Chapter Sixteen: Duty Bound

"Acting Hokage, Uchiha Li reporting the clan’s selected leader for the conscription."
Uchiha Li entered the Hokage office and bowed respectfully to the middle-aged man seated behind the desk. Yet his words were far less deferential; he did not address the Third as 'Lord Hokage,' but deliberately added the word 'Acting,' even emphasizing it.
There was no particular reason for this—he simply wanted to do so. It certainly wasn’t to target the Third in any special way!
Hiruzen Sarutobi was reviewing some documents. When he saw Uchiha Li enter, a faint smile appeared on his face. But upon hearing Li’s form of address, his eyes narrowed slightly, and his smile momentarily faltered.
After a brief silence, Hiruzen pointed to a chair nearby and spoke, “So it’s you, Li. I hadn’t expected you to report in person. I’ve wanted to meet you for some time now, the young Uchiha prodigy…”
The Third’s demeanor was gentle, betraying no hint of annoyance. His smile was like a spring breeze—warm and infectious.
Had Uchiha Li not read the original story, or not been an Uchiha, perhaps he would have been moved by it.
But knowing their paths could never truly align, such a smile was meaningless to him.
“You jest, Acting Hokage,” Uchiha Li replied respectfully. “I am but an ordinary member of the Uchiha, acting solely for the sake of clan and village.”
“For clan and village, is it?”
Hiruzen’s brow furrowed, though the expression quickly faded.
In this brief exchange, he had already formed a deep impression of Uchiha Li.
Li’s character was entirely different from the Uchiha Shisui he favored; there was little hope of drawing this one to his side.
And this youth, who placed the clan before the village, had nonetheless displayed remarkable strength and intellect.
According to the intelligence gathered, he had grown very close to Fugaku lately—perhaps even plotting something in secret.
Most crucially, his conduct diverged from that of the typical Uchiha. He spoke of legality and justice, leaving few flaws for even Hiruzen to exploit.
“Yes, clan and village. After all, the Uchiha are founders of the Leaf, are they not?”

Uchiha Li had no idea what the Third was thinking, nor would he have cared if he did, for his words were intentional.
The Third would never fault him over a few phrases—otherwise, he wouldn’t be the Third.
After all, Hiruzen’s forte was not crushing enemies with sheer force, but wielding righteousness to control the broader game.
Especially regarding the Uchiha, this was all the more true—so Uchiha Li’s recent actions were simply a mirror of his own methods.
Hiruzen did not pursue Li’s remarks, but moved on, “What is Chief Fugaku’s view on the conscription order?”
Li had already prepared his answer and replied smoothly, “When the village commands, the Uchiha naturally obey. The chief is now arranging those who will be sent to the front.”
Hiruzen nodded casually, “Any requests? If so, speak freely.”
“Of course.” Uchiha Li answered with barely concealed eagerness, but then added, “None at all.”
As he spoke, he watched the Third’s face and saw the smile gradually fade.
If another Uchiha had come, they might have foolishly made demands by now.
Such requests might seem justified, but in truth, they were not.
The village was in peril; for the Uchiha to demand conditions before going to war would only invite criticism.
If, by chance, word got out—one need only look at what became of White Fang to understand the consequences.
“I see. Then who is to lead the Uchiha this time?” Hiruzen stroked his beard. “I trust Chief Fugaku will not let the village down?”
No expression crossed Li’s face, but his tone rose with sudden fervor: “To restore the Leaf’s glory is our sworn duty!”
He thumped his chest and continued, “For the village, and for the clan, I personally requested to lead from the chief.”
“Oh?” Hiruzen’s eyes glinted. “So Chief Fugaku agreed?”
A faint smile played about Li’s lips. “Naturally. The chief wished to go himself, but in the face of my earnest request, he had no choice but to consent.”
“Very good.” Hiruzen took a deep breath. “If all the Uchiha were like you, things would be far simpler.”
Li merely tilted his head, taking it as a compliment, but said nothing more.

Having learned of the Uchiha’s decision, Hiruzen waved him away without further comment.
Li did not linger, bowing once more before turning to leave the office.
In the corridor, he glanced at Danzo leaning on his cane. Li ignored him, not even bothering with a greeting, and left at once.
His purpose had been fulfilled; whether Danzo had overheard anything was of no concern.
Danzo watched Li’s retreating back until it vanished, then, with a cold snort, entered the office.
He found Hiruzen already lighting his pipe. Danzo sneered, “I told you long ago to hand that brat over to me. Now look what’s happened. You do realize what he meant, don’t you?”
Hiruzen’s face returned to calm as he replied, “I have my own arrangements regarding the Uchiha. You needn’t meddle. Let’s talk about you—in all the data from Orochimaru’s lab, every trail leads to you.”
“They were necessary sacrifices,” Danzo said in a low voice. “Hiruzen, the times have changed, yet you cling to old ways. It won’t work.”
He offered no defense, nor could he.
Orochimaru’s flight had been so sudden that much experimental data was left behind.
The thought angered Danzo; he hated the hidden saboteur responsible for it all.
Orochimaru’s abrupt departure had cost him dearly—all those secret labs and their equipment had belonged to Root, but now Hiruzen had confiscated everything.
Hearing Danzo’s tone of reproach, and already displeased from his earlier conversation, Hiruzen’s mood darkened further.
He had only intended a verbal warning, but now said, “Danzo, remember your place. Human experimentation is a forbidden taboo—I will have the ANBU inspect Root thoroughly.”
Danzo’s face turned ashen. He said coldly, “You’ll regret this, Hiruzen.”
Hiruzen was unmoved. “Danzo, I am the Hokage.”
But this time, Danzo did not fly into a rage or storm out slamming the door. He replied, indifferent,
“Yes, Acting Hokage.”