Naruto's civilian cannon fodder starts with the three-body technique

Chapter 317 Sharing the Mito Gate

"Let's go! To the Hokage Building, to find the Hokage and demand justice from him! The Mitokado family must give us justice!"

"Yes! They killed our husbands and sons, and now they want to take away our home. How can they be so unreasonable?!"

"If the Hokage doesn't do anything, we'll just run ourselves over to death in front of the Hokage Building!"

Amidst the public outrage, dozens of orphans and widows, along with the elderly and children, rushed towards the Hokage Building, crying and shouting.

Unable to directly attack the Mito clan's territory, they could only pin their hopes on the Third Hokage, hoping to force him to uphold justice through their tragic story and public opinion.

The news reached Mitokado En's ears immediately.

"What?! Those lowly commoners dare to cause trouble at the Hokage Building?!"

Mitomon Homura, his face turning ashen with rage, slammed his fist on the table and stood up abruptly. "Who gave them the audacity?! Go! Immediately send men to subdue those troublemaking bastards and shut them up! We absolutely cannot let them spout nonsense in front of the Hokage Building!"

He was filled with shock and anger; it was clear that someone was stirring things up behind the scenes.

However, the clan ninjas he dispatched had just arrived near the Hokage Building and hadn't even had a chance to make a move when they were blocked by a group of ninjas with "ping-pong paddle" printed on their backs.

"The Uchiha police force is patrolling here. What are you Mitokado clan ninjas up to?"

The leading Uchiha squad officer had sharp eyes, his hand on the hilt of his sword, and his tone was icy.

The Mitokado ninja forced a smile and said, "We are acting on Elder Yan's orders to deal with some troublemakers who are disrupting order!"

"Disrupting order? Hmph!" The Uchiha Jonin sneered, his gaze sweeping over the weeping orphans and widows. He said sarcastically, "As far as we know, they are victims who have come to appeal their grievances to the Hokage. Is your Mitomon clan trying to cover something up by arresting people in the street? Or are you trying to challenge the law enforcement authority of my police force?"

The Uchiha ninjas stepped forward one after another, their Sharingan faintly activating, exuding an imposing aura. They were known for their foul tempers, but they were not lacking in a sense of justice. Naturally, the Uchiha would stand on the side of "justice" and "victims" in this matter. Moreover, this would strike a blow against the Mitokado clan and the Sarutobi clan behind them, and also earn them a rare wave of goodwill from the lower-class villagers. Why not?
As for the previous division of the Mitomon's assets, the Uchiha also received a share, which was just a "normal" distribution of family interests and does not conflict with the current "upholding of justice".

Faced with the aggressive and legitimate Uchiha police force, the Mitokado clan ninjas had no choice but to back down and slink away.

When the news reached Mitokado Homura, he was so angry he almost vomited blood: "Uchiha! It's the Uchiha again! What are they trying to do?! Could it be that the Uchiha are behind this instigation of public opinion and the manipulation of public opinion?"

In front of the Hokage Building.

With the "protection"—or more accurately, the surveillance—of the Uchiha police force, the orphans and widows cried out even more bitterly and loudly, recounting the "blood and tears" of how Mitomon Takashi lent money at exorbitant interest rates, how he traded information that led to the deaths of their relatives, and how he forcibly seized their properties. This drew more and more villagers who wanted to find out the truth to watch. They discussed it extensively, and a wave of condemnation against the Mitomon clan quickly formed.

Hiruzen Sarutobi stood at the window of the Hokage's office, looking down at the dark mass of people and the cries that rose and fell, listening to the constant reports from the Anbu about the rumors circulating in the streets and alleys. He felt his temples throbbing and was more overwhelmed than ever before.

The secret service also tried to arrest those who were instigating the trouble, but to no avail. They arrested gamblers, drunkards, and aunties who went grocery shopping, but no matter how they interrogated them, it was useless. They were clearly under a very profound illusion spell, and even their temperament and values ​​had been affected.

Such profound and unfathomable genjutsu could probably only be performed by the Uchiha clan.

Given that the Uchiha clan did not stop these people from causing trouble, and even showed signs of fueling the flames, few people would believe that this matter had nothing to do with the Uchiha clan.

"Summon the elders, advisors, and clan leaders of all ninja clans for an emergency meeting!" Hiruzen Sarutobi put down his pipe, rubbed his temples wearily, and his voice was a little hoarse.

Hokage Building Conference Room.

The atmosphere was so heavy that water seemed to drip out.

Hiruzen Sarutobi sat in the main seat with a gloomy expression, while Koharu Utatane kept her head down, seemingly indifferent to the matter.

Mitokado Yan's face turned ashen, his eyes filled with resentment and anger.

The clan leaders of each ninja clan sat on both sides, each with a different expression. Most of them had a detached indifference, and some even seemed to be secretly gloating. Uchiha Kako was expressionless, but deep in his eyes, there was a hint of playfulness that was hard to detect.

"Gentlemen, as you all know, the situation is as described."

Hiruzen Sarutobi said solemnly, “The village has already reached a conclusion and punished Mitomon Takashi for his past crimes. However, now, the bereaved families who lost their properties are bringing up the past again and gathering in front of the Hokage Building, causing extremely bad influence. This matter must be quelled as soon as possible.”

He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone: "I propose that all of you ninja clans who previously shared in the Mitokado clan's assets contribute funds to compensate these bereaved families, purchase new homes for them, and quell the situation. After all, they are also members of Konoha, the widows and orphans of heroes. We cannot let them wander the streets and chill the hearts of the ninjas on the front lines."

As soon as he finished speaking, a chorus of objections erupted in the conference room.

Compensate them? Where were they before? Now they know they need to compensate, but it's too late. Expecting them to spit out the benefits they've already swallowed is simply wishful thinking!

"Lord Hokage, you are mistaken!" The head of the Hyuga clan spoke first, his tone calm but carrying an undeniable refusal. "Mitokado Takashi's crimes were his personal acts and have no direct connection to the Mitokado clan's previous businesses. Moreover, our families purchased those businesses through legal procedures, which is reasonable and lawful. It is unreasonable and illogical for us to pay for Mitokado Takashi's misdeeds."

“That’s right!” The head of the Inuzuka clan slowly replied, his eyes shrewd. “The division of the property was a punishment decision made by the village for the collective sins of the Mitokado clan. We each acted in accordance with the order. Now, because of the problems left by Mitokado Takashi, we are being asked to pay money again. Isn’t this a case of changing the order in the morning and evening? What authority will the village’s decrees have in the future?”

He cleverly avoided the word "dividing up," using "dividing" and "following orders" to gloss over it.

"Hmph!" Chief Anma snorted coldly, expressing his dissatisfaction. His meaning was clear: once the meat was in their mouths, they wouldn't be allowed to spit it out.

The oil-loving clan chief pushed up her sunglasses and remained silent, her attitude clearly one of rejection.

What embarrassed Hiruzen Sarutobi and Homura Mitokado the most was that the Uchiha clan leader, who had always been at odds with everyone, actually spoke up at this moment, and his words were aimed directly at the core of the matter.

"Lord Hokage, the clan heads are right." Uchiha Hikaru's voice wasn't loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears. "The root of the problem lies in Mitomon Takashi's collusion with external enemies, his cruelty towards his comrades, and his ruthless exploitation. The Mitomon clan clearly bears an undeniable responsibility for their lax discipline and for condoning and protecting him! More importantly—"

Then, he changed the subject, his gaze sharp as he looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi and Homura Mitokado: "As far as I know, a large portion of the properties that Mitokado Takashi reclaimed eventually flowed into the Sarutobi clan's assets through the Hokage's nephew, Kagejiro Sarutobi, where they were either redeveloped or leased out at high prices."

The Sarutobi clan seems to have profited greatly from this process.

Now, to quell the incident and settle the grievances, shouldn't the Mitomon clan, the instigators, and the Sarutobi clan, the biggest beneficiaries, bear the main responsibility?
It would be unfair and unconvincing to make us, families who 'follow orders,' share the burden!

These words were like a bombshell, instantly making the atmosphere in the conference room even more tense.

Upon hearing this, the other ninja clan leaders' eyes lit up, and they all echoed, "Clan Leader Huonu is right!"

"That's right! Every wrong has its perpetrator, and every debt has its debtor. Whoever caused the trouble and whoever ate the meat should be held responsible."

"We were just following the rules; we didn't participate in any of those dirty tricks." "The Sarutobi and Mitomon clans have a close relationship and cooperate seamlessly. Now that something's happened, it's natural that both of you should take responsibility!"

The meeting room was instantly filled with fervor.

It is quite rare that the Uchiha clan has actually stood on the same side as other ninja clans, jointly targeting the Mitokado and Sarutobi clans.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's face darkened completely. Uchiha Hikaru's move was truly ruthless, directly pointing out the fact that the Sarutobi clan had profited, and cornering him. The Uchiha were indeed up to no good, and this matter was definitely related to them!
Faced with the accusations leveled against him by the Uchiha clan, he absolutely could not allow the Sarutobi clan to bear the blame for "colluding with the Mitomon to exploit the extinct family." This was a hundred or a thousand times more serious than the financial loss. If he admitted to paying for their resettlement, it would be tantamount to acknowledging their involvement.

He took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing his anger, and turned his gaze to Mitokado Homura, whose face was trembling with rage. His tone was resolute and unquestionable: "Homura!"

Mitokado Homura's heart tightened, and he looked up at Sarutobi Hiruzen.

"This matter originated with Mitomon Takashi, and has escalated due to your failure to properly educate your son! The Mitomon family must bear all the resettlement expenses for the victims!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice was resolute: "Whether you sell off clan property or use savings, you must raise enough funds within three days to purchase new homes for all the bereaved families who have lost their homes and quell public resentment! This is an order!"

"Hiruzen! I..." Mitokado Homura was struck dumb, and suddenly stood up, wanting to argue.

The Mitomon clan had already suffered heavy losses from the previous blows. If they were to sell off their clan property again, the Mitomon clan would truly be doomed to complete decline!

"No buts!" Hiruzen Sarutobi interrupted him sharply, his eyes cold and stern. "This is for the stability of the village, to quell public anger. The Mito clan must bear the consequences of their mistakes. Do you want to see Konoha plunged into even greater chaos because of you? Or do you want me, the Hokage, to personally order a thorough investigation of all past grievances?!"

The last sentence was filled with blatant threat.

Looking into Hiruzen Sarutobi's cold and ruthless eyes, and then at the indifferent, mocking, or gloating gazes of the surrounding ninja clan leaders, Mitomon Homura felt a bone-chilling cold instantly sweep over his body, as if he had fallen into an ice cave.

He slumped back into his chair, his face ashen, his lips trembling, unable to utter a single word.

At this moment, he finally understood that the so-called advisors and elders, and the so-called friendship among classmates, were worthless in the face of real interests and crises.

Their value lies in serving as pawns when Hiruzen Sarutobi needs them, as white gloves when he is unable to act, and as scapegoats when he needs to quell public anger and protect his own and the interests of the Sarutobi clan!

In the past, Danzo's old comrade was there to take the brunt of the fire, but now that Shimura Danzo has returned to the front lines in Tsugaru Province and doesn't have time to come back and take the blame, it's finally Mitokado Homura's turn to shoulder this heavy, black burden.

Mitomon Homura slumped in the cold chair, feeling the mocking and greedy gazes coming from all directions. In particular, Hiruzen Sarutobi's last naked threat was like a kunai dipped in deadly poison, piercing his heart.

"Heh!" He let out a few bitter laughs, as if mocking all his past illusions and loyalty. He finally understood how his old comrade Danzo felt.

The last glimmer of hope he had for the friendship he had held onto as a classmate was extinguished, leaving only a chilling and piercing resentment.

He knew that the Mitokado clan would also have to bear the blame. The Third Hokage, who always stood on the moral high ground and was so glorious and majestic, would never allow himself or the Sarutobi clan to be tainted in any way.

"Yes, Lord Hokage." Mitomon Homura's voice was hoarse, each word tinged with blood. "The Mitomon clan will cover all resettlement costs. Within three days, sell off clan property to raise the funds."

He had resigned himself to his fate. In order to prolong the last days of his clan's existence and to avoid being completely discarded and purged as a pawn of Hiruzen Sarutobi, he had no choice but to drink this poisoned wine. The so-called raising of funds was just a formality. His real purpose was to divide up the clan's assets to quell the matter and silence the mouths of the other major ninja clans in Konoha.

"Yan, the village will remember your sense of responsibility." Hiruzen Sarutobi's tone softened instantly, tinged with a hint of feigned satisfaction.

The news that Mitokado Homura was going to sell off his clan's assets was like pouring cold water into a boiling oil pan, instantly causing an uproar among the Konoha leadership and various ninja clans.

The Mitomon clan, a long-established near-first-class ninja clan rooted in Konoha for many years, possesses core clan assets that are all hard currency, a "gold mine" that guarantees profits!
The assets left behind by Mitomon Takashi, which were previously divided among the clan, were valuable, but they were mostly peripheral assets or industries that required management skills, and were far less attractive than these core clan assets.

In an instant, all the major ninja clans swarmed in like sharks smelling blood.

The Ino-Shika-Cho trio have always been closely allied, and at this moment they are even more in sync. The Nara clan chief's representative, with shrewd eyes, scanned the asset list and pointed to several shops in excellent locations. The Akimichi clan chief's representative set his sights on the largest restaurant owned by the Mitomon clan, while the Yamanaka clan chief's representative was determined to acquire a training ground near their clan. The three clans quickly divided up their respective "hunting grounds".

As one of Konoha's top powerful clans, the Hyuga clan acted with composure yet left no room for doubt, directly acquiring the largest and most central properties, demonstrating their immense wealth and status.

With a cold smile playing on his lips, Uchiha Hikko checked off several properties on the list that were adjacent to the Uchiha clan's territory, in sensitive locations, and extremely valuable. His movements were unhurried, yet carried an oppressive sense of determination.

The Aburame clan discreetly chose the largest medicinal herb warehouse under the Mitomon clan's name and a remote but suitable woodland for cultivating special insects.

The newly emerging "Ninja Beast Tribe" of fish, birds, and dogs also reaped a large share of the profits.

The head of the Teku clan is now full of confidence, commanding a well-organized "Desert Giant Falcon" air force unit. His military influence in Konoha has risen sharply, and he has his eyes set on several well-located ninja tool shops owned by the Mitomon clan.

The head of the Inuzuka clan, whose ninja dogs had consumed a large amount of an improved version of the Ninja Beast Elixir, resulting in a surge in their overall strength and astonishing combat power, unceremoniously took over the largest veterinary hospital under the Mitomon clan.

As for the representatives of the Umino clan, they were also allocated a large area of ​​fishing grounds and woodlands near Konoha.

To everyone's astonishment, the representative of the Sarutobi clan, the vice principal of the Konoha Ninja Academy, actually appeared in person at the "sharing" table. With a formulaic smile, he represented the Sarutobi clan in "legally" acquiring several prime properties under the name of the Mitokado clan, properties with huge potential for future appreciation. These were some of the core properties that Mitokado Takashi had previously reclaimed through high-interest loans.

"This—" Clan Chief Teku looked at Vice Principal Sarutobi's matter-of-fact demeanor and sighed softly to Clan Chief Inuzuka beside him, "Today has truly broadened my horizons. The Sarutobi clan is truly..."

He couldn't find the right words to describe this "eating manner".

Meanwhile, the Inuzuka clan chief, standing to the side, had a complex look in his eyes, a hint of shock and disdain in them, and said in a low voice, "You've seen it, haven't you? In the face of real interests, face? Ha, it's worthless."

The last vestige of respect he held for Hiruzen Sarutobi vanished completely at that moment.

The entire process of dividing the spoils was less of an auction and more of a division of spoils among the various ninja clans based on their power and tacit understanding.

Mitomon Homura sat blankly to the side the whole time, watching his family's accumulated wealth be torn apart by a pack of hungry wolves, the price driven down to an extremely low level, and he was powerless to resist, his heart filled with despair.

After the food was divided up, the Mitomon clan was completely drained.

Hiruzen Sarutobi finally emerged from the Hokage Building, a signature kind and friendly smile on his face. He arrived in front of the building and began his performance, addressing the orphans and widows who had been eagerly waiting and whose eyes were red from crying, as well as the many Konoha villagers who had gathered to watch.

"Villagers of Konoha! Widows and orphans of heroes!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice was loud and full of emotion as he said with great sorrow, "I understand your pain and grievances. I, Hiruzen Sarutobi, as your Hokage, have long abhorred Mitokado's crimes of colluding with foreign enemies, harming his comrades, and exploiting them to the bone. He not only betrayed the village, but also all the comrades who trusted him!"

(End of this chapter)