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Over the past two years, discussions within the village had shifted significantly. The once-prevalent hostility toward the Uchiha clan had gradually subsided, replaced by conversations about how to support Shisui in becoming Hokage.
Even the Uchiha police force, notorious for their heavy-handedness, had softened their approach to law enforcement in response to this change in sentiment.
But with Shisui's death, the tide quickly turned. Kirigakure's demands for accountability, coupled with their threats of war and the spread of insidious rumors throughout the village, reignited the anger among certain Uchiha clansmen who had only recently begun to embrace peace.
"In my opinion," Utatane Koharu said coolly, her tone devoid of emotion, "Kirigakure should direct their anger at the Uchiha. Let them bear the blame and quell the Mist Ninja's fury. This would also prevent the outbreak of a larger conflict."
Her demeanor remained icy, unaffected by her companion's attempt at diplomacy. "This situation was caused by Uchiha Shisui. It is only natural for the Uchiha clan to take responsibility for resolving it."
"Koharu, don't speak like that," the Sandaime interjected firmly. "Shisui gave his life for the village. No matter the circumstances, we must honor his sacrifice. I believe there are other ways to resolve this situation."
His gaze shifted briefly to Itachi, who remained stoically silent, before continuing with measured conviction.
"For the sake of the village and peace, I am willing to consider every possible solution."
The Sandaime then turned his full attention to Itachi, his tone softening into one of earnest appeal.
"Itachi, I need you to carefully observe the Uchiha clan's actions from now on. Your role is critical in ensuring they do nothing rash."
"Yes!" Itachi responded, bowing slightly.
Hearing that his mission was only to monitor and not to take drastic action, Itachi felt a subtle wave of relief. The Hokage's words suggested that the situation might not spiral into something worse. Perhaps he had been overthinking the possibilities.
"Go now. Elder Danzo will brief you on the specific details of your assignment," the Sandaime added with a nod.
"I'll take my leave," Itachi said calmly, before exiting the room with his usual measured composure.
—
A fierce confrontation was on the verge of erupting in the Ninja Academy.
On one side stood Uchiha Sasuke, his black hair catching the sunlight, and on the other was Uzumaki Naruto, his golden locks glowing with determination.
Iruka watched the two with a sigh of exasperation.
He couldn't understand why these two boys seemed perpetually at odds. They clashed at every opportunity, each refusing to back down. And yet, beneath their rivalry, there was a strange connection—a bond that neither would admit aloud.
They were constantly competing, pushing each other to greater heights.
Perhaps this was their way of understanding and acknowledging each other.
Meanwhile, at a distance, Itachi sat silently atop a rooftop, dressed in his Uchiha uniform. His sharp gaze swept over the playground, observing the scene below.
Danzo's chilling words echoed in his mind, like a curse he couldn't escape.
"Don't be deceived by the Sandaime's kind words. He will sacrifice anything for the village's peace. When I act, there will be nothing left of the Uchiha clan."
Recalling the other man's expression as he spoke and the cold glint in his eyes, Itachi harbored no doubt that Danzo would follow through on his threat.
Did it truly have to come to this? Would he have to bear the burden of erasing the Uchiha clan from existence with his own hands?
Itachi's gaze shifted to Sasuke, who was laughing and playing with his classmates on the playground below. A deep confusion settled in his heart.
He was hailed as a genius, but at thirteen years old, he was still just a boy. Despite the bloodshed he had witnessed and the lives he had taken, he lacked the wisdom and experience to navigate a dilemma of this magnitude.
On one side lay the threat of Kirigakure and the fragile peace of the village. On the other, his family, his clan, and his beloved younger brother. The weight of the decision was unbearable, and Itachi found himself paralyzed by uncertainty.
—
Meanwhile, in the shadows, Danzo traced a hand over the bandages concealing his newly acquired Sharingan. The memory of the young boy's anguish as he wrestled with the impossible choice brought a twisted satisfaction to his lips.
"Itachi, don't let me down," he muttered, a cruel smirk creeping across his face.
He considered himself fortunate that the Mangekyō Sharingan he acquired from 'Madara' granted him the power of instant teleportation. The only downside was that it has only a handful more uses left before it goes blind. The upside was that because of the Hashirama cells embedded in his body by Orochimaru, the usage limit has increased. The limit can only be known later.
What made this ability even more advantageous was its relatively short cooldown period.
From his knowledge of Shisui's eye's capabilities from 'Madara', he understood that while its effect was more potent, it came with a significant drawback—an extensive cooldown period that rendered the user unable to employ its techniques for several years after a single use.
"A, B, C... issue the order. Everyone is to cancel their leave for the next two days and return to the village to await further instructions," he commanded, his tone sharp and unwavering.
After a brief pause, he added, "Send word to the Third Hokage again. Inform him that the sharp knife is ready and to prepare for the next steps."
"Yes, sir!" came the immediate response.
Watching his subordinates leave with silent steps, Danzo understood that his next task was to wait patiently for the effects of the eye technique to unfold.
—
Meanwhile, a slender yet slightly curvaceous young woman gently pushed open the door to Toshiro's home.
Although he had been absent for a long time, she regularly came by to tidy up the place.
The recent unsettling rumors circulating in the village had left her uneasy, and she used the excuse of cleaning to find some solace.
As soon as the door swung open, she was startled to see a tall figure standing quietly in the living room, his gaze fixed on her as she entered.
"Welcome back, Toshiro!" she greeted warmly.
"Um," he responded with a nod, glancing around the freshly cleaned room. A faint smile tugged at his lips.
"Thank you for your help in keeping this place clean, Hana," Toshiro said, pulling her gently into his arms, offering a moment of comfort.
His gaze drifted toward the street outside, his expression thoughtful. "What's been happening with the clans in the village lately?"
As the de facto 'Daimyo of the Land of Water,' he was always among the first to learn about the Mist Ninja's impending plans for war with Konoha.
After hastily retrieving the real daimyo from the depths of the basement, placing him under a genjutsu, and ensuring his silence, Toshiro had returned to the village to handle matters himself.
"The situation in the village..."
Settling on the long sofa in the living room, Hana leaned into Toshiro's embrace, her voice steady as she began recounting the changes within the Uchiha clan and the village over the past few days.
As Hana spoke, a faint blush spread across her cheeks. Her legs shifted together instinctively, twisting with subtle restlessness, as Toshiro's hands roamed over her body.
"You're such a glutton," she teased, her voice carrying a playful tone. Her eyes shimmered faintly, like they were veiled in mist, betraying a flicker of emotion.
But now was not the time for sentimentality. Toshiro's thoughts were elsewhere—focused on deciphering the intentions of the Sandaime, Danzo, and, most of all, Uchiha Fugaku.
Especially Fugaku.
He had given explicit instructions to be contacted through Granny Cat if any emergency arose. Yet, despite the current upheaval, Fugaku had remained eerily silent.
What exactly is the head of the clan planning?
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