Naruto: Unhinged Uchiha

[Read up to Chapter - 101 on P atreon at: p-atreon.com/Knockturn_Alley]

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"Uchiha Kanzou, you'd better release the Hyuga clan members your police force has arrested and cancel that ridiculous security management fee. Otherwise, the Hyuga clan will no longer be able to slide this," Hiashi declared, taking the lead as the first to confront Kanzou.

"Hyuga Clan won't be able to slide this?" Kanzou's voice was cold. "Hyuga Hiashi-dono, do you think I care?"

His eyes narrowed dangerously. The next moment, he vanished.

In a flash, he reappeared in front of Hiashi, slammed a hand on his head, and forcefully pressed his face down onto the table.

"You're threatening me with this pathetic level of strength? What kind of joke are you spouting?"

"Uchiha Kanzou, how dare you! Attacking someone in the council—you've become completely lawless!"

Mitokado Homura stood up, furiously scolding Kanzou.

Kanzou glanced at Mitokado Homura with a half-smile that didn't reach his eyes.

The old timer had the nerve to stand up and oppose him—fine.

'I would be sure to deal with you after the meeting.'

After all, Kanzou wasn't the type to forgive and forget.

He always settled his debts and made sure that all the interest was paid to him.

"Hyuga Hiashi-dono, you might not like to hear it… But listen to me clearly… you-are-a-worthless-piece-of-trash," Kanzou said coldly, adding, "You say that the Hyuga Clan won't let this matter slide? Very well, let me make this clear—I'm officially at odds with your Hyuga clan... Let's see what a worthless person like you does… entertain me out of my boredom if you can…"

He raised his hand and released Hiashi, but not without a final warning.

It wasn't an empty threat.

Since Hiashi had dared to be the first to challenge him, Kanzou would make an example of him—kill the chicken to scare the monkeys.

The humiliated Hiashi glared at Kanzou as the young Uchiha nonchalantly returned to his seat.

Being slammed onto the table in front of the entire council had utterly destroyed Hiashi's dignity, igniting his anger.

If looks could kill, Kanzou would have died a thousand deaths in that moment.

Unfortunately, Byakugan didn't have the power to kill someone with a look, forcing Hiashi to silently and bitterly swallow his anger, knowing full well that he was no match for Kanzou.

"This guy is completely reckless," Jiraiya muttered, casting a disapproving glance at Kanzou.

In a situation like this, Kanzou didn't hesitate—he acted instantly, even if it meant slapping his teacher, the Third Hokage, in the face.

Though Jiraiya often spoke casually and without much deference to Sarutobi Hiruzen, among the Legendary Sannin, his bond with the old man was undoubtedly the strongest.

Jiraiya couldn't stand Kanzou's arrogance, but since his teacher remained silent, he saw no reason to step in and stir up trouble.

Violence wasn't always the best solution, but it was often the fastest.

Kanzou had pinned Hyuga Hiashi to the table with one hand, rendering him completely helpless. The others who had been preparing to confront Kanzou immediately went silent.

This left Kanzou mildly disappointed.

"Is that all you've got?" he thought. "I expected more of a fight. So, it turns out you're all a bunch of cowards sitting on your high horses, huh? How disappointing…"

Still, he made a mental note of everyone who had opposed him today. Sooner or later, he'd settle the score.

At the same time, Hiruzen was somewhat disappointed to see that no one continued to oppose Kanzou.

And he even had to agree with Kanzou that these are indeed all people sitting on their high horses…

He had overestimated these people—he thought they might at least make things difficult for Kanzou. But the moment Kanzou publicly humiliated Hyuga Hiashi, the rest grew silent and backed down.

Their cowardice wasn't just because Kanzou dared to act—it was the unspoken threat behind it. If Kanzou turned his attention to their clans the way he did with the Hyuga, they knew they wouldn't be able to handle it.

Not everyone is daring enough to offend the Uchiha Clan.

Moreover, the Third Hokage's own attitude was strangely passive.

Despite Kanzou's blatantly arrogant and disrespectful behavior, Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't so much as reprimand him.

That silence spoke volumes.

It became clear why no one else dared challenge the Uchiha head—they simply weren't willing to risk the wrath of Kanzou or his clan.

The tense silence in the conference room was finally broken by Sarutobi Hiruzen.

"Today's meeting is to discuss the appointment of the new ANBU Commander. Does anyone have any recommendations?"

After all, the meeting wasn't originally meant to be an ambush on Kanzou. Its main agenda was filling the vacant position of ANBU Commander.

Before Hatake Sakumo was suspended, the position of ANBU Commander was still reserved for him. But now that Hatake Sakumo is dead, a new appointment must be made.

While the Hokage holds the highest authority in Konoha Village and promotes a façade of democracy, this doesn't mean every decision is entirely democratic.

Ultimately, the choice of ANBU Commander lies with the Hokage.

This meeting was more for appearances than actual deliberation.

"I nominate Orochimaru-sama for ANBU Commander."

"I believe Jiraiya-sama is more suitable for the role."

One by one, various shinobi voiced their opinions, with many nominating either Orochimaru or Jiraiya.

Both were strong candidates, not just in power, but in influence as disciples of the Third Hokage. Supporting them was also a strategic move—currying favour with either man.

"Old man, I have no interest in being ANBU Commander," Jiraiya said bluntly. He preferred his carefree lifestyle and had no desire to be burdened with such responsibility.

Not to mention, he was already managing an information network for the village… he didn't want a bigger burden.

How would he peek at bathing women in the name of collecting material and write his little porn books if he were busy managing the ANBU forces?

"Sarutobi-Sensei, I don't have time for this tedious post either," Orochimaru echoed, rejecting the nomination just as easily.

Jiraiya declined the offer, and Orochimaru did the same. He had no interest in the position of ANBU Commander. His status in Konoha was already considerable—he didn't need the title to elevate it further.

Orochimaru preferred to hole himself up in his laboratory studying the secrets of life, death, and all kinds of Jutsu in his pursuit of eternal life… He remains so busy that he is not even able to go on his excursion activities that involve kidnapping little children…

If he has time, he'd much rather go out and kidnap little children…

Where does he have time to manage the ANBU forces?

Besides, Orochimaru sensed that his Sensei was probably not interested in granting him the position. While he was once the Hokage's most favoured disciple, their relationship had grown noticeably distant over the past couple of years.

"Hokage-sama, the Hyuga clan is more than capable of fulfilling this role," Hiashi spoke up, trying to recover his earlier lost dignity.

When Jiraiya and Orochimaru were suggested, Hiashi felt nervous.

Competing with them would've left him at a clear disadvantage in both prestige and strength. But with both of them stepping back, he saw an opportunity and seized it.

If the Hyuga clan managed to claim the ANBU Commander's seat, their influence in Konoha would rise significantly—perhaps even surpassing that of the Uchiha clan.

"Hokage-sama, our Shimura clan also wishes to contribute to Konoha," said Shimura Yu, the representative of the Shimura Clan.

Although Danzo himself hadn't appeared, he had sent someone to speak on his behalf. It was clear that he still had his eyes on the position of ANBU Commander.

Of course, Danzo didn't hold out much hope. He knew Hiruzen would never allow his old rival to control that much power. Danzo already had his own underground organisation—if he gained control over ANBU as well, would Hiruzen truly feel secure?

Still, even with low expectations, Danzo wasn't about to pass up the chance. There was always the slim possibility of success.

After representatives from the Hyuga and Shimura clans voiced their interest, several other families followed suit. The role of ANBU Commander was just too tempting to ignore.

After all, in Konoha, the position ranked just below the Hokage himself. Aside from answering to the Hokage, the ANBU Commander didn't have to show deference to anyone.

And more importantly, holding that office offered a path to even greater heights—perhaps even becoming the Fourth Hokage someday.

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Drop power Powerstonessssssssss!

[Read up to Chapter - 101 on P atreon at: p-atreon.com/Knockturn_Alley]