Setting the Tone

Shimura Danzō had, as always, embraced his role as the Root in the darkness. The Third Hokage nodded in satisfaction, his kindly expression returning to his face.

"So, given the current situation, there may well be another Space-Time Dōjutsu within the Uchiha Clan. Judging from this Mangekyo Sharingan's actions over this period, its owner is likely among the Uchiha rebels and may even have discovered our surveillance and restrictions on the Uchiha Clan."

Seeing that the atmosphere had eased somewhat, Sarutobi Hiruzen's tone was no longer so severe, though he still analyzed the situation gravely.

"Hiruzen, your analysis makes sense, but do not forget that every Uchiha's Mangekyo Sharingan ability is unique. Can such a special Space-Time Dōjutsu truly be copied at will?"

"Besides, clone techniques like the Shadow Clone are not particularly rare ninjutsu. Therefore, we cannot rule out the possibility that both attacks were carried out by the Masked Man claiming to be Uchiha Madara."

Well, Sarutobi when he was being forceful, Hiruzen when he was backing down. Seeing Sarutobi Hiruzen soften his tone, Shimura Danzō breathed a sigh of relief before voicing his own opinion. His usual habit of picking faults reared its head again.

"The possibility of clones is low. Itachi used the Mangekyo Sharingan to attack, and we were right there as well. Surely you can tell that the one over there could not have been a clone."

"Homura and Koharu were on this side of the Hokage Building, along with so many elite ninja. The battle was extremely intense. A clone could not have endured combat of that intensity without collapsing, so they could not have been the same person."

Sarutobi Hiruzen had grown accustomed to Shimura Danzō's way of speaking and patiently gave his assessment.

Hearing this, Mitokado Homura also began to refute Shimura Danzō.

"I can confirm that the Masked Man on this side was the real body. We have no idea how he appeared in the room where the Scroll of Seals was stored. We only discovered the intrusion after he triggered the warning trap on the Scroll of Seals. Therefore, the Masked Man on this side should also possess a Space-Time Mangekyo Sharingan."

What a joke. If they decided that the one at the Hokage Building had merely been a clone and had still reduced them to such a state, would that not make Mitokado Homura and the others look utterly useless? Thus, Mitokado Homura hurriedly stepped forward to clarify.

Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzō did not care about Mitokado Homura's defense. They knew perfectly well what their two old friends were capable of. They had never held much hope for assistance from them in battle, but they still trusted their judgment.

"So that is how it is. It seems another Mangekyo Sharingan has truly appeared within the Uchiha Clan. The Uchiha truly are a clan favored by heaven. Their bloodline foundation is simply too profound!"

"Leaving aside the Masked Man from before, there has been Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Itachi in recent times, along with this owner of the Mangekyo Sharingan. Every so often, an Uchiha Mangekyo Sharingan wielder suddenly emerges. This endlessly appearing unstable power must be eliminated as soon as possible. Hiruzen, you cannot hesitate any longer."

Seizing the opportunity, Shimura Danzō showed no concern whatsoever for Uchiha Itachi's presence. He immediately began promoting his theory of the Uchiha threat, intending to force Sarutobi Hiruzen to resolve himself to eliminate the Uchiha Clan.

"Shut up, Danzō. The Uchiha are also part of Konoha. As Hokage, I will certainly find a way to balance the conflict between the village and the Uchiha. You are not to act on your own."

No matter the occasion, Sarutobi Hiruzen would display the magnanimity expected of a Hokage before his subordinates. With Uchiha Itachi present, the Third Hokage was even more determined to cement that image in everyone's minds.

"Hmph, Hiruzen, you are far too weak. The Uchiha are planning a coup d'état by force. If Shisui had not disappeared, they would have acted long ago. Must you wait until they make their move before striking back?"

"Do not forget that the other Ninja Villages will not sit idly by. Once one thread is pulled, the entire web will move. The Fourth Great Ninja War may erupt ahead of time because of this. How will Konoha respond then?"

"If we strike first, we can preserve Konoha's living strength as much as possible and deny the other Ninja Villages any opportunity. Only then will we live up to the duty our predecessors entrusted to us: protecting Konoha."

Seeing Sarutobi Hiruzen wavering again, Shimura Danzō seized upon the fact that, as Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen had to prioritize Konoha's peace, as well as his habit of compromise. This gave Danzō a chance to force Hiruzen into action. Even if he did not act directly, he would at least tacitly approve of Danzō's elimination of the Uchiha Clan.

"Yes, Hiruzen. The Uchiha of today are no longer Konoha's Uchiha. Once the rebellion breaks out, even if we successfully suppress the Uchiha Clan, Konoha's strength will suffer greatly. That will leave Konoha beneath the shadow of war with the other nations."

Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression hardened, but when he considered that exterminating such a powerful Uchiha Clan would also weaken Konoha in another sense, he could not quite bring himself to do it. He could only continue smoothing things over. Even if there was truly no other way in the end, he believed Shimura Danzō and Uchiha Itachi would handle the trouble properly. Since he could not change matters, he would maintain his positive image as Hokage.

"Enough, Danzō, Homura. I will not allow such a thing to happen. Wherever leaves dance, fire endures without end. I will find a way to placate the Uchiha Clan. And especially you, Danzō—do not act rashly. That is an order. Remember, I am the Hokage."

Hearing Sarutobi Hiruzen's unquestionable order, Shimura Danzō replied angrily.

"You will regret this, Hiruzen!"

He did not continue persuading him. Leaving behind those words that both understood marked the end of the discussion, he slammed the door and left.

"Hiruzen, you..." Seeing Shimura Danzō leave in anger, Mitokado Homura hesitated slightly, intending to say more. Before he could speak, however, Sarutobi Hiruzen cut him off.

"Enough, Homura. This matter ends here. I will handle it. What matters most now is restoring the Hokage Building to normal operation. I will leave that to you."

"Also, the Hokage Building being infiltrated is a major incident. We must give the other ninja in the village an explanation. Notify the major clans and the Jonin that there will be a meeting in the Hokage's Office tomorrow."

Sarutobi Hiruzen gave Mitokado Homura no opportunity to continue persuading him, then turned his gaze toward Uchiha Itachi, who had remained silent throughout.

"Itachi, rest assured. I guarantee you in my capacity as Hokage that I will coordinate the conflict between the village and the Uchiha. You worked hard on today's operation. I will not assign you any further missions for now. Go back and rest."

"Yes, thank you for your concern, Hokage-sama. I will also do my best."

Uchiha Itachi had already seen that the senior elders no longer trusted him. Still, he respectfully lowered himself to one knee, declaring that he would continue working to resolve the Uchiha issue, then accepted the order and took his leave.

Watching Uchiha Itachi's departing figure, Sarutobi Hiruzen's gaze grew profound. He walked to the window and looked toward the Uchiha Clan Compound, taking out his pipe and smoking in silence.

By the time they finished working well past midnight, the clouds had obscured the moonlight that had once been bright and clear, as though foretelling that something dreadful was about to happen.