Chapter 236
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"There are already so many internal conflicts within the village," Ao remarked after carefully choosing his words. "With Konoha as an external threat, I believe the Fourth Hokage will shift his focus away from us."
When Ao reached the word 'us', he emphasized it subtly, making it clear he considered himself one of Mei Terumi's trusted lieutenants.
"…"
Ao's analysis left the tent in silence. Every bloodline ninja present widened their eyes, their expressions momentarily frozen. Yet, if one looked closely, a subtle hint of relief—and even joy—could be seen at the corners of their eyes.
Compared to battling their own people to the death, the prospect of fighting Konoha seemed far more appealing.
"Tsk! It seems you're more useful than I thought," Mei Terumi muttered, a hint of grudging acknowledgment in her tone.
Even Mangetsu, who had been preoccupied with gazing at Genko, turned his attention to Ao for a moment.
The Mist Ninja excelled at producing warriors skilled in combat and assassination. Whether it was their own Seven Swordsmen or Kaguya's formidable clan members, each was a deadly force in their own right.
But when it came to political maneuvering and strategic nuances, they were out of their depth. That lack of understanding was precisely why someone like Ao, with his sharp intellect, was indispensable.
"If we proceed with this plan, it might bring harm to the village..." Genko hesitated, her voice tinged with worry. The potential benefits were clear, but the risks of losing the war were terrifying.
"No buts!" interrupted an older Mist Ninja, standing up with an expression of grim satisfaction. "I'll send word to the clan head immediately and request support for this war!"
The consequences for the village after the war were uncertain, but the Mist Ninja knew one thing for sure: not fighting would lead to an even more miserable fate.
Not only him, but all the bloodline ninjas in the tent—except for Mei Terumi—wore expressions of happiness and anticipation.
With the cooperation of the clans, the Mist Ninja forces moved with unprecedented speed, bolstering their front-line troops at a rate that left Konoha bewildered and unable to comprehend their rapid mobilization.
—
Meanwhile, in the underground chambers of Konoha's Root headquarters, Danzo slowly unwrapped the bandage from his right eye. Taking the mirror handed to him by one of his subordinates, he inspected his newly acquired eye.
Gazing at the dark magatama spinning within, and sensing the immense power contained in it, the corners of Danzo's mouth twitched upward in what resembled a smile.
"This power… it's truly unparalleled," he muttered, his voice brimming with satisfaction.
Shisui's eye technique exceeded his expectations. Yet, despite his triumph, a shadow of regret lingered. If only he had acquired the other eye as well, he could have unlocked the legendary power of Susanoo.
With this, everything was falling into place perfectly.
After taking some time to familiarize himself with the newfound power in his eye, Danzo carefully rewrapped the bandage around his right eye. He then turned his attention to his subordinates and asked, "Where is the Sandaime now?"
"The Sandaime has convened all the clan leaders for a meeting at the Hokage Building to strategize a response to the Mist Ninja's attack," one of his subordinates replied.
—
Meanwhile, with a stern expression, Uchiha Fugaku stepped out of the Hokage Building.
He cast his gaze toward the distant Hokage Rock, then back at the Hokage Building behind him. Finally, his eyes shifted to the clan leaders of Konoha, who exited the building alongside him but kept a noticeable distance. Their aloof demeanor deepened the grim look on his face.
"How did things deteriorate so quickly?"
Fugaku was perplexed.
Ever since the news of Toshiro's victory over the Raikage brothers had spread, the situation for the Uchiha clan had shifted dramatically.
Even he, under the introduction of the Hyuga clan leader, had begun to integrate into the social circles of Konoha's prominent ninja families.
"Kirigakure... and Shisui..."
Things had been progressing in a positive direction. Even the more vocal dissenters within his clan—those who constantly clamored about overthrowing the Hokage—had started to quiet down. Shisui's tireless efforts had not gone unnoticed, even by him.
But the complete annihilation of Kirigakure's negotiation delegation and Shisui's untimely death had once again thrust his clan into the spotlight.
It was reminiscent of the incident with Hokage years ago.
No, this time, their predicament was even more precarious than Nine-tails's ordeal.
Fugaku could sense it—a storm was brewing.
—
"Hiruzen, this is our chance—a chance to completely eliminate the Uchiha clan!"
In the Hokage's office, Danzo stood before the Sandaime, his expression grim and determined. His words caused the Sandaime's face to darken noticeably.
"Danzo," Hiruzen responded, frowning deeply, "the Mist Ninja are pressing on us. We need the strength of the Uchiha now more than ever. Even if we set aside that argument, this is a critical moment. A war with Kiri is imminent—we cannot afford to lose our composure!"
Even without delving into those arguments, the Uchiha are not so easily dealt with.
"Forget about the Mist Ninjas; they're just posturing," Danzo said dismissively.
The influence of "Uchiha Madara" over the Mist Ninja was far greater than he had initially anticipated. That the Mizukage could be swayed so significantly was, frankly, astonishing.
But in some ways, this worked to their advantage—it provided the perfect pretext for action.
"As for the Uchiha, leave them to me. I've already prepared a sharp blade. Afterward, all that's left is to deal with Uchiha Toshiro."
"A sharp blade?" The Sandaime frowned, his expression uncertain. "You mean..."
"Uchiha Itachi," Danzo clarified, a calculating gleam in his eye. "He's the clan's brightest prodigy after Shisui—and his weaknesses are glaringly obvious."
Seeing the Sandaime's continued hesitation, Danzo's lip curled in faint disdain. He wasn't one of Hiruzen's subordinates; there was no need to feign deference in front of him.
Since Uchiha Itachi joined the Anbu, both Hiruzen and Danzo had taken a special interest in him, ensuring that every mission assigned to him was "carefully selected."
The goal was to subtly shape the young prodigy's mindset, steering his thoughts and values in a particular direction.
For an eleven-year-old, two years of such influence would likely be enough to achieve their objectives.
"And once the Mist Ninja situation is handled, they'll send envoys to negotiate with us again," Danzo mused.
Initially, he had no intention of dealing with that so-called "Uchiha Madara" anymore, but the terms of cooperation offered by the enigmatic figure were too enticing to refuse.
—
"Hokage-sama, do you have a mission for me?"
Uchiha Itachi knelt on one knee, his Anbu mask tilted slightly on his head. His gaze was fixed on the floor, his voice steady and composed as he awaited instructions.
Itachi's gaze deliberately avoided the Konoha high-ranking officials seated at the top, especially Danzo Shimura, as though the man did not exist.
"Itachi, many things have transpired in the village recently. I'm sure you're aware of them," said the Sandaime in a kind, almost fatherly tone. His voice carried a sense of earnest guidance, as if speaking to a promising junior he greatly admired.
Itachi's response was brief and measured: "Yes."
"I understand that the Uchiha clan has reconvened a meeting in light of these events," the Sandaime continued, studying Itachi's expression carefully. "You are a child with the mindset of a Hokage, someone who embodies the 'Will of Fire.' You must place your faith in the village."
"The Uchiha are part of the village—our companions and comrades. The village would never act in a way that brings sadness to their loved ones or joy to their enemies," the Sandaime assured, his voice calm yet resolute.
"Thank you for your trust, Hokage-sama," Itachi replied. His response was still brief, but his respectful demeanor deepened further. He stood like a child unexpectedly praised, slightly flustered yet eager to hide his emotions.
This restrained gratitude was the only way he could express his concealed feelings.
"What comrades? To me, they seem more like rebels!" a sharp, disapproving voice cut through the room. Utane Koharu, her tone laced with disdain, continued, "I hear the Uchiha have been holding secret meetings—plotting to overthrow the Hokage and seize control!"
"Koharu, there's no need to be so harsh," Mitokado Homura interjected quickly, sensing that his companion's words might have been too cutting. "Itachi is a good boy, only thirteen years old. Don't say such things in front of him! Whatever actions certain members of the Uchiha clan may have taken, they have nothing to do with him."
Uchiha Itachi remained silent, his composure unbroken. He knew Koharu's words carried some truth. He had attended those clan meetings himself and was fully aware of the discussions taking place.
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