Uchiha Would Cut Off One of the Third Hokage's Arms

The Uchiha Clan.

Beneath the blazing sun, dappled shadows swayed gently. The eaves at the corner of the wall seemed like low-hanging clouds, and in the sudden gusts of wind, they felt as heavy and restless as the oppressive atmosphere hanging over the entire clan compound.

As he hurried along the wooden floor of the outer corridor, Itachi felt gazes from every corner, faint but unmistakable. They made him feel strangely out of place.

"What happened, Shisui?"

"I don't know much myself."

Shisui, walking beside him with a furrowed brow, gave a wry smile.

"But it seems to have something to do with your younger brother, Uchiha Qing Xuan..."

That kid really knew how to stir things up.

The clan had once been like a stagnant lake, its people weighed down by despair, yet its surface calm. But ever since that kid arrived, the dead water had become a hot spring. The surface was still calm, but the heat had churned the depths into a mass of surging undercurrents!

"We were going to meet at Naka Shrine, but there wasn't enough time, so the clan head changed the gathering place to here."

At last, the two of them reached the clan head's home. Looking at the familiar doorway, Itachi once again felt a sudden, inexplicable sense of estrangement.

Shisui pressed a hand against the door and quietly warned Itachi, "Remember, Itachi. No matter what you see or hear in there, don't say a word."

He stared intently at Itachi, his expression grave and worried. Itachi noticed blades of grass and dirt stuck to Shisui's Green Vest, as if he hadn't even had time to brush them off.

"I have a feeling something big is about to happen..."

He spoke in a low voice, then pulled the door open with force.

The instant it opened, a noisy clamor poured out from inside.

Beyond the front hall, Itachi could just make out a crowd filling the room where his father received guests. His younger brother Sasuke spread his arms wide and gleefully tried to run inside, but their mother caught up and scooped him into her arms.

"You're back, Itachi."

For some reason, seeing the smile on his mother's face eased much of the worry in his heart.

But just then, a brash shout rang out from the front hall.

"Today, I, Uchiha Qing Xuan, will cut off one of the Third Hokage's arms!"

The unrestrained cry drew enthusiastic cheers from all the Uchiha inside, including a few cries from elderly voices.

"Excellent! Just what you'd expect from Liu Yun's son!"

"Well done, Young Clan Head!"

"Lord Qing Xuan! I want to have your babies!"

His father's voice rang in Itachi's ear, low and commanding.

"Get her out of here and let her calm down."

Then a Chunin girl with two tomoe in her eyes was dragged outside and thrown out.

Staring at the unbelievable scene before him, Itachi's eyes widened. His pupils shook violently, reflecting the collapse of everything he thought he knew.

He seemed to have heard something no one his age should hear.

Shisui gave a wry smile, looking as if this was exactly what he'd expected. After nodding to Mikoto, he walked inside without a word.

The clan head's inner room was bustling. Everyone present was either one of the few remaining elders or an elite shinobi of the clan. There were also a few immensely talented youngsters, certain to become pillars of the clan one day.

Every pair of scarlet eyes burned with fervor as they fixed on the figure at the front: Uchiha Qing Xuan, the Young Clan Head who was destined to lead the clan to glory!

Among them, Elder Shana, the representative of the hardliners, was the most animated. The Three Tomoe in his eyes spun wildly, just like the excitement he could no longer suppress. "Qing Xuan! What do you need us to do?"

Nothing. Just sit tight and wait for Snake Uncle to run off on his own?

But wouldn't that make them feel left out?

Faced with his clansmen's excessive enthusiasm, Qing Xuan racked his brain to find busywork for them.

"Uncle, take the Police Force on its usual patrols, then search the streets! Search for what? Just make it look like you're searching! Have the clansmen look as stern as possible. No smiling, and don't talk to anyone who comes by."

"Elder Homen, pick a few Jonin to escort me to the Hokage Building in a bit! What requirements? We can pick them? Then choose a few who look friendly..."

"Elder Shana? Of course I haven't forgotten you. The plan has reached its most critical moment, and we can't allow any unexpected changes! So you understand what I mean... No! We don't need to kill anyone! I mean the clan compound must remain secure. The more critical the moment, the more we need someone of high standing and great wisdom to hold down the fort! And of course, you're the most suitable person for that! I'm entrusting the clan's future to you!"

In an instant, a series of orders went out.

Shisui had barely sat down and still had no idea what was going on when the entire Uchiha Clan sprang into action!

Moments later, the Police Force, led by the clan head, poured out in full force, spreading across the village's main thoroughfares. Their unusual behavior quickly stirred up the entire village.

Many villagers grew uneasy. Meanwhile, in Root, Danzo had already received the intelligence but made no move. His sole visible eye, peering out from beneath the bandages in the shadows, glinted with an unreadable light. His voice carried no discernible emotion as he spoke slowly.

"You're saying that child went to the Hokage Building?"

"He's accompanied by several Uchiha Jonin. We can't get anywhere near him."

A shinobi wearing a painted mask answered quietly from below. It was the latest intelligence they had obtained.

"What does he intend to do?"

Danzo stroked his chin with his left hand. Thanks to the modifications made with First Hokage's cells, his short black hair showed no sign of age.

Suddenly, his gaze sharpened. "Where did Orochimaru go this morning?"

Before anyone could answer, a Root member rushed in. "Lord Danzo, the secret laboratory on the outskirts of the village has been attacked by the Anbu! The team is led by Anbu Captain Sarutobi Shin'nosuke!"

A dark look flashed through Danzo's eyes. His expression remained inscrutable, but he showed no sign of panic. After weighing the matter for a long while, he rose, leaning on his cane.

"Send everyone to search for Orochimaru!"

The Root members below remained kneeling, utterly still. Only after Danzo looked away from the skylight above did his low voice sound again.

"If you find him, attack immediately. Don't give him any chance to survive!"

His long black hair fluttered in the wind along the covered walkway. Raising his mask, he asked mockingly, "And what about you, Lord Danzo?"

Danzo's cane tapped lightly against the floor, sounding dull thuds. He didn't spare the man a glance.

"I'm going to see Hiruzen, of course."

"What about Uchiha Qing Xuan?"

"..."

The wind moaned across the covered walkway, its sound the only disturbance in the stillness.

"Go after him once I've left!"

The mocking voice rang especially clearly in that moment.

"After all, I promised to give him a present."

The covered walkway fell silent once more, with only the wind circling endlessly.