16-20

Chapter 16: The Roar of the Young Dragon (Part 2)

"Impossible!"

Koharu Utatane slammed the table angrily. "Have the Uchiha turned the Konoha Police Force into their personal property?"

Itsuki's expression showed some surprise.

Who became the commander wasn't important; it was just a title. True power lay in the strength that backed it.

With the overwhelming support of many Uchiha Jonin, Itsuki essentially commanded the police force. All orders had to pass through him.

But this decision by Fugaku Uchiha spoke volumes—it was a clear endorsement of Itsuki.

Itsuki chuckled softly. Fugaku had been the clan leader for many years, and his decisiveness wasn't lacking.

Hachidai Uchiha spoke calmly:

"This was a policy set during the Second Hokage's era. If the current Hokage and elders disagree, the Uchiha are willing to hand over control of the police force. The Uchiha are part of the village and will abide by its decisions."

"You—!"

Koharu glared at Hachidai with gritted teeth, filled with frustration yet unable to retort.

If the Uchiha adhered to old policies, then procedures must be followed. If not, the Uchiha would relinquish control of the police force.

Two clear choices.

The Uchiha showed they were cooperating with the village leadership.

If the village started naming others to oversee the police force, how would other clans perceive this?

Especially clans like the Hyuga, who also adhered to old policies.

They might wonder: If the village leadership interferes with the Uchiha today, will the Hyuga be next tomorrow?  

"Enough!"

The Third Hokage's stern voice broke the tension.

"Since this decision comes from the Uchiha themselves, we won't intervene. Let it be so. Itsuki, I hope you manage the police force well and fulfill your duties."

Itsuki smiled and nodded.

In that instant, he had effectively become a high-ranking figure in Konoha.

Though viewed with hostility by other high-ranking officials, his position was undeniable. Many matters would now involve him directly.

Other clan representatives stepped forward to congratulate Itsuki.

Smaller clans and civilian shinobi displayed obsequious smiles—they couldn't afford to offend the police force.

Under the Hokage's command, the crowd gradually dispersed.

---

Inside the Hokage's Office

The senior officials of Konoha—often referred to as the "Konoha Four"—returned in a rage.

"Bang!"

Koharu slammed the table first. His face twisted in fury. "Uchiha!"

"Calm yourself, Koharu!"

Homura Mitokado spoke gravely. "We all know that the police force was already under Itsuki's control. Today just made it official."

"You're too naïve, Homura!" Koharu retorted coldly. "It may seem like a mere title, but it's crucial. Remember the Fourth Hokage? It was precisely his claim to legitimacy that almost allowed him to—"

"Koharu!"

Several voices cut him off before he could finish.

"Hmph!" Koharu snorted, his anger unabated.

Danzō, who had remained silent until now, opened his single eye and turned toward the Third Hokage. His voice was cold and sharp:

"It's time, Hiruzen. The Uchiha have become a cancer. They must be eradicated."

Hiruzen took out his pipe and spoke firmly:

"Danzō, that's impossible. Don't mention this again. With two Mangekyō Sharingan users in the Uchiha, an internal conflict would bring catastrophic damage to the village. Have you forgotten the words of our teacher?"

Homura sighed. "And after today's events, even if we take action, how would other clans perceive us? Let’s not forget: the Uchiha’s patrols, barriers, and watch posts have changed. We don’t understand them anymore."

"Hmph!"

Danzō’s expression darkened further. "I warned you before—if we delayed, we’d miss our chance. And now it's too late. This is on you."

Hiruzen puffed his pipe silently, ignoring Danzō's accusations.

"Bring in Itachi."

"Understood!"

---

The Conversation with Itachi

Uchiha Itachi entered the Hokage’s office.

"Itachi, can I trust you?"

Hiruzen sighed, his expression weary. "From the age of seven, you’ve shown a mindset worthy of a Hokage. Surely you see the current state of the village—beset by internal and external threats. If civil war breaks out, the entire village will be destroyed."

Kneeling on one knee, Itachi remained silent, his gaze unwavering but resolute.

"I will do everything in my power to prevent such a disaster."

Hiruzen nodded inwardly.

"What do you know about Itsuki Uchiha?"

"I don’t know what he’s planning. I only know he’s very strong—much stronger than Fugaku."

Itachi's tone was heavy.

"During the clan meeting, he fought Fugaku with overwhelming strength, forcing him to use the Mangekyō. Even then, Fugaku chose to retreat after Itsuki revealed his own Mangekyō."

Hiruzen's frown deepened.

This was not the answer he wanted to hear.

"Itachi, you are a true shinobi—a shinobi who loves the village!"

Danzō interjected suddenly. "Tell me, can you deal with Itsuki Uchiha?"

"Danzō!"

Hiruzen's voice was sharp.

Danzō ignored him, staring intently at Itachi.

"No."

Itachi’s response was equally resolute.

"Why not?"

Danzō’s tone grew heavier, his eyes glinting with a dangerous light.

"For the village’s sake, as a shinobi of Konoha, I would eliminate anyone who threatens it."

Itachi's first words seemed to ease the tension.

"But not Itsuki. He suspects me and is constantly wary. He never exposes his back to me. In direct confrontation, I have no chance of winning."

This grim conclusion silenced the room.

---

Back to Surveillance

"Keep monitoring Itsuki and the Uchiha."

With these parting instructions, Itachi left the Hokage’s office and returned to his duties, his face impassive.

---

In the Office

Danzō’s voice was insidious:

"Can Uchiha Itachi truly be trusted?"

Hiruzen responded firmly:

"There is no need to doubt Itachi or Shisui. They are loyal shinobi who embody the Will of Fire."

"Then what about Itsuki? How do we deal with him?"

Danzō’s face twisted with malice. Today had been a disaster for him, especially after losing six members of his Root division.

Among the losses were a Jonin, two Special Jonin, and three elite Chunin—an expensive cost even for him.

Glaring at Hiruzen, Danzō sneered viciously.

"Don’t forget his words today. He mentioned someone—Sakumo Hatake."

Hiruzen's pupils shrank to pinpoints in an instant.

(To be continued...)

*Chapter 17: Intentional?*

The ANBU sent an assassin after Uchiha Itsuki.

This event planted a massive question mark and exclamation point in the minds of the Leaf’s various ninja clans and Jonin.

Powerful clans quickly grew wary.

Clearly, either the Uchiha were up to something, or the higher-ups of the Leaf were stirring trouble.

No one wanted to be caught in the crossfire.

Neither side was trustworthy.

There was no need to elaborate on the Uchiha, but the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, wasn’t blameless either—after all, the events leading to Minato Namikaze becoming the Fourth Hokage proved that much.

At the same time, as Itsuki had anticipated...

When the Leaf’s ninja learned that the Uchiha had severed ties with the village by altering their own barrier, they collectively exhaled in relief.

At that moment, they were reminded of the fear that came with being under the Uchiha’s overwhelming power.

The strength of the Uchiha was genuinely terrifying.

An average Uchiha ninja could take on two equivalent opponents; the higher you went, the stronger they became.

How many ninja could the Uchiha muster?

At least 30 Jonin.

At least 200 Chunin.

If that many people caused chaos within the village, what catastrophic price would it take to subdue them?

And then…

Itsuki’s Sharingan—those eyes were strange.

People began to covertly investigate them.

Around this time, a message coincidentally spread to the ears of various clans.

*Mangekyo Sharingan!*

The advanced form of the three-tomoe Sharingan!

With such eyes, one could possess Hokage-level power.

And there were two pairs of such eyes in the Uchiha clan!

Two Hokage-level powerhouses?!

Upon learning this, the village’s fear of the Uchiha deepened.

The power of the three-tomoe Sharingan was already overwhelming, but an advanced form? The mere thought was horrifying.

---

"But the Uchiha have also avoided disaster!"

Itsuki spread his hands as he faced three approaching figures.

“Disaster? What disaster could the Uchiha face?”

Shanna snapped angrily, “Your and Fugaku’s eyes are the Uchiha’s greatest pride and the clan’s deepest secret! How could you expose them? Are you trying to invite disaster upon us?”

Itsuki raised his hands in defense, blocking the spittle from the old man’s tirade, looking thoroughly unimpressed.

“Itachi, you explain!”

“Yes, Brother Itsuki!”

Itachi stepped forward and addressed Fugaku and the others:

“Brother Itsuki deliberately spread the news about the Mangekyo Sharingan to warn certain people. The Leaf’s leadership has already begun planning to strike against the Uchiha. This was meant to deter potential threats.”

Fugaku frowned deeply. “Itachi, are you certain?”

His expression was grim.

Had Itsuki not taken such a bold stance, Fugaku would have continued to suppress the Uchiha in line with the village’s status quo.

Would that mean he was aiding outsiders against his own clan?

He was the clan head! Losing face like this was unbearable.

If Itsuki could hear Fugaku’s inner thoughts, he would undoubtedly say, Be more confident—you’re not wrong.  

“I’m very certain!”

Itachi’s tone was firm:

“Danzo and his group subtly probed me about the clan’s barrier, hidden sentries, and patrols. They’ve repeatedly hinted that the Uchiha are a threat to the village and have encouraged me to join them in exterminating the clan—men, women, and children alike!”

Itsuki added from the side, “Itachi is an outstanding ninja. His judgment can be trusted!”

“Those bastards!”

Shanna’s face darkened.

Uchiha So’ui also looked grim, his gaze fixed on the last person present: Uchiha Shisui.

Shisui hesitated but eventually nodded.

So’ui was plunged into uncertainty.

As a dove faction advocate, he sought integration between the Uchiha and the village. Yet, the village had been plotting their annihilation all along.

While he didn’t fully trust Itachi’s words, Shisui’s testimony was another matter entirely.

Shisui was the son of Uchiha Kagami.

So’ui had watched him grow up and knew Shisui would never deceive him about such matters.

“Why?”

So’ui roared in fury:

“Why would they treat us like this? We’ve sacrificed so much—for what?”

His anger boiled over.

As a representative of the dove faction, this revelation was a crushing blow.

Hadn’t the Uchiha sacrificed enough for the village?

As one of the oldest clans, their exceptional power had made them the target of suspicion. To prove their loyalty, many Uchiha took on dangerous missions, dying one after another on the battlefield.

Their motivations varied, but the result remained unchanged.

They died for the village.

And in return?

The village wanted them wiped out!

“Because they fear the Uchiha’s power, and because the Uchiha stand in their way!”

Itsuki glanced at the old man and gave a curt response before growing silent.

Some truths didn’t need repeating.

They needed to be realized on their own.

“Let’s stick to the plan. I won’t give Hiruzen Sarutobi and his lot the chance to harm the Uchiha.”

“Do it, Itsuki!”

Shanna said coldly, “Let them witness the power of the Uchiha. And if anyone objects, they’re welcome to try.”

His icy gaze swept over So’ui and Fugaku.

“They’ve already put the Uchiha on the chopping block. Are you still going to help them?”

Both men remained silent.

“Alright, Itsuki, what’s the plan?”

Shisui sighed and asked, “If necessary, we can assist.”

Assist?

Itsuki glanced at Shisui and chuckled inwardly.

If he revealed his plan to rule the village by force, Shisui would probably hit him with a Kotoamatsukami immediately.

That was precisely why Itsuki had been biding his time.

Though, at present, he no longer feared Kotoamatsukami.

Itsuki gently covered his left eye.

“There is one thing the clan head must do.”

Fugaku looked up, surprised. “Me? Let’s hear it!”

---

Katou Fuuko was an exceptional sensory ninja. Officially, he was an ordinary Tokubetsu Jonin, but in reality, he was a member of the ANBU under the Hokage’s command.

Despite the recent upheaval caused by the Uchiha, the Hokage clearly didn’t want to escalate matters, allowing Fuuko to continue enjoying his rare vacation.

Suddenly, while shopping, Fuuko’s pupils contracted, and his heart raced.

Outwardly, he maintained a calm expression, smiling faintly, his steps unhurried as he carried his purchases.

But he had seen it.

A figure entering a nearby teahouse.

Uchiha Itsuki!

The de facto leader of the Uchiha clan.

There was no mistake!

Though disguised with the Transformation Jutsu, the oppressive chakra emanating from him was unmistakable.

Not long ago, Fuuko had witnessed Itsuki unleash that devastating chakra to intimidate Elder Koharu.

He was fortunate to have kept his distance and to have recently honed his skills—otherwise, he might not have detected him at all.

At this moment, Itsuki was leisurely drinking tea?

And why the Transformation Jutsu?

A sense of unease washed over Fuuko as his hands and feet turned cold.

That teahouse—it was a Hyuga family property.

A coincidence?

The Hyuga?

The Uchiha?

*Chapter 18: The Invitation*

"Drip… drip…"

Cold sweat trickled down Kato Fuuko's forehead.

He felt like he had caught onto something crucial.

Uchiha Itsuki had used advanced transformation techniques to personally visit a Hyuga family-owned establishment. What could this mean?

Under normal circumstances, it wouldn’t arouse suspicion.

Grabbing a cup of tea—what’s the big deal about that?

Even if Itsuki went to a Hyuga property, it could be seen as him deliberately creating a diversion.

But there was an extraordinary coincidence: Kato Fuuko's sensory abilities had recently improved, and today he had witnessed Uchiha Itsuki’s power firsthand.

That was how he managed to notice him.

Otherwise, even an elite sensory jōnin might not have realized Uchiha Itsuki had been there.

These two coincidences made Kato Fuuko’s heart race.

"I must report to Lord Hokage immediately!"

With a relaxed smile on his face, Kato Fuuko strode toward his home.

*Bang!*

Suddenly, a figure rushed by in a hurry and accidentally bumped into Fuuko’s arm.

"Sorry!"

The man, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a loose robe, spoke in a low voice.

It was impossible to tell his identity from his appearance, but his voice revealed that he was male.

"No problem!"

Kato Fuuko smiled, unfazed.

Then, he continued on his way while the hatted figure entered the teahouse without hesitation.

This subtle detail revealed the man’s familiarity with the teahouse.

"Ah, how could I forget? I need to buy some tea leaves."

Kato Fuuko suddenly smacked his forehead and muttered, walking into the teahouse as well.

The Hyuga family’s teahouse not only served tea but also sold premium tea leaves.

The moment he stepped inside, Fuuko sensed someone’s gaze locking onto him.

He vaguely felt it was the hatted man from earlier.

Maintaining his composure, Fuuko smiled and casually bought some tea leaves before leaving the teahouse.

On the teahouse’s second floor, in a private room, two figures stood side by side, watching Kato Fuuko’s retreating figure.

"Impressive!"

Fugaku sighed and asked, "How did you manage to make him mistake you for someone from the Hyuga clan?"

The two figures Fuuko had sensed earlier were none other than Uchiha Itsuki and Uchiha Fugaku.

However, Fuuko had gotten the order of their appearances wrong.

The first person to enter the teahouse was Fugaku.

The one who bumped into Fuuko was Itsuki.

Even Fugaku couldn’t help but admire Itsuki’s abilities. After all, Fuuko was a sensory ninja, and an elite jōnin at that.

Yet Itsuki managed to mislead him.

How?

"To be precise, he mistook me for Hyuga Hizashi," Itsuki said with a grin. "He thought you were me, and I was Hyuga Hizashi. With both of us in disguise, appearing in the same teahouse, what do you think the Hokage and Konoha’s top brass will think when they hear about it?"

Fugaku wasn’t sure what "Konoha’s F4" referred to, but he gravely replied, "The Hyuga and Uchiha clans are two equally ancient families with lofty status in Konoha. The Hyuga clan’s strength is second only to the Uchiha’s."

If these two clans ever joined forces, Sarutobi Hiruzen would lose his mind.

"Be cautious!" Fugaku warned. "If Hiruzen panics, he might target us directly."

Hiruzen, revered as the "Ninja Hero," was formidable despite his age. No one could guarantee he wouldn’t take desperate measures.

"Let him target us, then," Itsuki said nonchalantly, smiling. "If you were Hiruzen, would you go after the Hyuga, the Uchiha, or both at once?"

"If it were me, I’d target the Hyuga first!" Fugaku answered without hesitation.

The Hyuga clan had its golden age. Their celestial prowess once earned Uchiha Madara’s respect.

However, since the passing of that individual, the Hyuga hadn’t produced anyone of note.

While they had more than 30 jōnin, most were ordinary. They had only a handful of elite jōnin, and none were Hokage-level.

The Uchiha were different.

To put it bluntly, one Uchiha was worth two entire Hyuga clans.

Even without the Mangekyō Sharingan, both Fugaku and Itsuki were Hokage-level shinobi.

Not to mention Shisui, who also possessed the Mangekyō…

Fugaku glanced at Itsuki. If not for him, he wouldn’t have even known Shisui had awakened the Mangekyō.

*Sigh…*

Was he really so untrustworthy to the new generation of his clan?

Fugaku shook his head, pushing the thought aside.

Regardless of their lack of top-tier power, the Hyuga’s 30-plus jōnin made them a force to be reckoned with.

This was why the Konoha leadership often used the Hyuga to counterbalance the Uchiha.

Over the years, the Hyuga had been a consistent rival, dividing the Uchiha’s attention.

If the Hyuga suddenly switched from opposition to support, the Uchiha would instantly gain over 60 jōnin.

Fugaku couldn’t help but take a sharp breath.

How many jōnin did Konoha have right now?

Around 300.

If the two clans united under the leadership of Fugaku and Itsuki, they’d be nearly unstoppable.

"If they want to deal with the Hyuga, let them. What’s it got to do with the Uchiha?"

Itsuki shrugged.

Fugaku gave him a sideways glance. "Why did it have to be me for this transformation trick?"

Itsuki chuckled. "Haven’t you noticed, Clan Leader? Your ocular power, like mine, carries an aura of foreboding."

"And Shisui? Does his ocular power lack such an aura?" Fugaku countered.

"Shisui is too naïve," Itsuki admitted. "I worry he might slip up. In this case, you’re the better choice."

"Clan Leader, I might as well tell you—the reason Fuuko mistook you for me and me for Hizashi was due to the power of my right eye."

A triangular mark of calamity appeared in Itsuki’s eye.

"This suggestion-based ocular technique is highly effective but has a fatal flaw. If the target notices something off, it can be dispelled like a genjutsu."

Fugaku frowned. "So you don’t trust Shisui?"

"Of course I trust him. But you’re the better stand-in for me," Itsuki replied with a smile. "Shisui is known as ‘Shisui of the Body Flicker,’ a respectable title. Meanwhile, I’m ‘Bloodfire Itsuki.’ Doesn’t that just sound ominous?"

Fugaku’s face darkened.

*This brat!*

"If you dare badmouth my title, I’ll beat you!"

Itsuki cleared his throat. "Anyway, the bait has been set. Now we’ll see if the Hokage cooperates. In the meantime, execute the orders I gave earlier as quickly as possible!"

(End of Chapter)  

Chapter 19: Cruelty and Hypocrisy

Fugaku, hearing this, looked at Itsuki and sneered, "Didn’t you say your eye technique is a form of mental suggestion? Why don’t you go suggest something to the Hokage and the others? Make them your allies and solve everything."

Itsuki let out a cold laugh, arrogance in his tone. "You think I didn’t try? It doesn’t work."

"I thought about trying a few more times, but I was afraid of getting caught. Doing something like that? If I get found out, I'd definitely get beaten up!"

Fugaku took a deep breath.

And you say that so self-righteously?

Why do you act so grandiose?

Beaten up?

You wish!

I’d cut you into pieces, make sure they're neat and precise, and tie them down with a rope just to keep you grounded!

After giving Itsuki a sharp glare, Fugaku turned and walked away.

The Uchiha were no longer under his control. Itsuki had amassed too much power.

Most of the younger generation were loyal to him, and nearly half of the middle-aged clan members followed his commands.

His grandfather, the Hawk Faction’s leader, would obviously side with him.

Even the Dove Faction’s Zongyi had been severely shaken by the information Itachi brought back. Now, in just a few hours, he appeared visibly aged and utterly lost.

Although Fugaku still held significant influence, he had no intention of competing with Itsuki.

He wanted to see just how far Itsuki could go.

After all, when Itachi revealed that the Konoha leadership had plans to exterminate the Uchiha clan, Fugaku Uchiha had already lost.

No amount of excuses could change the fact that the clan was nearly destroyed under his watch.

And yet, he still couldn’t rest easy.

Itsuki often acted with reckless abandon, disregarding the consequences. Once he decided on something, he would see it through to the extreme.

That resolve... it truly lived up to the Uchiha name.

But...

“Mental suggestion, huh?”

Fugaku muttered to himself.

The power residing in his eyes was both magnificent and uncontrollable.

Compared to that, Itsuki’s eye technique seemed simpler.

But who could guarantee that this was Itsuki’s true power?

No, it definitely wasn’t!

That sly little brat was far too cunning.

---

*"Clatter!"*

The Third Hokage’s smoking pipe fell to the ground once again.

Just like before, he didn’t bother to pick it up, his gaze fixed on the person in front of him in shock.

Kato Fuko.

“What did you just say? Hyuga Hiashi and Uchiha Itsuki secretly met in the Hyuga clan’s teahouse?”

“Yes,” Kato Fuko said solemnly. “I stumbled upon it purely by chance.”

The Third Hokage took a deep breath, calming his turbulent emotions. “Go! Quickly! Summon Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado. And Danzo. Especially Danzo. Bring them here immediately.”

“Yes!”

A voice echoed from the empty air as an ANBU member swiftly departed.

“You, Kato Fuko, repeat what you just said!”

The Third Hokage stared intently at Kato Fuko, desperately hoping that he was lying.

Kato Fuko repeated how he had discovered Uchiha Itsuki and Hyuga Hiashi together.

The Hokage fell silent.

Before long, the Konoha elders convened once again in his office.

It was late at night. Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado had already been preparing for bed but had to quickly get dressed and rush over.

Only Danzo, as usual, had been strategizing about Konoha’s grand future.

Konoha was destined to belong to him. He would lead it to become the pinnacle of the ninja world.

Hiruzen Sarutobi? Just a thief who had stolen his rightful place!

“What did you say?”

After Kato Fuko repeated his report, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado could no longer stay seated.

The Uchiha collaborating with the Hyuga?

“Impossible!” Homura Mitokado declared firmly. “Why would Hyuga Hiashi ever cooperate with the Uchiha? He’s the head of the Hyuga clan. For years, the Hyuga and Uchiha have been at odds. Their relationship can’t simply improve overnight.”

The Hyuga had been set up as a rival to the Uchiha by the village leaders.

It was all too easy for them to incite conflict between the two clans. A minor, seemingly insignificant benefit, allowed to fester and grow, would naturally cause animosity between them.

Especially since both clans possessed dojutsu bloodline limits.

During this process, a little guidance was all that was needed.

It was subtle, safe, and achieved the desired effect.

“Exactly!” Koharu Utatane said gravely. “These two clans could never ally. Even if the Hyuga don’t openly oppose the Uchiha, their nature makes them unlikely to cooperate with them.”

The Hyuga’s temperament was all too familiar:

I won’t touch your pie, and you don’t mess with mine.  

Collaborate with the Uchiha? For what?

They preferred to stay in their own territory.

“No!”

Danzo’s cold voice cut through. His face twisted into a sneer as he looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi. “You’re wrong. If it’s Hyuga Hiashi, then there’s a chance he might cooperate with the Uchiha. Don’t forget the deep resentment buried in his heart.”

Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado’s hearts sank as they both thought of the same person: Hyuga Hizashi.

Hiashi’s younger brother, sacrificed to prevent a conflict with the Hidden Cloud Village.

Hizashi’s death had caused Hiashi, usually calm and composed, to lose his temper and lash out on the spot.

If not for Hizashi’s decisive actions, the situation could have spiraled out of control.

In the end, under immense pressure from the Hokage and the Hyuga main family, Hiashi had no choice but to remain silent in the face of reality.

“No, I don’t believe it!” Homura Mitokado said firmly. “Hiashi is the head of the Hyuga clan. He wouldn’t act so irrationally. His priority should be the well-being of the entire clan, thinking from the perspective of all of Konoha.”

The idea of an Uchiha-Hyuga alliance was too significant. The two elders refused to accept it.

Danzo sneered, ignoring the two elders, and focused his cold gaze on the kneeling Kato Fuko. “Is everything you said true?”

“Yes!”

Kato Fuko’s answer was unwavering.

“I don’t believe it!”

Danzo’s voice turned icy. “This matter is too critical. I need to see it for myself.”

Swish!  

Two masked ANBU operatives with eerie expressions appeared.

Root operatives!

They subdued Kato Fuko instantly. One placed a hand on his head.

“Ugh!”

Kato Fuko’s eyes widened, blood vessels bursting in them. His body trembled and contorted as if enduring unimaginable pain.

“Danzo!”

The Third Hokage’s voice roared in anger.

“Enough, Hiruzen. Stop being so naive!” Danzo said coldly. “We need to confirm whether this ninja’s report is true or if he’s under a genjutsu.”

“Hiruzen!”

Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado urged the Hokage as well.

“This is too important! We must verify it!”

“Ninja must always be prepared to sacrifice themselves!”

The Third Hokage’s face darkened, but he remained silent.

Danzo smirked mockingly.

Such hypocrisy!

They were in the Hokage’s office. If Sarutobi truly wanted to stop him, there was no way he could have succeeded.

The Hokage’s hesitation and indecision were clear.

Or perhaps, he was waiting for Danzo to act. Otherwise, why had the ANBU stationed in the shadows left once they entered the office?

Kato Fuko’s fate was already sealed.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, you’ve grown old.

Your heart is full of doubts and indecision.

You cling to the illusion of honor, but in truth, you are the very rot at the root of Konoha.

---

(End of chapter)  

*Chapter 20: Uchiha, They...*

The Root member under Danzo’s command was none other than a shinobi from the renowned Yamanaka Clan of Konoha.

Yamanaka shinobi specialize in controlling the minds of others, invading and reading memories—even from the dead—and have unique abilities to transmit information among comrades. They excel in genjutsu and are rare sensory ninjas.

To confirm Kato Fuko’s account, Danzo employed the most violent method—utterly destroying his spirit to eliminate any chance of deceit.

Soon enough, the events of the day were relayed directly to the Konoha F4 via the Yamanaka’s secret techniques, allowing them to see everything firsthand. Danzo continued his interrogation, and every question received an accurate answer, darkening the F4’s expressions.

“Is it true that the Hyuga plan to ally with the Uchiha?”

When the final question was asked, the response caused even Danzo’s face to twitch slightly.

“How can you be certain those two were Uchiha Itsuki and Hyuga Hizashi?”

“My sensory abilities have recently improved significantly, reaching the level of a jōnin. I’ve encountered both Itsuki and Hizashi before, so I recognized their chakra signatures.”

A sensory-type jōnin?

The Third Hokage felt his chest tighten. Anger surged within him as his gaze shifted to Danzo.

What type of shinobi is the rarest?

Sensory and medical ninjas!

Even in Konoha, with all its resources, the number of such ninjas is exceedingly small.

Kato Fuko, a young sensory jōnin, was undoubtedly a talent—a perfect candidate for the ANBU, with no doubts about his loyalty. And now? He was reduced to a mindless husk.

It wasn’t that the Third Hokage was too softhearted; they clearly had other methods to obtain the same answers without harming Kato Fuko. It would’ve taken a few more hours, but this?

This was a sensory jōnin!

The Third Hokage could barely contain himself.

“Danzo!”

A low growl escaped the Hokage’s throat.

“Enough, Hiruzen!” Danzo replied nonchalantly. “He was just a jōnin. Sacrificing him allows us to confirm the Hyuga and Uchiha alliance and devise countermeasures quickly. That’s a victory.”

Danzo waved his hand dismissively, and two Root members swiftly carried Kato Fuko’s lifeless body out of the room.

“Hmph!” The Third Hokage let out a cold snort. “Now that we have confirmation, what do you plan to do?”

Danzo sneered. “If it were up to me, I’d strike against both clans immediately, but I doubt you’d agree.”

“Of course not!” The Third Hokage retorted without hesitation. “These are Konoha’s oldest families. Without concrete evidence, do you think other clans would support such action? Besides, do you truly believe these clans are defenseless lambs waiting to be slaughtered?”

“Then we change tactics,” Danzo said coldly. “The current chaos boils down to two individuals: Hyuga Hizashi and Uchiha Itsuki. Eliminate them, and everything will return to normal.”

The Third Hokage showed no relief, puffing on his pipe with a conflicted expression.

Easier said than done. Hizashi was from the Hyuga main family, protected like treasure, and as for Itsuki...

The Third Hokage shot a sideways glance at Danzo.

Those two had personal enmity, and despite their clandestine battles over the years, Itsuki was still alive and well, while Danzo had suffered considerable losses.

Danzo scowled. “What are you implying, Hiruzen?”

“Nothing at all. You’re overthinking,” the Third Hokage said, shaking his head. “Danzo, you should temper your attitude. Look at me—I just lost a sensory-type jōnin, and I’m not even mad.”

Danzo: “...”

“Ahem!” Koharu Utatane cleared her throat. “I have an idea.”

Danzo turned to her, his expression dripping with disdain.

From you two? Let’s hope it’s not another disaster.

Homura Mitokado: “...I feel offended.”

The Third Hokage remained composed. “Go ahead, Homura.”

“Uchiha Itachi.”

The room fell silent at the mention of the name.

After a moment, Danzo nodded slowly. “I’ll handle it. This will be a good test of Itachi’s loyalty.”

The Third Hokage puffed on his pipe, his expression heavy.

He admired Itachi. The young ninja burned with the Will of Fire and was undoubtedly exceptional.

But for the village’s sake...

Danzo shot him a cold glance, smirking as if to taunt him. Before he could say more, an urgent knock interrupted them.

Now what?

“Enter,” the Third Hokage said, raising his head.

“Lord Hokage!”

A jōnin knelt before him, voice low and grave. “The Uchiha... The Uchiha...”

As expected, the Uchiha again!

The four leaders’ eyes gleamed with a cold light.

The Third Hokage’s last shred of hesitation vanished.

For Konoha...

Anyone could be sacrificed!

Deep in his heart, a thought he deliberately ignored resurfaced: Especially an Uchiha.  

“Speak!”

The Hokage’s deep voice reverberated, carrying a commanding presence.

“The Uchiha... They’re smiling!”

For a moment, silence enveloped the office.

The Uchiha... are smiling?

What the hell?

What does “smiling” even mean?

The four leaders exchanged baffled glances, their foreheads practically sprouting question marks.

The jōnin realized the odd phrasing and quickly clarified, “The Uchiha in the Konoha Police Force are smiling at everyone they see. We... we...”

He trailed off, unable to finish.

Could he, as a jōnin, admit he was scared of a smile?

“Ridiculous!” Danzo snapped. “Explain yourself properly!”

“Yes!”

The jōnin took a deep breath, organizing his thoughts before continuing.

As it turned out, the Uchiha, who traditionally patrolled the village with expressions ranging from cold indifference to outright provocation, were now all smiles.

A smile that terrified everyone.

Villagers panicked, fearing they had done something wrong, and fled. Others, though innocent, were so unsettled they trembled or screamed, “Don’t come near me!”

Some with weaker constitutions nearly passed out.

One man even crouched on the ground, clutching his head and wailing, “Don’t hit me!”

Chaos erupted across the village.

Stalls were overturned by fleeing villagers.

Medics were overwhelmed treating the frightened.

Even those too afraid to move caused disruptions.

“Enough!” The Third Hokage rubbed his temples in frustration.

What madness is this?

This world is insane!

(Chapter End)