sama, this is..."

Around them, the heads of various clans and elite jonin among the civilian ninjas couldn't help but show subtle changes in their expressions, their eyes flickering with unspoken thoughts.

If Uchiha Fugaku could deduce that the Third Hokage was targeting the Uchiha clan, they naturally could too.

An odd sensation flashed through their hearts.

The current Third Hokage gave them a completely different impression from his usual kind and gentle demeanor—instead, he seemed aggressive and confrontational.

Who was Orochimaru?

A shinobi with Kage-level abilities who knew Konoha inside out. That he could infiltrate the village undetected by the Police Force wasn't actually surprising to them.

While the Police Force bore responsibility, it was understandable under the circumstances.

Yet the Third Hokage showed no leniency, instead imposing severe punishment—a stark departure from his usual conduct.

'If Danzō were still here...'

Feeling the peculiar gazes from the clan heads, the Third Hokage found himself missing Shimura Danzō.

Had Danzō been alive, he wouldn't have needed to personally intervene—Danzō would have naturally taken the initiative against the Uchiha clan.

Then, he could have reluctantly agreed under pressure from Danzō's position as advisor.

Unfortunately, Shimura Danzō was dead, and he'd lost this capable right-hand man.

As for the two other advisors, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, they lacked Danzō's ruthless cunning.

"Hokage-sama, the Police Force's duty is maintaining village security. Pursuing Orochimaru falls outside our jurisdiction," Fugaku said coldly, seeing through the Hokage's malicious intent.

"This is disciplinary action against the Police Force, unrelated to jurisdictional duties," the Third Hokage replied sternly, his expression dark.

"With all due respect, Hokage-sama, this is unreasonable," Fugaku countered sharply.

"Police Force members specialize in maintaining order within the village. They rarely conduct missions outside and lack tracking expertise—"

Before Fugaku could finish, the Third Hokage erupted in anger.

That Fugaku would dare openly challenge his orders as Hokage now!

His expression turned icy.

Locking eyes with Fugaku, he spoke each word with deliberate emphasis: "Captain Fugaku, by the authority of the Hokage, I order you to comply."

The atmosphere grew thick with tension, the air itself seeming to congeal.

Every clan head and elite jonin present fell into absolute silence.

Some unconsciously held their breath.

The Third Hokage's words carried unprecedented force—as if spoken by an entirely different person.

Swish—

Fugaku raised his head with a dark expression, his gaze clashing with the Hokage's.

Sparks seemed to fly between their locked stares.

Both could see the fury burning in each other's eyes.

After a long silence, Fugaku took a deep breath and responded: "Understood."

With the Hokage invoking his authority so forcefully, further refusal would constitute insubordination.

Unless absolutely necessary, he couldn't take that step—not unless he was prepared to pit his entire clan against the village.

Moreover, the Third Hokage had indeed found a legitimate pretext this time to make his move.

There was no choice but to acquiesce.

However, though he agreed to pursue Orochimaru, how to proceed was entirely up to him.

With his strength, he had no fear of Orochimaru whatsoever.

Moreover, he had no intention of going all out in the pursuit.

Turning around, Uchiha Fugaku walked away and soon vanished from everyone's sight.

Only after Uchiha Fugaku disappeared did the tense atmosphere on the scene begin to ease slightly.

"How dare he question the Hokage's decision? Arrogant, utterly arrogant!"

Advisor Koharu Utatane angrily rebuked, though her scolding came somewhat belatedly.

Logically, she should have reprimanded him to his face.

But earlier, faced with the grim-faced Uchiha Fugaku, she had actually been intimidated.

An inexplicable sense of fear had welled up in her heart, making her completely forget to rebuke him.

As for the clan heads and elite jōnin from the civilian ninja ranks present, their expressions varied, their minds filled with countless thoughts.

Today, they had seen a side of the Third Hokage that differed from his usual demeanor.

They had also witnessed a side of Uchiha Fugaku that broke away from his usual weak image.

It felt as though a long-held perception had been shattered.

At the same time, an inexplicable unease crept into their hearts.

From the conflict between the two, they sensed an unusual message—one that left them deeply unsettled.