In the fully enclosed conference room of the Konoha Hokage Building, Sarutobi Hiruzen summoned Uchiha Itachi early in the morning. The two Hokage advisors, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, were also present.
Sarutobi had sent word to Danzo as well, but he hadn't shown up yet. Hiruzen assumed Danzo was busy with Shisui's eyes, so he decided not to wait and planned to discuss matters with him later.
The topic of this meeting was the death of Uchiha Shisui.
"I deeply regret what happened with Shisui. It was my fault for putting too much pressure on him, leading him to take his own life for the sake of the village and to prevent a civil war in Konoha," Sarutobi Hiruzen said with a heavy heart, emphasizing Shisui's sacrifice.
This moved Uchiha Itachi, who knelt on one knee and said, "Hokage-sama, you're too kind."
"Shisui was a central figure for the young Uchiha. His death has significantly reduced the clan's combat effectiveness and morale. But this was Shisui's choice," Utatane Koharu said, narrowing her eyes. "However, Danzo has informed me that some in the Uchiha clan suspect you were involved in Shisui's death and that you took his eyes."
"Danzo," Uchiha Itachi muttered, clenching his fist as he suppressed his anger. "Shisui and I both cared deeply about the Uchiha clan's future. These accusations are nothing but baseless rumors spread by those with ulterior motives."
As Itachi's frustration grew, threatening to spiral out of control, Sarutobi Hiruzen, who knew the truth about Shisui's death, quickly shifted the conversation. "I trust that Itachi, like Shisui, carries the Will of Fire. These rumors are mere fabrications from those with their own agendas. Itachi, you are dismissed. The village will not forget Shisui's sacrifice, and we still need you to manage the Uchiha."
"Thank you, Hokage-sama," Uchiha Itachi responded respectfully before leaving the room.
After Itachi left, Utatane Koharu expressed her dissatisfaction. "Hiruzen, why did you defend Uchiha Itachi? He's a prime suspect in Shisui's death."
Mitokado Homura agreed. "Koharu is right. Uchiha Itachi is no longer trustworthy."
"The village has just regained some stability. We still need Itachi to manage the Uchiha clan, so we must avoid conflict," Sarutobi Hiruzen replied, though he couldn't reveal that Shisui's death was orchestrated under his plan with Danzo.
"But we can't let Itachi act alone," Utatane Koharu insisted.
After a moment of thought, Sarutobi Hiruzen said, "I understand. I will assign someone else to monitor the Uchiha clan."
"Do you have someone in mind?" Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu looked surprised.
"Yes, Kirito," Sarutobi Hiruzen said. "During the Nine-Tails' attack, he saved Uchiha Izumi, and they've grown closer over the past six years. He frequently enters the Uchiha compound, so he can easily replace Shisui and monitor the Uchiha without raising suspicion."
Sarutobi Hiruzen clapped his hands, and someone immediately brought in Kirito's dossier. The two advisors exchanged glances, and Utatane Koharu noted, "This boy has a clean record and good ideological awareness. He's a good choice, but he hasn't graduated from the Academy yet."
Sarutobi Hiruzen reassured them. "Don't worry. He's already at the level of a graduate. He's been training diligently and is just a bit low-key. With a little guidance, he has a promising future."
After considering this, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu agreed. "Then let him graduate early. There's no point in him staying at the Academy for another year. But who will lead his team?"
After some thought, Sarutobi Hiruzen suggested, "Let Kurenai handle it. She doesn't have any missions currently. We can pair Kirito with two Genin who passed the Chunin Exams last year to form a team with Kurenai. They can test Kirito's abilities and, after some training, if he meets the minimum Anbu standards, he'll be recruited as an undercover agent to monitor the Uchiha."
"Graduation?" Kirito looked at the Chunin instructor with surprise.
The instructor smiled. "Yes, Kirito, you've mastered the Clone Jutsu and excelled in other areas. We're proud of you. Congratulations on your graduation."
"Graduation? But the school year just started," Kirito said, suspicion in his eyes.
The instructor smiled awkwardly. "You're sharp as always. This is actually an order from Hokage-sama."
"Hokage-sama?" Kirito's curiosity piqued, his energy renewed.
Seeing this, the instructor smiled even wider and patted Kirito on the shoulder. "Yes, Hokage-sama has been watching your progress."
"Really?" Kirito asked, playing along with exaggerated enthusiasm.
"Of course! This is your forehead protector, along with a ninja tool bag and a kunai pouch. Hokage-sama himself gifted these to you," the instructor said, handing over the items.
"I will not let Hokage-sama down. I will do my best for Konoha," Kirito said with feigned admiration.
The Chunin instructor smiled. "Good luck."
The instructor then announced Kirito's early graduation to the entire class. There were no objections; aside from the prodigious Uchiha Itachi, Kirito was the most outstanding student in his class.
That evening, Uchiha Izumi celebrated Kirito's promotion to Genin.
The next morning, Kirito equipped himself with his new gear, strapped Kyoka Suigetsu to his waist, and headed to the Academy to meet his new team as instructed.
When Kirito arrived in the classroom, his teammates were already there. One of them was a blonde girl with twin ponytails named Airi Akizuki. She had a youthful, innocent face, but her figure was surprisingly mature for her age. A striking contrast between a childlike face and a voluptuous body.
(End of the Chapter).