Naruto: Starting as the Third Hokage with Tears in His Eyes

Chapter 137: Uchiha Tetsuka's Imaginary Speculation

Not always high above, not always majestic and profound.

He can also walk on the street he protects, just like an ordinary person, eating candied hawthorns and greeting everyone he passes by with a smile.

The boy became even more determined to follow the clan leader forever.

"How are you settling into your work at the garrison?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi took a bite of the candied hawthorn, and the perfect balance of sweet and sour made him squint his eyes contentedly, feeling much more relaxed.

Sarutobi Hazumi, who was standing next to him, quickly swallowed the large mouthful of delicious mixture of sugar coating and hawthorn pulp in his mouth, straightened up, and answered seriously, "Reporting to the clan leader, Minister Tetsuka is very kind to us new non-Uchiha clan members, treating us all equally. Now, everyone in the security force gets along very well."

"Oh?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi became interested. "Tell me more about it."

"For example, in our patrol team, I am responsible for on-site tactical planning and support, while Captain Yoru is the main attacker and final decision-maker. Everyone performs their duties, and the team works together very efficiently."

A hint of pride shone on Bo Cheng's face.

"Furthermore, Minister Tetsuka implemented a very strict performance evaluation system, where everything is based on merit and ability, regardless of background. Whoever does a good job will be promoted and rewarded. For example, this time, Senior Uchiha Fugaku was promoted to squad leader because of his outstanding performance in the dam project, and no one objected. Everyone was convinced."

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded in satisfaction.

well.

This is exactly the situation he wanted to see.

The flames of the Uchiha clan should not be used only for battle, but should also be used like this to become a warm light that protects this prosperity and wins glory for themselves.

Although Tiehuo is sometimes single-minded, he is indeed a master at execution and carrying out his will.

The two walked through the bustling main road and turned into a relatively quiet street.

At the entrance to the street stood a huge archway, engraved with the Uchiha clan's iconic flame fan emblem.

They arrived at the Uchiha clan's territory.

Unlike the bustling and lively scene outside, the streets within the clan's territory were exceptionally clean and solemn, and the air seemed to carry the dignity of a large family.

The moment they stepped into the Uchiha clan's territory.

"Whoosh!"

A dark figure suddenly appeared in front of them.

It was a young Uchiha ninja wearing a police uniform. The moment he saw who it was, his face first showed shock, then turned into utmost respect.

Without any hesitation, he immediately knelt down on one knee.

"Lord Hokage! I was unaware of your arrival; I have failed to greet you properly!"

His movements were textbook perfect, and his voice was excited.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's arrival instantly stirred up the entire Uchiha clan territory.

Subtle auras emanated from the buildings in all directions, only to retreat even faster.

Immediately following were the sounds of hurried footsteps and the rustling of clothes in the wind.

Uchiha Tetsuka arrived almost immediately. He didn't even have time to go through the main entrance; he leaped out of the window on the second floor of the security headquarters. With a few lightning-fast movements on the rooftop, he landed heavily in front of Hiruzen Sarutobi, creating a gust of wind.

"Hokage-sama!"

Tie Huo's body was taut like a fully drawn bowstring, his expression extremely tense.

"You...you're here? Is...is something wrong?"

Fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

Oh no! The Hokage himself has come to the Uchiha clan's territory without any warning!

Could it be that some foolish brat in the clan has caused some terrible trouble outside, prompting the Hokage to personally come and punish him?

Was it that kid Fugaku, relying on his genius, got into a conflict with the villagers during his patrol? Or did that guy Yashiro miscalculate the security force's budget again? Or was it some elder who was acting superior and said something he shouldn't have?

In an instant, dozens of names of people who might cause trouble and hundreds of possible solutions flashed through Tiehuo's mind.

No matter who it is, if they dare to cause trouble for the Hokage or disrupt the current favorable situation of the Uchiha clan, Uchiha Tetsuka will be the first to hang them on the Naka River Dam to dry in the wind!

Seeing his expression of being on high alert, as if the sky were about to collapse, Hiruzen Sarutobi almost laughed.

"Relax, Ironfire."

He reached out and patted Tiehuo's strong shoulder with a smile.

"I am not here today as the Hokage."

"I'm just an ordinary elder who wanted to visit Captain Hazumi and, incidentally... take a look at the scenery in your Uchiha clan's territory." Hiruzen Sarutobi said the last part of his sentence very casually, as if he were joking with an old friend.

"what?"

Uchiha Tetsuka was stunned.

Is this the captain of Bocheng?

He glanced at Sarutobi Nami, who was holding a candied hawthorn and looked uneasy, then looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen's warm smile, and his mind didn't quite process it for a moment.

"Alright, get up, everyone. You can continue your patrol and don't worry about me. Making such a fuss, anyone who doesn't know better would think something terrible has happened."

"Yes, Lord Hokage!"

Uchiha Tetsuka respectfully responded and slowly stood up, but his heart was still pounding with anxiety.

The Hokage said it was a private visit, but who would dare to actually take it as one?

He respectfully took a few steps back, but in the instant he turned his head, his scarlet Sharingan eyes met those of several subordinates who were on guard in the shadows.

A series of instructions were conveyed silently.

"Plan A activated! Immediately clear the three streets along the Hokage's planned route! Remove all unrelated personnel!"

"Plan B: Establish the highest-level surveillance network within a 500-meter radius of the Hokage! Any suspicious target, even a fly flying by, I need to know its gender!"

"Hmm... let's inform the clan leader as well."

"Send several teams to secretly protect me. If anything goes wrong, you'll all be sent to the Nanga River reservoir to be my concrete!"

After doing all this, Tiehuo pretended to be nonchalant and continued to lead his team to patrol another street. However, his ramrod straight back and the sharp gaze that occasionally glanced in this direction betrayed his extreme tension.

Hiruzen Sarutobi naturally noticed the suddenly enthusiastic gazes around him, as well as the faint chakra fluctuations nearby.

He sensed that on several rooftops, Uchiha ninjas were quietly crawling and moving, clearing the path ahead for him, and the street was cleaned up of all the trash.

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled but didn't point it out.

This excessive protection, though somewhat laughable, ultimately stems from a deep-seated reverence and loyalty.

Sometimes, tacitly condoning some harmless acts of "overt compliance" can actually make subordinates feel more at ease.