Danzō's words dripped with resentment. It was obvious Hiruzen's earlier reprimand still burned.
Hiruzen cast him a brief glance, then continued as if he hadn't spoken.
"In this war, three Uchiha stood out."
"Uchiha Fugaku. Uchiha Shisui. And Uchiha Jin."
"Fugaku is the current clan head. You all know him—measured, cautious. Frankly, having someone like him lead the Uchiha works in our favor."
"As for Shisui—he's Kagami's descendant. Like Kagami, he carries the Will of Fire. He isn't as arrogant as most of his clan. A young man worth cultivating."
He paused slightly.
"But this Uchiha Jin…"
"I cannot see through him."
The room grew quieter.
Since the days of the Second Hokage, the village leadership had never looked at the Uchiha without caution. Every promising Uchiha was quietly observed, measured, and contained.
Yet Jin had risen like a meteor.
Too suddenly.
Too brightly.
Hiruzen continued, voice steady but thoughtful.
"Jin was once aloof. After his parents died, he became withdrawn. During his academy years, he kept to himself. After graduation, he entered the Military Police."
"In terms of ability, he was strong—but under Minato's brilliance, he appeared no different from an ordinary Uchiha."
"Then came the war."
His brows knitted.
"His Fire Release reached astonishing heights. He could even suppress Water Release despite elemental disadvantage."
"During the encounter with the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, he and the genin Might Duy killed four and grievously wounded three."
"Afterward, he moved across battlefields, defeating multiple bloodline and secret-technique elites from the Kaguya, Yuki, and Hōzuki clans."
"And finally, he defeated the Fourth Mizukage head-on."
"The 'Red Sun' was born."
The more Hiruzen spoke, the heavier his expression became.
Homura cleared his throat.
"It isn't impossible for an Uchiha to grow rapidly during war. They are… Uchiha."
"But usually, when they gain power, they grow colder. More arrogant."
"This one is the opposite."
He leaned forward slightly.
"Reports say that in recent years, Jin has become gentle. Approachable. Even… warm."
"He has made friends. Built connections. His conduct is impeccable."
"That abnormality concerns me."
An Uchiha who did not grow harsher with strength?
An Uchiha whose reputation was spotless?
That was far more dangerous.
Koharu spoke softly.
"When something defies pattern, caution is wise."
"There's something… unsettling about him."
Hiruzen was silent for a moment before speaking again.
"When he returns, I will assign him to the ANBU."
Both elders stiffened.
"ANBU?" Koharu repeated in surprise.
Until now, no Uchiha had ever entered the ANBU.
Even Kagami Uchiha, Tobirama's own student, had only served in the Hokage Guard—not the Black Ops.
Hiruzen explained calmly.
"First, I have never observed him closely. ANBU will allow that."
"Second, it keeps him within my line of sight. Surrounded by loyal operatives, even if he harbors ambition, he cannot act freely."
"Third…"
A faint smile formed.
"It is a promotion that is also a restriction."
"His battlefield achievements are too significant to ignore. His fame nearly rivals Minato's. If we do not reward him, it will cause dissatisfaction."
"By elevating him into ANBU—give him a title, a position—it will appear as advancement."
"But in truth, it removes him from public view."
"Within a few years, his name will fade."
It was an elegant solution.
To the Uchiha moderates, it would seem like progress—one of their own entering the Hokage's core force.
Even the hardliners could not openly oppose it.
And yet—
ANBU had no names. No faces. No public presence.
Once Jin donned a mask, "Uchiha Jin" would cease to exist.
His glory would dissolve into classified shadows.
Homura nodded approvingly.
"Brilliant, Hiruzen. The Uchiha won't even realize what's happening."
Koharu agreed.
"Once he's inside ANBU, he's contained."
Hiruzen allowed himself a small, satisfied smile.
It had been an instinctive idea at first.
The more he considered it, the more perfect it seemed.
"...Heh."
A low, mocking chuckle cut through the room.
All eyes turned to Danzō.
Hiruzen frowned.
"Danzō. Do you disagree?"
"No," Danzō replied lightly, though amusement flickered in his gaze.
"I merely wish to remind you of something."
He leaned back slowly.
"You won't be Hokage much longer."
The words landed heavily.
"Are you certain," Danzō continued, "that the ANBU will still follow your will then?"
His eye narrowed.
"I've heard that Uchiha Jin and Namikaze Minato are extremely close."
Silence followed.
And for the first time that afternoon—
Hiruzen's expression truly darkened.
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