"This isn't something we can rush. Even if the Third Hokage steps down, Danzo still holds the title of Konoha Council, wielding significant influence. And as long as the Third Hokage remains, we may not be able to bring him down completely," Fugaku said in a low, serious tone.
He looked over at Akira. "If we want to act, we should wait until Minato has full control over Konoha. Otherwise, he'll be restrained and unable to act freely."
"I understand," Akira nodded. "Once Minato takes office, he'll have the full support of the Uchiha clan, along with the backing of the Nara, Yamanaka, and Akimichi clans. It won't take long to consolidate control over Konoha."
"Danzo's hostility toward our clan is too strong. We can't let him control the position of Konoha Council and leader of Root anymore," Fugaku continued. "The only reason he's been able to do as he pleases is because of the Root's autonomy from the ANBU and his position as Konoha Council. Take those away, and he will not pose a real threat to the Uchiha."
"Exactly. Look at Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu. They're just councils, with limited power and no real control over Konoha's affairs. They only hold influence because they're friends of Hiruzen. But Minato is not Hiruzen. Once he takes office, their words won't carry the same weight."
"You're right," Fugaku agreed. "We need to find a way to remove Danzo from his position as Konoha Council, and to disband the Root. He's simply too dangerous."
"The only question is whether the 'Yellow Flash' has the resolve for this," Akira said.
Fugaku shot him a knowing look. "Trust me, Minato has the resolve. His determination now is far stronger than that of the aging Third Hokage."
Akira nodded, reassured. Fugaku had far more experience dealing with Minato than he did, and if Fugaku had faith in Minato's resolve, Akira did too.
That night, the tools Akira had ordered from the Granny Cat's store arrived. A stout tabby cat, nearly half his height, licked its paw and mumbled,
"The Granny Cat wanted me to tell you that we've got a lead on the person you asked us to find."
Akira immediately understood and reached into a drawer, taking out a pouch of dried fish treats to hand to the cat.
"Is it someone from the Uzumaki clan? Or perhaps someone from that clan with the Sage Transformation abilities?"
The cat, pulled the pouch closer, then lazily replied, "The Granny Cat said it's an Uzumaki. Apparently, she's in Kusagakure—a young woman with exactly the abilities you described. Her life force is immense, and she has the ability to heal others by letting them bite her."
"Our ninja cats have memorized her scent. Once you arrive in Kusagakure, one of us will guide you to her," cat added, stretching languidly.
"I understand. Thanks for the information." Akira smiled.
The cat looked at him seriously and said, "The Granny Cat said this info costs three million ryō. She'd like you to send the payment soon."
"Wait here." Akira stepped into his room. Shortly after, he returned holding a scroll. "There's four million in here. Please make sure the Granny Cat receives it."
"Are all you ninja this rich?" the cat muttered, amazed. Even though he was just a cat, he knew that four million ryō was a massive sum. "I could live off the finest dried fish for ten years with that much!" he mused to himself.
"Where there's a will, there's a way!" Akira chuckled. Money might be hard to come by for others, but for him, it was a breeze. With his Sharingan, he could easily "acquire" funds from various companies, organizations, or underground markets. After all, as a transmigrator, he had no qualms about taking from those sources. And with the power of the Sharingan's genjutsu, Akira would never find himself short of money.
The next morning, Akira and his three temporary teammates gathered at the Konoha gates.
Akira looked at the group and started the introductions. "Uchiha Akira. I specialize in Fire, Lightning, and Wind Release."
"Shiga Aburame," said a figure in a hooded coat and dark sunglasses. "I specialize in the Aburame clan's insect manipulation techniques."
"Hyūga Kaori," spoke the next, a stunning woman with a cold, refined demeanor that made her seem almost unapproachable. "I specialize in the Gentle Fist."
"Yamanaka Juro," said the last, a serious-looking man. "I use the Yamanaka clan's Mind Body Switch Technique and other secret techniques."
Each was dressed inconspicuously, with no signs indicating they were from Konoha or even specific clans. For an infiltration mission into Amegakure, they couldn't afford to openly wear their Konoha uniforms.
Even Kaori had wrapped her forehead in a cloth to cover the Caged Bird seal.
"Here are the details of the mission," Akira said, passing a scroll to Shiga. "Read it carefully, and ask any questions now if you have them."
The three read the scroll quickly. The mission was classified as S-rank by Hiruzen Sarutobi, with no third-party client. This meant they'd each receive at least a hundred thousand ryō in compensation.
"Any questions?" Akira asked, noting their silence. "If not, we're moving out."
"No questions, leader," Kaori replied, her voice as cool as a spring breeze.
Akira nodded. "Then let's get moving. During the mission, follow my orders closely."
"Understood!" the three responded, each putting on a mask.
Akira gave a slight nod and donned his own mask, which bore a tiger stripe pattern. With a swirl of leaves falling around them, the four figures vanished, heading straight for Amegakure.
Not long after Akira and his team left Konoha, word reached the Root.
"Lord Danzo, Uchiha Akira has departed for Amegakure with his team," a masked Root member reported, kneeling respectfully before Danzo, who sat high on a raised seat in the hall.
"Understood." Danzo nodded slightly. "Immediately inform our team stationed in Amegakure. Leak some of the details of our previous operations to the Akatsuki, along with information about Uchiha Akira."
"Yes!" With that, the operative disappeared in an instant.
"Good. Now, we'll sit back and watch the spectacle," Danzo murmured, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
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