Chapter 201 - Naruto: I am Uchiha Fugaku [201]

In the underground ANBU base beneath the Hokage Tower, more than ten masked ANBU shinobi knelt on one knee.These were all ANBU captains—high-ranking members of the organization.Each one possessed at least the strength of an elite jōnin, making them the elite of the elite within the ANBU.Some among them were even more powerful, nearing Kage-level strength.Standing before them was an elderly man who, despite his age, radiated authority—it was the Third Hokage."You are the elite among the elite of the ANBU. Now, I have a dangerous mission that requires all of you to join me in its execution," said the Third Hokage in a deep, resolute voice as he swept his gaze across the gathered shinobi."Hokage-sama, may we ask what kind of mission this is, that requires not only you but all of us captains to participate?" asked a woman wearing an owl mask, her tone solemn.To dispatch a force of over ten elite jōnin for a single mission indicated it would be incredibly formidable."To kill Uchiha Fugaku," said the Third Hokage, enunciating each word with deadly precision.With every word he uttered, the killing intent radiating from him grew stronger. By the time he finished speaking, the aura of bloodlust around him felt nearly tangible.Even the captains present couldn't help but feel the pressure—several found their breathing disordered."Uchiha Fugaku?" Several ANBU repeated the name, voices filled with doubt.They were puzzled that the target of this joint operation was none other than Uchiha Fugaku—the clan head of the Uchiha, their fellow villager.And they were just as confused as to why a single Fugaku would warrant not only their involvement but that of the Hokage himself."Do not underestimate him," warned the Third Hokage."He may have awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan. His true strength is likely at Kage-level.""Hokage-sama, Uchiha Fugaku is a Konoha shinobi and the head of a major clan. May I ask what reason there is to move against him?" inquired a man wearing a cat-faced mask."Uchiha Fugaku's existence has become a serious threat to the peace of Konoha. Therefore, I have decided to take action," the Third Hokage said gravely."A serious threat to the peace of Konoha?"Many of the ANBU captains were still confused. They didn't understand what Fugaku could have done to be labeled such a threat."That's right. Uchiha Fugaku's very presence now endangers Konoha's peace," the Third Hokage repeated, his tone grave as his eyes scanned the group."According to reliable intelligence, the Uchiha clan is planning a coup. And the mastermind behind it is none other than Uchiha Fugaku.""I want you to eliminate him in advance, to prevent the coup and preserve peace in the village.""A coup attempt?"The expressions behind many masks changed to shock. Now they understood the gravity of the situation.That Uchiha Fugaku would lead the Uchiha clan in a planned rebellion—no wonder the Hokage had decided to have him eliminated."If he's plotting a coup, then Uchiha Fugaku deserves death!""Not just Fugaku. The entire Uchiha clan must face punishment!"Some ANBU spoke with cold hatred, voices dripping with murderous intent toward Fugaku and his clan.As ANBU, they lived in the shadows to protect the peace of the village.If Uchiha Fugaku and the Uchiha clan truly sought to spark rebellion and destroy that peace, they could not be tolerated.Many ANBU captains expressed open hostility toward Fugaku and the Uchiha, but there were also those who remained silent.Among them, some knew of the deeper truth. Others simply stayed calm and didn't fully accept the Third Hokage's words.They were aware that over the years, the Hokage's faction had been systematically suppressing the Uchiha clan.Now that the target was the clan head, they weren't about to believe the Hokage's claims without question."Hokage-sama, I request to withdraw from this mission."A sudden voice broke the silence.Everyone turned in surprise. It was a silver-haired man who had spoken."Gin... Why?" the Third Hokage asked, his expression darkening as he looked toward the silver-haired man.That man—Gin—was none other than Hatake Kakashi, the current overall commander of the ANBU.The Third Hokage hadn't expected that Kakashi, as the highest authority in the ANBU, would publicly defy his command.Anger stirred in his heart—he felt a sense of betrayal."The ANBU exists to repel external threats and protect the village. It should not be used to harm our own comrades," Kakashi said after a moment of silence. "I do not wish to stain my hands with the blood of a fellow villager.""…"The Third Hokage's expression grew darker still.Kakashi's words were a near-direct accusation that the Hokage was ordering the killing of his own people.So, even after all this time, his psychological conditioning of Kakashi had failed.His gaze turned cold. He said with a chilling tone:"Very well. I accept your decision.""Thank you for understanding, Hokage-sama. Also, I request to resign from my position as ANBU Commander and withdraw from the organization."Kakashi expressed his gratitude, then added his final decision.Not long ago, a conversation with Uchiha Fugaku had deeply shaken him. It forced him to confront things he had long avoided thinking about.The Third Hokage was not as noble as he appeared. In fact, in some ways, he could be called insidious.His disregard for Kakashi's father, Hatake Sakumo.His oppression of the Uchiha clan.His cold indifference toward Naruto, the Fourth Hokage's son.His pressure on the Hyūga clan.One incident after another had revealed the darkness hidden behind the Third Hokage's image.And now, this plan to use the ANBU to assassinate Uchiha Fugaku—this was the final straw for Kakashi.The ANBU had become a tool for the Hokage to eliminate dissent. Kakashi no longer wished to be part of that."I accept your resignation. But to prevent any leaks, you must remain in confinement for the time being," the Third Hokage said with a cold snort. He made no effort to stop Kakashi.Leaving a man who hadn't been successfully indoctrinated in such a critical role was a risk.Even if Kakashi hadn't voluntarily resigned, the Hokage had already planned to strip him of command at the next opportunity.Kakashi stepping down of his own accord simply made things easier."Thank you, Hokage-sama."With a final bow, Kakashi turned and headed toward the confinement chamber.Refusing to participate—that was the most he could do.As for secretly informing the Uchiha? He had no such plans.He had no desire to become entangled in the conflict between Uchiha Fugaku and the Third Hokage.