186-190

*Chapter 186: How Can You Get Rich Without Going All-In?*

In the Ninja World, deep beneath the layers of rock in a vast and nameless mountain range, an endless pool of blood suddenly rippled.

Calling it a “pool of blood” would be an understatement—it was more like a *sea of blood*.

The crimson liquid stretched far beyond sight, where countless creatures floated and sank, awaiting the call of a god.

This mountain range, located at the border between the Land of Demons and the Land of Snow, had now become Kaneki’s domain. Every creature, every movement here was under his watchful gaze.

Here, *he was a god.*

At this moment, however, the sea of blood’s ripples gradually transformed into waves.

This shift reflected Kaneki’s tumultuous emotions, which were stirred by a discovery from one of his ongoing research projects:

*“The History of the Hyūga Clan.”*

After scouring through tens of thousands of volumes from the Hyūga Clan's archives, Kaneki was astounded to uncover a possible connection between the Hyūga and the legendary Sage of Six Paths.

More importantly, it seemed that the Hyūga Clan did not solely reside in the Hidden Leaf Village.

According to ancient Hyūga records, thousands of years ago, the Hyūga ancestors split into two branches—one remained in the Ninja World, while the other traveled to the *moon* to guard something of immense importance.

The branch that stayed in the Ninja World suffered through the brutal Warring States Period and eventually joined the Hidden Leaf Village, which was founded by the Senju and Uchiha Clans.

As for the branch that went to the moon, their fate was unknown.

Kaneki frowned slightly as he read this.

He wasn’t sure if the Hyūga records were entirely accurate. Ancient texts often exaggerated or used metaphorical language.

For example, maybe this “other branch” of the Hyūga didn’t actually go to the moon—perhaps they were simply killed off by the Leaf’s Hyūga Clan. To cover up the brutality, they may have spun the story into a noble “mission to the moon.”

After all, traveling to the moon seemed far-fetched given the technological level of the current Ninja World.

Of course, Kaneki didn’t completely dismiss the possibility. In this world, reaching the moon didn’t necessarily require scientific means—*space-time ninjutsu* could make such a feat plausible.

If this was true, then what was that *important existence* on the moon?

Perhaps only the Hyūga Clan leader, Hiashi Hyūga, would know the truth. Kaneki mused that he could always kidnap Hiashi for interrogation.

There was another detail that caught Kaneki’s attention:

According to the records, the Byakugan could potentially *evolve further*, though the exact method remained unknown.

This discovery left Kaneki speechless.

“So the Sharingan can evolve, and now the Byakugan can too? Are these two clans related somehow?”

Thinking back, both the Uchiha and Hyūga Clans had long histories and deep-rooted traditions. Perhaps their clan shrines held some long-lost secrets as well.

“I’ll have to investigate this further when the opportunity arises,” Kaneki thought.

As his mind settled, the sea of blood gradually calmed. Kaneki’s consciousness shifted back to the Hidden Leaf Village—*to the Uchiha Clan’s territory.*

The tension between the Uchiha and the village leadership had escalated to an irreconcilable level. Unease and rebellious fervor were spreading among the Uchiha.

Uchiha Fugaku, exhausted after a clan meeting, returned home with a heavy heart.

The clan’s desire for rebellion had grown stronger, and even as the clan head, Fugaku found it increasingly difficult to suppress.

As he stepped inside, his wife, Mikoto Uchiha, quietly approached him.

“There’s a guest waiting for you,” she whispered.

“A guest?”

Fugaku frowned. At this hour, most of the village avoided the Uchiha like the plague. Who would dare come to visit?

But seeing the serious look on Mikoto’s usually gentle face, Fugaku immediately realized this visitor was no ordinary person.

Crossing the courtyard, Fugaku entered the main hall and immediately recognized the guest.

“Mr. Kimura.”

Indeed, the visitor was Kimura—the representative of the rising *Higanbana Trading Company* stationed in the Hidden Leaf Village.

In just a few months, the Higanbana Trading Company had established itself as a rival to the village’s established merchants with its high-quality goods.

“It’s a pleasure to see you, Clan Leader Fugaku,” Kimura greeted, smiling as he extended his hand.

Fugaku took his seat at the head of the room and asked pointedly, “Mr. Kimura, it’s quite late. What brings you to the Uchiha Clan?”

Given the tense political climate, the Uchiha territory was under constant surveillance by the village’s *Anbu* operatives. Kimura’s visit would not go unnoticed by the higher-ups.

Kimura, however, smiled faintly. “You don’t need to worry, Clan Leader Fugaku. I made sure no one noticed me on my way here.”

Fugaku raised an eyebrow, surprised at Kimura’s confidence. If he had truly evaded the Anbu’s surveillance, it would mean his infiltration skills were *exceptional*.

Of course, this was Kimura’s claim, and Fugaku had no way of verifying it.

Without wasting time, Kimura got straight to the point.

“I came to discuss a business deal with you.”

“A business deal?”

Fugaku immediately perked up.

He understood that Kimura wasn’t acting alone—he represented the vast resources of the Higanbana Trading Company.

“To be precise, this is a deal concerning the future of the Uchiha Clan,” Kimura said, his eyes gleaming behind his glasses.

“If I’m not mistaken, the Uchiha Clan is currently lacking medical supplies and *soldier pills*, correct?”

Fugaku remained silent.

Kimura was right. While the Uchiha could trade with the *Ninneko* (Ninja Cats), their business primarily revolved around ninja tools.

Starting a war required far more than weapons—it demanded sufficient medical supplies and provisions.

Fugaku narrowed his eyes. “Are you saying the Higanbana Trading Company is willing to supply us with soldier pills and medical supplies?”

The Uchiha’s conflict with the village leadership was no longer a secret. To prepare for the worst, the leadership had already cut off the clan’s supply of medical resources.

Most of the Leaf’s industries were controlled by factions loyal to the Hokage. For example, the Nara Clan dominated the pharmaceutical industry, while the Akimichi Clan produced soldier pills.

Although the Ninneko could provide some resources, it was barely enough to make a difference.

If the Higanbana Trading Company offered their support, the Uchiha’s chances of success would greatly improve.

Kimura nodded without hesitation. “Of course. The Higanbana Trading Company is a business, after all. How could we ignore such an *opportunity* for profit?”

Fugaku wasn’t convinced just yet. “Aren’t you concerned about the consequences if this deal is exposed?”

If the Uchiha’s rebellion failed, the Higanbana Trading Company would face severe repercussions.

Kimura, however, chuckled, a glimmer of ambition in his eyes.

“Clan Leader Fugaku, businessmen don’t get rich without taking risks. If you don’t *bet big*, how can you hope to win big?”

*(End of Chapter)*

Chapter 187: The Future of the Uchiha

Kimura looked at Fugaku Uchiha and began speaking confidently:

"Fugaku-san, have you ever heard this saying?"

"If a merchant has a 20% profit, he will become active and enthusiastic."

"With a 50% profit, he’ll take risks."

"For a 100% profit, he would dare to trample every human law."

"And if the profit reaches 300%, he would commit any crime imaginable."

Kimura’s gaze seemed to burn with fierce determination. A slight smirk played on his lips as he continued:

"If the Uchiha clan successfully rises to power, how much would the returns on the Higanbana Merchant Association’s investments multiply? Twofold? Threefold?"

"No. It would be tenfold, a hundredfold, or even a thousandfold!"

Fugaku Uchiha was shaken by Kimura's words.

But upon careful thought, he realized the logic was sound.

If the Uchiha clan truly rebelled and succeeded in taking control, with an Uchiha as Hokage, the Higanbana Merchant Association would undoubtedly monopolize the entire medical industry of Konoha—and possibly all of the Land of Fire—as a collaborator.

Such profits would far exceed tenfold returns.

As an experienced ninja, Fugaku deeply understood the extent to which merchants could go in pursuit of profit.

Morality and law were not the principles that bound them.

The only thing that could restrain them was interest.

"Ha, Kimura-san—or rather, the entire Higanbana Merchant Association—is certainly bold," Fugaku commented, unable to suppress his admiration. Yet, he knew this was insufficient to sway him.

"Surely, Kimura-san has other conditions to propose? Simply providing supplies isn’t enough to qualify as a matter concerning 'the future of the Uchiha.'"

Kimura had claimed this concerned "the future of the Uchiha."

While medical supplies were important, they alone could not decide the outcome of the battlefield, much less qualify as a defining factor for the future of the Uchiha clan.

The middle-aged man, Kimura, lightly adjusted his glasses. His gold-ringed hands slowly folded in front of him as he revealed another condition:

"The Higanbana Merchant Association can assist the Uchiha clan in relocating some of its members out of Konoha."

These words exploded like a thunderclap in Fugaku Uchiha’s mind.

He asked with utmost seriousness, "The Higanbana Merchant Association has a way to smuggle people out of Konoha?"

Fugaku had considered relocating some of his clan members before. After all, a large family like the Uchiha couldn’t afford to pin all its hopes on a single gamble.

As clan leader, Fugaku carried the weight of preserving the Uchiha’s legacy.

The Uchiha clan could risk striving for power, but it could not afford total annihilation.

However, Konoha’s leadership had long since made their vigilance against the Uchiha clan blatantly obvious.

The entire Uchiha compound was under constant surveillance by the ANBU, making it nearly impossible to secretly evacuate clan members.

Even the allied ninja cat clan had been warned and was under watch. Every time they transported supplies into Konoha, they were subjected to strict ANBU inspections.

In response to Fugaku’s doubts, Kimura stated matter-of-factly, "Of course. Please don’t underestimate the power of the Higanbana Merchant Association."

The gravity of the situation made Fugaku wary. He wouldn’t base his decisions solely on Kimura’s claims and probed further:

"I don’t doubt the Association’s capabilities, but the key question is this: After relocating the clan members, how do you plan to deal with the ANBU patrols? A large number of people disappearing from the village would surely draw their attention."

Kimura’s enigmatic smile remained as he slowly rose to his feet, forming a series of hand seals.

It was a summoning technique!

As an experienced jonin and head of the Uchiha clan, Fugaku immediately recognized the nature of Kimura’s actions.

Sure enough, as the hand seals were completed, black runes spread outward, forming a summoning circle. Smoke burst forth.

When the smoke cleared, Fugaku saw something—or someone—that left him stunned.

It was a perfect copy of himself standing there!

He shot up from his seat, his Sharingan activating instantly.

If not for Kimura and the summoned "self" remaining motionless, Fugaku might have attacked on instinct.

"Fugaku-sama, feel free to examine him," Kimura said, patting the duplicate on the shoulder. The doppelgänger’s eyes moved naturally, and the subtle expressions on its face were unnervingly lifelike.

This was a figure created by collecting Fugaku’s hair and skin samples—cloned to replicate his appearance.

Due to the limited samples available, Kimura had only managed to create a superficial clone. It had no consciousness of its own and was remotely controlled by Kimura.

Fugaku didn’t know the exact process but examined the figure closely.

Even under the scrutiny of his Sharingan, he could not find any flaws in the doppelgänger’s appearance.

Was it a combination of Shadow Clone and Transformation Jutsu?

That was Fugaku’s first thought—that Kimura had fused two ninjutsu techniques to create a copy of him.

But as Kimura made a cut on the clone’s body, Fugaku realized it had genuine flesh and blood.

Still, while its external form was nearly identical, small discrepancies in habitual movements and a lack of chakra flow distinguished it from the real Fugaku.

In other words, this clone was a hollow imitation—not a fully-fledged copy of Fugaku.

This discovery brought Fugaku some relief.

If the Higanbana Merchant Association truly possessed a technique to perfectly replicate people, the consequences would be unimaginable.

In such a scenario, you’d never truly know who among you was real.

"Is this some sort of ninjutsu?" Fugaku couldn’t help but ask.

Kimura pondered for a moment before responding:

"Rather than ninjutsu, it’s better described as a technology—something based on genetic manipulation."

"Genetics?"

Fugaku was unfamiliar with the concept, having no background in scientific research.

"That’s correct. Through this method, we can create puppets indistinguishable from real people. Even if the ANBU employs specialized sensory ninja, they won’t be able to detect the disguise," Kimura explained.

He added a caveat:

"However, Fugaku-sama, I would advise against choosing anyone too powerful. These puppets cannot yet replicate complex chakra flows, making them easier to expose."

"Children are the best candidates."

Fugaku remained silent, deep in thought.

Weighing the risks and benefits, he finally replied,

"Kimura-san, this is a matter of great importance. I’ll need to discuss it with the elders of the clan."

Kimura nodded slightly. "Of course."

With that, he pulled a small snail-like creature from his pocket and said,

"When Fugaku-sama reaches a decision, you can contact me through this telepathic snail."

This was yet another invention of Kimura’s: the *Telepathic Snail*.

Using snails as a medium, it could synchronize messages between individuals.

(End of Chapter)  

*Chapter 188: The Will of the Uchiha*

For Kaneki, he was, of course, happy to see internal division within Konoha, and the bigger the commotion caused by the Uchiha, the better—ideally, he wished for both sides to clash directly.

Although he thought the Uchiha had little chance of winning, the title of "Konoha's First Ninja Clan" was not just for show.

If the Uchiha truly resolved to stage a coup, no matter who emerged victorious, it would undoubtedly weaken Konoha’s strength significantly.

It was even possible that this internal conflict could knock Konoha off its throne as the top village in the ninja world.

After all, the neighboring Kumogakure was currently united and watching closely for any opportunity.

Both militarily and financially, they were second only to Konoha. If a major disturbance occurred in Konoha, with the full support of the Daimyō of the Land of Lightning, Kumogakure would undoubtedly surpass Konoha.

Therefore, Kaneki’s current strategy was to support the Uchiha clan’s rebellion at all costs.

Every bit of strength the Uchiha gained now would weaken Konoha in the future.

Even if the Uchiha's coup failed, Kaneki could use the Uchiha to weaken Konoha and take the opportunity to "fish in troubled waters," perhaps capturing some Uchiha clan members for research.

If, by some surprise, the Uchiha succeeded and produced the first Hokage from their clan, Kaneki wouldn’t lose out either.

The Higanbana Merchant Guild would establish itself in Konoha as a trusted ally of the Uchiha, giving Kaneki the ability to exert influence over Konoha through the guild.

After all, who would refuse a friend who offered help during a crisis?

It was, in short, a win-win situation.

No matter what happened, Kaneki wouldn’t lose—his gains would just vary in magnitude.

After Kaneki left, Uchiha Fugaku hurried to the Uchiha shrine.

The Uchiha elder, Uchiha Taka, resided there.

According to Taka, though he was old, he still wished to serve the Uchiha clan's ancestors and honor with his aging body.

"Elder Taka," Fugaku greeted respectfully.

Though Fugaku was the clan leader, his authority was not absolute.

This elder, who served in front of the shrine, held significant influence within the clan.

This was precisely why Fugaku sought him out first.

With Taka’s authority and Fugaku’s position as clan leader, the two of them could essentially represent the will of the entire Uchiha clan.

“It’s you, Clan Leader. What brings you here so late?”

Uchiha Taka climbed out of his bedding, wearing only an undergarment, and leaned on a cane as he emerged.

Fugaku quickly stepped forward to drape a coat over the elder’s shoulders.

“Don’t worry, at such a crucial moment, this old man won’t die just yet,” Taka remarked, though he didn’t refuse Fugaku’s help.

Once the coat was properly donned, he slowly asked, “Have you made your decision?”

Ever since the Uchiha’s conflicts with Konoha’s leadership had surfaced, the clan had been embroiled in heated debates about whether or not to launch a coup.

A small faction believed they should negotiate with the village’s leadership to resolve the conflict.

However, the majority opposed negotiation, insisting that violence was necessary to fight for their rights.

This majority was further divided into two subgroups:

One group wished to leave the village and establish their own ninja village elsewhere.

The other group argued that since the Uchiha were one of Konoha’s founding clans and the Senju were no longer around, it was only natural that the Uchiha should inherit leadership of Konoha. Why should they be the ones to leave?

Clearly, the latter group was the dominant force.

If not for Fugaku’s indecisiveness as clan leader, the coup would likely have already begun.

Facing this elder, who had lived since the era of Uchiha Madara, Fugaku spoke candidly: “Tonight, representatives from the Higanbana Merchant Guild came to see me.”

Uchiha Taka’s aged eyes suddenly sharpened.

Despite having one foot in the grave, he remained remarkably perceptive.

It wasn’t hard to guess the Higanbana Guild’s purpose in reaching out to the Uchiha.

Fugaku didn’t conceal anything, clearly relaying all the conditions offered by the guild.

After listening, Uchiha Taka’s gaze flickered slightly, his expression betraying none of the dullness one might expect from an old man.

Instead of sharing his thoughts, he turned to Fugaku.

“What do you think?”

Hearing the elder’s question, Fugaku replied seriously: “I’ve tested the Higanbana Guild’s ration pills—they’re far superior to those of the Akimichi clan. If they’re willing to provide us with supplies, it would be a great help to the Uchiha clan.”

“As for sending part of the Uchiha clan out of the village, I believe it’s a feasible option.”

“If we truly fail, at least this way we can preserve a glimmer of hope for the Uchiha, allowing them to survive—even if it’s in another village.”

After speaking, Fugaku seemed utterly drained of energy.

It was easy to foresee that if the coup failed, the Uchiha who were sent out of the village would face two possible fates:

1. Being hunted down and eliminated by Konoha’s pursuit teams.

2. Seeking refuge in other ninja villages.

Since they would leave under the protection of the Higanbana Guild, whose headquarters was in Sunagakure, the surviving Uchiha would most likely take the second path.

Joining Sunagakure and gaining its protection.

In the entire ninja world, aside from Kirigakure, no village would refuse a powerful clan with a bloodline limit that could be reliably passed down—especially not the renowned Uchiha.

The only thing that made Fugaku feel ashamed was the knowledge that sending his clansmen to seek refuge in other villages was akin to trampling the long-standing honor of the Uchiha into the ground.

And family honor was something every Uchiha valued above all else.

What surprised Fugaku was that his words didn’t anger the elder. Instead, he sensed a rare, desolate sadness from the old man—a helpless resignation to fate.

Leaning on his cane, Uchiha Taka looked out toward the Naka River beyond the shrine.

His gaze became piercing, as if he could see through the deep darkness and encompass the entire village.

As someone who had witnessed Konoha’s founding, Uchiha Taka, though a staunch hawk who advocated violence, harbored deep feelings for Konoha—feelings no weaker than those of the Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Now that Konoha’s civil war was about to start under his watch, the elder felt a rare moment of doubt.

But there was no turning back now.

“Let’s do it. It’s time for an Uchiha Hokage to appear.”

His weathered voice reached Fugaku’s ears, and the clan leader’s body trembled slightly.

Fugaku knew that the will of the Uchiha had been unified.

The moment that would determine the Uchiha’s fate was drawing near.

(End of Chapter)  

*Chapter 189: Shisui Uchiha's Decision*

The night was dark, with only a faint moon casting its cold light on the Naka River. Under the shroud of darkness, two figures stood silently on the riverbank.

“Have you truly made up your mind, Shisui?”

Itachi Uchiha looked at his companion, his face full of concern.

“If the Hokage truly plans to act against the Uchiha, what you’re doing is no different from walking into a trap...”

Hearing this, Shisui gave a soft smile. His expression radiated warmth, as if his gentle demeanor could banish any shadow.

“Itachi, I trust the Hokage.”

Shisui’s gaze followed the Naka River upstream, landing on the shrine standing quietly by its banks—the Naka Shrine, a place of immense significance to the Uchiha.

“If I fail to gain the Hokage’s support,” Shisui said calmly, “what decision will you make as the son of the Uchiha clan leader?”

Unlike Shisui, Itachi’s situation was far more complicated.

As Itachi, he did not want the Uchiha to stage a coup, which would bury the clan’s honor and gravely harm the village he loved.

But as the son of the Uchiha clan leader, he couldn’t bear to watch his clansmen face annihilation.

He was trapped in a dilemma.

Shisui, seeing Itachi struggle internally, did not show disappointment. Instead, he simply smiled, placing a reassuring hand on Itachi’s shoulder.

“It’s all right.”

“I’m sorry, Shisui. I...”

Itachi raised his head, guilt etched across his face. He had spoken many times about abandoning narrow clan loyalties, but when it came to making a choice, he hesitated.

“There’s no need to apologize,” Shisui said gently.

He bore no grudge against Itachi’s indecision. Abandoning clan loyalty was never an easy task—especially not for someone like Itachi.

“Itachi, listen closely. I’m about to tell you the secret of the Mangekyo Sharingan,” Shisui said suddenly.

Itachi froze in surprise.

Before he could respond, Shisui continued, “The Mangekyo Sharingan awakens through an intense emotional stimulus brought on by losing someone precious.”

“Once awakened, your ocular power will increase many times over. Ordinary Sharingan users will find themselves completely suppressed by a Mangekyo Sharingan.”

“Beyond its enhanced power, each Mangekyo evolves a unique ability tailored to its wielder’s heart.”

As he spoke, Shisui’s eyes transformed into the pinwheel pattern of his Mangekyo Sharingan.

A powerful sense of pressure bore down on Itachi.

Shisui’s expression grew serious.

“My ability is called... Kotoamatsukami.”

“Kotoamatsukami?”

Itachi had never heard of this genjutsu before.

Shisui nodded slightly. “This ability allows me to invade someone’s mind without them realizing it and alter their will.”

“Alter their will?”

The brief explanation left Itachi visibly shaken. He struggled to comprehend the full extent of such power.

Shisui nodded again, confirming Itachi’s suspicions.

“For example, I could cast this genjutsu on you, rewriting your sense of self to believe you are Shisui Uchiha. As long as the technique remains unbroken, you would live out your life as me.”

The terrifying implications of this technique were undeniable. To silently rewrite someone’s will—such power could change the course of a battle, or even influence entire nations.

Itachi’s mind raced.

“If that’s the case, couldn’t you use this ability to change the minds of our clansmen or the village leaders?”

Shisui shook his head regretfully. “As powerful as Kotoamatsukami is, its cost is immense.”

“How immense?”

“It takes over a decade for my eye to recover after one use.”

Shisui’s words left Itachi speechless.

Over ten years?

Given the average lifespan of a shinobi, this technique could only be used a handful of times.

Even so, the ability was a godsend. If they’d had more time—if the Uchiha and the village’s conflict could have been delayed for ten years—they might have been able to use Kotoamatsukami to change fate.

But there was no “if.”

The current situation demanded immediate action, and Shisui’s eyes could only influence two people at most.

Should he use it on the Hokage? Danzo? Or his own father, Uchiha Fugaku?

But even if these leaders chose reconciliation, what about the factions behind them? Would they cease their struggles for power?

Itachi wasn’t sure. He turned his gaze back to Shisui.

“So, you’ve chosen to side fully with the village?”

Without hesitation, Shisui nodded solemnly. “Yes. If the clan truly stands against the village, I will use Kotoamatsukami on your father and do everything in my power to stop them.”

Itachi fell silent.

After a long pause, he finally spoke, his voice weary. “I understand.”

As Itachi turned to leave, Shisui called out to him.

“Itachi, I believe in you.”

Itachi did not respond, his figure disappearing into the shadows of the night.

Shisui watched him go, then quickly left the Uchiha compound. Using his unmatched Body Flicker Technique, he evaded all surveillance and appeared in the Hokage’s office.

Though it was late at night, the office remained brightly lit.

The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, Root leader Danzo Shimura, and the two village elders, Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane, were gathered there.

At Hiruzen’s signal, Shisui was allowed to enter without obstruction.

“Thank you for your efforts, Shisui,” Hiruzen said kindly, noting the exhaustion on the young man’s face.

Shisui knelt before them in the formal posture of a shinobi. “It’s all for the village’s safety.”

Hiruzen and the two elders nodded in approval.

Danzo, however, spoke in his gravelly voice. “Are you certain you can prevent the Uchiha coup?”

Shisui’s heart tightened. He had come here tonight to plead with the village’s leaders—to ask for more time before they acted against the Uchiha.

Without hesitation, he replied, “Elder Danzo, I will use Kotoamatsukami on Fugaku at the clan’s next meeting to stop the coup!”

*(End of Chapter)*

*Chapter 190: Lord Danzo Is Above, I Am Below…*

After making his promise, Shisui Uchiha left the Hokage building, disappearing once more into the darkness.

Danzo's hawk-like eyes fixated on Shisui's retreating figure, and his raspy voice hissed like a venomous snake.

"Hiruzen, the evil Uchiha clan is absolutely untrustworthy. Instead of allowing Shisui Uchiha to return and leak information, we should seize the opportunity to eliminate them before they're prepared."

Danzo's proposal was as radical as ever. Influenced by the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, Danzo had long been the most hawkish figure in Konoha's leadership regarding the Uchiha.

However, Hiruzen immediately rejected the suggestion.

"Danzo, Shisui is Kagami's descendant—a Uchiha who has shed his clan's selfishness and genuinely loves this village. We must give him a chance."

Sarutobi Hiruzen's voice was firm as he spoke.

Koharu Utatane chimed in to support him, "Danzo, it won’t take much time either way. Why don’t we observe Shisui’s actions first?"

"Of course, we should also prepare for the possibility of the Uchiha initiating a coup at any time."

This was clearly an attempt to mediate the situation. By softening the conflict, Koharu and Homura Mitokado were subtly aligning themselves with Hiruzen.

Seeing his advice dismissed, Danzo let out a cold chuckle.

"Hah, do as you wish. Just don’t regret it when the Uchiha raise their flag of rebellion!"

With that, Danzo, having vented his frustration, stood and left.

"Why has Danzo been so irritable lately?" Koharu frowned, clearly displeased with his attitude.

Though Homura was also annoyed, he subtly signaled Koharu with a glance.

Understanding the unspoken message, Koharu fell silent.

The two shifted the conversation and discussed countermeasures against the Uchiha with Hiruzen for a while before finally taking their leave.

The large office was now empty except for Hiruzen.

His aging and frail body was hidden within the loose Hokage robes as he clasped his hands behind his back and stood by the window, gazing into the distance.

First, his eyes swept over the entire village, before eventually settling on the Uchiha district at the edge of the village.

After some time, his gaze wandered to the base of the Root organization.

The title of Third Hokage symbolized the greatest authority in the ninja world, a mountain of responsibility, and—though Hiruzen himself barely realized it—a trace of greed.

Since being appointed Hokage by his teacher, he had dedicated himself wholeheartedly. He led Konoha to victory in the Second Shinobi World War and trained the three students known as the Sannin, earning unparalleled prestige.

Then came the Third Shinobi World War.

The Land of Fire, located at the heart of the ninja world, clashed with the other great nations one after another. Though the battles brought heavy losses, many heroes emerged from Konoha.

The most renowned and powerful among them was his grand-student, Minato Namikaze.

Seizing the opportunity, Hiruzen stepped down, allowing Minato—who had yet to build a power base—to become the Fourth Hokage.

Hiruzen retreated to the background, mentoring the new Hokage.

Unfortunately, the Nine-Tails incident shattered Konoha’s thriving momentum. The Fourth Hokage and his wife died in the chaos, and the relationship between the village and the Uchiha clan completely broke down.

Amid the turmoil, Hiruzen had no choice but to return as Hokage.

Somewhere along the way, he realized he had grown attached to the role.

At the same time, he began to covet the power in his hands, relishing the feeling of commanding the ninja world.

Of course, in Hiruzen’s mind, this desire for power was entirely for the sake of Konoha’s future.

But it also made him indecisive. He began turning a blind eye to Danzo's actions.

He allowed rumors to disgrace Sakumo Hatake, pushing the man to his death.

He withheld Uchiha aid during the Nine-Tails incident, indirectly causing Minato's death.

These decisions, seemingly unconnected to Hiruzen, were all made in moments of hesitation.

If he had been more resolute, things might have turned out differently.

Hiruzen stared into the darkness. It seemed eager to consume him.

The Uchiha…

The Root…

He exhaled a heavy puff of smoke. "Has Danzo’s new recruit in the Root been investigated?"

A masked figure appeared instantly by the Hokage's side.

"Reporting to Lord Hokage, the Root operates with extreme secrecy. We couldn’t find any weaknesses. We only discovered when the ninja with the codename ‘B’ joined Konoha, but we still don’t know where he came from."

Hiruzen’s expression grew unreadable.

"It seems the Root is full of secrets…"

The ANBU operative quickly lowered his head.

These power struggles between the village's leaders were far beyond his involvement.

"Dismissed."

"Yes!"

The ANBU operative let out a quiet sigh of relief and vanished instantly.

While Hiruzen was lost in his thoughts, his old friend Danzo was not idle either.

Kaneki had just learned about Kotoamatsukami from Kabuto when he received Danzo's urgent summons.

"My, how efficient…"

"Seems Lord Danzo is also eyeing that terrifying power…"

Kaneki smirked in the dark. He quickly got out of bed and ran into Ka as he left.

The two exchanged a glance, and without a word, headed straight for the training ground.

Aside from them, about fifteen other ninjas had been summoned by Danzo.

Five full squads.

These were the elite of the Root, all at least Tokubetsu Jonin in strength, working seamlessly together.

Adding Ka and B—both Wood Release users—this group could even contend with a Kage-level ninja!

"Looks like Lord Danzo is planning a major operation!"

A loud, clear voice rang through the training ground.

Hearing this, everyone’s expressions shifted.

Even Danzo’s lips twitched slightly.

Sure enough, the next moment, B made his grand entrance!

Before Danzo could speak, Kaneki blurted out, "Lord Danzo! Didn’t I say that old man Hiruzen is incompetent and unworthy? Don’t worry—with me here, you’ll definitely storm the Hokage building, claim the throne, and carve your face on the Rock! I'll be carved below you—"

"Shut up! That’s not what this is about!"

Danzo's face darkened as his subordinates’ expressions grew increasingly awkward.

What nonsense was this brat spouting?

When did I ever say I wanted to rebel?

Kaneki scratched his head awkwardly. "Oh, so you’re not aiming to be Hokage? What a shame…"

Danzo: …

I never said I didn’t want to be Hokage—it’s just not the right time!

Suppressing his fury, Danzo’s eyes turned cold. "B, shut up. Let me explain this mission…"

(End of Chapter)