It had been three days since Shisui Uchiha's conversation with Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Within the Hokage Tower, Danzo sat across from Hiruzen and said, "Tonight the Uchiha will gather again."
Hiruzen continued reading his document without looking up. "I'm aware of the gathering, but they claim it's for clan rituals. I have no authority to interfere."
Danzo snapped, "What kind of ritual? They're trying to stir up resentment among the Uchiha toward the village, using that animosity to strengthen their unity. This is preparation for a coup! You understand this well too, Hiruzen. The Uchiha Clan has reached the point where they must be removed. Right now, they're not even wary of us. Just assemble the Ninja Force—one day, no, just one night—and we can completely eradicate this tumor from Konoha!"
Hiruzen shook his head. "Don't be so radical, Danzo. There might still be room for negotiation. The Uchiha are also a powerful asset to Konoha."
Danzo coldly replied, "You're still too soft, Hiruzen. Room for compromise? What you mean is making Fugaku Uchiha accept cursed seals upon his entire clan, right? Didn't you suggest it directly to Fugaku? Yet he rejected it. Are you going to wait until the Uchiha actually launch their coup before finally acknowledging the necessity of wiping them out?"
Hiruzen responded firmly, "Nevertheless, I'm willing to give them the chance before the rebellion happens. The Uchiha have always been under surveillance by my ANBU and your Root Division. Meanwhile, I have a Ninja Force standing by. At the first sign of movement, this force will neutralize the Uchiha immediately."
Danzo stared expressionlessly at Hiruzen.
He understood there was no swaying Hiruzen's decision.
Hiruzen continued, "I still have an ace—Shisui!"
Shisui Uchiha opened the door and entered, going down on one knee before both Hiruzen and Danzo.
Hiruzen told Danzo, "Shisui will attend the Uchiha gathering. If Fugaku Uchiha truly intends to plot a coup..."
Shisui finished for him, "Then I shall use [Kotoamatsukami] on him!"
When Danzo heard "[Kotoamatsukami]" from Shisui, a gleam of interest briefly passed through his half-closed eyes. He asked, "Is that your dojutsu ability?"
Hiruzen explained, "According to Shisui, it can control targets undetected, making them act as if entirely of their own free will."
Shisui added, "I will make Fugaku reconsider the Third's offer and accept the cursed seal."
Danzo remained skeptical about Hiruzen and Shisui's plan. "Even if Fugaku agrees to the cursed seal, it might not calm the entire Uchiha Clan's discontent."
Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head. "At that time, we'll have other Uchiha members accept the Cursed Seal under Fugaku's name. If the Uchiha are willing to adapt, we'll be ready to adapt in return. Those Uchiha who agree to accept the Cursed Seal will immediately see improved treatment. Afterwards, there will definitely be more Uchiha willing to accept the constraints of the Cursed Seal."
Hiruzen looked at Shisui Uchiha and said, "I will assign an Anbu member to support you from behind. I'm counting on you, Shisui."
"Yes!"
Shisui Uchiha left the Hokage Tower.
At home, Chinya sat on a chair with his snake-like pupils fading away as he ended the Sensory Link with Snake.
Chinya never thought Hiruzen would actually go so far as to use the Cursed Seal to rein in the Uchiha clan.
And that idiot Shisui still believed Hiruzen's words.
Once you're put on a leash, it won't be easy to break free.
If Shisui truly uses Kotoamatsukami to manipulate Fugaku Uchiha, declaring the coup impossible because Hiruzen already knows about it, then suggesting the Uchiha accept the Cursed Seal for control while promising better lives for those who comply, some people will certainly accept.
Given enough time for others in the Uchiha clan to witness how well those who accepted the Cursed Seal live, eventually they would waver and willingly accept the seal themselves.
It's possible that Hiruzen might indeed successfully resolve the conflict between the Uchiha and Konoha.
But unfortunately,
There's always Danzo—ready to stir things up.
To start with, Danzo doesn't trust the Uchiha—or even Shisui himself—and wants nothing more than to purge them from Konoha.
Secondly, Chinya understood Danzo all too well. Hiruzen shouldn't have ever let Danzo know about Shisui's Kotoamatsukami.
In the original timeline, Danzo believed the power of Kotoamatsukami could be better utilized in his hands and attacked Shisui for it.
This time, Chinya suspected Danzo would try to take Shisui's Sharingan to gain leverage over him.
Danzo hated him, yet coveted his abilities—something Chinya fully understood.
Evening fell.
Chinya spoke to Kushina Uzumaki, who was preparing dinner and waiting for Uzumaki Sōnagi to come home: "Kushina, I need to go out for a bit. I won't be having dinner at home tonight."
Kushina didn't ask further questions and simply nodded. "Okay, I understand. Come back early."
"Alright, I'll return right after finishing my business."
...
At dusk.
At the entrance of Naka Shrine.
Fugaku Uchiha and Mikoto Uchiha stood waiting for Itachi Uchiha.
Most of the others had already gathered, but Itachi still hadn't shown up.
Mikoto looked forward into the empty space and sighed, "Itachi hasn't come yet."
Fugaku crossed his arms over his chest, expressionless but clearly disappointed.
Itachi was currently leaning against a rock inside the forest where Naka Shrine was located, waiting patiently.
Itachi Uchiha was the Anbu member dispatched by Hiruzen to secretly support Shisui Uchiha.
Right now, Shisui was on his way to Naka Shrine when he was intercepted by Danzo.
Danzo's thoughts were nearly identical to what Chinya had suspected.
Upon hearing Shisui Uchiha describe how [Kotoamatsukami] could manipulate targets undetected, making them appear as if they were acting of their own free will, Danzo immediately resolved to obtain this ability at any cost.
As soon as he learned about [Kotoamatsukami]'s power, Danzo had already decided who his first target would be: Chinya.
Chinya's individual strength was overwhelming — even Hiruzen Sarutobi had never dared to make rash moves against him all this time.
Once he gained control over Chinya and turned him into his pawn, even Hiruzen himself would not dare oppose him or defy his will in the Hidden Leaf.
The deterrence Chinya provided was more versatile than relying on a Jinchuriki.
And with that, Danzo's lifelong ambition was finally within reach.
Danzo locked eyes with Shisui Uchiha, a flash of greed flaring in his own gaze.
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>