Meanwhile, in the Hokage Tower, as the sky gradually darkened, the meeting regarding Uchiha Shisui's voluntary donation concluded.
Sandaime Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, along with the other two council members, regarded the kneeling Uchiha Shisui before them with satisfaction, nodding approvingly with smiles gracing their faces.
In truth, the recent conflict with the Grass Village had yielded little gain for Konoha, resulting in unhealed wounds and lingering losses. Moreover, the dissatisfaction expressed by the Daimyo had hindered Konoha's recovery efforts, creating additional complications for Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage.
Rumors circulated of the Daimyo's inclination toward establishing the Twelve Guardian Ninja to oversee and regulate Konoha, a prospect that posed a significant challenge for Hiruzen Sarutobi and his administration.
It could be said that recent events had placed a heavy burden on Konoha, leaving little room for delay. With other major ninja villages already engaged in recovery efforts, Konoha was under pressure to expedite its own recuperation to avoid falling behind.
However, the rewards from recent missions fell short of compensating for Konoha's war losses. Even Minato's inheritance could only cover a fraction of the damages. Consequently, many recovery initiatives had to be scaled back.
Even Danzo Shimura, Hiruzen's trusted ally, had sought funds to safeguard Konoha, only to be met with refusal due to the dire financial situation. The losses incurred by the recent conflict with the Grass Village had been substantial, with Danzo himself bearing a significant share of the blame.
Hiruzen found himself troubled by Danzo's reckless behavior in the Uchiha district a few days prior. With Konoha already facing financial difficulties, Danzo's actions only added to the village's woes. Furthermore, compelling the Uchiha clan to relinquish their considerable wealth was not a viable option, as it could potentially incite unrest within the village. As the Third Hokage, Hiruzen grappled with the challenge of navigating these delicate matters while ensuring the stability of Konoha.
Moreover, Danzo's repeated visits to the Grass Village have disheartened him, leaving Hiruzen worried that Konoha's recovery efforts might lag behind those of other ninja villages. With limited resources, progress would be slow and painstaking. However, he hadn't anticipated...
Uchiha Shisui's decision to donate his lineage's assets came as a surprise. The significance of Shisui's lineage couldn't be underestimated. With an esteemed ancestor who had earned high praise from his peers, Shisui's lineage boasted considerable strength within the Uchiha clan. Had his ancestor, Kagami not met an untimely demise in the war, he might have attained the Mangekyo Sharingan like Madara Uchiha, thus becoming a formidable force.
Thus, The significance of Shisui's lineage couldn't be overstated. Their accumulated wealth was substantial, representing a significant contribution to Konoha's recovery efforts.
Hiruzen took a contemplative drag from his smoke pipe, his expression reflecting satisfaction and a warm smile. "Indeed, Shisui, you are a descendant of Kagami. Your resolve shines brightly."
Mitokado and Koharu, nearby, nodded in agreement, their expressions bright with approval. Mitokado remarked with a grin, "When the Uchiha set aside their stubbornness, they can truly excel. It's a shame they fail to grasp their role."
Koharu concurred, "Indeed. Yet, it's heartening to see Shisui upholding the legacy of his forebears."
Shisui remained respectfully bowed, his words reflecting his commitment to Konoha. "My actions are for the greater good of our village. As for the Uchiha clan..."
"I understand your concern," Hiruzen interjected, his tone serious. "Despite our efforts, the Uchiha's integration remains a challenge. Internal strife has surfaced, and the situation is delicate. But remember, Shisui, you are unique. Your dedication will not go unnoticed. Konoha acknowledges your invaluable contribution."
"Apologies, Hokage-sama," Shisui murmured, a wry smile tugging at his lips. He was all too aware of the undercurrents within the Uchiha clan. Behind closed doors, whispers of resentment towards the village and the Hokage were commonplace. Moreover, the simmering ambitions of the militant faction posed a constant threat, restrained only by the firm hand of the clan head.
Shisui and Itachi had labored tirelessly to foster unity between the Uchiha and Konoha. Yet, their endeavors seemed to yield meager results. His thoughts then drifted to Itachi, his partner in trying to bridge the gap between the Uchiha and the village. He wondered how Itachi was faring amidst these turbulent times.
To thwart any misguided ambitions within the Uchiha ranks, Itachi had proposed a bold move: a voluntary donation from the entire clan to demonstrate their loyalty to Konoha. Yet, Shisui harbored doubts about whether the militant faction would ever agree to such a measure.
'Well, I shall check on Itachi later,' Shisui resolved inwardly, his countenance returning to composure. With a respectful bow, he reassured the Hokage, "Rest assured, Hokage-sama. The Uchiha clan will not rebel under my watch. I will spare no effort in ensuring peace and harmony within our village."
"You're oversimplifying matters," Mitokado interjected, his expression creasing with concern. "Do you truly believe you alone can quell their ambitions?"
However, before he could conclude his thought, his eyes widened in astonishment, fixed on Shisui's gaze. Even Hiruzen Sarutobi and Koharu Utatane were taken aback by the sight. "This... this is..."
Shisui confirmed their suspicions with a composed demeanor, "Indeed, it is the Mangekyo Sharingan. I'm certain Hokage-sama and Advisor-sama are familiar with it. Like Obito, I too have awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan, granting me a fearsome genjutsu - Kotoamatsukami. This technique has the power to alter a person's thoughts without detection."
Shisui met the gaze of the Konoha officials with unwavering resolve as he revealed the extent of his abilities."Should the Uchiha persist in their rebellious inclinations, I will compel the clan head to consent to the complete donation of our assets, thus stripping the clan of its capacity for rebellion."
Kotoamatsukami. The mere mention of its name sent shivers down their spines. To possess such a power, one capable of manipulating minds beyond defense, was indeed daunting. They hadn't considered the possibility that apart from Obito, another wielder of the legendary Mangekyo Sharingan would appear within the Uchiha clan, let alone possessing such a terrifying ability.
As Shisui's words settled over them, the trio's expressions morphed into a mix of disbelief and apprehension. Hiruzen Sarutobi's brow furrowed deeper, Mitokado's concern etched deeper lines upon his face, and Koharu Utatane's eyes narrowed with scrutiny. They understood all too well the implications of this 'Kotoamatsukami'.
However, before any of them could utter a word, a member of the ANBU burst into the room, breathless and urgent. With a respectful demeanor, he handed a copy of the Shinobi Times to Hiruzen, delivering the alarming news, "Hokage-sama, something significant has occurred. The Uchiha clan has purportedly defected to the Grass Village and initiated a rebellion under the cloak of night!"
The trio's stunned expressions shifted to one of intense focus as they processed the ANBU's report. Even Shisui, a member of the Uchiha clan, couldn't hide his astonishment. The notion of the Uchiha rebelling seemed inconceivable. How could such an event unfold amidst the current circumstances?
Upon hearing the report, Hiruzen wasted no time in seizing the newspaper and swiftly scanning its contents. His eyes widened in realization as he beheld the damning image captured within. It depicted the Uchiha clan head accepting a gift from the Shinobi Times journalist, his countenance inscrutable.
Again, a heavy silence enveloped the room, not due to tension but speechlessness. After all, It was evident to all that this was a ploy to sow discord, nothing more. However, what was the motive behind the Grass Village orchestrating such a scheme?
"Hokage-sama, this is undoubtedly a ploy to sow discord!" Shisui exclaimed, his mind swiftly returning to the present crisis. "It's clear manipulation orchestrated by the Shinobi Times! I vow to calm the Uchiha clan and dispel any doubts they may harbor."
"I know, Shisui. I never doubted the Uchiha clan." Hiruzen raised a hand, halting Shisui's fervent speech. "Moreover, I have full confidence in your abilities and your loyalty to Konoha. I entrust this task to you. We cannot afford further turmoil within the village..."
"Understood, Hokage-sama. I will spare no effort in quelling the unrest," Shisui affirmed resolutely, knowing that his next moves would be critical in averting disaster and maintaining the fragile peace within the village.
After Shisui departed, the trio exchanged glances once more, their minds reeling from the whirlwind of events. Voluntary donations, Kotoamatsukami, a potential Uchiha rebellion, and now the involvement of the Grass Village — the day had been fraught with unexpected developments.
Hiruzen lapsed into a contemplative silence, his brow furrowed in thought. With a sigh, he took a long drag from his cigarette before voicing his confusion. "But where is Danzo? What has become of him?"
As he uttered those words, a ripple of concern passed through the ANBU beneath their masks. After a moment of hesitation, one of them spoke up with an odd tone, "Lord Danzo... he ventured to the Uchiha clan earlier."
"He's already there?" Hiruzen and his companions breathed a collective sigh of relief, assuming that Danzo had foreseen trouble and taken preemptive action. "It appears Danzo may have sensed the brewing conflict and acted swiftly. ANBU, coordinate with him to contain the situation within the Uchiha clan. We cannot allow matters to escalate further, and we must restrict their movements."
However, before they could fully grasp the situation, the ANBU interjected once more with an unsettling revelation. "Um... There's a complication. Lord Danzo may not be in a position to do so."
Perplexed, the trio turned their attention back to the ANBU, "What do you mean?" they demanded in unison
However, Before any of the three could inquire further, the ANBU ninja continued, his voice filled with uncertainty. "Lord Danzo... He was apprehended by the Uchiha clan the moment he set foot in their territory."
The revelation left the trio dumbfounded, their expressions a mixture of shock and disbelief. "What?!"
…
Meanwhile, within the somber confines of the Uchiha clan's reception hall, Uchiha Fugaku knelt in solemn contemplation, his decision made and his mind resolved. The hall lay deserted, shrouded in an eerie stillness, punctuated only by the faint flicker of dim lighting that cast long shadows across the space.
As if stirred by an unseen force, Fugaku's eyes fluttered open, his gaze piercing the darkness ahead with unwavering focus. But before he could utter a word, a voice cut through the silence, breaking the tension.
"Just get on with it, will you? It's getting late, and I'm starving. Stop dawdling!" The voice, unfamiliar to Fugaku, was tinged with impatience and annoyance.
In response, however, a familiar voice retorted in exasperation. "Me? If you hadn't disrupted my study session, we wouldn't be in this predicament. Honestly, why am I always dragged into your affairs? I'm not your some personal vehicle, you know."
Fugaku watched the exchange between the two figures before him, a mixture of amusement and exasperation flickering across his features. Did these two oblivious individuals not grasp the gravity of the present circumstances?