Ever since Uchiha Shisui had been transferred from the Konoha Police Force to the Fourth Hokage's personal Anbu unit, Danzō's suspicion of the Uchiha clan had only grown stronger.
That was also why Shisui had put up a simple barrier in the yakiniku restaurant earlier—discussions like theirs couldn't risk being overheard. When it came to politics at the highest level, Shisui and Itachi were already drifting down very different paths.
Root…
Kneeling on one knee, Itachi's mind drifted back to not long ago, just after he had submitted his application to graduate early.
Danzō Shimura had sought him out almost immediately.
The words from that meeting still echoed vividly in his mind.
"Itachi, you are the genius of the Uchiha's younger generation. You've only just awakened your Sharingan, so the darkness hasn't consumed you yet.Tell me, in your eyes—what matters more? The village? Or your clan?"
A pause.
"You don't know how to answer?The Uchiha's Sharingan awakens through the loss of love. And with that awakening, the hatred born from loss often seizes control of one's will, changing their very nature.That is why, back then, the Second Hokage exiled the Uchiha compound to the village's outskirts. And now, the clan's ambition grows bolder by the day.Even the descendants of my old teammate, Uchiha Kagami, harbor thoughts of rebellion."
Another pause.
"And what about you, Itachi?"
…
"I've read your file. I've always believed you to be different from the others in your clan—that you see beyond the narrow lens of Uchiha pride.Itachi, I need your help. And by helping me, you help all of Konoha."
…
"Foolishness! The Fourth Hokage is still far too young. Whether it's the Third Hokage, the village advisors, or my Root organization, all of us act for the sake of Konoha. But you know well what your clan whispers about behind closed doors.It is rebellion, Itachi. Nothing less."
…
"Uchiha Shisui's ideals? The Uchiha clan's current stance? Their only desire is to overthrow Konoha, to succeed in their coup."
…
"The Fourth is but a commoner by birth. Even Jiraiya of the Legendary Sannin is absent from the village most of the time. If the Uchiha truly enact their plan, the Fourth alone will never be enough to stop them…"
Still kneeling, Itachi clenched his fist tightly.
The words Shion had spoken in the yakiniku restaurant today resurfaced in his mind:
Crush the faction within the clan that wants to rebel. Unite with the side that wants to coexist with the village. Then, stand with the Fourth Hokage to rally the strength of all Konoha's clans. Finally… cut away the rotting roots beneath the great tree of Konoha.
But who were those "rotting roots"?
Danzō's Root? The two elder advisors? Or… even the Third Hokage himself?
And in the end?
Would it really end there?
If the corruption of Konoha's roots were purged, would the Uchiha not simply become the next source of rot?
Shisui and Shion—what were they truly aiming for?
"Itachi?"
Danzō's voice brought him back.
Eyes closed, Itachi finally replied, "Uchiha Shion seemed to have already guessed that you would approach me, Lord Danzō. He gave me a warning."
"Shion?" Danzō froze.
Uchiha Shion—second only to Itachi himself in reputation. But without the Sharingan, no Uchiha could truly be called a genius.
Still… how had Shion predicted that Danzō would come to him?
"And what warning did he give you?"
Itachi answered calmly, "He said: If the day comes when I lose myself and go mad, he will be the first to kill me. He doesn't agree with my choice to graduate early, nor with me involving myself in the darkness of Root."
Silence fell.
After a long pause, Danzō spoke quietly: "Has Uchiha Shion awakened the Sharingan?"
Itachi shook his head. "No. His reflexes and physical strength are extraordinary, but despite his talent, he has not awakened the eye."
Another stretch of silence.
Finally, Danzō said:
"Think carefully on what I have told you. Konoha is a towering tree. There is the canopy above, basking in the sun's light—and there are the roots beneath, buried in darkness, drawing the nutrients that allow it to thrive. Everything I do has always been for Konoha."
"Go now. Once you graduate and are assigned to a squad, Root will give you one year. To remain with us, you must become a chūnin within that time."
Itachi rose without a word and turned to leave. But before he could step away, Danzō's voice followed:
"As for Uzumaki Sora… Root holds the information you seek."
The words lingered in the air long after. Only then did Itachi finally leave.
In the darkness of an empty chamber, Danzō slowly raised his bandaged arm, staring at it in silence.
Uchiha Shion, hm?
An Uchiha without the Sharingan was unworthy of being called strong.
But Uchiha Itachi—grow quickly. With comrades as your bonds, within a year you should have the strength to awaken it.
And with the combined powers of the First Hokage and Uchiha Madara…
The title of Hokage would be nothing more than a prize within reach.
Even uniting the Five Great Nations—what would that matter, with such power in hand?
When Itachi returned home and slid open the door, he found Sasuke—barely two years old—still waiting up for him.
"This child refuses to sleep unless you come back," sighed Uchiha Mikoto, looking weary.
Itachi smiled softly, picking up Sasuke. "Alright, Sasuke. Let me wash up first, then I'll put you to bed. But tonight, you're not allowed to wet the bed, okay?"
Sasuke blinked up at him with wide, innocent eyes and nodded. "Okay…"
That night, lying in bed, sleep would not come to Itachi.
Uzumaki Sora… He must hold the truth about Father's killer.
But Root… Roots buried deep underground, feeding on darkness, never touching the light of day…
What were Shisui and Shion truly planning?
A coup? Or were they really aiming to support the Fourth Hokage and reintegrate the Uchiha into Konoha's fold?
Danzō's understanding of the Sharingan was frighteningly deep. From this day on, Shion would surely come under his scrutiny. But that couldn't be helped.
When discussing such matters within a barrier, secrecy was inevitable. As Shion said—three parts truth, seven parts falsehood.
Until Itachi could be sure of Shisui and Shion's true intentions, Danzō could not be trusted.
Turning his head, he looked at Sasuke asleep peacefully at his side. A faint smile crossed his face.
No matter what happens… I will never let you be hurt, little brother.
The Fourth Hokage's Residence
"Sensei, after this return, will you be heading out again for research?" Minato Namikaze asked.
Jiraiya crossed his arms and laughed heartily. "Of course! The entire shinobi world is waiting eagerly for my next masterpiece!"
From the kitchen, Kushina Uzumaki emerged carrying dishes, frowning. "What fans? They're all perverts. Minato!"
Minato froze at her sharp tone, quickly turning with an appeasing smile.
Kushina set the plate down, scooped baby Naruto from Minato's arms, and said firmly, "You and Naruto are not allowed to pick up bad habits from Jiraiya-sensei. If Naruto grows up and can't find a wife, it'll be your fault, sensei!"
Jiraiya blinked, flustered. "I—I just met the kid today…"
"That's exactly why I need to say it now!" Kushina shot back. "If you ever dare bring one of your filthy books into this house, just you wait—hmph!"
Seeing her fiery red hair starting to bristle, Minato quickly jumped in to change the subject. "So, Kushina… what's Naruto eating tonight? The same as us?"
"Ah!"
With a small cry, Kushina shoved Naruto back into Minato's arms and dashed into the kitchen. "His baby food! I almost forgot it was still cooking!"
"Phew…" Jiraiya exhaled heavily, wiping his brow. "Kushina's still as fiery as ever. Ha… ha ha…"
Minato gave an apologetic smile. "Ever since Naruto was born, she's been extra sensitive about him. Sorry, sensei."
Jiraiya waved it off. "No need. She's a mother now—that kind of reaction is only natural. Still… Minato, time really does fly, doesn't it?"