Konoha Hokage Office, Sealed Meeting Room.
Early in the morning, Hiruzen Sarutobi summoned Uchiha Itachi, along with his two Hokage advisors, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado.
Naturally, he also notified Danzo to attend.
However, Danzo was nowhere to be seen, likely preoccupied with implanting Shisui's eye. Sarutobi decided not to wait and planned to confront Danzo later regarding the incident.
Today's agenda — the death of Uchiha Shisui.
"I'm deeply sorry about Shisui's passing," Sarutobi began with a sorrowful tone, "I gave that child too much pressure, and in order to protect the village and prevent internal conflict, he chose the path of suicide."
Sarutobi's words instantly put Shisui on a pedestal, as if he had made the ultimate sacrifice for Konoha. His tone was filled with regret.
Hearing this, Itachi felt profoundly moved. He knelt on one knee and said, "Hokage-sama, you overpraise me."
"Shisui was the spiritual pillar of the younger generation of the Uchiha Clan. His death has severely crippled their morale and combat strength," Koharu said, narrowing her eyes. Then, her tone changed sharply. "However, Danzo has reported that some in the Uchiha Clan suspect you killed Shisui to take his eyes."
"...Danzo," Itachi clenched his fists, barely suppressing his anger. "Shisui and I both acted for the benefit of the Uchiha Clan and the village. Those are just baseless rumors spread by people with ill intentions."
Itachi's voice darkened, "Moreover, Shisui never showed up at our designated meeting spot..."
Sensing Itachi's anger was about to break loose, Sarutobi quickly shifted the topic.
"I trust you, Itachi. Just like Shisui, you carry the Will of Fire."
"I believe those are simply baseless rumors. You may leave now. The village will always remember Shisui's contribution. And now that he is gone, I hope you can continue to watch over the Uchiha."
"...Thank you very much." Itachi bowed respectfully and left.
As Itachi disappeared, Koharu voiced her dissatisfaction. "Hiruzen, why did you cover for Itachi? He is highly suspicious in Shisui's death."
Homura nodded. "Koharu is right. Itachi is no longer trustworthy."
"The village has just regained stability, and Itachi is still essential in keeping the Uchiha in check. It is unwise to provoke them now," Sarutobi stated calmly, though inwardly he was deeply conflicted. He couldn't possibly reveal that he had orchestrated Shisui's death through Danzo.
"But we can't let him act freely," Koharu insisted.
After a moment of silence, Sarutobi said, "I understand. I will assign someone else to monitor the Uchiha."
"Who do you have in mind?" Homura asked curiously.
"Fujiwara Chiya, the son of Fujiwara. He saved Uchiha Izumi during the Nine-Tails' attack, and the two have grown close over the past six years. His frequent visits to the Uchiha would raise no suspicion."
Koharu and Homura glanced at each other. "The boy has a clean record and seems promising, but hasn't he yet graduated from the Academy?" Koharu questioned.
"He has already surpassed the graduation standard in strength and skill. His low profile has simply kept him unnoticed. With proper grooming, he could become a valuable asset for the village," Sarutobi explained.
After some deliberation, both advisors agreed. "Then have him graduate early and assign him a team. Test his capabilities and, if he meets the Anbu standard, assign him as a spy within the Uchiha."
---
The next day.
"Graduating?" Chiya Fujiwara raised an eyebrow.
His instructor smiled warmly. "Yes, Chiya. You've already mastered Clone Techniques and performed exceptionally in every field. I'm proud to announce your graduation."
Chiya wasn't entirely surprised. "But it's still early in the academic year..."
The instructor chuckled awkwardly. "This is a direct order from the Hokage himself."
"...The Hokage?" Chiya suddenly feigned excitement. "The Hokage's watching me?"
"Yes, indeed. He's very impressed with your potential. Here, your headband, ninja tools, and kunai pouch — a gift from the Hokage."
"Wow! I won't let the Hokage-sama down!" Chiya exaggerated his enthusiasm.
The instructor, convinced of Chiya's sincerity, patted his shoulder. "Good luck out there."
Later that day, the class was informed of Chiya's early graduation, and no one objected. After all, aside from the monstrous talent of Itachi, Chiya was undoubtedly the most outstanding student in their year.
That evening, Uchiha Izumi personally celebrated Chiya's graduation.
The following morning, Chiya donned his ninja gear, strapped his katana, Kyoka Suigetsu, to his waist, and headed to the academy to meet his new team.
Arriving at the designated classroom, he found his two teammates already present.
One of them was a blonde twin-tailed girl named Airi Akizuki, who, despite her loli-like face, possessed a body shockingly mature for her age.
Chiya thought to himself A loli with a killer body... interesting.
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