The first light of dawn dispelled the smoke over Konoha Village, but it could not clear the scent of blood and scorched earth hanging in the air.
The first golden rays of sunlight fell upon the Hokage Rock, illuminating a weary, aged face.
Hiruzen stood for a long time between the statues of the past Hokages, clad in his Hokage Robes, a smoking pipe in his hand.
He looked down upon the village below, his gaze finally settling on the distant, ruined, scorched land that was once the Uchiha Clan's compound. Among the rubble, Konoha's Ninjas could be seen carefully clearing the scene.
The losses from the night, primarily concentrated on the village outskirts, had not exceeded those of the Nine-Tails Attack.
The casualties were mainly among the Anbu, Root, and supporting Ninjas who had engaged in the subsequent fighting.
Footsteps sounded from behind, breaking the morning's tranquility.
Hiruzen did not turn, merely taking a deep drag from his pipe, allowing the acrid smoke to swirl in his lungs as if it could suppress the bitterness in his heart.
"Hokage-sama." Itachi knelt on one knee, his voice low, hoarse, and laced with undeniable exhaustion. His pale complexion, the faint crimson threads deep in his eyes, and the traces of blood on his Anbu Attire spoke volumes of the torment he had endured the previous night. "The mission failed... Father and Mother have... taken their own lives. The situation spiraled out of control to this extent. I bear responsibility for my failure. I await your punishment, Hokage-sama."
He kept his head bowed, perfectly playing the role of a failed operative burdened by guilt.
Hiruzen slowly turned, looking at the young genius he had once placed such high hopes in.
Those eyes, always clear and calm, were now bloodshot and weary. Something deeper within them seemed to have fundamentally changed.
He sighed, the smoke dispersing with his breath.
"The one who should apologize is me, Itachi," Hiruzen's voice was heavy with powerlessness. "It was I who failed to detect Danzo's actions, failed to stop all this in time... I never imagined he had secretly crossed so many lines."
His gaze swept towards the direction of Root, a flicker of pain and anger in his eyes.
Itachi remained kneeling, silent. Any words felt superfluous now.
Hiruzen continued, his tone carrying a note of reassurance. "I have officially revoked Shimura Danzo's position as Hokage Advisor and relieved him of his leadership over Root. The specific follow-up actions regarding him will require consultation with the great clans."
This was both an explanation and a probe… he wanted to gauge Itachi's reaction.
Itachi bowed his head even lower, seemingly unconcerned with Danzo's fate, and asked urgently, "Hokage-sama, what about Sasuke? His future..."
"I will take good care of Sasuke," Hiruzen immediately interjected, his tone firm, attempting to convey an unquestionable promise. "He will live well in Konoha, receive the best education and protection. He will become an excellent Konoha's Ninja. The Uchiha bloodline will continue and thrive within Konoha."
In the past, such an assurance might have brought Itachi a sliver of comfort.
But now, hearing these familiar words, remembering Shura's cold mockery, Shisui's accusations, and the mysterious masked man who called himself 'Uchiha Madara', his heart was filled only with cold doubt and confusion.
'Could Konoha's promises still be trusted?'
'Would Sasuke's future truly be as bright as the Third promised?'
'I needed a backup plan. I had to find another possible path for myself and Sasuke.'
So, he lifted his head, allowing an appropriate amount of gravity and worry to show in his eyes. "Hokage-sama, regarding last night's operation, there is one more matter I must report."
"Oh?" Hiruzen's gaze sharpened.
"During the operation, a mysterious person sought me out and offered... assistance." Itachi chose his words carefully, reporting selectively. "He wore an orange-red mask with a spiral pattern and a single eyehole. He called himself... 'Uchiha Madara'."
"Uchiha Madara?!" Hiruzen exclaimed, his pipe nearly slipping from his hand. The shock brought by that name was too immense.
"Yes. He possessed the Mangekyo Sharingan, and his abilities were extremely bizarre. The one who attacked the Konoha's Military Police Force last night, causing heavy casualties, was this very person." Itachi continued, his tone heavy. "Moreover, he is not alone. He revealed that behind him is a mysterious organization called 'Akatsuki'. I suspect... the Nine-Tails Attack might be connected to them."
By revealing the intel about 'Uchiha Madara' and the 'Akatsuki', especially linking them to the Nine-Tails Attack, he successfully diverted Hiruzen's attention from the internal Uchiha problem to an external threat.
Sure enough, Hiruzen's face instantly turned gravely serious, his wrinkles deepening. "The 'Akatsuki'? Are you certain?"
"That is what he stated personally. I believe its credibility is high." Itachi affirmed, then proposed his plan. "This individual and his organization are extremely dangerous and harbor hostility towards Konoha. I will infiltrate this 'Akatsuki' to investigate their goals, members, and their possible connection to the Nine-Tails Attack. To eliminate this potential major threat for Konoha."
He portrayed himself as a loyal Ninja willing to bear the name of a Missing-Nin and venture into the lion's den for the village's safety.
Hiruzen fell into a long silence, smoke shrouding his inscrutable expression.
'Uchiha Madara alive?'
'A mysterious organization with Mangekyo Sharingan?'
'Possibly connected to the Nine-Tails Attack?'
It was all too shocking.
But he had always trusted Itachi's intelligence and judgment.
'If such an organization truly existed, then the threat to Konoha wasn't just the Land of Stars! Shura was now in the open, but this 'Akatsuki' had been lurking in the shadows all along!'
After a long while, he spoke slowly, his voice dry. "...I understand. Subsequently, I will declare you a Konoha's Missing-Nin. Above all... prioritize your safety, Itachi."
"Yes. For Konoha." Itachi lowered his head, hiding the complex emotions in his eyes.
That afternoon, the atmosphere in the meeting room of the Hokage Building was so heavy it was almost suffocating.
Hiruzen sat at the head of the table, flanked by the grim-faced Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu.
Danzo also sat to the side, expressionless, his single eye downcast, as if it had nothing to do with him.
Below sat the leaders of Konoha's great clans: Shikaku, Choza, Inoichi, Hiashi, Inuzuka Tsume, Aburame Shibi. A layer of frost seemed to cover each of their faces.
Shikaku, as the Jonin Commander, was the first to stand, reporting cold numbers with an impassive face. "Preliminary statistics from last night's turmoil: Sixty-nine combatants from our side, ANBU, Root, and supporting Ninjas, confirmed KIA. This includes five Jonin and seven Special Jonin. Over a hundred severely injured, countless minor injuries. Among the Hyuga Clan's main family, one of the three elders was killed in the attack, another is still in critical care. Fifty-seven members of the branch family defected or were abducted. Civilian casualties are in the single digits, primarily because the battlefield was the Uchiha Clan's district, far from Konoha's main residential areas..."
"Additionally, the Root's base was raided by Star Ninjas, a large amount of confidential data was stolen... As for the Uchiha Clan's casualties, since the bodies and survivors were all taken by the Star Ninjas, we cannot provide statistics."
With each number recited, the temperature in the room seemed to drop a degree.
The clan leaders' expressions grew increasingly grim, especially when hearing their own clans' casualty figures.
After the report, Shikaku sat down in silence.
Hiruzen slowly stood up, his aged frame seeming somewhat stooped.
He faced the assembly and bowed deeply.
"The events of last night spiraled out of control, resulting in such heavy losses. As Hokage, I bear ultimate responsibility. I offer my deepest apologies to all of you, and to all the Ninjas and civilians who lost their lives." His voice was heavy and raspy, carrying sincere remorse.
Straightening up, he continued, "In light of Shimura Danzo's actions before and during this incident, and the serious dereliction of duty and overstepping of authority within the Root under his leadership, it has been decided to formally relieve him of his duties as Hokage Advisor and as leader of Root. Root will be temporarily taken over by Aburame Tatsuma, who will be responsible for reorganization and aftermath."
After this announcement, the meeting room fell deathly quiet.
The clan leaders looked at each other, their expressions not satisfied but instead showing even greater dissatisfaction.
The accusations Shisui had hurled last night still echoed in their ears. The potential secrets hidden beneath Danzo's right eye and arm were like poisonous thorns lodged in everyone's hearts.
Every Ninja Clan had its own secret techniques and Kekkei Genkai, and none wanted to be the next target of Root.
Such a light punishment, merely a removal from office?
It was utterly insufficient to quell the public anger.
Even the leaders of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, who usually stood with the Sarutobi Clan, remained silent now. Shikaku even closed his eyes slightly, clearly unwilling to voice support.
Hiruzen smiled wryly inwardly. Didn't he know this wouldn't satisfy everyone?
But if he punished Danzo severely now, it would be tantamount to confirming those shocking accusations, exposing the darkness within Konoha's leadership completely. The ensuing turmoil would be even harder to manage.
And what if they really found something incriminating?
So, to maintain Konoha's superficial stability, he had to raise the rod high but bring it down gently.
It was at this moment that Danzo himself stood up.
His single eye swept over the assembled leaders, his voice low and tinged with a sense of aggrieved indignation. "Hiruzen, esteemed clan leaders. I, Shimura Danzo, have dedicated my life to Konoha! My methods may have been radical, but my loyalty is unwavering! As for Uchiha Shisui's slander-"
He suddenly raised his hand and, to the shock of everyone present, ripped off the eyepatch over his right eye, revealing the crimson, Three-Tomoe Sharingan!
"This eye was not stolen! It was entrusted to me on his deathbed by my old comrade, Uchiha Kagami! He wished for me to see Konoha's future in his stead! For years, I have never used its power, out of respect for my comrade's legacy! I never imagined it would become a pretext for accusations by a traitor!" His voice was impassioned, as if he had suffered a grave injustice.
"Shisui conspired with the Star Ninjas. His plot was discovered by Root's members. Out of respect for him as Kagami's grandson, I sought to persuade him to turn back, only to be falsely accused by him!"
"You all saw him standing with Shura last night, attempting to throw Konoha into chaos! Would you all believe the ravings of a traitor and doubt an old man who has devoted his entire life to Konoha?"
Danzo's performance was extremely convincing. The grievance and indignation on his face, the touching story of 'a comrade's entrustment', temporarily stunned a portion of the audience.
At the very least, he had only displayed one Sharingan openly, not involving the secret techniques of other clans.
In contrast, the Uchiha Clan had truly defected.
The scales of doubt seemed to waver slightly once more.
Homura spoke up at the opportune moment, shifting the topic. "What about the Uchiha orphan, Uchiha Sasuke? How should he be handled?"
Only then did everyone remember the seven-year-old child who had lost everything overnight.
Hiruzen took a deep breath and delivered his prepared statement. "According to our investigation, Uchiha Fugaku and his wife took their own lives last night. As for Uchiha Itachi-" He paused, his tone pained. "He conspired with a mysterious organization called 'Akatsuki'. In pursuit of the so-called ultimate power of the Uchiha, he brutally slaughtered his entire clan! His crimes are heinous! His younger brother, Uchiha Sasuke, is young and completely unaware. He is a victim of this tragedy. I have decided that the village will raise him."
But to the ears of the clan leaders, this sounded like making excuses for Danzo. By solidifying the narrative around Itachi and the Uchiha Clan's issues, Danzo's problems could be handled with kid gloves.
Subsequently, Hiruzen announced the official orders. "All defectors are hereby officially designated as Konoha's Missing-Nin. Uchiha Itachi, Hyuga Hizashi, Uchiha Inabi, and other former Konoha's Jonins are classified as S-Rank Missing-Nin. Bounties will be issued!"
"All Uchiha Clan's assets within Konoha and the Land of Fire are confiscated and will be used to compensate the clans who suffered casualties in this incident."
Hearing Hizashi's name listed among the Missing-Nin, Hiashi's fists, resting on his knees, clenched violently, his knuckles turning white, his face dark with barely suppressed fury.
The meeting concluded in an atmosphere of extreme oppression and distrust.
The division of the Uchiha Clan's legacy left the clan leaders rising and departing in silence.
But this silence itself was the greatest expression of their dissatisfaction with the leadership.
This Third Hokage was gradually losing the people's hearts.
After everyone had left, and only Hiruzen and Danzo remained in the meeting room, the indignation on Danzo's face vanished instantly, replaced by sheer coldness.
"Hiruzen," He spoke, his voice devoid of emotion. "Hand Uchiha Sasuke over to my Root for training."
Hiruzen whirled around, looking at him in disbelief, anger finally igniting in his eyes. "Danzo! Have you learned nothing?! You are now just an ordinary Konoha's Ninja! You have no authority to command anyone! Sasuke will definitely not be handed over to you!"
Danzo met Hiruzen's gaze with his single eye, not yielding an inch. "Shura took away so many Uchiha survivors! They are all unstable factors! If we do not conduct more thorough 'guidance' on Sasuke, to instill in him an absolutely unshakable loyalty to Konoha, then sooner or later, he too will be swayed by those traitors and betray the village!"
"This is the inherent rebelliousness deep within the Uchiha bloodline, as the Second Hokage-sama stated! Just like Uchiha Madara back then! You must take preventative measures!"
"Which is precisely why I will not hand him over to your Root!" Hiruzen interrupted sharply. "I will teach him personally, make him a true Konoha's Ninja who inherits the Will of Fire! Not turn him into an emotionless tool!"
"Your weakness and indecisiveness will bring greater disaster to Konoha sooner or later!" Danzo took a step forward, his single eye gleaming with a fanatical light. "Hiruzen! You will regret this!"
"Danzo! I am the Hokage!" Hiruzen met his gaze without flinching, enunciating each word clearly.
This statement completely blocked all of Danzo's attempts.
Danzo stared fixedly at Hiruzen, his chest heaving a few times, before he finally snorted coldly, turned abruptly, and slammed the door shut behind him.
Bang!
The heavy sound of the door closing echoed for a long time in the empty conference room.
Hiruzen stood alone, closing his eyes wearily.
After leaving the Hokage Building, Tatsuma appeared beside Danzo, still maintaining his respectful demeanor. "Danzo-sama, Sasuke has woken up."
"Let's go to Konoha Hospital!" Upon hearing that the unconscious Sasuke had awakened, Danzo cast a cold glance back at the Hokage Building. "If it's Sasuke's own choice... what will you do then, Hiruzen?"