Konoha Year 56, April, Early Spring
With the stability of the international environment, friction between the ninja villages seems to have decreased significantly.
Even Konoha and Kumo, who were still tense a few years ago, have cooperated closely with negotiations between their two daimyos. Grievances between the ninjas seem to have been set aside.
In such peaceful times, everyone enjoyed this hard-won peace. But for those paying attention, this was just a buffer period after the war. Sooner or later, the ninja war would still break out, maybe tomorrow, or next year. Because for now, the peace was so precious.
On such a sunny day, Kakashi was wandering the streets of Konoha with a copy of "Icha Icha Paradise" in hand.
On the lampposts on some sides of the streets were huge colorful posters.
The posters were promotion a movie called "Princess Gale," with the lead actor being Kazehana Koyuki, the Land of Snows' Daimyo.
The girl, brimming with beauty and elegance, had become the biggest talking point in the ninja world recently. Compared to her identity as the daimyo of the Land of Snow, her stage name "Yukie Fujikaze," was even more well known.
Compared to "Princess Gale," the movie adapted from the novel "Icha Icha Paradise" had been officially released a year ago.. Because of various censorship issues, the response was mediocre. This was all due to the movie company directly cutting out more than half of the essence, resulting in it being scolded by many readers and fans after release. But it was said that the movie company still made a lot of money despite the backlash.
This made Kakashi feel quite regretful. Why would they cut out the essence? That was obviously Jiraiya-sama's true intentions he wanted to express. In short, after spending a few hundred ryo to watch the movie, he had been quite depressed at the time, he kept on complaining about the movie company for a while. The company had no idea how to make a successful movie.
Although having become an adult, he still had much to learn about truly becoming an adult.
"Oh well..." Kakashi sighed softly. The sequel to "Icha Icha" was nowhere in sight, what would he use to pass the time next? He really wanted to arrest Jiraiya-sama and lock him in a small dark room to write all day long. Tracking down Orochimaru and the mysterious organization he was located in was absolutely unnecessary.
In Kakashi's view, Jiraiya was completely wasting his time. In the world, there were countless fanatical fans waiting for the sequel to "Icha Icha Paradise."
At that moment, he raised his head to look at the sky, and a hawk happened to fly overhead. Kakashi stuffed "Icha Icha" into his pouch.
"Is it time?"
He then disappeared from the spot using the body flicker and quickly rushed to the Anbu headquarters building. After changing into his Anbu uniform there, he headed towards the monitoring room.
"Captain Kakashi. You're here."
Having arrived at the monitoring room belonging to Anbu Division 2, Tenzo, the squad leader of Squad 6 greeted Kakashi.
"Hm...how's the situation?"
Kakashi looked at the screens, which scenes scenes of the Uchiha clan. Both civilians and ninjas were under strict surveillance. However compared to the civilians, monitoring the ninjas wasn't so straightforward. Many were erratic and it was difficult to obtain evidence of their whereabouts with the equipments.
"Suspicious activity seems to be increasing recently. I have a bad feeling about this."
Tenzo pointed to one of the screens responsible for monitoring the Naka Shrine of the Uchiha clan, where they would gather for matters relating to their ancestor heritage. Though the specifics around what was actually housed there were unconfirmed rumors except to Uchiha insiders. Anbu had tried countless methods but there was no way to uncover the secrets within the Naka Shrine.
"Is that so? I thought it was groundless speculation, but things may not be so optimistic..." Kakashi muttered to himself.
"Do you mean..." Tenzo's expression behind his mask changed suddenly. In any case, what Kakashi was implying seemed too exaggerated. No matter how bold the Uchiha were, it was impossible for them to take that path.
"Haven't you noticed the increasing friction between the Police Force and the fourth squad recently?" Kakashi asked back.
The fourth squad, during non-war period, dealt with internal village affairs and crimes. Their responsibilities completely overlapped with the Uchiha police force. Because of ambiguity over whether criminal incidents should be handed to the police force or Anbu, the council hadn't reached a consensus, which had become a source of conflict.
Honestly, Kakashi saw this whole situation as incomprehensible. Since the Anbu already had a dedicated unit for handling internal crime, why would they establish a separate Uchiha police force? It was redundant and only exacerbated tensions between the Uchiha and Anbu.
Things were fine during wartime when both sides could set aside their prejudices for the greater goal. However, with peace now, various contradictions had surfaced. Especially after the Nine-Tails incident, conflict between the Uchiha and village leaders was inevitable, with both sides suspicious of the other in a cold war rather than seeking mediation. The Anbu was caught uncomfortably in the middle.
But Kakashi knew he couldn't change anything on his level. The internal affairs of Konoha would not shift unless the top made concessions. The gradual build-up of friction could end up being the last straw that breaks the Uchiha clan.
Tenzo said nothing, already understanding Kakashi's perspective. Although he wasn't part of the fourth squad, they all worked in the same building. He often meet and heard complaints from them, they seem dissatisfied with interference from the Uchiha clan. But dealing with internal crime had originally been an Uchiha duty granted by the Second Hokage.
When he thought of it, Tenzo was confused. Something seemed off. Why were there two forces managing the same thing in one village? Hadn't the Hokage considered consolidating them? Having both only caused conflict. It seemed logical for there to only be one Hokage making decisions in the village. If there was another, who should he listen to? The more Tenzo thought about it, the more his head hurt. In any case, the Hokage could not be mistaken as he was such an esteemed leader.
"What should we do next?" Tenzo felt conflicted.
Kakashi was about to speak when a voice came from behind.
"Just report things as they are."
The newcomer wore the same Anbu uniform and mask as them, but had a much smaller build indicating his youth. It was Uchiha Itachi.
"Good afternoon, Kakashi-senpai," Itachi greeted respectfully.
"No need to be so formal. You're a division captain now at the same level as me," Kakashi said wistfully.
Despite only being in Anbu for a little over two years, Itachi had quickly risen from a bottom-ranked member to squad leader, and was now a unit vice-captain. His promotion speed was unprecedented. The name Uchiha Itachi resounded greatly within Anbu ranks.
Tenzo looked at Itachi complicatedly. To think this junior who had been under his command just two to three years ago was now a equal captain to Kakashi. Meanwhile after all these years, he was still just a monitor. Ah, this must be the difference between a genius and a normal ninja, Tenzo sighed internally.
"However, do you really want to report this? They are your clan," Kakashi remarked, pointing to the Uchiha images onscreen.
"Please don't test me like that Kakashi-senpai. The Anbu serves Konoha first and foremost, not any clan or family. We are only loyal to the village and the Hokage. If the Uchiha have strange intentions, we need to be on guard." Itachi stated firmly.
Saying so caused a bit of heartache. But given a choice between the clan and village, his pick was clear. Besides, the Uchiha motives were still abstract with room for reconciliation.
"I see. Then do as you suggested since this is no small matter for us to decide individually," Kakashi nodded. He was indeed testing Itachi.
"I'm the most free here anyway, so I'll go report to Hokage-sama personally,"
"Please, Tenzo."
"It's my job. Then I'll be leaving." Tenzo smile before disappearing to inform the Hokage.
"It's tough on you, Itachi," Kakashi said after Tenzo had left.
"This is the path I've chosen."
"A painful life indeed. Since it's your decision, I can only wish you luck, Itachi." Kakashi patted Itachi on the shoulder and headed into the adjacent monitoring room to work.
...
When the sun set, a thin veil of darkness fell upon the Naka Shrine. On the stairs leading up, Itachi spotted a familiar figure and stopped him.
"Shisui, wait up."
"Oh Itachi, long time no see," Shisui turned and smiled, though his eyes betrayed a tired look.
"I haven't seen you recently, it's good to know you're alright," Itachi returned a relaxed smile.
"No need to worry about me. I was just heading out on a mission and still have police duties to attend to," Shisui brushed off.
"I see, that's really tough work,"
"It's nothing compared to your burdens in the Anbu," Shisui waved off with a grin.
'Have I been working hard?' Itachi didn't really have that kind of self-awareness. He was just fulfilling his expected duties as a Konoha ninja from the Uchiha clan after all.
"Well, let's head up together. Today's meeting is quite important," Shisui said.
"Um," Itachi nodded and followed him up towards the Naka shrine.
Itachi's gaze subconsciously drifted towards the surrounding woods where he knew the Anbu monitoring equipment was hidden before nonchalantly looking away.
For this Uchiha gathering, the village council might not know the content of the meeting, but they knew clearly the exact time and the premise for this important gathering.
Uchiha ninjas gradually gathered. Upon entering the secret room of the shrine, the Uchiha clan's family crest was engraved on the wall, with torches piercing over the darkness.
Over thirty Uchiha ninjas have assembled here. All were elite ninjas, possessing the awakened Sharingan, showcasing their formidable skills.
Among them, Itachi was the youngest but held a prominent position. His role was simple, he served as the Uchiha clan's eyes, monitoring the movements of the council and Anbu, thus benefiting the Uchiha clan.
Sitting at the head was Itachi's father and Uchiha clan head Fugaku. Gone was the strict family man image, replaced by a severe expression like he was confronted by enemies.
Even his mother, Mikoto, with her kind expression, adopted a stern and cold expression. It appeared as though she had transformed from an ordinary housewife into an elite member of the Uchiha clan.
The atmosphere was oppressive, and Itachi found it unbearable. Each meeting induced feelings of irritation and depression for him, even surpassing even the tense atmosphere in Anbu.
Despite the village's support, Itachi wondered sadly why he must behave like an enemy within the village's territory.
"From the information obtained, it shows that the Anbu has kept us under close watch. Residents near our can are also being relocated quietly, as if to isolate us completely. The council don't see us as fellow villagers from the same village! We can't let the Senju will dominate anymore. Clan head, we must make our own Uchiha regime!"
It was a male Uchiha who spoke, with short-cut black hair and slender eyes that seemed closed. His name is Uchiha Yashiro, one of the representatives of the Uchiha radicals and the most displeased with the current Konoha leadership. His will represents that of the Uchiha radicals.
Although Konoha had enjoyed peace in recent years, it may not be true peace for the Uchiha clan. Business conflicts between the Anbu and the police force, ongoing complaints about the Uchiha clan's police force arrogance, and high-level officials deliberately isolating part of the space around the Uchiha clan to keep residents away have created discontent among the Uchiha radicals.
This blatant isolation had deeply dissatisfied the Uchiha radicals.
Establishing their regime really meant seizing power through a coup d'etat in Itachi's view. That would bring too much damage. He found this approach repulsive, foreseeing severe damage to the village and the potential outbreak of war.
"Itachi, what are your thoughts?"
Fugaku didn't respond directly but looked at Itachi. All eyes followed Fugaku's gaze, who struggled to breathe under the intense attention.
Itachi nodded and replied, "Yes, the Anbu has indeed closely monitored our clan."
This fact was irrefutable and couldn't be intentionally concealed. Even with the Anbu's secretive actions and the village's backing, the Uchiha clan's long history and outstanding ninjas in each generation made them keenly aware that something was amiss.
Before the clansmen could agree, Itachi continued, "Actually, I think Anbu's monitoring is just precautionary. With the increased frequency of our gatherings, they are just being vigilant..."
"Then what do you suggest we do?" Yashiro, previously amicable with Itachi, immediately became hostile.
"I suggest reducing the number of clan meetings temporarily and addressing the Anbu's concerns..." Itachi began making his suggestion before Yashiro cut him off sneering.
"Itachi, have you forgotten the clan's teachings after spending a few years in Anbu? Did the Anbu raise you, or did the clan provide you with ninjutsu, resources, and a noble status? Whose side are you on?"
"I am not on any side. I just believe that the distinction between friends and foes must be clearly defined." Itachi insisted on his own opinion, finding the clan views too extreme.
"Don't lecture me with your incomprehensible nonsense! Just tell me whose side you're on. Are you willing to forsake the clan just because they offered you the position of an Anbu captain? Without the clan's support, how will your dream of becoming Hokage be realized?"
Uchiha Yashiro looks at Itachi aggressively, adopting a tough attitude.
'Sigh.. !' Itachi sighed irritably. It was because he aspired to become the Hokage that he couldn't limit himself to narrow thoughts of the clan. If he was unable to see beyond the clan, he could never become Hokage to change the fates of the village and world.
Itachi frowned as he noticed the dissatisfaction in many clansmen's eyes, only his mother Mikoto and Shisui looking at him worriedly, signaling not to antagonize them further. His father Fugaku also watched sternly, hoping for a firm stance from him.
Itachi was disappointed to see most had lost reason, even his father.
"I am Itachi of the Uchiha clan," Itachi finally answered, hoping to keep things from escalating out of control.
"Hmph,"
Yashiro backed off but now looked at Itachi with suspicion rather than trust. At such a critical time, someone ambiguous between clan and village was a ticking time bomb. If not for being clan head's son and an Anbu captain, he would have directly put Itachi under surveillance already.
After the meeting, Fugaku called Itachi aside, looking at him with a frown. "Why did you say that during the meeting?"
Itachi was silent. Fugaku could only sigh and pat his shoulder. "Don't irritate Yashiro and the others again in the future. They've harbored dissatisfaction towards the village far too long."
"So do you agree with them, Father?" Itachi looked up to meet his eyes directly. He eas referring to the establishment of a Uchiha regime in the village.
Fugaku's expression was complicated before he sighed and nodded reluctantly.
Itachi was surprised. He thought his father, who wore a stern expression during the meeting, would staunchly support the radicals. Looking at it now, his father didn't prefer this resolution but was pushed to a dead end by the other radicals.
Seeing him still quiet, Fugaku turned and pointed into the distance. "Do you know what's there?"
Itachi followed his gesture.
"The rock of the four Hokage."
The Hokage symbol, engraved there in acknowledgment of the Hokages' achievements, it had endured over the years.
"Only the name of the Uchiha clan is missing," Fugaku said with a deep voice.
Itachi noticed the ambition burning in his father's eyes. Persecution by the others was one aspect, but he also aspired to lead the clan higher. To lead the clan to new heights, see an Uchiha become Hokage, guide Konoha forward... The Senju could not stand eternal atop the village.
"I see, Father,"
Itachi nodded as if in understanding. But it was an ugly grasp for power that ignored village's stability.
Fuyue smiled approvingly. "As expected of my child. Well, let's go home; Sasuke should be waiting impatiently."
"My apologies, Father. The Anbu still has work so I wish to contribute more efforts for our clan," Itachi met his eyes unflinchingly.
After a pause, Fugaku nodded. "Very well, but don't overexert yourself. Come home early."
"Yes, Father."
Itachi knew that although his father Fugaku didn't explicitly agree to the coup during the recent meeting, his silence had already settled everything. Whether driven to it or nurturing ambitions of his own, he clearly did not intend gentle reconciliation with the village. Action had to be taken.
After Itachi's departure, Fugaku lingered a bit before moving to leave as well when a figure suddenly rushed up.
It was Shisui. The promising youth was a clan pillar and potential heir alongside Itachi in Fugaku's eyes.
"Shisui? Why are you still here so late?"
"Clan head, was Itachi present?" Shisui asked urgently.
"He went to the Anbu headquarters,"
Upon hearing this, Shisui's heart sank. "Sorry, clan head, I need to talk to Itachi urgently. I'm sorry."
With that, Shisui rushed towards the Hokage Building without waiting for Fugaku's response.
'Itachi...don't do anything stupid!'
Shisui was filled with anxiety. If Itachi had choosen to go home, then nothing bad will happen, and there was still room for a turnaround. But if Itachi went to Anbu or the Hokage Building, the situation would be really bad...
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