Uchiha Prepares a Coup

He no longer needed to fight for the position of clan head.

The strength of Itachi and Shisui had surged rapidly over the past few days, already exceeding his control.

Furthermore, young Sasuke was also displaying the makings of a genius.

With these three around, that brat Uchiha Tadashi would never have a chance in his lifetime!

He could only find ways to improve their overall strength as much as possible.

Preparing for the future.

"Hiruzen Sarutobi and those fellows are pressing us harder and harder!"

"We have already lost our authority over the Konoha Military Police Force!"

"If this continues, our clan will be completely hollowed out and cast out of Konoha's inner circle entirely."

"When that happens, our clan will truly be in danger!"

Taking advantage of the moment when Fugaku stepped forward and the other elders had calmed down slightly, the Great Elder seized the opportunity to shift the topic, pulling their attention back to the critical issue.

"Then what do you suggest we do? Must we really go that far?"

Hearing their conversation, Itachi and Shisui's expressions shifted.

What was meant to come would come; there was no avoiding it.

Was there truly no path left for the Uchiha Clan other than rebellion?

"It has not reached that point yet!"

"Tomorrow, you will accompany me to meet with the Third Hokage and Danzo."

"We will demand a clear explanation for their actions and give them a warning: the Uchiha Clan is not to be bullied."

"Possessing the Kekkei Genkai, we are the strongest clan in Konoha."

The elders all nodded. Yes, pressuring the Konoha leadership might change something.

If that failed, they would fight to the bitter end.

When that time came, neither side would have a good outcome.

Afterward, the meeting was hastily brought to a close.

The group of elders all rose and departed.

"Father, must it really come to this?"

Helplessness appeared in Fugaku's eyes; children were still too naive.

It was not about what they wanted to do, but rather that those old men were using open conspiracies to force their hand.

First, they used reasons that could not be refused to gradually erode the power held by the Uchiha Clan.

For instance, since the founding of Konoha, the Konoha Military Police Force had always been managed by the Uchiha Clan—a department that held immense power.

A few years later, it would be another department.

Over time, the Uchiha Clan had been gradually hollowed out, and their voice in Konoha had grown faint.

"You two continue to the Arena tomorrow and improve your strength as quickly as possible."

"As long as we possess power that Konoha is forced to fear, they will not press us so tightly, and we will gain a chance to breathe!"

Itachi and Shisui wore serious expressions and nodded.

Indeed, they were not yet strong enough!

Their influence was not yet sufficient!

Subsequently, the two of them also left the area.

One headed toward the Hokage Building, while the other went to Root.

At Root, Danzo sat in his exclusive seat.

"How are the preparations?"

An operative knelt on one knee and reported to him:

"Everything is ready!"

"We are only waiting for Shisui's arrival!"

Danzo nodded, a cold, sinister light gleaming in his eyes.

Shisui, if you must blame someone, blame the fact that you are a member of the Uchiha.

You even evolved the legendary Mangekyō Sharingan and awakened a genjutsu capable of manipulating others.

You shall become the first stepping stone for me to ascend to the position of Hokage!

I will use your eyes to control Zhou Cheng and make him work for me!

I will have him bring out all his treasures to arm the entire Root organization.

When the time comes, I will be the Hokage, and under my leadership, the Hidden Leaf will become the undisputed number one ninja village in the ninja world!

On the other side, Itachi arrived at the Hokage Building, climbed the stairs to the Hokage's office, and knocked on the door.

"Is that you, Itachi? Come in!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's somewhat aged voice drifted from within.

Itachi pushed the door open and stepped inside.

What met his eyes was a room filled with smoke from the pipe Hiruzen was puffing on.

Itachi frowned; what was the point of smoking?

He left the door ajar and walked over to the window to open it.

Turning around, he stared straight at Hiruzen Sarutobi:

"The elders of the clan can no longer restrain themselves!"

Upon hearing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi paused his movements, a look of helplessness appearing on his face:

"What are they planning to do?"

Itachi uttered only four words: "A fight to the death!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's pupils constricted; this was going to be difficult!

Given the strength of the Uchiha Clan, if they truly launched an uprising, the Hidden Leaf would be plunged back into the flames of war.

No matter which side emerged victorious, both would suffer heavy losses.

They would lose the majority of their vital strength, which would provide the other ninja villages with an opportunity to attack the Hidden Leaf.

Do not be fooled by the current appearance of a peaceful era; it was only because the power between the various nations and villages was relatively balanced.

But if a large-scale civil war were to break out in the Hidden Leaf, the other four great ninja villages would certainly not stand idly by; they would definitely come to claim their share of the spoils.

"Are you certain? When do they plan to act?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression was grave as he leaned forward to look at Itachi; he wanted to obtain every piece of information regarding this matter.

Itachi shook his head, his expression equally serious.

"It is not yet determined; they only have the intention for now."

"At the end of the day, it is the village that has pushed them too hard!"

"Some of the methods have been far too short-sighted and aggressive!"

Itachi was deeply dissatisfied with some of the radical actions taken by the Hidden Leaf's high command, yet he felt helpless.

Strength, my strength is still insufficient, not enough to change the outcome of this incident.

What should I do?

Suddenly, a handsome face appeared in his mind.

Senior Zhou Cheng!

Yes, with Senior Zhou Cheng's god-like methods, he would surely be able to resolve this matter.

I must meet him in private!

Seeing the change in Itachi's eyes and expression, Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help but grow curious.

Had he thought of a solution?

"Tell me, what is on your mind?"

Itachi was no longer anxious and explained his thoughts.

Hiruzen Sarutobi narrowed his eyes. Zhou Cheng!

Him? Could he resolve this matter peacefully?

He was nothing more than a teenager!

"Is he capable of it?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi expressed his skepticism regarding Itachi's idea.

Itachi smiled; those who had not personally experienced the Arena always chose to doubt Zhou Cheng's strength.

And then, they would be slapped in the face by reality.

"I know you won't believe it!"

"But I implore you to challenge him once; then you will understand the terror of Senior Zhou Cheng!"

Having said that, Itachi turned and walked out of the office without looking back.

Hiruzen Sarutobi remained motionless for a long time; he had heard too much information about Zhou Cheng.

Everyone said he was incredibly powerful.

Yet, he simply could not bring himself to believe it was true.

Talent requires time to be forged into true strength.

Zhou Cheng looked no older than his teens; how could he possibly be that powerful?

I should find some time to go see for myself, he muttered to himself.

Leaving the Hokage Building, Itachi headed straight toward the Anbu headquarters.

He faced little scrutiny along the way, as he was, after all, a member of the Anbu himself.

He intended to find out where Zhou Cheng was staying.

A few minutes later, he stepped out of the Anbu building, oriented himself, and departed.

Once he cleared the perimeter of the Hokage Building, he picked up his pace, darting and leaping across the rooftops.

Ten minutes later, he stopped in front of a hotel. This was the place.

Without looking back, he strode into the hotel lobby and headed straight upstairs.

He walked up to a room, took a deep breath, and knocked on the door.