Without a convincing excuse, Itachi Uchiha couldn't lure Fugaku Uchiha out—especially now, with Fugaku buried in clan affairs and barely returning home. Their relationship had also soured recently due to the ANBU surveillance issue, creating a rift between father and son.
Still, Itachi could find an opportunity if he tried, though it would take time. Fugaku usually returned home late at night, making it suspicious to call him out at such an hour.
Days later, the first wave of support troops had been fully deployed to the frontlines. The Uchiha clan, confirming this through their intelligence network, began mobilizing: distributing weapons, increasing patrols, and strictly barring outsiders from their territory.
These actions signaled an impending move, all under the watchful eyes of the ANBU—especially those embedded within the Uchiha compound.
Before leaving, Hiruzen Sarutobi had split ANBU command into three parts: the largest portion controlled by his eldest son and daughter-in-law, the rest under Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane. With their oversight, Danzo's Root couldn't cause major chaos in the village.
At the Hokage's office, Homura, Koharu, and Danzo summoned Shisui Uchiha. Since Itachi was monitoring Fugaku, Shisui came alone.
Pushing up his glasses, Homura asked, "Shisui, the Uchiha are growing restless. When will you act?"
Koharu added coldly, "Distributing weapons and tightening patrols are clear signs. Starting today, ANBU will suspend all non-urgent missions to focus on monitoring the Uchiha."
"Shisui, the village can't afford unrest. If this drags on, ANBU and Root will strike first. For Konoha's sake, we have no choice."
The Uchiha were formidable. Even with preparation, eliminating them would cost heavy casualties. A preemptive strike was necessary to catch them off guard—possibly requiring the three elders and other village ninjas to join the fight.
Shisui took a deep breath. "Honored elders, Danzo-sama, please give me a little more time. Itachi is watching the clan head. The moment there's an opening, I'll use Kotoamatsukami on him."
Homura exchanged glances with the others. "We're not pressuring you, but Konoha can't endure conflict now. If the Uchiha abandon their coup, Hiruzen would likely seek peaceful reconciliation."
"I understand. I'll change the clan head's mind as soon as possible."
As an ANBU member, Shisui knew their strength. But he valued the Uchiha's honor and hard-won peace above all. Inheriting his grandfather's ideals, he refused to let the clan bear the stain of treason. A Uchiha rebellion would endanger Konoha, inviting foreign invasions.
After questioning Shisui further about the clan's activities, Homura and Koharu dismissed him—but not without urging haste. The village's fragile state left no room for delay.
Leaving the Hokage's office, Shisui felt a growing weight. The frontlines were uncertain, but even if Hiruzen's forces had arrived, full-scale war wouldn't erupt immediately. The Uchiha wouldn't act rashly either. There was still time—yet Shisui's unease deepened. If Itachi failed to create an opening, he'd have to force his hand.
On his way back, a Root agent intercepted him. "Uchiha Shisui, Danzo-sama requests your presence."
"Lead the way," Shisui replied calmly.
They arrived at a secluded forest. Noting the sparse Root presence, Shisui assumed Danzo wanted to discuss hastening the Uchiha's resolution.
"Danzo-sama," Shisui bowed.
Danzo turned, his visible eye narrowing. "How long has it been since you promised to act against Fugaku? Why no progress?"
"There's been no opportunity—"
"None? The famed 'Shunshin no Shisui' can't arrange a private talk?" Danzo's voice turned icy. "Are you hesitating? Or do you never intend to use Kotoamatsukami?"
Shocked by the accusation, Shisui defended himself. "I swear, I'll act as soon as possible."
"Act? If Fugaku remains out of reach, might you target Hiruzen—or me? Kotoamatsukami is too dangerous in Uchiha hands. Hand it over."
Unbeknownst to Shisui, Danzo had already activated Izanagi. Mid-sentence, he struck.
But Shisui, the battlefield legend, reacted instantly. "Genjutsu: Sharingan!"
His three-tomoe spun, freezing Danzo in place.
"This won't hold you long. Stay here and reflect."
Sighing, Shisui turned to leave. Danzo's radicalism and underhanded tactics were known, but Shisui never expected an attack—let alone an attempt to steal his eyes.
The clan's rebellion, the elders' pressure, and now Danzo's betrayal left Shisui exhausted.
Would Kotoamatsukami even resolve this?
For the first time, doubt gnawed at him.
Suddenly, Danzo's form shimmered like a mirage before him.
"What—?"
*Bam!*
Danzo's chakra-enhanced strikes sent Shisui airborne, pain and shock immobilizing him.
*Squelch.*
Danzo tore out Shisui's right eye.
"Ah!"
Seizing the brief pause, Shisui retreated.
"Surrender the other eye. Such power belongs in my hands—for Konoha's true protection."
Danzo removed his bandages, revealing an empty socket—the cost of Izanagi.
"Sharingan…" Shisui panted, realizing Danzo's true goal.
With one eye gone, Kotoamatsukami was incomplete. The coup couldn't be stopped now.
"Fire Style: Great Fireball!"
A massive flame forced Root agents back as Shisui fled. Staying meant death. He had to find Itachi—the only one who understood.
---
Land of Tea Base
Hyuga Mirai returned with gifts, hoping to recruit Tsunade. Her research had progressed, and he needed her help.
Entering the base, he spotted Shizune carrying a stack of food containers, grinning.
"Mirai-kun?!"
"Quite the appetite, Shizune," he remarked, eyeing the twelve boxes. "I'll see Tsunade first."
"She's either in the lab or training room," Shizune mumbled, embarrassed.
"Thanks."
With 18th monitoring the base, Mirai knew Tsunade's location better than Shizune.
Opening the training room door, a figure lunged at him.
Unfazed, he raised three bottles. "Last of the good stuff. Break them, and they're gone."
The figure halted instantly, snatching the bottles.
"Three bottles after all this time? You never let me drink properly, you brat!"
Tsunade's complaints were routine, but her face lit up at the familiar labels.
(End of Chapter)
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