The Choice

Chapter 37: The Choice

The Third Hokage rubbed his forehead, speaking with difficulty.

"Itachi, you know some things can't be solved just by talking. Two people from Root did indeed die."

Itachi kept his head down, remaining silent, his stance unwavering.

The Third Hokage, however, shook his head helplessly.

"Itachi, you should withdraw for now. I will handle this matter properly."

Itachi had no choice but to rise and leave in silence.

After a long while, another person arrived before the Third Hokage.

White hair, a black mask, and a forehead protector covering his left eye – it was Kakashi.

"Third Hokage-sama."

The Third Hokage interrupted Kakashi and spoke.

"Kakashi, I know what you're going to say, but it's difficult for me too. Danzō did have people die, and there's no evidence yet that Danzō was the one who acted. Therefore, I can only arrest Kagato."

Kakashi's expression turned firm as he spoke.

"Even so, I still request that Hokage-sama release Kagato. He was my student. Although it wasn't for very long, it was enough for me to understand his character. He was very diligent in his training, but he wasn't very attentive to other matters, even a bit slow. A person like that wouldn't attack Root members on his own."

The Third Hokage stood up, his back to Kakashi, and looked out the window.

"Kakashi, I want to resolve this matter quickly. If this situation continues, it will only worsen the relationship between the Uchiha and the village. So, I want to settle it soon. However, I must also consider Danzō's feelings. Two people from his Root did die, and until there's proof that Danzō acted first, I won't let Kagato go."

His face hidden by the mask, his expression was unreadable. However, Kakashi's exposed right eye clearly showed a hint of disappointment. He could tell that the Third Hokage wouldn't easily change his mind.

"If that's the case, then your subordinate will take his leave."

"Mm."

On the other side of a waterfall, Shisui and Itachi faced the cascading water.

"Itachi, I must save Kagato regarding this matter. And Kagato's parents too."

"Yes, Shisui, I know your decision. What do you plan to do?"

Shisui turned to look at Itachi.

"Before saving Kagato, we need to ease the grievances between the Uchiha and the village. With these grievances, it will be difficult for us to save Kagato from the village."

Shisui closed his eyes.

"So..."

The next moment, Shisui's eyes snapped open. His irises had changed from black to a blood-red, revealing a pattern resembling four blades.

"I plan to use the power of these eyes to completely change the clan's mindset!"

Itachi stared at Shisui's irises. He recognized them – they were the Mangekyo Sharingan.

"Have you decided?"

Shisui closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, they had returned to their black pupils.

"Kagato's current situation has made me realize how difficult it is to align the thoughts of the village elders and the clan. We must rely on other means to achieve peace."

"Kotoamatsukami?"

Having been with Shisui all along, Itachi knew a little about Shisui's Mangekyo ability.

"Yes. There will be a gathering soon. I intend to use my Kotoamatsukami at that gathering to completely change the clan's plans for a coup, and then rescue Kagato."

"Is there anything I need to do?"

"Mm, not yet. When the gathering day comes, we'll meet first, devise a plan, and then you can cooperate with me based on the situation."

Itachi was silent for a moment before speaking.

"Understood."

This method of forcibly changing the clan's mindset was not Itachi and Shisui's first choice. Their ideal solution was still to resolve the grievances through their own efforts, allowing the Uchiha and the village to understand each other.

But the village's ruthless arrest of Kagato this time, and the growing resentment within the Uchiha, made them both understand one thing: mutual understanding between the two sides was too difficult. In the end, coercive measures would be necessary.

This was contrary to the principles they had upheld. Using coercive means meant that all their previous efforts would be in vain. This made them both a little sad, and they fell into silence.

In the room where Kagato was imprisoned, the door was opened after a long time.

Because his eyes were covered with a black cloth, Kagato didn't know who had entered. He was very weak at the moment and couldn't be bothered to speak first, quietly waiting for the visitor to speak.

And that person soon spoke.

"Uchiha Kagato, I am here to tell you something."

Kagato started. He recognized the voice – it sounded like Danzō.

"What is it?"

Kagato's voice was very weak. Even speaking felt tiring for him now.

Danzō let out a cold laugh.

"You might not know this, but it wasn't just you who was captured. Your parents were also arrested by my Root organization."

"You!"

Despite his extreme weakness, Kagami forced himself to stand, staring intently at the source of the voice, though he couldn't see it.

"No need to be so hasty. Rest assured, I won't do anything to your parents. There's just one condition."

Kagami gritted his teeth and spoke.

"Speak."

Danzō glanced behind him, and the guards at the door retreated far away. Clearly, Danzō didn't want the following conversation to be overheard by others.

"You should know the relationship between the village and the Uchiha, right? The relationship is so tense right now, yet the Uchiha produced a genius like you. This is definitely not a good thing for Konoha. If you were like Shisui or Itachi, wholeheartedly thinking of the village, then that would be excellent. Unfortunately, you are not. You've only been focused on improving your strength, not participating in any of this. In Hiruzen's eyes, you might be an outsider, someone he doesn't need to bother with.

But I am different. I see very clearly that you are still an Uchiha clansman. Since you don't side with the village, you must be on the Uchiha's side. To Konoha, you are a destabilizing factor. My method of dealing with people like you has always been simple.

It was my mistake that those two Root members didn't kill you before. Now that Hiruzen has captured you, I can no longer act against you myself. Unless... unless you act against yourself. Do you understand what I mean?

Choose one: your parents or yourself. I'll give you three days. Three days from now, I'll come to find you again. If I see a living Uchiha Kagami then, you will see a pair of dead parents. If I see a dead Uchiha Kagami, then your parents will be safe and sound."

Kagami roared with all his might.

"Danzō!!!"

Danzō snorted coldly.

"I've made myself perfectly clear. The choice is yours. I have no interest in conversing further with someone like you. I'll be going now."

Immediately after, a door slammed shut. Danzō was gone.