"Have you heard that the S-rank rogue ninja Orochimaru, the one who conducted forbidden experiments, was captured alive by the village?"

Walking along the streets of Konoha, Ishii Shouta turned his head and asked his companion.

"Of course I heard. I also know that it was Chief Fugaku of the Uchiha clan who captured Orochimaru."

His companion, Takasugi Kazuki, nodded.

"On that same day, a group of Iwagakure shinobi kidnapped the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, and it was also Chief Fugaku who rescued him."

"First capturing Orochimaru alive, and then rescuing the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki—Chief Fugaku's strength is truly incredible."

While speaking, Takasugi Kazuki couldn't help but sigh.

There weren't many details about the battle that took place during the rescue of the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, but the fight to capture Orochimaru alive could easily be imagined.

Orochimaru was an S-rank rogue ninja, someone who had Kage-level strength for many years. Just imagining the danger he posed was enough.

It wasn't hard to imagine how strong Chief Fugaku must have been to capture him alive.

"Of course, Chief Fugaku is now the strongest man in Konoha."

Ishii Shouta said with admiration.

Most shinobi admired strength and were naturally inclined to follow powerful leaders because strength often meant a greater chance of survival on missions.

Shouta's admiration for strength was particularly strong—almost fanatical.

"Chief Fugaku is indeed very strong, I admit that. But calling him the strongest man in Konoha is a bit much. Are you saying he's stronger than Lord Hokage?"

Takasugi Kazuki frowned in disapproval.

The title of "strongest Hokage in history" had long been associated with the Third Hokage. Takasugi had grown up hearing it, and naturally believed that the Third Hokage was Konoha's strongest.

"You're right. Chief Fugaku really is stronger than Lord Hokage."

Ishii Shouta said confidently.

"You must be dreaming. The Third Hokage is the strongest Hokage in history. No matter how strong Chief Fugaku is, he can't be stronger than Lord Hokage."

Takasugi clearly disagreed and looked at Shouta with dissatisfaction.

This guy actually thought Chief Fugaku was stronger than the Third Hokage—the man touted as the strongest in Konoha's history? How could that be?

"I have proof."

Ishii Shouta glanced around, then lowered his voice and said:

"One of my friends is from the Hatake clan. According to him, not long ago, the Third Hokage led people to storm into the Uchiha compound and clashed with Chief Fugaku."

"What? The Third Hokage led people into the Uchiha compound? How come I never heard about this?"

Takasugi asked in disbelief.

"Of course the news was suppressed. It was an internal conflict within the village, and not something to be publicly known."

Ishii Shouta explained, then added with a smirk:

"Guess what happened when the Third Hokage clashed with Chief Fugaku?"

"Who won?"

Takasugi asked eagerly.

"After just a few moves, the Third Hokage was already injured by Chief Fugaku."

"What?! Are you serious?"

Takasugi's eyes widened in disbelief. He was stunned.

The Third Hokage, who was known as the strongest Hokage in history, injured after just a few moves? That was too shocking—he could hardly believe it.

"My friend is from the Hatake clan. Why would he lie?"

Ishii Shouta replied.

"But the Third Hokage is the strongest Hokage in history. How could he lose?"

Takasugi still struggled to accept it.

"Strongest in history? Please, that's just talk. Do you even know how strong the First Hokage was?"

Ishii Shouta snorted dismissively.

"How strong?" Takasugi asked instinctively.

"My grandfather said the First Hokage could create entire forests with just a wave of his hand. Even the tailed beasts were helpless against him."

"That strong?"

"So, tell me—if the First Hokage was that powerful, is the Third Hokage really qualified to be called the strongest?"

Ishii Shouta smiled in disdain.

Takasugi was dumbfounded. His long-held belief had been shattered. It turned out the Third Hokage wasn't necessarily the strongest after all.

"Don't tell anyone about this. I promised my friend I'd keep it a secret."

Ishii Shouta whispered.

"Don't worry, I won't say a word."

Takasugi nodded, but immediately turned and told another companion:

"A friend of my friend is from the Hatake clan. He said..."

Similar conversations were happening all over Konoha, and Uchiha Fugaku's reputation was soaring at an astonishing rate.

Over the past year, due to the reforms implemented by Uchiha Fugaku in the Konoha Military Police Force, the public image of the Uchiha clan had gradually improved.

As a result, Uchiha Fugaku, as clan head, had begun gaining a favorable reputation within the village.

Later, when he repelled a rogue shinobi with a Wood Release kekkei genkai who had attacked Konoha several times, his strength and reputation grew even more.

And now, with the news of him capturing Orochimaru alive and rescuing the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, his reputation had exploded.

At present, among shinobi and villagers alike, he was the most talked-about person in Konoha.

Furthermore, the strength he had shown in defeating the Wood Release user and capturing Orochimaru inspired widespread admiration among younger shinobi.

Compared to the Third Hokage, who was touted as the strongest yet had few tangible feats in recent years, Uchiha Fugaku's accomplishments were undeniable—and deeply impressive.

"Captain Fugaku."

"Captain Fugaku."

...

As Uchiha Fugaku patrolled the village streets, some people looked at him curiously, while others greeted him respectfully.

Uchiha Fugaku responded to each greeting, maintaining a polite and approachable demeanor.

He could clearly sense how much his reputation had improved.

Just as he had predicted, the news of capturing Orochimaru and rescuing the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki had made his popularity skyrocket.

The Three Legendary Sannin had all left Konoha. Aside from the Third Hokage, no one else in the village could match his influence.

And his reputation still hadn't peaked—it was still rising.

"However, the Third Hokage won't tolerate my growing reputation. He'll definitely try to suppress it. I have to be on guard."

A cold light flashed in his eyes.

The Third Hokage would never allow anyone else to hold overwhelming influence in the village. So he would definitely try to hinder Fugaku's rise.

(End of this chapter)