The Leadership's Response

Not long after Minagawa Uchiha left Root, Shimura Danzō grew increasingly wary the more he thought about it. He set off for the Hokage Building. Naturally, he could not shoulder something like this alone, so he sought out his old buddy Sarutobi Hiruzen and embellished his account of what had happened in Root.

Sarutobi Hiruzen was also greatly alarmed upon hearing this and immediately sent someone to summon the two Advisors to a meeting.

"Sarutobi, why have you urgently gathered us here so late at night? Has the Uchiha Clan made their move ahead of schedule?"

Before the person arrived, their voice did. The moment Utatane Koharu reached the entrance of the Hokage Building, she impatiently demanded an answer. Mitokado Homura, the other Advisor of the elder council, entered right behind her. Though Homura said nothing, his questioning gaze turned toward Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzō.

"Enough. We did not call you here because something happened on the Uchiha side. Danzo's Root was attacked, and a large amount of classified information and supplies were lost. We need to discuss a response as quickly as possible."

Seeing his two old friends arrive, Sarutobi Hiruzen did not waste time on pleasantries and directly explained the situation. He then turned his gaze toward Shimura Danzō, clearly expecting Danzo to provide the details.

Receiving Sarutobi Hiruzen's cue, Shimura Danzō did not hesitate. He recounted the same story he had previously told the Third Hokage.

"Another Uchiha. As expected, the Uchiha are the greatest Unstable Factor. This hidden danger must be completely eradicated. And Uchiha Itachi cannot be trusted either. For all we know, he has long since joined forces with that Masked Man. His claim that he personally eliminated the Uchiha Clan that threatened the village was nothing more than a scheme to deceive us."

After hearing Shimura Danzō's embellished account, laden with his own views, Utatane Koharu immediately voiced her judgment.

"And that fellow claiming to be Uchiha Madara is even more ridiculous. Uchiha Madara was from the First Hokage's era, and the First Hokage personally killed him in the battle at the Valley of the End. We all saw the body. Yet this man still dares to swagger around under Uchiha Madara's name. Does he really think we would fear the reputation of a dead man?"

"Besides, as an Uchiha, infiltrating the Root Base at such a tense time was most likely meant to divert our attention and buy time for the Uchiha Clan's coup d'état."

Mitokado Homura spoke right after Utatane Koharu. He agreed that the Uchiha could not be trusted while also displaying his disdain for the Masked Man's claim to be Uchiha Madara.

Shimura Danzō, however, did not reveal his own conclusions. Before coming here, the Masked Man had clearly stated that he intended to take all of the Uchiha legacy for himself, and he had even threatened Danzo with the Rinnegan. Neither was something Shimura Danzō could tolerate. The priority now was to push everyone toward a consensus and deal with the Masked Man.

Shimura Danzō believed that even if the Masked Man really was Uchiha Madara, how old would he be by now? How much of his strength could possibly remain? Judging by the way he hid his identity, it was more likely that he was some lucky person who had inherited Uchiha Madara's legacy. His strength was probably nothing remarkable either. Only his Space Ninjutsu was troublesome. But under the combined siege of a large number of Anbu and Root Ninja, they would surely find an opening.

"Enough, Homura, Koharu. The Uchiha are also part of Konoha. While some among them may harbor ill intentions, do not forget Kagami and Shisui. They were Uchiha who perfectly inherited the Will of Fire. There are many others in the Uchiha Clan like them, people who carry the Will of Fire in their hearts."

"Uchiha Itachi was taught by Shisui. He possesses the Will of Fire just as perfectly. His methods may be somewhat extreme, but everything he does is for Konoha. So do not let your emotions cloud your judgment."

Although Sarutobi Hiruzen had some doubts as well, he did not show them in the slightest. Instead, he comforted his old friends. As Hokage, he had to watch his words and conduct at all times and maintain an upright image.

"Hmph, Hiruzen. The Uchiha rebellion is imminent, and now an unknown Mangekyo has appeared. Do not forget the Nine-Tails Incident seven years ago."

Seeing Sarutobi Hiruzen trying to smooth things over again, Shimura Danzō directly began promoting his theory of threats. Knowing his old friends' natures very well, he understood that the two Advisors were fence-sitters. Whoever threatened them would turn them into rabid dogs, while Sarutobi merely needed an excuse.

So, Shimura Danzō threw out his theory of threats at just the right moment.

Sure enough, the instant Shimura Danzō's warning left his lips, before the Third Hokage could make any response, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura's expressions changed drastically as they began urging him.

"Hiruzen, Danzo is right. The situation is already critical. To prevent any unforeseen changes, we must deal with the Masked Man as soon as possible. Otherwise, if he joins forces with the Uchiha Clan, the consequences will be unimaginable."

"Yes, Hiruzen. And Uchiha Itachi as well. Even if we do not act against him, we should test his loyalty. Have him lure out the Masked Man, then cooperate with us to surround and kill him. Only then can we face the Uchiha rebellion with peace of mind. That is the safest course of action."

As Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura proposed their response, the situation immediately became clear. Shimura Danzō watched Sarutobi Hiruzen expressionlessly, clearly agreeing with his two old friends as he waited for Hiruzen's decision. Yet a flash of just as I expected passed through his eyes.

Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned and thought it over. He still trusted Uchiha Itachi quite a bit, but as Shimura Danzō had said, if Uchiha Itachi could betray the Uchiha who had raised him, then he could also betray Konoha. Besides, the human heart could not withstand testing. However, if Uchiha Itachi could complete this mission brilliantly without showing any divided loyalty, then perhaps he would be worthy of trust.

Having made up his mind, Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at his three old friends.

"Very well. We will act according to Homura and Koharu's proposal. But Itachi is still worthy of trust, so you must not act recklessly. Also, Danzo, you have fought the Masked Man before. You will lead Root in assisting Uchiha Itachi with the specific arrangements. I will lead the Anbu as support."

Shimura Danzō had no objections to Sarutobi Hiruzen handing him command while hiding behind the scenes. In any case, he would not be charging at the front. Uchiha Itachi, along with so many Anbu and Root Ninja, would be standing in front of him. There was nothing to worry about.

After further discussion on how to deal with the Masked Man's unpredictable Space-Time Ninjutsu, Sarutobi Hiruzen arranged for the Anbu to summon Uchiha Itachi.