Chapter Three: Beyond the Bounds of Law

Mutual accusations of rebellion brought both sides to a full confrontation in the streets, tension crackling like drawn swords. Uchiha Fugaku had never expected this usually silent junior of his family to be so resolute, and for a moment, he was caught off guard.

Taking a deep breath, Fugaku spoke with some displeasure, "Li, what are you trying to do?"

It was true that there were many factions within the clan, and differences of opinion often arose, but as the clan head representing the Uchiha outside, he could not allow his authority to be challenged.

Uchiha Li turned his head slightly, calmly meeting his clan head’s gaze, his expression steady yet stubborn. "Clan Head, I know exactly what I’m doing."

From the moment his Sharingan trembled, all hesitation vanished; he resolved that tonight, he would not let history repeat itself.

He understood well: the chakra of the Nine Tails—even a mere fraction drifting in the air—far surpassed all he could usually muster. The disparity was overwhelming.

Therefore, he had to seize this rare opportunity and push his eyes further!

Truthfully, Uchiha Li held no deep prejudice against Fugaku; at least until tonight, he had never openly defied his orders.

But this time was different. For Li knew all too well what kind of man Fugaku was.

Their clan head could be described in one word: indecisive.

Caught between the clan’s radicals and pacifists, Fugaku never firmly supported either side, only causing the rifts to deepen.

In the end, as the radicals grew ever stronger, Fugaku chose to compromise and launched a coup.

He was utterly unprepared—traitors still lurked within the clan—so it was no surprise that the village saw through this laughable coup before it even began.

Even then, there was still a sliver of hope if they went all out, but Fugaku hesitated once more.

When faced with his own son Itachi’s massacre, Fugaku chose to compromise again, trading the clan’s lives for Uchiha Sasuke’s survival.

In Li’s eyes, if the clan was to rebel, then they should do so with resolve—boldly and without regret. If they were to compromise, then do so thoroughly and eliminate the radicals.

Yet Fugaku chose the worst path, wavering until the entire clan went with him to their graves.

Now, seeing Uchiha Li’s unyielding stance and the clan members’ support, Fugaku hesitated again.

At last, he sighed, his tone melancholy. "You’d better give me a good reason for this!"

Hearing Fugaku’s choice, Li nodded, turning his gaze back toward the Root members ahead.

He had started this, so naturally, he was prepared.

"The Police Force is resolutely upholding the village and the Hokage’s orders. There’s no question of rebellion." Li’s tone shifted. "But if I say you are rebelling, I’m afraid I’m not mistaken!"

Li’s assertiveness alerted the Root members that something was amiss, and a sense of unease crept in.

Yet, remembering Lord Danzo’s order, the Root ninja refused to back down, retorting, "What do you mean? I am acting on the Hokage’s orders!"

A cold smile flickered on Li’s face. "Are you sure these are the Hokage’s orders?"

"Of course!"

At this point, the Root member could not possibly deny it.

Li’s smile remained, devoid of warmth. "Very well. Then, which Hokage’s orders are you following? Where is the written edict?"

The Root ninja frowned. "Naturally, they are from the Third Hokage. There is no written order—only verbal instructions. But an order all the same!"

"The Third Hokage’s order?" Li repeated, his smile fading. He turned to Fugaku, puzzled. "Clan Head, if I recall correctly, the current Hokage is the Fourth, Minato Namikaze, isn’t he?"

Fugaku nodded instinctively. "That’s right, but—"

"No buts," Li cut him off, emphasizing, "The Third Hokage has already retired, and it’s the Fourth who holds office. On what grounds does the Third issue orders to the Police Force?"

"This…"

"I remember clearly—the Third Hokage currently holds no position in the village!"

Li’s intentions were now clear as day, a trace of a smile forming. His purpose had been achieved.

Though Minato Namikaze was Hokage in name, much of Konoha’s affairs still fell under the Third’s control. Most of ANBU’s members were loyal to the Third, so in truth, the Third had never relinquished power and remained the village’s true authority.

But none of this was official. While the Third controlled the village, the mantle of Hokage and its moral authority belonged to the Fourth.

Everyone knew this, but no one dared to voice it or dig deeper.

Now, this loophole became Li’s opportunity to defy orders.

Confident in his grip over the village, the Third currently held no office at all—not even as Hokage’s advisor or assistant.

Legally, therefore, the Third had no authority to command the Police Force.

The Police Force answered directly to the Hokage; only the Hokage could issue commands.

Even if he were the Third, if one insisted on the rules, Hiruzen Sarutobi would have to issue orders in the Fourth’s name for them to be valid.

But the Third had never imagined anyone would use this argument to refuse his orders.

By breaking this unspoken understanding and choosing to disobey, Li had placed himself above reproach—he stood on the side of the law.

As for whether there would be repercussions afterward, that was another matter. By then, he might no longer need to fear them.

Without giving anyone time to think further, Li declared righteously, "Without a written order from the Hokage, you are falsely claiming Hokage’s authority and obstructing the Police Force’s rescue operation. I now suspect you of treason!"

With that, Li wasted no time. He drew his kunai and launched himself at the Root operative with deadly intent.

"Damn it, Uchiha Li, are you rebelli—"

The Root member, caught off guard, instinctively tried to rebuke him, but the attack was upon him. He hurriedly drew his own kunai to block.

In that instant, a chilling premonition surged through him, making his hair stand on end.

So fast—unbelievably fast!

He felt his clothes tear, and even his skin was sliced open by the kunai!

In a flash, the Root ninja formed hand seals, activating the Body Replacement Technique at once.

During the substitution, he caught a glimpse of his previous position—there was Uchiha Li, already with the three-tomoe Sharingan awakened, his scarlet eyes burning eerily in the darkness!

Li had held nothing back—he intended to kill him outright!

The Root member froze for a split second, immediately understanding the young man’s intent.

This Uchiha—how did he dare?

He stared in disbelief, but his eyes widened further. Uchiha Li had vanished again, and this time, a cold sensation bloomed in his abdomen.

"So fast—"