Great Hokage

So that was what Akira meant?

Uchiha Fugaku's lips trembled, and a little more understanding appeared in his eyes. His feelings toward Uchiha Akira became even more complicated.

The current Akira was very much like Fugaku had been back then.

Just as loyal to Konoha, just as convinced that protecting Konoha was the most important thing.

But there was one difference.

Even though the Uchiha Clan and Konoha could go to war at any moment, Uchiha Akira still resolutely defended Konoha's peace. No matter who disrupted that peace, he would never forgive them!

Such an unshakable will, hard as steel, stirred Fugaku deeply!

Hokage Building.

Office.

"Shisui is dead?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's face was filled with disbelief. His usually impassive expression finally turned shocked.

"How is that possible? Who could kill Shisui?!"

"During the Second Shinobi World War, more than a dozen elite Jonin couldn't do anything to Shisui. Even a Kage-level expert couldn't catch him if he wanted to escape! He was Body Flicker Shisui!"

To Hiruzen, this was even more absurd than the sun rising in the west!

That was Shisui!

"It is true, Lord Hokage. Accurate information has already come from within the Uchiha Clan."

The Anbu ninja spoke gravely, and the shock in his voice was unmistakable.

He couldn't help swallowing.

As Anbu ninja, they had dealt with the Uchiha Clan more than anyone else.

During the Second Shinobi World War, the Uchiha Clan's fearless willingness to die and their courage in charging at the forefront of the battlefield had shocked everyone and struck terror into their enemies!

As allies of the Uchiha Clan, one could safely entrust one's back to them.

But if the Uchiha Clan were your enemies—

Then you would face demons who would drag you into the grave with them even in death!

"Akira?"

"Impossible. If he truly had something to do with it, Akira could never have walked out of Uchiha Fugaku's door. Perhaps he knows Shisui's cause of death. Who has been close to Akira lately?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi pressed.

"Jonin Asuma, and... Hyuga Neji of the Hyuga Clan."

Hiruzen Sarutobi froze.

He could understand Asuma.

After all, his son was learning Sage Mode from Uchiha Akira. But what was going on with Hyuga Neji?

He did not dwell on it and returned to the matter at hand. "I understand."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression was grave.

As Hokage, he knew all too well what the Uchiha Clan was like at its core.

They had never feared sacrifice. In fact, they were somewhat similar to the Kaguya Clan of Kirigakure—war maniacs who feared neither injury nor death!

Konoha absolutely could not come into conflict with the Uchiha Clan! A startling light shone from his clouded eyes. If war broke out, all of Konoha would bear the brunt of it.

That would be even harder for Konoha to endure than another world war!

"I will meet Fugaku myself."

After pondering for a moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi made his decision and abruptly rose to his feet.

"Shisui was also a member of the Anbu. Now that he has died without explanation, I absolutely will not stand by and do nothing!"

He was about to leave when the door was suddenly flung open with a heavy bang!

A sinister eye appeared in Hiruzen Sarutobi's field of vision like that of a wolf!

Danzo?

"Hiruzen, just how long do you intend to indulge the Uchiha Clan?!"

Shimura Danzō's triangular eyes gleamed with icy malice.

"Shisui is dead, and the Uchiha Clan could rebel at any time. The best course is to strike first and slaughter the entire Uchiha Clan!"

He spoke calmly, word by word.

Yet the cruelty and ruthlessness in his words sent a chill down Hiruzen Sarutobi's spine.

"Danzo, what are you saying?!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi angrily slammed his hand on the desk, producing a violent crash.

"They are Konoha's Uchiha Clan! Not enemies on a battlefield. Danzo, put away your petty schemes. I should never have listened to your advice during the Nine-Tails's Rampage. If Fugaku had gone, the Fourth Hokage would never have died!"

Whenever he thought of it, his heart ached.

The only person of the Third Generation with the qualifications to inherit the position of Hokage had died in the chaos of sealing the Nine-Tails.

That was why Danzo had become so unrestrained.

That was why no one had soothed Uchiha Fugaku.

It could be said that this entire chain of problems was a consequence of Minato's death.

If Minato were still alive, then with his political acumen and calm temperament, none of the events that followed would have happened. Even Shimura Danzō would have been suppressed under Minato's command and unable to do anything out of line.

He could not help wondering what Minato would have done if he were still here.

That young man who appeared somewhat airheaded, yet was actually exceedingly calm.

Perhaps... he would have killed Danzo, who was always causing trouble, without hesitation!

"Sure enough, Hiruzen, you have already grown old."

Danzo's triangular eyes held indifference, as though none of this had anything to do with him.

"If it were the younger Hiruzen Sarutobi of those days, he would never say such things, nor would he remain forever immersed in the past. Hiruzen, make a decisive decision like the Ninja Hero you once were!"

"As long as the Uchiha Clan is eliminated, Konoha will never suffer unrest again!"

At last, he raised his head and looked directly at Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Those eyes revealed sinister malice, icy coldness, and ambition that seemed as though it would never waver!

Even Hiruzen Sarutobi could not help trembling inwardly.

"Absolutely not! Danzo, I am the Hokage!"

Shimura Danzō's expression changed. Those words seemed to touch his reverse scale, and he knew that nothing more could be discussed today.

"Hiruzen, you will regret this!"

He turned and left, violently slamming the door shut.

The impact rang out sharply!

But the instant the door closed, his eyes became even colder. Like a night owl in the darkness, he spoke in a low voice, word by word.

"Hiruzen, you must understand the meaning behind making me the leader of Root."

"My existence has always been for Konoha."

"In Konoha's light, there is a Hokage like you, one who always upholds justice and light. But there must also be a Root like me, buried deep beneath the earth!"

"For the things you cannot do, I will do them!"

Back then, their teacher had said that the Uchiha Clan was an evil clan and that they must never lower their guard against them.

Now, he had always remembered every word his teacher had spoken.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, you had long since forgotten.

He muttered to himself, like a whisper from hell. "I will show everyone that only I am the greatest Hokage!"