Upon entering Konoha, Uchiha Fugaku walked through the bustling streets, surrounded by both ninjas and civilians, all contributing to the village's harmony and prosperity. Yet beneath this facade of peace, shadows of darkness and corruption lurked.
Suddenly, a masked Anbu ninja appeared before Fugaku, blocking his path.
"Clan Leader Fugaku, Hokage-sama requests your presence at the Hokage Tower," the Anbu ninja announced.
"Did Hokage-sama specify the reason?" Fugaku inquired, his brow furrowing slightly.
"No, he did not," the Anbu replied.
"Very well, I shall go," Fugaku responded, sensing an unusual urgency in the summons.
Without further words, Fugaku followed the Anbu ninja to the Hokage Tower. Upon entering the Hokage's office, his unease deepened.
Inside, besides the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, sat a man with his right eye and hand bandaged, leaning on a cane. This was Danzo Shimura, known as the "Darkness of Konoha."
Danzo, despite bearing much of the blame for the village's darker deeds, had undoubtedly been involved in many covert operations, earning him his ominous title.
Fugaku knew that with Danzo present, the situation was far from favorable.
"Uchiha Fugaku, you dare to collude with rogue ninjas and murder our villagers!" Danzo accused, launching the first strike.
He swiftly accused Fugaku of conspiring with outside forces to kill Konoha ninjas, casting a severe accusation upon him.
"Danzo, you have no evidence. How dare you slander the clan leader?" Fugaku retorted, anger rising within him.
He had recently heard that Danzo's Root faction had lost a team of elite ninjas. To his surprise, Danzo was now attempting to pin the blame on him.
Although there was some connection to Fugaku, as Nagato's actions had been triggered by him, Fugaku had no ties to Nagato. In fact, they were adversaries, especially since he had killed Kakuzu, a member of the Akatsuki organization.
Fugaku's gaze turned to the Third Hokage. "Hokage-sama, Danzo has slandered me without evidence. Please uphold justice for me and the Uchiha clan."
The Third Hokage, with a sincere and impartial demeanor, addressed Danzo. "Danzo, do you have any proof?"
"Eight days ago, when Uchiha Fugaku left Konoha, I dispatched an agent to follow him. However, this agent lost contact several days ago. Moreover, the investigation team I sent was attacked by an elite ninja," Danzo explained, his eyes cold as he fixed Fugaku with a piercing stare.
"Uchiha Fugaku, the individuals tracking and investigating you were attacked and killed. This matter must be related to you," Danzo concluded, his tone accusatory.
Fugaku, maintaining his composure, responded, "There was no reason for anyone to follow me. This was Danzo's own admission. Hokage-sama, please take action."
The Third Hokage, appearing to consider the matter carefully, spoke. "Danzo, this action was indeed inappropriate."
Internally, Fugaku thought, 'Old fox.' The Third Hokage was feigning ignorance, fully aware of the situation but choosing to act otherwise.
Danzo, undeterred, pressed on. "The key issue is that the individuals following and investigating Fugaku were killed. This connection is undeniable."
"Indeed, the unexplained deaths of these individuals warrant serious attention. Fugaku, how do you explain this?" the Third Hokage inquired, his tone seemingly neutral but subtly leaning towards Danzo's perspective.
Fugaku, sensing the bias, replied, "I noticed I was being followed shortly after leaving the village. Believing it to be a threat from another village, I used a shadow clone to mislead them. As for what happened afterward, I am unaware."
Danzo sneered. "That's just your word. Do you have any evidence to support your claim?"
Fugaku met his gaze coldly. "Do you have evidence to prove my involvement?"
Danzo's eyes narrowed. "The fact that those following and investigating you were killed is evidence enough."
Fugaku remained unshaken. "It's merely a coincidence."
The Third Hokage, after a brief pause, spoke. "Danzo, I understand your anger over the loss of your subordinates. However, without concrete evidence linking Fugaku to these events, we cannot proceed with accusations."
Danzo fell silent, his face a mask of frustration.
Fugaku seized the opportunity. "Hokage-sama, I am weary from my journey. If there is nothing further, I shall take my leave."
After his departure, Danzo muttered, "Hiruzen, this is no mere coincidence. Fugaku is undoubtedly connected to that elite ninja."
Hiruzen, lighting his pipe, replied, "I know. However, without solid proof, we cannot act against him."
Danzo clenched his fist. "I will have Root investigate thoroughly."
With that, he turned and left, determination in his stride.