Itachi's Mangekyo

As Uchiha Itachi awakened his Mangekyō Sharingan for the first time, a few drops of blood slid from the corners of his eyes, and he said coldly with a ferocious expression:

"Danzo, please tell me in detail what happened to Shisui!"

Danzo sensed Uchiha Itachi's trust and felt reassured. He said solemnly:

"Itachi, don't get agitated, I'll tell you the truth."

The story begins seven years ago, in Konoha Year 51, the first year the Fourth Hokage became Hokage. The Nine-Tails Incident occurred in Konoha.

"The Nine-Tails Incident? I know, but what does that have to do with Shisui?"

Uchiha Itachi covered his eyes, the surge in his eye power making him aware of the growth of his Chakra. However, Danzo's words were far removed from his question, and he couldn't help but interrupt.

Danzo, having been interrupted, showed no displeasure and continued speaking on his own:

"Itachi, this matter is the source of Shisui's death. Nine-Tails Incident, the Jinchuriki's delivery room was easily breached by an assassin with Sharingan."

This assassin knew the secret of the Jinchuriki's delivery room, easily defeated the guards from the Anbu, and repelled Tsunade Sannin. The Yellow Flash, Namikaze Minato, possessed Sharingan whose power was so strong that they could even control Tailed Beast.

After the Nine-Tails was released, we worked together and sacrificed many of our comrades to seal Nine-Tails away. It was only then that the Fourth Hokage arrived.

"Itachi, who do you think is the one who released the Nine-Tails?"

Towards the end, Danzo raised a small question and created suspense.

"The culprit Nine-Tails Incident has already been revealed: it's Uchiha Zensui, the captain of the Fourth Hokage's Guard Corps."

Uchiha Itachi responded to Danzo in a cooperative manner, providing the answer.

Danzo sneered:

"Ha, would Uchiha Zensui know the secrets of Jinchuriki's delivery room? That's not within his jurisdiction! Besides, could Uchiha Zensui easily defeat elite Anbu guards?"

Could Uchiha Zensui defeat Tsunade and the Yellow Flash? Does he have the ability to control Tailed Beast?

Under Danzo's series of questions, Uchiha Itachi noticed something was wrong with Uchiha Zensui. This person was rumored to be very strong, but he shouldn't be this strong.

The Konoha ninjas all knew how powerful the Yellow Flash was. To accomplish those things while the Yellow Flash was on a guard duty was practically impossible, especially considering that one of the legendary Sannin, Tsunade, the Hokage's wife, was also involved.

Uchiha Itachi frowned, and asked with some confusion:

What do you mean?

"The real culprit is the Fourth Hokage; Uchiha Zensui is merely taking the blame for the Fourth Hokage."

Danzo, expressionless, revealed the truth.

Uchiha Itachi had already guessed who the real culprit Danzo was referring to was. He knew the strength of the Fourth Hokage, having followed him on many missions, including their previous trip to the Capital City.

"But why would the Hokage do that?"

Uchiha Itachi was skeptical and voiced his doubts.

"For power, Itachi, the Fourth Hokage was obsessed with Ninjutsu and power. Taking advantage of the Jinchuriki's childbirth, the Fourth Hokage released the Nine-Tails and tested the power of the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox without any scruples."

The Fourth Hokage was far too dangerous. For his own selfish reasons, he disregarded the safety of Konoha and the lives of the villagers, recklessly unleashing and experimenting with his power. This is precisely why I was deposed.

Because of my repeated remonstrations, I was eventually dismissed from all my posts. Furthermore, because of my Root, I discovered clues about the Nine-Tails Incident, and I suffered suppression and exclusion from the Fourth Hokage.

Shisui was the one who collected the most compelling evidence of the Fourth Hokage's instigation of the Nine-Tails Incident and handed it to me to discuss how to persuade the Fourth Hokage, but was then eliminated by the Fourth Hokage.

"If it weren't for Shisui protecting me, I'd probably be dead by now."

Danzo finished speaking, a hint of sadness appeared on his face, and his voice grew softer and softer. Danzo up and wiped his eyes, as if there were tears in them, and continued:

"I'm practically dead now. The Fourth Hokage falsely accused me of killing Shisui and is searching for me, wanting to eliminate me completely."

Uchiha Itachi nodded expressionlessly and said:

"I see."

Danzo's face was cold and hard, and he nodded somewhat in agreement, but he was puzzled and didn't know what Itachi had understood.

"Danzo, a ninja is someone who sacrifices themselves silently. They don't need a glamorous appearance or a illustrious reputation."

Power and status are not important; a true ninja is one who silently dedicates themselves to eliminating any potential threats to the village.

Even the Hokage, if he threatens Konoha, should be eliminated; this should never be allowed.

Even if no one knows about my sacrifice, it doesn't matter. Even if no one knows my name, no one knows my contributions, and even if we are misunderstood and insulted in every way, I will still adhere to my principles of forbearance and never back down.

Because if we don't intervene, Konoha will be harmed. Therefore, we are willing to pay the price with our lives.

As a ninja burdened with darkness, silently protecting the village is the ninja way I uphold.

Danzo, carrying so much, you truly are a great ninja.

In closing, Uchiha Itachi expressed his respect for Danzo.

Itachi kept the Will of Root firmly in mind and knew it by heart. It was a belief he shared with Shisui, and it was the ideology spread by Danzo.

Danzo was deeply shaken upon hearing Itachi's words, never expecting that this young man was actually a true practitioner of the Will of Root.

"That's right, Itachi! That's why I came to see you after sensing your presence. I want to eliminate the threat to Konoha and save the Konoha! Therefore, I need your help!"

Danzo completely trusted Itachi. Under Danzo's tutelage, Uchiha Itachi even awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan. This was the most genuine emotion, without a doubt, unlike Shisui, who harbored malicious intentions.

"Danzo, you are the Shisui trusted and entrusted with his mission! You are a true hero of Konoha! Although you are unknown, you are a true ninja. Saving Konoha is also my duty!"

Please give me your instructions! I will do my utmost!

Uchiha Itachi stared solemnly at Danzo ahead.

"Alright! Itachi, I already have a plan!"

Upon hearing these words, Itachi immediately knelt on one knee, awaiting orders.

Danzo was overjoyed by Itachi's attitude; he hadn't expected such an unexpected gain from this adventure. It was clear that his past teachings and close relationship hadn't been entirely ineffective.

"Itachi, our first step is to find and bring the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki to our side for protection. We must not allow the Fourth Jinchuriki as a weapon again! Furthermore, with Jinchuriki in our hands, we will have a much better chance of dealing with this cruel Hokage."

Secondly, it would be best to lure the Fourth Hokage out of the village and here, so we can launch a decapitation strike—a bloodless revolution! We can eliminate the evil Naraku without causing chaos and conflict in Konoha!

Both of these steps are difficult. I can no longer return to Konoha. All of this may require you to carry it out. Itachi, can you do it?

Danzo, with a solemn expression, recounted his entire plan.

"I will definitely do my best, but kidnapping Tailed Beast and luring the Fourth Hokage out seem to conflict. If the Tailed Beast goes missing, the Hokage will definitely be on alert..."