Not always high and mighty, not always majestic and profound.
He could also walk on the streets he protected like an ordinary person, eating candied haws, and smilingly greeting everyone who passed him by.
The boy was even more determined in his belief to follow the Clan Head forever.
"Are you used to the work in the Military Police Force recently?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen took a bite of the candied haw, the perfect balance of sour and sweet making him squint comfortably, his whole body relaxing a lot.
Following beside him, Sarutobi Hasumi hurriedly swallowed the mouthful of deliciousness mixed with sugar coating and hawthorn fruit, stood up straight, and answered seriously, "Reporting to the Clan Head, Director Tekka treats us newcomers who are not from the Uchiha clan very well, treating everyone equally. Now in the Military Police Force, everyone gets along very harmoniously."
"Oh?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen was interested. "Tell me in detail."
"For example, in our patrol squad, I am responsible for on-the-spot tactical planning and support, while Captain Yagen is the main attacker and final decision-maker. Everyone performs their own duties, and the cooperation is very efficient."
A glow of pride appeared on Hasumi's face.
"Moreover, Director Tekka has implemented a very strict performance appraisal. Everything speaks according to merit and ability, regardless of origin. Whoever does well can get promoted and rewarded. Like this time, Senior Uchiha Fugaku was exceptionally promoted to squad captain because of his outstanding performance in the dam project. No one had any objections, everyone was convinced."
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded with satisfaction.
Very good.
This was exactly the situation he hoped to see.
The Uchiha's flame should not only be used for fighting but should also be like this, becoming a warm light that protects this prosperity and wins glory for itself.
Tekka, although sometimes single-minded, was indeed a good hand at execution and implementing his will.
The two passed through the bustling main road and turned into a relatively quiet street.
At the entrance of the street stood a huge archway, carved with the iconic flame fan crest of the Uchiha clan.
They had arrived at the Uchiha clan compound.
Unlike the lively and bustling scene outside, the streets inside the compound were exceptionally tidy and solemn, and the air seemed to carry a dignity belonging to a great clan.
The moment they stepped into the Uchiha clan compound.
"Swoosh!"
A black shadow instantly appeared in front of them.
It was a young Uchiha ninja wearing a Military Police Force uniform. The moment he saw the visitor clearly, shock flashed across his face, followed by immense respect.
Without any hesitation, he immediately knelt on one knee.
"Lord Hokage! I didn't know you were coming, please forgive my lack of welcome!"
His movements were as standard as a textbook, his voice excited.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's arrival instantly caused a stir throughout the entire Uchiha clan compound.
Obscure auras probed out from buildings in all directions, then retracted even faster.
Immediately after, there were hurried footsteps and the sound of clothes breaking the wind.
Uchiha Tekka came almost upon hearing the news. He didn't even have time to use the main entrance, leaping directly out of the second-floor window of the police department, making several lightning-fast body flickers on the roof, and finally landing heavily in front of Sarutobi Hiruzen, bringing up a gust of wind.
"Lord Hokage!"
Tekka's body was taut like a fully drawn bowstring, his expression incredibly nervous.
"You... why are you here? Did... did something happen?"
Fine beads of sweat seeped from his forehead.
It's over, it's over, Lord Hokage actually came to the Uchiha clan compound in person, and without warning!
Did some blind bastard in the clan cause some monstrous trouble outside, making Lord Hokage come to demand an explanation in person?
Did that kid Fugaku rely on being a genius and get into a conflict with villagers during patrol? Or did that guy Yashiro miscalculate the Military Police Force's funds again? Or did some elder rely on his seniority and say something he shouldn't have?
In an instant, dozens of names of people who might have caused trouble and hundreds of solutions flashed through Tekka's mind.
No matter who it was, if they dared to cause trouble for Lord Hokage and destroy the current good situation of the Uchiha, he, Uchiha Tekka, would be the first to hang them on the Naka River dam to dry!
Looking at his appearance of facing a formidable enemy, as if the sky were about to fall, Sarutobi Hiruzen wanted to laugh.
"Relax, Tekka."
He reached out and patted Tekka's solid shoulder with a smile.
"I didn't come here as the Hokage today."
"I'm just an ordinary elder who wants to see Hasumi's captain, and by the way... come to your Uchiha clan compound to see the scenery." Sarutobi Hiruzen said the second half of the sentence very casually, like joking with an old friend.
"Ah?"
Uchiha Tekka was stunned.
See Hasumi's captain?
He glanced at Sarutobi Hasumi beside him, who was holding a candied haw and looking uneasy, then at the gentle smile on Sarutobi Hiruzen's face, his brain not turning around for a moment.
"Alright, get up. Continue your patrol, don't mind me. Making such a big fuss, people who don't know might think some vicious incident happened."
"Yes! Lord Hokage!"
Uchiha Tekka responded respectfully and slowly stood up, but his suspended heart did not drop at all.
Lord Hokage said it was a private visit, but who dared to really treat it as a private visit?
He retreated respectfully a few steps, but his scarlet three-tomoe Sharingan met the eyes of several subordinates hiding in the dark responsible for vigilance the moment he turned his head.
Silently transmitting orders one by one.
"Plan A activate! Immediately clear the three streets on Lord Hokage's planned route ahead! Persuade all irrelevant personnel to leave!"
"Plan B, with Lord Hokage as the center, set up the highest level of alert net within a radius of 500 meters! Any suspicious target, even if a fly flies by, I want to know if it's male or female!"
"Mm... also notify the Clan Head."
"Divide into several teams to secretly guard with me. If there is even the slightest mistake, you will all go to the Naka River reservoir to be concrete for me!"
After doing all this, Tekka pretended nothing had happened and continued to lead the team on patrol on another street, but his ramrod-straight back and the sharp gaze glancing over from time to time exposed his extreme inner tension.
Sarutobi Hiruzen naturally noticed the gazes around him that suddenly became enthusiastic, as well as the faint chakra fluctuations nearby.
He sensed that on several roofs, Uchiha ninja were crawling quietly, clearing the road ahead for him, and even the garbage on the street was cleaned up.
Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled and didn't point it out.
This excessive protection, although a bit laughable, ultimately stemmed from a heartfelt awe and loyalty.
Sometimes, tacitly allowing some harmless "outward obedience but inward opposition" could make the people below feel more at ease.
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