Kawasaki cast a glance at Itachi, then turned sharply toward Danzo and demanded, "Where's Shisui's left eye?"
Itachi stood silently, lips twitching as though he wanted to speak, but he restrained Shisui with a hand, stopping him from saying anything.
Danzo was furious. "Kawasaki, don't push your luck!"
"I only took Shisui's right eye! I truly don't know where the left one is!"
Fugaku and Kawasaki both turned their eyes toward the Third Hokage, as if to say, You deal with this.
The Third Hokage sighed. "Danzo, hand over Shisui's left eye."
"I…"
Danzo trembled with rage. At this point, it was like mud falling into his pants—even if it wasn't filth, everyone would think it was.
He could deny all he wanted, but who would believe him?
"The left eye isn't with me…" Danzo finally admitted, gritting his teeth.
Kawasaki, however, already knew the truth: Shisui's left eye was in Itachi's hands. His demand was meant to leverage the situation for the Uchiha clan's benefit.
Meanwhile, Shisui used his chakra to sense the eye's resonance and confirmed the right eye was indeed his. With help, it was transplanted back into him. After countless battles, the trauma of losing and regaining an eye, and the surgery itself, Shisui finally collapsed into exhausted sleep.
Itachi stood quietly by his side, heart heavy. Shisui had sacrificed so much for both clan and village, yet was betrayed by Danzo. What shocked him more was his father—normally so restrained—now standing firmly to defend Shisui, even at the cost of clashing with the village.
In Itachi's view, Kawasaki was only the mouthpiece his father had pushed forward. Fugaku likely didn't want to burn bridges with the village outright, so Kawasaki was the one delivering the ultimatums.
[System Notification]
Ding! Congratulations, host, for successfully influencing Uchiha Itachi's outlook. You have drastically altered his life's path.
Reward: Dojutsu – Tsukuyomi (x1), Dojutsu – Amaterasu (x1).
Ding! Congratulations, host, for drastically altering Uchiha Fugaku's path.
Reward: Dojutsu – Illusion (x2).
"Oh? So changing people's fates gives me new skills? Too bad they're all single-use."
Fugaku's eyes both had illusion powers? That meant two chances—like Shisui's, though not as strong as Kotoamatsukami.
Ding! Positive reform route complete.
Reward: Dojutsu Amplifier (x1) – Greatly enhances ocular powers.
Kawasaki cursed inwardly. What kind of lousy system only gives one-time-use skills? Are you even reliable?
The system, indifferent as ever, continued its monotone broadcast:
New Position Gained: Uchiha Clan Deputy Leader.
Recognition: All Uchiha acknowledge your authority as deputy leader.
Kawasaki blinked. So my temporary title just became official? Wait—was this role something Fugaku made up on the spot?
Ding! You have now gained the status of "Faction Leader." Framework loading…
Ding! Development Goal: Free the clan from Konoha's control and achieve independence. Rewards will be given based on completion.
Kawasaki let out a slow breath, eyes narrowing as he considered the flood of notifications, rewards, and a daunting new mission.
The Third Hokage promised that once Danzo returned, Shisui's left eye would be delivered.
Kawasaki's gaze then fell on Fugaku. Fugaku felt a chill—why did it seem like he was being set up as the scapegoat? But outwardly, he cooperated seamlessly.
"In that case," Fugaku said coolly, "we will wait in the clan compound. By dawn, I expect Shisui's left eye returned."
He gave a cold snort and waved for the Uchiha to disperse.
Many clan members grumbled in frustration—after gathering everyone, their dramatic confrontation had ended without bloodshed? Still, with so many outsiders and clan elites watching, none of them dared to act rashly. They followed Fugaku out, their whispers fading as the massive gates of the Uchiha compound slammed shut.
Only then did the Third Hokage finally breathe a sigh of relief. He wearily raised a hand. "Thank you all for your support. The state of emergency is lifted. You may return to your homes."
The other clans exchanged loaded glances, their eyes betraying suspicion and unease. Their parting words to Hiruzen lacked the respect they once held.
One after another, they vanished into the night, leaving only the Hokage faction behind.
Hiruzen had no words left. Tonight had disgraced his leadership, widened the rift between the village and its people, and put a target squarely on Danzo's back. Worse, many now suspected he himself had given Danzo the order.
The prestige of the Hokage faction had plummeted. Trust in them was shattered.
Hyuga Compound
Hyuga Hiashi wasted no time in summoning the clan elders after returning home.
"Elders, what are your thoughts on today's Uchiha affair?"
The elders exchanged grave looks.
The Grand Elder was the first to speak. "Hiashi, we must be wary of the Hokage faction."
The Second Elder followed. "They have long resented our branch family system. The Uchiha incident is a warning for us as well."
Because of the Caged Bird seal, branch family shinobi were bound to obey the main family alone. The Hokage's faction had virtually no control over them—on paper they were one with the village, but everyone knew otherwise. In a crisis, the branch family would heed only the main family's command.
Hiashi nodded. "For years, Danzo has hidden behind Hiruzen, cultivating his own forces. His ambition grows unchecked. Whether this incident was his own doing or had Hiruzen's tacit approval no longer matters."
The Grand Elder added with a measured tone, "What matters is the Uchiha's defiance tonight. Fugaku's stance has shifted, and now a young deputy leader has emerged. Interesting times lie ahead…"