Chapter 62: Orders and Deals

"The Nara clan's goodwill, huh?" Yuan muttered to himself as he walked towards the training grounds, recalling Kotoba's words. As he pondered their meaning, he wondered why the Nara clan had shared this information with him.

After some thought, Yuan began to piece together the situation. "It seems like Itachi Uchiha is up to something troubling. Strange, I thought sending Shisui to talk to him and offer a new path would have helped," Yuan mused. However, he didn't dwell on Itachi's motivations for too long; everyone had their own reasons.

More intriguing to Yuan was the Nara clan's unexpected support. In the original storyline, he hadn't heard of the Nara clan aiding the Uchiha. Perhaps it was because they didn't know whom to approach. Shisui was still alive, and with Yuan's close relationship with Kotoba, he had become the recipient of their message.

The Nara clan's intentions seemed twofold. First, they genuinely cared about Konoha's stability. A conflict with the Uchiha would severely weaken the village, both in terms of strength and reputation. The village's image had already been tarnished by the actions of the Cloud and Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Second, there was likely dissatisfaction with Sarutobi's leadership. The Hyuga incident and Danzo's actions had broken many village rules. No clan wanted to see their members forcibly taken into Root, and the Nara clan was no exception. This discontent probably fueled their decision to send a warning.

"So, in essence, the Nara clan's message is a mix of concern for Konoha and dissatisfaction with the current leadership. Knowing this, and having a good relationship with Kotoba, they decided to inform me," Yuan concluded. This realization brought a smile to his face.

The memory of the Chunin Exams surfaced, where even Kakashi had intervened to stop Guy, and the other clans' sudden disappearance was suspicious. When Hiruzen Sarutobi died, the clan heads reappeared, clearly indicating their discontent.

"Of course, it could also be a form of 'warrior spirit,' letting them duel it out. But they are ninjas, not samurai," Yuan thought, shaking his head. He decided to focus on the Nara clan's goodwill and its implications.

The Nara clan's warning indicated a willingness to cooperate. Yuan knew he had to strengthen his own defenses and prepare for any possible betrayal. "Shisui has been keeping an eye on Itachi, but that's not enough. I need to revamp our defenses and ensure Itachi doesn't find out. Even if nothing happens soon, it's best to be prepared," he thought.

Meanwhile, in the depths of the Root headquarters, Itachi Uchiha, clad in his Anbu uniform, made his way to a meeting with Danzo. He had finally decided to act after much preparation. Removing his mask, Itachi stepped into the innermost chamber where Danzo awaited.

"Danzo-sama," Itachi greeted, kneeling before the elder.

Danzo nodded slightly, a cold smile on his lips. "I told you to report to me directly, yet it seems you haven't followed my orders."

Itachi maintained a blank expression. "I apologize, Danzo-sama. The matter was of great importance, so..."

"So you went to Hiruzen?" Danzo interrupted, his tone unchanged. "I'm aware of the situation. What do you intend to do?"

"Hokage-sama sent me to consult you, Danzo-sama," Itachi replied, closing his eyes briefly, unsure of how to proceed.

Danzo's gaze remained icy. "Very well. I have two options for you. First, side with the Uchiha and join their rebellion. Second," Danzo's demeanor grew even more chilling, "side with us, with Konoha, and eliminate the Uchiha before they commit an unforgivable act, sparing only your brother."

Itachi was momentarily stunned, his Sharingan evolving into the Mangekyo Sharingan as he processed Danzo's words. The new pattern in his eyes reflected his inner turmoil.

Danzo noted the transformation. "Indeed, the Mangekyo Sharingan. This boy has awakened those eyes," he thought but remained outwardly indifferent. "To protect the village, we must prevent chaos. The only capable ninjas for this task are you and Shisui. However, Shisui's defection indicates the severity of the situation. My order to you is to eliminate the threat. Will you accept?"

Itachi closed his eyes, the weight of the decision pressing down on him. Images of his brother, the village, the potential conflict, and the looming threat of Madara Uchiha flashed through his mind. After a moment, he reopened his eyes, resolute. "If you keep your promise, I am willing to do whatever it takes for Konoha."

"Good," Danzo replied, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. "Prepare yourself, Uchiha Itachi. The future of Konoha rests on your shoulders."