**Chapter 8: Shimura Danzo**
"Yes, sir."
An Anbu operative vanished from the Hokage's office.
"Alright, Shisui, you can begin your report now."
Having finished assigning tasks to the Anbu, the Third Hokage eagerly turned to Uchiha Shisui.
"Yes, Third Hokage-sama. At the time, I was conducting tactical training exercises with Uchiha Itachi..."
Shisui proceeded to recount in detail how he had stumbled upon traces of Kumogakure's presence and how he had rescued Uchiha Naruko.
After listening to Shisui's report, the Third Hokage fell silent for a few seconds, as if sensing something amiss. He suddenly instructed Shisui, "I understand, Shisui. You may withdraw now."
"Yes, sir."
With those words, Shisui activated his Body Flicker Technique and vanished instantly, as if he had never been there at all.
"I'm getting old after all. Back during the Third Great Ninja War, I could still discern the traces of his Body Flicker Technique, but now I can't see it at all."
The heavy thud of a cane echoed through the room as a man emerged from the shadows—Shimura Danzo, the Hokage's assistant.
"What are you trying to say, Danzo? I've told you before, Shisui is Kagami's descendant and a trustworthy comrade. Why are you always so suspicious?"
The Third Hokage frowned, clearly displeased.
"No Uchiha can be trusted—not a single one. Mark my words, Hiruzen, your leniency toward the Uchiha will one day doom Konoha."
Ever since the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, the village's leadership had harbored deep-seated distrust toward the Uchiha Clan.
As Tobirama's direct disciple, Shimura Danzo's animosity toward the Uchiha far surpassed even his teacher's.
Danzo strode to the Hokage's desk and continued:
"This generation of Uchiha is particularly dangerous. They have Jonin like Fugaku and Inaho at the top, rising stars like Shisui and Itachi in the middle, and now this Naraku has emerged!"
Danzo's expression darkened.
"Think about it, Hiruzen. She's only six or seven years old, yet she can already hold her own against Jonin. What were we doing at that age?"
"A prodigy like her will become an elite Jonin in less than six years. If her ocular power continues to grow, she'll become the next Uchiha Madara."
"The Uchiha Clan is already too powerful. If we don't restrain them, we'll soon have four or more super-powerful individuals. I can't tolerate that under any circumstances."
"Danzo, what are you planning? How many times have I told you? The Uchiha are our allies! I won't allow you to do this!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen rose from his seat, warning Danzo.
"Hiruzen! You'll regret this."
"I am the Hokage!"
After a tense standoff, Danzo finally backed down.
"You haven't changed, Hiruzen. You'll pay for your actions."
With that, Danzo slammed the door shut and stormed out, his face dark.
The air in the room seemed to freeze. Sarutobi Hiruzen sat alone in the Hokage's chair, lost in thought.
"Lord Hokage, what are your orders?"
Suddenly, an Anbu operative wearing a mask appeared before the Hokage's desk.
"Investigate Uchiha Naruko immediately. I want her complete file on my desk by tomorrow morning."
As expected, even the Third Hokage, who constantly proclaimed the Uchiha Clan as allies, couldn't fully trust them.
In truth, no one in Konoha's leadership could afford to ignore the Uchiha Clan.
After the Nine-Tailed Incident, Konoha had lost its Golden Flash—Namikaze Minato.
The village had suffered heavy losses among its mid-level forces, while the Uchiha Clan suddenly produced a surge of prodigious talents.
This forced Konoha's leaders to once again recall that name:
Uchiha Madara!
He loomed like a terrifying nightmare, forever haunting the minds of Konoha's leaders.
Even after so many years, there was no sign of this dread ever fading.
The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, took a deep breath. Despite Danzo's vehement protests, they both knew they couldn't move against the Uchiha Clan yet.
At least, not until the war with Kumogakure ended. Konoha couldn't afford internal strife at such a critical time.
***
Konoha, Uchiha Clan Compound.
"Naraku, are you really okay? You're badly injured, and there's no one at home to take care of you. Maybe..."
Itachi and Naraku had arrived at Itachi's doorstep. He couldn't shake his worry as he looked at her injuries.
"It's fine, Itachi-kun," Naraku said, her voice clear and bright. "It's just a scratch. You should hurry home; your family must be worried sick."
A gentle breeze swept through, and Itachi looked up to see Naraku softly tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
The scene was so beautiful that Itachi found himself momentarily stunned.
Uchiha Itachi's favor towards you has increased. Congratulations! You have earned 20 currency points.
*As expected of God Itachi! I earned 80 currency points in one day!*
*That means I can do another lottery draw tonight! My decisions are always so brilliant!*
A dreamy smile reappeared on Uchiha Naruko's face.
Itachi snapped out of his reverie, only to find Naruko's gentle smile still fixed on him.
His heart quickened. He suddenly recalled how Naruko had shyly clutched her chest in the forest earlier.
*Naraka-chan was so beautiful then...*
"Itachi-kun? What's wrong? You're acting a bit strange today. Are you hurt too?" Naruko asked, her voice tinged with concern as Itachi remained silent and dazed.
After all, Uchiha Itachi was currently her biggest source of currency. Showing some concern was only natural, right?
"No, I'm just... well, I'm feeling a bit unwell. I'll head home now. Naraku, please take good care of yourself. Remember to contact me if anything happens."
Itachi turned back three times as he walked away, eventually reaching his home.
The familiar routine unfolded: opening the door, changing his shoes, and calling out, "Mother, I'm home!" as he greeted the gentle Uchiha Mikoto.
"Gigi, Gigi," Uchiha Sasuke babbled, reaching out his chubby little hands for Itachi to hold him.
Itachi affectionately patted Sasuke's head and scooped him into his arms.
"Itachi, who was that girl earlier? You two seemed really close," Mikoto said with a warm smile. "It's rare for you to make friends. Why don't you bring her home to visit sometime?"
"She's a friend I met during training. Like me, she trains diligently every day. If the opportunity arises, I will," Itachi replied with a gentle smile, playfully teasing Sasuke.
Seeing the brothers' affectionate bond made Mikoto's heart swell with happiness. *If only things could stay like this forever,* she thought.
Little did she know that in the coming days, the conflict between her eldest son and the family would continue to worsen, leading to a tragic outcome.
"Itachi, come in here for a moment. I need to ask you something," Fugaku's voice called from inside the house, interrupting Mikoto's thoughts.
........
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(End of Chapter)