Dramatic Upheaval (2)

Shiraha, Hideto, Shisui, and Itachi chatted happily, laughing and talking.

Two hours passed quickly.

Although Shiraha did not tell Hideto the true identity of his avatar, he had told Hideto before when Hideto went to the Uzumaki Clan that Uchiha Issei was someone who could be absolutely trusted. Therefore, Hideto did not hesitate at all and chose to trust Shiraha Uchiha Issei.

Recently, Shiraha has made great progress in his research on the ' Caged Bird Seal ' Cursed Seal, which is why he has been meeting with Hideto frequently.

Of course, he was aware of the Anbu Ninja's surveillance, but he didn't intend to hide it; this was exactly the effect he wanted.

At that moment, in the shadows on the rooftop, one of the Root Ninja said to his companion, "You continue to keep watch here. I'll go report to Danzo. Recently, the Uchiha and Hyūga people have been in too much contact."

"Hmm." Another Root Ninja nodded and remained in place to keep watch.

Since the Uchiha Clan supported the Uzumaki Clan and together they defeated Kirigakure, the Uchiha ninjas have witnessed Shiraha's powerful strength and charisma as a leader, and they have developed a much better impression of the Uzumaki Clan.

This is precisely the situation that the Konoha High-Level least wanted to see. The reason they sent people to support the Uzumaki Clan was mainly due to the constraints of the alliance, which forced them to go.

In any case, the Uchiha Clan has always been at odds with the higher-ups, and has been an enemy of the Uzumaki Clan since the Warring States Period. The higher-ups are happy to let them do this thankless task.

However, the higher-ups never expected that the Uchiha Clan and the Uzumaki Clan would show signs of reconciliation.

Furthermore, there have been calls within the Uchiha Clan to leave Konoha and join the Land of Whirlpools. Although this group is small, it is a very bad trend.

In addition, Uchiha Issei, a top-tier member of the Uchiha Clan, has been meeting frequently with Uchiha Issei, a member Hyuga Hideto the Hyuga clan's Branch Family. Although they may only be meeting frequently because of personal friendship, their behavior at this sensitive time will inevitably make the higher-ups wonder if the Uchiha are colluding with the Hyuga clan.

Back then, the Uchiha and Hyūga had a brief collaboration in order to help Hatake Sakumo rise to power, so we must be wary of them.

More importantly, maintaining stability among other Ninja Clan, particularly the Uchiha, was always key to Danzo's control over power.

Danzo knew that Sarutobi Hiruzen was also wary of the Uchiha, but he had been wavering on the issue of the Uchiha. Therefore, Danzo his own decision, which not only suited Sarutobi Hiruzen's interests, but also allowed him to play the good cop when needed. He played the good guy, and Danzo himself played the bad guy.

However, Danzo didn't care about any of that. Since the Orochimaru incident and the Kinkaku and Ginkaku incidents, Sarutobi Hiruzen regained power. He was already doing well to keep the Root's power. He had to plan for the Hokage position slowly.

The Sharingan of the Uchiha Clan was the key to Danzo's resurgence.

After obtaining the Sharingan from his former teammate, Kagami Uchiha, Danzo truly felt the power of the Sharingan. Especially after witnessing the power of Uchiha Fugaku Mangekyō Sharingan up close, he could no longer suppress his desire for the Uchiha Clan.

Although the Uchiha Clan has reached another peak in strength, as long as they remain in Konoha, Danzo has ways to slowly subdue them.

Given the strength of the Uchiha Clan, it would be difficult for the Root Ninja to evade the perception of their powerful clan leader. However, Danzo always maintained a balance, seemingly going too far but not being outrageous, constantly testing the Uchiha Clan's limits.

Although the clan head Uchiha Fugaku, was also furious, he consistently mediated between the clan members, helping them to calm down.

The Root ninjas quickly went to inform Danzo, and after learning that Danzo had gone to the Hokage Building, they came to the door of the Hokage Office.

"Danzo, Lord Third Hokage," the Root Ninja said respectfully.

"Come in."

Danzo's slightly low voice came from the Hokage Office.

The Root Ninja pushed open the door and entered, seeing the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, sitting behind his desk, and Danzo beside him. He went to Danzo, knelt on one knee, and bowed respectfully.

Danzo frowned slightly and gave his subordinates a wink.

Upon noticing Danzo's gaze, the Root Ninja felt a chill run down his spine and slightly turned his body to face Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Since the White Fang incident and the Orochimaru incident, Danzo and Sarutobi Hiruzen's relationship has become much more distant. The loss of control by Kinkaku Ginkaku resulted in the Fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze, Danzo Namikaze, being seriously injured and falling into a coma. Hiruzen Sarutobi has now completely seized control of Sarutobi Hiruzen's weaknesses and can take away his power at any time. Therefore, Danzo has become much more docile and has been actively involved in the Uchiha issue.

"Lord Third Hokage, we have recently been ordered to monitor the movements of the Uchiha Clan. We have discovered that Uchiha Issei and Hyuga Hideto have been in frequent contact. Today, even Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Itachi met with them, and they talked for several hours."

The Root Ninja described the scene they witnessed during their surveillance today.

"I understand, you may leave." Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded.

"Yes!"

The Root Ninja stood up, bowed slightly, and then used the Body Flicker Technique to disappear from the office.

"It seems that the Uchiha really intends to collude with the Hyuga clan."

Danzo said in a deep voice.

Sarutobi Hiruzen shook his head slightly and said, "Danzo, we can't conclude that the Uchiha and Hyūga are colluding just because they are sitting together chatting. They are all ninjas from the same village, and individual behavior should not be generalized to the entire Ninja Clan."

Upon hearing Danzo fell silent before speaking, "Hiruzen, don't forget, Shisui is now a member of Root. Although he seems very dedicated, it's hard to say whether he's a spy sent by the Uchiha Clan."

Shisui has already learned a lot of the village's secrets. You should know better than me what the consequences would be if the Uchiha colluded with the Hyūga at this time.

If the Hyuga clan truly has no intention of allying with the Uchiha, then they should continue as before.

It seems we've been too lenient with the Hyuga clan, which has led them to harbor resentment. It looks like it's time to give them Hyuga clan.

Sarutobi Hiruzen his mouth, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

He only wanted a peaceful retirement, but the Kinkaku and Ginkaku Rampage Incident caused Minato to be seriously injured and fall into a coma. Things that he originally didn't have the courage to do, Minato might have dared to do, but after Minato fell into a coma, he deeply felt his inability to do them.

The situation Danzo described was exactly what Sarutobi Hiruzen was most worried about.

The Uchiha Clan Uchiha Madara hadn't betrayed Konoha and severely injured the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, causing him to die from his injuries shortly after returning to the village, Konoha could have continued to develop peacefully for another twenty years under First protection.

"Hiashi is a man of principle. The Main Family will manage the Branch Family well. We shouldn't interfere too much," Sarutobi Hiruzen pondered.

"Don't worry, I know what to do."

Outside the Dango Shop.

"Issei, I'm going back now." Hyuga Hideto Shiraha, then looked at Shisui and Itachi and said, "Shisui, Itachi, let's eat dumplings together again next time."

"Good."

Goodbye, senior Hideto.

Shisui and Itachi also waved goodbye to Hideto.

Gazing at the sunset that illuminated the entire sky, Itachi looked longingly at Shisui. This meal of dumplings had taken too long, and the time he would have to train with Shisui from now on would probably be much shorter.

"Shisui, come with me, I have something to tell you." Shiraha pointed to the alleyway to the right.

"Mm." Shisui nodded.

Itachi opened his mouth, but then stopped himself from speaking.

Shisui noticed Itachi's expression, smiled apologetically, and gently patted Itachi's shoulder. "Itachi, I have something to do today. Let's talk about training another time."

A hint of disappointment flashed in Itachi's eyes, but he quickly composed himself and said with a smile, "It's alright, let's do it next time. Your business is more important, Shisui -nii."

"Goodbye then." Shisui waved to Itachi and jogged after Shiraha.

Itachi slightly pursed his lips, gazing at Shiraha's retreating figure.

Since Shisui joined the Anbu, the time he spends with him has decreased drastically, and he also has to share Shisui's free time with Issei (Shiraha).

Actually, Itachi could have sought help from his father Uchiha Fugaku, regarding his training. After all, Fugaku is currently the only openly recognized Uchiha Clan to have awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan, making him far stronger than the other clan members.

However, when Fugaku was with him, he always adopted a lecturing attitude, and every other sentence revolved around bringing glory to the clan.

Therefore, Itachi prefers to be with Shisui.

It wasn't just because Shisui took care of Itachi like an older brother; more often, it was because Shisui could provide answers to Itachi's questions, which were good at thinking.

The Konoha Year 51 was quickly coming to an end.

December 20th marks 7 days until Hinata, the eldest daughter of the Hyuga Main Family, turns 3.

According to the tradition of the Hyuga clan, on the third birthday of a new member of the Main Family, a group of children from the Branch Family are branded with the Caged Bird Curse Seal. The most outstanding among these children will later have the opportunity to become the personal bodyguards of the new member of the Main Family.

Hinata Hyuga, as the eldest and only daughter of the main branch of the Main Family, is very likely to succeed as the clan leader in the future, so her third birthday naturally received great attention.

Many Ninja Clan that were on good terms with the Hyuga clan sent congratulatory gifts. In addition to high-ranking officials from the Land of Fire, officials from other countries also came to attend the banquet. This shows the prestige and connections of the ancient and powerful Hyuga clan.

In comparison, the Uchiha Clan, which was able to the Senju Clan Warring States Period, seemed to lack prestige.

The main reason is that although the Hyuga clan treats its own people, especially the Branch Family, very harshly, they have always been friendly to outsiders and have made many good relationships. Therefore, in terms of reputation, they are naturally more famous than the Uchiha Clan, which is stronger.

Unexpectedly, Kumogakure, which had made peace with Konoha but had not resumed trade and close exchanges, suddenly sent Diplomatic Mission to establish a closer alliance with Konoha.

Konoha suffered heavy losses in the Third Shinobi World War. First, they lost Shiraha and Kushina, then Orochimaru defected, and Minato Namikaze, a top Minato Namikaze of the new generation, was seriously injured and fell into a coma. The biggest winner of the Third Shinobi World War was no longer Konoha, Konoha's position as the overlord of the Shinobi World was somewhat unstable.

However, recently, Konoha's ally, the Uzumaki Clan, joined forces with the Uchiha Kirigakure to severely damage Kirigakure, allowing the world to witness Konoha's strength once again. Now, Kumogakure has taken the initiative to send people to strengthen the alliance, which is a rare piece of good news for Konoha.

Therefore, the Konoha High-Level attached great importance to this matter. The Third Hokage personally received the Kumogakure Delegation and subsequently sent Jonin Squad Leader Shikaku Nara to receive them.

On December 23, four days before Hinata Hyuga's birthday party, Shiraha, far away in the Uzumaki Clan, received bad news from his subordinates.

Bang!

Shiraha slammed his hand on the table and stood up, instantly shattering the desk.

"What did you say? Shion is missing?!"

"Yes, yes." The ninja who came to deliver the message lowered his head nervously and stammered. The terrifying aura emanating from Shiraha was overwhelming, making him feel like he was about to suffocate.

"I understand. You can go back now and tell Miroku not to worry. I will handle this matter."

Shiraha quickly regained his composure.

"Yes." The messenger ninja, feeling as if he had been granted a pardon, bowed respectfully and quickly left the office.

Shiraha was able to sense through bloodline connection that Shion was safe.

However, her exact location could not be detected because she was constantly moving, indicating that she had been taken away by someone.

Only by getting closer and closer can one pinpoint the location of Shion through bloodline.

Kodama is still in the Land of Rain to continue monitoring the Akatsuki.

Pakura, on the other hand, pretended to be a wandering, defecting ninja, waiting for an opportunity to join the Akatsuki.

Shiraha had recently ordered Kakuzu and Sasori to be stationed permanently in the Demon Country. With their strength, although they could not fight against top-tier powerhouses like the Third Tsuchikage Ōnoki, ordinary Kage Level ninjas were no match for them.

Even Perfect Jinchuriki who has mastered the power of Tailed Beast could not possibly abduct Shion silently right under their noses.

Previously, Iwagakure's actions were all probing. Shiraha released some signals, and the other side, knowing the relationship between the ' Serpent Spirit ' Medical Group and the Uzumaki Clan, should not do such a thing.

"I want to see who's so foolish as to dare do such a thing!"

Shiraha's eyes were icy cold. As his Mental Power was about to enter the ' Crystalline State ' stage, the killing intent he exuded seemed to materialize, causing the temperature in the entire office to drop.

Although Shiraha had no feelings for Miroku, Shion was, after all, his bloodline descendant, so he left some backup plans for Shion.

Since the Demonic items on Shion's body did not trigger, it means that she is not in any immediate danger.

Once the Demonic items is activated, Shiraha can determine its location based on the mental imprint he left inside, but Shiraha doesn't want that to happen.

Since the other party kidnapped Shion, it must be for profit, and it is unlikely that they would directly harm Shion.

Shiraha felt agitated.

Kaka

Cracks gradually appeared in the surrounding walls and floors, spreading rapidly throughout the room like a spider web.

Noticing the commotion, Shiraha activated "Clarity Technique" to calm himself down.

Since he learned the "Clarity Technique" and created the "Glimmer Potion," he has not been affected by the emotional influence of his biological instincts.

But this time, his bloodlust seemed to have awakened.

Because the emotions were so intense, even the "Chain of Emotions" showed signs of being automatically triggered.

PS: There will be recommendations in the next two days, so I will update more to finish writing this major plot.