Hokage Tower.
The atmosphere was tense.
Tsunade slammed a fist onto the desk.
She held back enough not to smash it, but cracks spread across the surface.
The gust from her blow sent her jacket fluttering back.
She glared at Koharu Utatane and barked, "Are you done yet? If you agree, then agree. If you don't, then don't. What's with all the useless chatter?!"
"Tsunade! Is that how you speak to your elders?"
Koharu's face darkened as she demanded.
"Tsunade, Koharu's only thinking of your good. Let's talk this out," Homura Mitokado tried to mediate, then added in a paternal tone, "And you really should rein in that temper of yours."
"Cut the nonsense!"
Tsunade gave them no face. "There are no elders or juniors here. We're all advisors!"
Homura and Koharu exchanged a look.
They both saw each other's irritation.
These days, Tsunade had been too forceful.
Normally, they could use many matters to glean some benefits.
For instance, cozying up to various shinobi or clans to build interest networks.
At their age, they had little left to pursue—only to secure conveniences for their families and descendants.
But Tsunade was different: swift and decisive, adamant about fairness.
It reduced them to unfeeling wage laborers.
Homura and Koharu suddenly recalled Danzo Shimura's recent visit.
He wanted their support to become Hokage.
At the time, they hadn't agreed.
Because in their view, Danzo's chances were low.
Even with Orochimaru's support, it would be difficult.
But if Tsunade became Hokage, they would suffer.
Might as well give it to Danzo.
At least they knew each other's bottom lines.
Things wouldn't get so stiff.
Just then, there was a knock.
"Honored Advisors, the Hokage requests your presence."
An Anbu bowed.
Koharu and Homura had been itching to leave and rose immediately.
Tsunade snorted but had to follow.
…
Hokage's office.
Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura were both present.
There was also an unexpected face.
Uchiha Itachi.
He was half-kneeling, head lowered, expression unreadable.
Tsunade narrowed her eyes, sensing trouble.
"The Uchiha clan plans to rebel. They'll move tonight."
Itachi, in a low voice, laid out the Uchiha plan in full.
Under the pretext of the Konoha Police Force, Uchiha Fugaku would bring the clan's elite to meet Hiruzen, then seize him.
Then, using orders in the Hokage's name, they would summon Danzo, Koharu, and others, capturing Konoha's leadership in one fell swoop.
Outwardly, nothing would change; afterward Hiruzen would cede the Hokage's seat to Uchiha Fugaku.
In short, seize Konoha at minimal cost.
To be honest, if Shisui's Kotoamatsukami were still in play, this might have been possible.
But now he was gone.
And Itachi, who inherited his will, intended to protect Konoha at any cost.
After hearing this, reactions in the office varied.
Tsunade folded her arms, frowning, unable to think of a good solution.
At this point, options were few.
Even if her grandfather, Hashirama Senju, were resurrected, he could only suppress the situation with overwhelming force.
Koharu and Homura were a bit surprised, but not much.
Whether the Uchiha lived or died didn't affect them.
Danzo rejoiced inwardly—his moment had come. A mountain of Sharingan beckoned.
And with Orochimaru, he held a trump card.
He might even oust Hiruzen; double joy, how delightful.
Of course, the reason Danzo trusted Orochimaru this time was that Orochimaru had helped him attach another arm.
And had gifted him a pair of three-tomoe Sharingan.
Sincerity, indeed.
"Hiruzen."
Danzo wore a face of solemn duty. "The Uchiha have made their choice. They betrayed Konoha first. It's time for us to decide—strike first."
"No."
Hiruzen's face was grave as he raised a hand, rejecting the proposal. "The Uchiha are a founding clan of Konoha, with countless merits. We cannot abandon them for a moment's folly."
Itachi's body trembled, emotions complicated.
Even now, the Hokage wouldn't harden his heart. He truly embodied the Will of Fire to the utmost.
If Father and the others had embraced that ideal, would things have come to this?
"Hiruzen! If this continues, Konoha will suffer!"
Danzo suddenly raised his voice. "As Hokage, you can't favor a single clan!"
He even considered exposing the matter of Sarutobi Seinosuke to prod his vacillating old partner.
"Enough! I am the Hokage!"
Hiruzen declared, firm as iron. "I will not permit an attack on our own people!"
"You—!"
Danzo nearly spat blood.
Damn you, playing the saint again?
And I'm the one to take the blame!
Hiruzen ignored him, looking to the silent Itachi.
After a few seconds, he spoke slowly. "Itachi, go back and stabilize them as best you can. I'll find a way. If I can't, tonight I'll go to the Uchiha compound myself and speak with your father."
"Understood."
Itachi bowed slightly. "I'll stall until the Hokage arrives."
"You may go."
Hiruzen waved him off, then looked at the others. "Let's discuss our countermeasures."
"You'll regret this, Hiruzen!"
Danzo turned on his heel and left without hesitation.
Soon, he caught up with Uchiha Itachi—and Orochimaru, who had appeared.
"The old man is still so indecisive," Orochimaru sneered, noticing Danzo's expression.
Itachi frowned, a flash of killing intent in his eyes.
Shisui's demise was directly tied to Danzo and Orochimaru.
But he could not kill them.
It would harm Konoha.
The same went for the Uchiha rebellion.
"I'll handle them. But you must ensure that Sasuke's future in Konoha is treated properly."
Itachi's voice was cold.
Leaving Sasuke behind and preserving the clan's name—this was the last he could do.
He would bear all the sins.
"Rest assured, I always keep my promises."
Danzo forced an ugly smile. "And we know you haven't betrayed Konoha. In time, I will clear your name."
"My affairs don't concern you. Just take care of Sasuke."
Itachi shook his head calmly. "If anything goes wrong, I'll come back for you."
In that instant, he raised his head, Mangekyō Sharingan opening.
The surrounding air seemed sucked away. Danzo felt suffocated—death closing in.
Instinctively, he clenched his fists.
Damn you!
I'll be sure to 'take care' of your little brother.