361. Danzo's Infinity Aura

"Shimura Danzo..."

As the elderly man appeared before him, Uchiha Setsuna's eyes flickered with a trace of apprehension.

A person's reputation is like the shadow of a tree.

Danzo's title as the "Darkness of the Shinobi World" and his formidable reputation were not without reason.

In the entire shinobi world today, perhaps no one deserves the title of "strongest" more than Danzo.

Even Uchiha Setsuna, when facing him, had to be on high alert.

Otherwise, a single misstep could lead to being outmaneuvered by him.

Realizing this, Setsuna decided to stand his ground on the most solid point he had. He questioned:

"Shimura Danzo, are you planning to interfere in the internal affairs of our Uchiha clan?"

Both in terms of reputation and strength, he knew full well that he was no match for Danzo.

Fortunately, they were at the Naka Shrine, the gathering place of the Uchiha clan.

Even a powerful Konoha elder and Hokage advisor like Danzo could not interfere in the internal affairs of the Uchiha clan!

If Danzo were to recklessly intervene, it would inevitably cause other clans to feel threatened, leading to a sharp decline in Danzo's authority within the village!

This was Uchiha Setsuna's greatest leverage as an Uchiha elder to counter Danzo.

Fortunately, Danzo had anticipated this.

Seeing that Setsuna was trying to pin this accusation on him right from the start, Danzo immediately responded:

"I have no intention of interfering in the internal affairs of the Uchiha clan. However, I must remind everyone of one thing..."

"The Police Force is not the private property of the Uchiha clan. It is an important department within Konoha, tasked with maintaining internal peace."

"If anyone abuses their power for personal gain, turning public resources into private tools, the consequences will not be pleasant."

After saying this, Danzo slightly raised his eyes, and a terrifying aura erupted from his body.

The sheer intensity of his presence was almost tangible, sweeping over everyone like a hurricane.

His unyielding stance immediately made all the Uchiha present feel uneasy.

Because what Danzo said was not without reason.

Although the Police Force had always been controlled by the Uchiha clan, there was no law in Konoha that explicitly stated that the Police Force could not include members from other clans.

Just as the Uchiha clan could not join the Anbu, these were merely unwritten rules.

If Danzo and the higher-ups chose not to acknowledge these rules, what could the Uchiha clan do about it?

Of course, Uchiha Setsuna was not about to concede defeat.

He quickly stepped forward to retort:

"Shimura Danzo, what do you mean by this?"

"The decision to have the Uchiha clan oversee the Police Force was made by your teacher, the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama. Are you planning to disregard his orders?"

Hearing this, Danzo couldn't help but let out a silent scoff in his heart.

He had no doubt that his teacher likely had no intention of completely eliminating the Uchiha clan at the time.

If he had truly wanted to, these stubborn individuals wouldn't have survived to this day.

They were essentially being sold out while still helping to count the money!

Did they really think the Police Force was some kind of prestigious position?

If it weren't for the Uchiha's formidable combat strength, Danzo wouldn't have bothered with them at all.

Of course, while he thought this, he couldn't say it out loud.

So, Danzo maintained his firm stance and spoke with righteous authority:

"The Second Hokage's decision naturally had its reasons, but the shinobi world is constantly evolving, and policies must keep up with the times."

"Back then, the Second Hokage entrusted the Police Force to the Uchiha clan because he believed they could fulfill this duty well."

"However, over the years, the Uchiha clan's execution of their duties has often caused widespread resentment. The Hokage's office is frequently flooded with complaints from villagers."

"Not to mention, Konoha is about to face an even more complex governance environment. It is only natural and entirely correct for me to demand reforms in the Police Force."

Danzo spoke these words in a calm tone.

But those listening could not remain calm.

Because anyone could hear the underlying meaning in Danzo's words!

He was essentially saying that the Uchiha clan had failed to live up to the task entrusted to them by the Second Hokage, and that was why he, Danzo, had to step in and reform the Police Force.

They could tolerate being criticized in private, but now he was insulting them right in front of their shrine?

Who could possibly endure this?

"Old traitor Danzo, you've gone too far!"

"That's right! We've been working tirelessly all these years. It's those people who don't follow the rules, yet you blame us for our enforcement attitude."

"I can't take this anymore! I challenge you to a duel, you old traitor!"

"Duel! Duel!"

"If I don't teach you a lesson, I don't deserve to be an Uchiha! I don't deserve to be a descendant of the Sage of Six Paths!" In an instant, all the Uchiha clansmen present were filled with rage.

They completely disregarded Danzo's status as a Konoha elder and Hokage advisor, hurling insults at him, calling him an "old traitor" repeatedly.

For them, the honor of the Uchiha clan was paramount.

In the face of their clan's honor, even Danzo was not spared from their wrath.

The intense scene made Uchiha Setsuna inwardly sneer.

He hadn't expected Danzo to be so foolish as to publicly humiliate the Uchiha clan.

Now, not only his hawkish faction but even the neutral and dovish factions couldn't sit still and were stepping forward to condemn Danzo.

After all, this concerned the honor of the Uchiha clan, and they couldn't afford to be careless.

At this moment, Danzo had become the enemy of the entire Uchiha clan.

Even Uchiha Fugaku, who had always stood by Danzo, was at a loss.

On one side was the honor of his clan, and on the other was his longtime superior.

It was a difficult position.

But this was quite in line with Fugaku's character.

In contrast, Uchiha Itachi, who had been standing in the shadows, remained calm.

Not only was he not nervous, but he was also pondering Danzo's intentions.

That's right. The young Uchiha Itachi didn't believe that the renowned "Darkness of the Shinobi World" would act so recklessly.

Since Danzo had provoked the entire Uchiha clan, he must have had his own purpose.

So, what was his goal?

Could it be...

Itachi's pupils suddenly contracted as an unbelievable guess formed in his mind.

Sure enough, the next moment, he heard Danzo's voice ring out clearly amidst the crowd:

"Since you refuse to acknowledge your incompetence, then let's settle this matter in the way the Uchiha are most adept at."

Danzo's words immediately calmed the crowd.

Uchiha Setsuna suddenly felt a sense of foreboding.

He looked at Danzo in disbelief.

Surrounded by the clamor of accusations, Danzo remained as composed and unshakable as ever.

"I am willing to accept your challenge, on the condition that all of you..."

"Come at me together!"