Another peaceful day dawned over Konoha.
It had been a month since Tsunade and Uchiha Itachi's secret agreement, and for Shinho, life continued uneventfully—school, training, and the occasional distraction.
His routine was simple and calm.
On a Sunday morning, just as the first rays of sunlight broke through, Uchiha Itachi arrived at the Senju residence.
"Tsunade-sama," Itachi said as he handed over a list. "This is the elite squad that will strike Root tonight."
Tsunade glanced at the list and raised an eyebrow in surprise. The first name on the list was Uchiha Fugaku, Itachi's own father.
Talk about father-son cooperation, she thought.
From Konoha's perspective, Tsunade admired Itachi's unwavering loyalty to the Will of Fire. But from another viewpoint, someone like Itachi was terrifying—ruthlessly logical and willing to do whatever it took, making him a difficult person to be close to.
"The Uchiha Clan really does have deep reserves of talent," Tsunade remarked after reviewing the list.
The list contained ten names, all of them jōnin-level shinobi, not unknown faces. It was unfortunate, Tsunade thought, that their fates were already sealed.
"Can you really handle them?" Tsunade asked, considering a new thought. Regardless of the outcome of their clash with Root, Itachi was planning to take the Uchiha elite out of Konoha. However, they would surely resist, which meant Itachi would need to subdue them by force.
Tsunade knew Itachi was an exceptional genius, but at only thirteen years old, being able to match one jōnin was already impressive. But facing ten of them?
"I've awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan," Itachi said calmly.
Tsunade's eyes widened. "What?"
Another Mangekyō Sharingan? First Shisui, now Itachi.
This generation of Uchiha was simply too powerful. But the irony wasn't lost on her. Both Mangekyō wielders were fully loyal to Konoha, turning against their own clan.
How could she describe this? Hiruzen Sarutobi held two aces, yet things had reached this point. The same could be said if Uchiha Fugaku were in charge—two leaders with equally terrible decision-making skills.
"Don't worry," Itachi continued. "I can handle them on my own."
This guy's arrogance is off the charts, or is it simply confidence? Tsunade thought as she handed the list back to him. "Do you have any other requests?"
"I want to see Sasuke before I leave," Itachi said without hesitation.
"That's fair," Tsunade nodded, assuming it was a farewell between brothers, which was only natural.
But Shinho knew better—Itachi planned to awaken Sasuke's Sharingan and set him on his life's path. Shinho was curious how Itachi would handle this now that there wouldn't be a full-scale massacre like in the original timeline.
As for stopping Itachi? There was no need.
Might as well let him put on the full performance, Shinho thought.
Besides, the aftermath would likely require Shinho's help anyway to ensure that, Sasuke wasn't completely ruined by Itachi's actions. Not to mention the potential achievements he could unlock along the way.
"There's one Root member you must spare," Tsunade said, glancing at Shinho before turning back to Itachi. "His name is Aburame Torune."
Of course, this was a request from the Aburame clan, or more specifically, from Shinho. Torune possessed a deadly ability—nano-sized poisonous insects.
In the original story, if not for Obito's Kamui, Torune might have killed him. The Aburame clan already had mutated insects like the Kikaichū and specialized explosive bugs, but adding the nano-poison insects could help them restore their former glory.
"Understood," Itachi agreed without hesitation.
In his mind, it was clear that Shinho Aburame, not Tsunade, was the one leading the charge in revitalizing the Uchiha clan. Shinho's plans had paved a bright path in the midst of this ongoing stalemate, making the task of saving one person a mere afterthought.
"Did you tell Mikoto the truth?" Tsunade asked, thinking of Itachi's mother.
"No," Itachi shook his head. "It's better if they don't know."
Tsunade sighed inwardly. So stubborn.
"Please look after the remaining Uchiha," Itachi bowed slightly and then turned to leave without a second thought. Once Itachi made a decision, he would not look back.
"No wonder my second uncle always said the Uchiha were troublesome. They're definitely more extreme than most," Tsunade remarked with some exasperation.
"The only way to deal with them is to be stronger," Shinho said casually.
"You really think you're that strong?" Tsunade chuckled, ruffling his hair. "You don't know the true power of the Mangekyō Sharingan."
Shinho inwardly thought, I know it better than you do.
But, knowing there was no way to explain this, he simply remained silent.
"Back in the day, Uchiha Madara's Mangekyō Sharingan allowed him to go toe-to-toe with my grandfather," Tsunade said, her tone filled with awe.
"He's the only person who could ever stand up to Wood Release."
"That's pretty impressive," Shinho agreed.
"I wonder how strong Yamato's Wood Release is compared to that," Tsunade mused, her spirits lifting a bit. "If he's half as strong as my grandfather, it'll make up for losing these ten Uchiha shinobi."
Half? You're dreaming, Shinho thought. Yamato's Wood Release didn't even have a tenth of the power. Wood Release was a bloodline limit tied to immense life force—something Yamato just didn't have enough of.
He was much stronger when Zetsu possessed him, but that was more due to chakra infusion than skill. The gap between Yamato and Hashirama was simply insurmountable.
Hashirama's chakra levels were insane. Even Naruto, with half of Kurama's chakra, only matched a fraction of Hashirama's power. And that was during the Impure World Reincarnation, where the power wasn't even fully restored.
The Nine-Tails must be furious thinking about that comparison, Shinho chuckled inwardly.
Still, Shinho didn't interrupt Tsunade's fantasies. He returned to his training, keeping himself focused.
At the Konoha Memorial Stone, the air began to warp. Seconds later, a man in a black cloak adorned with red clouds, wearing a mask, emerged.
"It's been a long time," Uchiha Obito said, his voice nostalgic as he looked out over the village.
Suddenly, a figure in pure white emerged beside him—a clone of White Zetsu.
"What's the situation?" Obito asked as he made his way toward the memorial stone.
"The Uchiha have decided to make their move tonight," White Zetsu reported, following him closely.
Naturally, Zetsu's clones were stationed in Konoha, acting as Obito's eyes and ears.
However, they avoided places like the Hokage's office and the Senju residence to remain undetected.
"Who would have thought that a seed I planted five years ago would bring me such unexpected joy today," Obito smiled, clearly amused.
Ever since the day he witnessed Rin's death, Obito had lost all care for the current world.
In his eyes, it was all just a prelude to the creation of a new one—a world where he would be its god, and where Rin would love him.
Because of that, Obito viewed the current Uchiha situation with a detached sense of amusement. He had no personal stake in their fate.
However, today, he did have another reason for coming.
Recruitment for the Akatsuki.
As for what happened five years ago, it referred to when Obito had spared an eight-year-old Uchiha Itachi and witnessed him awaken his Sharingan. From that moment, Obito saw potential in him.
"Obito, what's your plan?" White Zetsu asked curiously.
"We'll see how things play out," Obito replied, waving his hand dismissively. "You can go now."
White Zetsu nodded, sinking into the ground and vanishing without a trace. Obito stood in front of the grave of Rin Nohara, the one he cherished the most.
The surrounding area was neat and well-maintained, and fresh flowers lay before the headstone.
Kakashi, Obito thought, letting out a small scoff. He crouched down, his expression softened with sadness and longing. In his mind, Rin's kind, smiling face appeared once again.
"Rin," Obito whispered softly, "wait for me. Soon, we'll be together again."
As the sun set and darkness covered the village, the lights of Konoha dimmed. The occasional sound of a television echoed in the distance.
At the Uchiha compound, Mikoto Uchiha noticed her husband preparing to leave.
"Where are you heading out this late?" Mikoto asked, looking at Fugaku with concern.
"There's a matter at the Konoha Police Force," Fugaku said, his expression calm. "Wait for me at home."
Fugaku had not told Mikoto about the planned coup. Ever since marrying him, she had left behind the life of a ninja.
There was no need to involve her in such matters—she lacked the power to make a difference. It was better for her to stay home and take care of Sasuke.
"Alright," Mikoto responded softly. "Stay safe."
"Don't worry," Fugaku replied with confidence. "Everything will go smoothly."
He couldn't think of any reason they might fail.
With that, Fugaku turned and left the room, leaving Mikoto to sigh quietly. Ever since Shisui's death, the atmosphere within the Uchiha clan had grown increasingly tense. She feared that one day something terrible would happen.
"Mom," Itachi's voice called out, breaking her thoughts.
"Itachi," Mikoto smiled warmly, trying to hide her worries. "What about Sasuke?"
"He's asleep," Itachi said calmly, his gaze fixed on her.
"Why are you staring at me?" Mikoto asked, confused by his intense expression.
"It's nothing," Itachi said, offering a small smile. "Is there anything else you need?"
"No, nothing. You should get some rest," Mikoto replied, returning his smile.
"Goodnight, Mom," Itachi said as he turned, slowly closing the door behind him. Once out of sight, the warmth in his eyes disappeared, replaced by cold resolve.
Tonight would be a sleepless, bloodstained night.
Itachi walked silently through the Uchiha compound. As he passed a two-story house, he stopped. This was the home of Uchiha Izumi, a childhood friend of his who had awakened her three-tomoe Sharingan at the age of thirteen, a rare talent in the clan.
But despite her abilities, her fame was overshadowed by Itachi's own. Gentle and kind, Izumi reminded him of his mother and was someone he believed could lead the Uchiha to a better future.
He glanced through her window from afar before turning and continuing on his way.
At Naka Shrine, ten Uchiha shinobi had gathered, waiting in silence.
"This night marks the rebirth of the Uchiha Clan," Fugaku announced sternly. "We cannot afford any mistakes."
"We're finally going to take back what rightfully belongs to the Uchiha," Uchiha Tekka said excitedly. "Our clan and the Senju founded Konoha together, after all!"
"That's right," Fugaku said coldly. "Uchiha has always had worthy candidates for Hokage."
The memory of Uchiha Kagami, a promising Uchiha who once had a chance at leadership, came to mind.
But despite being Tobirama's bodyguard, Kagami had died young, leaving the clan with a glimmer of hope that was never realized. Later, there were Uchiha Obito and Uchiha Shisui, but they too met tragic ends.
Thankfully, now there was Itachi, a wielder of the Mangekyō Sharingan. If Konoha refused to make an Uchiha the Hokage, they would take that seat by force.
"Let's go," Fugaku ordered, leaping into the darkness.
Their first target was Root's headquarters. According to the records, Root had four squads with a total of seventeen members, but in reality, their numbers were likely higher.
Including scientists and other personnel, Root was a sprawling organization, much like the roots of a tree—vast and interconnected. However, the main threat came from those seventeen elite operatives.
It wasn't long before the Uchiha squad reached their destination.
"Who's there?" Two Root members stationed at the entrance immediately sensed something was wrong.
"It's me," Itachi said, stepping forward calmly.
"You…" Before they could react, a flash of red illuminated the darkness. The Root members froze in place, caught in Itachi's genjutsu.
Fugaku appeared beside them in an instant, his kunai swiftly ending their lives. Itachi frowned but said nothing. His only concern was to ensure that Aburame Torune, whom Shinho had requested to be spared.
"Move in," Fugaku commanded, gesturing with his hand. "Keep it quiet."
For most ninja, infiltrating Root without being noticed would be a tall order. But for the Uchiha, with their Sharingan and mastery of genjutsu, it was child's play. Silently and efficiently, they moved through the base.
"Is that… Mangekyō Sharingan?" Obito muttered in surprise.
Moments earlier, he had sensed the surge of power as Itachi used his Mangekyō to subdue the guards. Being a Mangekyō Sharingan user himself, Obito could feel the power emanating from Itachi.
"Impressive," Obito mused, a smirk forming under his mask. "He's certainly a valuable asset."
Obito's mindset had shifted since the day Uchiha Madara had recruited him. He saw Itachi's Mangekyō Sharingan as intriguing, but with his Kamui, he remained confident that no Uchiha technique could harm him.
"Well then, let the show begin," Obito said as he casually stepped into Root's headquarters.
The halls were littered with bodies. But as Obito advanced, something caught his attention.
A loud scream echoed down the corridor, followed by the sound of something breaking. The air shifted violently as a powerful wind jutsu surged forward—Danzo's Wind Release.
Obito took a step back, vanishing into the shadows just as the wind blasted through the hall.
"What's happening?" The noise had been too loud to go unnoticed. All of Konoha was instantly on high alert. Nearby shinobi began to appear, their faces filled with shock.
The Uchiha… had rebelled!
[tl/n: There was an author's note at the end of the chapter that said; after Tsunade becomes the Hokage, there'll be a time skip directly to graduation.]
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