Ten days passed.
Hiruzen Sarutobi summoned Shisui Uchiha.
Because the Uchiha Clan had been gathering too frequently, and Hiruzen's Anbu couldn't monitor what happened at Naka Shrine, Hiruzen needed Shisui to provide information about the situation.
When Shisui arrived at the Hokage's office, he dropped to one knee and said, "Third."
Hiruzen got straight to the point. "Shisui, you know about the frequent gatherings among the Uchiha, right?"
Shisui answered, "Yes. During this period, there has been a gathering at the Naka Shrine every two or three days."
Hiruzen asked, "What exactly happens during these Uchiha gatherings?"
Shisui replied truthfully, "A large portion of the clan is very dissatisfied with Konoha and hopes Fugaku will lead them in a rebellion to take over the leadership of Konoha."
Hiruzen's presence turned cold and sharp. "Then what about Fugaku's stance?"
Shisui replied, "Fugaku hasn't agreed, but he hasn't refused outright either, so his position remains unclear."
Hiruzen fell into thoughtful silence.
After a long while, Shisui proposed, "Third, I have an idea."
Hiruzen nodded. "Go ahead, Shisui."
Shisui unleashed his Mangekyo Sharingan and said to Hiruzen, "Third, my Mangekyo Sharingan possesses a dojutsu known as Kotoamatsukami. It can infiltrate someone's mind without detection and permanently, thoroughly alter their will.
However, once used, it cannot be used again for over a decade. Since I awakened my Mangekyo Sharingan, I've never used this dojutsu.
If Fugaku truly agrees to launch a rebellion, I'll use Kotoamatsukami to alter his will, making him eternally loyal to Konoha and preventing this rebellion from happening."
At the mention of Shisui's dojutsu, suspicion flashed across Hiruzen's face.
If Shisui used this ability on him, wouldn't that make *him* just a puppet?
Fortunately though, Shisui was on his side.
Hiruzen remained silent for a while longer before sighing. "Shisui, even if you modify Fugaku's thinking, it would only address the symptom rather than the root cause. You might stop this rebellion, but what about next time?
Those discontented with Konoha aren't limited to just Fugaku. Many other Uchiha hold similar grievances. They could pressure Fugaku into leading a rebellion. And if Fugaku refuses due to your dojutsu, those Uchiha might bypass Fugaku and proceed with the coup anyway.
We certainly don't want the Uchiha and Konoha reaching that point—a moment with no room left for compromise. But given how things stand now with the Uchiha, how can we trust them? I wish every Uchiha could be like you, Shisui—devoted to the Will of Fire, ready to stand with us and protect Konoha."
Shame burned through Shisui as he pressed his forehead to the floor. "I'm truly sorry, Third."
Hiruzen Sarutobi approached Shisui Uchiha and helped him rise from the ground.
"Shisui, there's no need to apologize. This isn't your fault."
Hiruzen guided Shisui Uchiha to sit on a chair, then suddenly brought up the Hyuga Clan: "Shisui, do you know much about the Hyuga Clan?"
Though puzzled by Hiruzen's sudden mention of the Hyuga Clan, Shisui still answered, "The Hyuga Clan is one of the founding clans of Konoha from the early days of the Land of Fire, together with the Uchiha Clan."
Hiruzen nodded and asked, "Right. But do you know why we have always trusted the Hyuga Clan?"
Shisui shook his head.
Hiruzen explained to Shisui, "Because of the Main Family and Branch Family system within the Hyuga Clan. Though small in numbers, members of the Main Family are absolutely loyal to Konoha. While the Branch Family has more people, they're controlled through cursed seals imposed by the Main Family.
As long as the Main Family remains loyal to Konoha, all the Branch Family members will be loyal too. That's why we've never worried about any issues with the Hyuga Clan.
But what your Uchiha Clan did recently not only worries us—it worries everyone else in Konoha. Even if this incident is resolved, no one can guarantee history won't repeat itself.
Once the seed of distrust is planted, it's like a shattered mirror—even if mended, fault lines will remain.
Moreover, a newly repaired mirror requires binding to hold its broken pieces together so that it can still be used as a mirror. Shisui, do you understand what I'm saying?"
Shisui's face paled slightly.
He knew exactly what Hiruzen meant.
The Uchiha Clan was that shattered mirror. To repair it would require binding—restraints—to glue those broken pieces back together before it could be used again.
That restraint… it was the cursed seal.
Seeing Shisui's pale expression, Hiruzen gently patted his shoulder. "I know this is hard on you, and even harder on the rest of your clan. After all, you are a proud people.
However, if the Uchiha Clan truly plans to stage a rebellion—an act of high treason—even if you successfully stopped it this time, we wouldn't dare trust you anymore.
Using cursed seals to control the Uchiha Clan can help rebuild our mutual trust and eliminate unnecessary suspicions.
In the future, once the rifts have healed, Konoha and the Uchiha Clan can stand united and work together. At that point, there will be no need for these cursed seals anymore, and naturally, they'll be lifted.
Shisui, this is currently the only possible way I can think of to resolve the tensions between Konoha and the Uchiha Clan and restore trust. If you have better ideas, please feel free to share them. Maybe we can find a better solution together."
After several moments of visible inner turmoil, Shisui stood up, then knelt on one knee before Hiruzen Sarutobi once more.
"I don't think we need to bring it up again. The method proposed by The Third is currently the only viable solution at this point in time. I fully support The Third's plan!"
After hearing Shisui's words, Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled and helped him up again.
With sincere conviction, Hiruzen said, "Shisui, you are the person I trust most. I also believe you're the only one capable of accomplishing this. We all want Konoha and the Uchiha Clan to coexist peacefully. Therefore, for the sake of both Konoha and the Uchiha Clan, we must work together."
Shisui Uchiha's eyes glistened with emotion. "Third, thank you for always believing in me. I won't let you down, The Third!"
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