After Clan Head Uchiha Fugaku learned that Feng Ye was allowed into the Ninjutsu Vault, he decided to personally meet with the Great Elder to understand the true reason behind it.
He walked through the clan compound's corridor and arrived at the Great Elder's residence.
The Great Elder sat on the tatami mat, holding an ancient scroll in his hand. He looked up at Fugaku, as if he had long anticipated his arrival.
"Great Elder, I want to know why you allowed Feng Ye to enter the Ninjutsu Vault," Fugaku asked directly.
The Great Elder put down the scroll in his hand and looked at Fugaku with profound eyes: "Feng Ye possesses immense potential; his power might become crucial for our clan. I believe in him, and I believe he can bring glory to our Uchiha Clan."
Fugaku was silent for a moment, "But doesn't that go against the rules?"
"Rules? Hmph! If we always rigidly stick to the rules, how can our Uchiha Clan become strong?" The Great Elder's eyes showed a hint of authority.
Fugaku frowned, "But the Ninjutsu inside is extremely dangerous. What if he develops malicious intent and uses forbidden Ninjutsu against clan members?"
The Great Elder gently shook his head, "I have already probed Feng Ye's character; he has a firm belief in justice. Moreover, the current situation is turbulent, and we cannot give up an opportunity to improve our strength just because we are conservative."
Fugaku was still unwilling, "But he is just a young junior, lacking experience. Even if his character is not bad, it's hard to guarantee he won't make mistakes."
The Great Elder slowly stood up, "Experience can be accumulated, but opportunities are rare. Fugaku, sometimes we need to learn to be flexible; don't let rules shackle the Uchiha's development."
Fugaku fell into contemplation upon hearing this, speechless for a moment.
At the border of Konoha Village, a group of Ninja from Takigakure suddenly appeared. Their expressions were serious, and their steps firm, clearly having come prepared.
The team went directly to Konoha Village's gate, and their arrival immediately attracted the attention of Konoha's guards.
The guards quickly assembled, vigilantly watching these uninvited guests, their weapons ready for any potential conflict.
"We are representatives from Takigakure; we are here to demand an explanation," the Takigakure Ninja's voice was firm and powerful. His gaze met Konoha's guards without any fear.
Konoha's guard captain, an experienced old Ninja, stepped forward. His eyes were equally firm, but his tone held a hint of inquiry: "Takigakure Ninja, what brings you here?"
Inside the Uchiha Clan Compound, a sudden clamor came from outside. Fugaku and the Great Elder exchanged glances and walked out together.
"What's going on?" Fugaku asked an Uchiha Ninja.
"Clan Head! They say Ninja from another Village are looking for Hokage-sama, and they claim our Uchiha people stole their treasure!" The Ninja, seeing it was Uchiha Fugaku, explained everything.
"What?" Fugaku was startled, wondering which Uchiha Clan member had caused such a huge problem.
The Great Elder's face darkened. He naturally knew who it was, but after witnessing Uchiha Feng Ye's strength, he had already decided to protect this future hope of the Uchiha.
The two then rushed to the Hokage Building. Along the way, Uchiha Setsuna explained Feng Ye's theft of the water of heroism to Fugaku.
Fugaku was shocked and bitter, both excited that the clan had produced another genius, possibly even surpassing Itachi, but also helpless that the Third Hokage would never let this matter rest.
After all, the incident with Hyuga Hizashi was still fresh in everyone's minds; the Hyuga Clan, who were entirely blameless, lost the clan head's brother.
Upon arriving at the scene, Fugaku saw the Third Hokage explaining.
"Friends from Takigakure, is there some misunderstanding? The Uchiha Clan has always abided by the rules; how could they steal your Village's treasure?"
The leader of the Takigakure Ninja snorted coldly, "We saw the Sharingan; it was clearly the work of an Uchiha Ninja. If you don't hand over the person, don't blame us for being impolite."
Fugaku stepped forward and said, "Our Uchiha Clan will thoroughly investigate this matter. If a clan member truly made a mistake, we will not condone it, but for now, please do not casually slander us."
At this moment, everyone's attention was focused on Uchiha Fugaku.
"Who are you?" The Takigakure leader asked impolitely.
"I am the head of the Uchiha Clan, Uchiha Fugaku." Uchiha Fugaku and the Third Hokage were not fools; they knew that admitting it now would result in a huge loss.
"Good, then quickly hand over that thief!" The Takigakure leader felt a pain in his gut at the thought of those chilling Three-Tomoe Sharingan.
"I'm very sorry, I haven't heard of any clan member stealing your treasure. I think you might be mistaken."
"Bastard! Only your Uchiha Clan has the Sharingan; everyone in the Ninja World knows that, and you still want to deny it!" The leader roared in anger.
"The Sharingan is indeed our clan's Bloodline Limit, but we cannot rule out the possibility of others having it. Besides, even the Hyuga's Byakugan has fallen into outsiders' hands, so it's possible for others to have the Sharingan," Uchiha Fugaku calmly analyzed.
"That's right, and there are very few Uchiha Ninja who could defeat you. We can testify that they have all remained within Konoha. You can describe their appearance, and we will help you investigate." The Third Hokage calmly took a puff from his pipe.
In the tense atmosphere, the Takigakure Ninja stood in the Hokage Office of Konoha Village, their eyes firm, clearly not intending to back down easily from this conflict.
The Takigakure leader's voice echoed in the office, full of resolve and undeniable authority: "Hiruzen Sarutobi, our Takigakure is not to be easily ignored. If you do not provide a reasonable explanation and compensation, we will have to consider more drastic measures."
Sandaime Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, facing Takigakure's tough stance, showed a hint of worry in his eyes, but more so, calmness and composure.
He knew that any hasty response could lead to war between the two Villages.
However, under Takigakure's strong threat, Hiruzen Sarutobi ultimately chose to compromise.
He slowly stood up, facing the Takigakure representatives, his voice calm yet powerful: "I understand your anger and concern. To avoid unnecessary conflict, I promise to give you an answer within three days."
The leader's gaze met the Third Hokage's. He knew this was an important concession, but he also understood that it was just the beginning.
He nodded, indicating acceptance of the condition, but also showing that Takigakure's patience was limited.
With the departure of the Takigakure Ninja, the atmosphere in the Hokage Office eased slightly, but Hiruzen Sarutobi knew this was only a temporary calm. He had to quickly find a solution to avoid a potential war.
He then looked at Uchiha Fugaku, "Fugaku, what do you think?"
"Hokage-sama, Feng Ye did make a mistake, and we are willing to offer compensation," Uchiha Fugaku replied under the Great Elder's stern gaze.
"But their demand is to hand over the culprit."
"This, we cannot do. Uchiha Feng Ye, no matter what, is a member of our Uchiha. We can offer substantial compensation," the Great Elder said at this point.
"Hmph! You Uchiha are simply boastful! Do you want to start a war between the two countries!" Everyone turned their heads to see Danzo, leaning on his cane, having arrived at some point.
"Danzo! What do you mean by that? Are you saying we should hand over Feng Ye?!" Uchiha Setsuna roared.
"He stole their things in the first place, so what's wrong with handing him over!" Danzo sneered.
Heh, these two old geezers are really something. They show weakness everywhere externally, but they strike hard internally!
Back when Lord Madara went around taking Ninjutsu scrolls from other Villages, why didn't anyone hand him over!
Playing justice in the Ninja World. Uchiha Setsuna clenched his fists in his heart, he knew the current situation was very unfavorable for the Uchiha Clan.
But he would never just watch a clan member be handed over.
"Danzo, don't make false accusations. What exactly happened hasn't been investigated yet, how can you so rashly demand Feng Ye be handed over?" Uchiha Fugaku said in a deep voice.
"Hmph, no matter what, this incident has already angered Takigakure, and if no substantial action is taken, Konoha will face a huge crisis," a sinister glint flashed in Danzo's eyes.
"Esteemed Elders!" Uchiha Feng Ye, who was training within the clan, rushed over after hearing the news. "Why don't you just hand me over?"
"Feng Ye! What nonsense are you spouting! The clan will absolutely not hand you over!" the Great Elder scolded.
Danzo didn't speak, and Hiruzen Sarutobi also said, "Feng Ye, the Village will protect you, but the situation is very troublesome right now. If the two countries go to war, there will be widespread devastation!"
"It's alright, Great Elder, I'll be fine. And thank you, Hokage-sama, I will go and explain clearly to Takigakure." Feng Ye nodded to the Great Elder, he just happened to want to try out a few new Ninjutsu.
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