Change the Plot

Whenever this issue was raised, Danzo, Koharu, and Homura would dismiss him with the same line: "The Uchiha Clan harbors sinister intentions and cannot be trusted."

The Third Hokage sighed. His control over Konoha was nowhere near his teacher's; he was constrained at every turn. It truly was suffocating!

If he were still young, he might have tried every possible means to overcome all opposition and resolve the problem.

But now he was old. The years had worn away his ambitions, and he no longer possessed the boldness he had in his youth.

Now, he only wanted the village to remain as it was. He was somewhat afraid of change as well.

What if such changes left the village shattered? How would he face the First and Second Hokage then?

Seeing the Third Hokage fall silent, Kakashi more or less understood.

Shisui Uchiha, standing nearby, spoke up. "Third Hokage, perhaps I have a way to resolve the conflict between the Uchiha Clan and the village and rebuild mutual trust."

"You mean..." The Third Hokage seemed to realize something and looked somewhat surprised.

"Yes. At the clan meeting, I plan to use my Mangekyō Sharingan's ability—Kotoamatsukami—on Clan Head Fugaku Uchiha!"

Kotoamatsukami could alter a person's will without them noticing. It could turn anyone the caster saw into a puppet, making it arguably the strongest genjutsu in the world of the Hokage.

"You are willing to go this far for the village..." The Third Hokage was briefly moved. "You remind me of Kagami Uchiha, a man who likewise carried out the Will of Fire."

"Everything for the village!"

Shisui Uchiha lowered his head. "However, afterward, I hope you will listen to Kakashi's suggestions and make the appropriate adjustments for the Uchiha Clan, so everyone can live together in harmony."

The Third Hokage's expression turned solemn. "Shisui, I promise you that afterward, I will give the Uchiha Clan the treatment they deserve."

"Then thank you, Third Hokage."

Shisui did not look pleased. Clearly, making the decision to "betray" the Uchiha Clan had not been easy for him.

"This must be handled discreetly. Otherwise, it may intensify the conflict between the Uchiha Clan and Konoha. You can have Kakashi assist you in secret."

The Third Hokage instructed, "Kakashi, you must do everything in your power to assist Shisui. Strive to resolve this peacefully. During this period, all ANBU resources are at your disposal."

"Understood, Third Hokage," Kakashi replied respectfully.

"Good. Go and prepare. Make sure nothing goes wrong."

After sending the two away, Hiruzen Sarutobi looked toward Shimura Danzō, who was hidden in the shadows.

"Danzo, what do you think?"

What do I think?

I think you want to groom that brat Kakashi with all your strength. I think that even after you step down, you have no intention of leaving the Hokage position to me!

Danzo sneered. "I think none of the Uchiha Clan can be trusted. Kotoamatsukami is such a terrifying ability—how can you guarantee that Shisui Uchiha will not use it on you?"

"Danzo, your thinking is far too dark. Shisui is someone who considers the village wholeheartedly," the Third Hokage said gravely.

Danzo smiled. "Heh, how do you know that this very thought of yours was not planted in your mind by him, Hiruzen?"

The Third Hokage shook his head. "Danzo, you were not like this before."

"Perhaps I have done too many dark deeds. Now, I can only exist within the shadows."

After saying that, Danzo vanished into the darkness once more.

Such a terrifying ability cannot remain in the Uchiha Clan's hands. Only when I possess it myself can I rest easy!

This, too, is for the village!

Danzo's thoughts churned as he began plotting to seize Shisui's Sharingan.

After leaving the Hokage's Office, Kakashi immediately pulled Shisui aside to a secluded place.

"What is it, Kakashi?" Shisui asked in confusion.

Kakashi said, "Shisui, listen to me. Did you sense that aside from the Third Hokage, someone else was present in the Hokage's Office just now?"

"It should have been Lord Danzo," Shisui said doubtfully. "Is that strange?"

Kakashi pointed to his left eye. "Danzo previously tried to send people to assassinate me in order to take this Sharingan from me."

Shisui was shocked. "Something like that actually happened?"

Kakashi nodded. "I suspect the bandages on Danzo's face, like mine, may be concealing a Sharingan."

"Where did his Sharingan come from?!" Shisui became agitated.

He knew that Kakashi's Sharingan had been a gift from his close friend Obito, but where had Danzo's Sharingan come from?

Shisui clenched his teeth. Considering that Danzo had tried to take Kakashi's Sharingan, the Sharingan on his body was unlikely to have come through legitimate means!

Perhaps he had obtained it by secretly murdering members of the Uchiha Clan!

"Shisui, calm down first!" Kakashi pressed a hand to Shisui's shoulder. "Your Sharingan ability is so powerful that Danzo will definitely not let you go!"

Once Shisui had calmed down, Kakashi continued, "I suspect he may be plotting to take your eyes, and it will likely happen soon. We must prepare in advance."

"Then we should tell the Third Hokage about this. I refuse to believe..."

Seeing Kakashi remain silent, Shisui found it hard to believe. "You told the Third Hokage about this, but he did nothing?!"

Kakashi gave a bitter smile. "After all, Danzo did not succeed. Could the Third Hokage really kill the companion he grew up with?"

Shisui fell silent. "Then what do you think I should do?"

"If Danzo asks to meet you alone, use Kotoamatsukami on him the moment you see him!" A cold glint flashed through Kakashi's eyes.

Shisui hesitated. "Kotoamatsukami can only be used once in a short period. I still need to use it on Clan Head Fugaku. Using it on Lord Danzo would be..."

"If Danzo really attacks me, he should not be able to do much to me even without Kotoamatsukami. This is the village, after all. He would not dare make too much of a disturbance."

Shisui was still very confident in his ability to protect himself. The title Body Flicker Shisui had not come from nowhere.

"You are wrong, Shisui." Kakashi shook his head. "Danzo's strength is unfathomable. He has many trump cards you cannot imagine."

"If you cling to that mindset, he will definitely gouge out both of your eyes in the end."

Kakashi pressed on, sentence after sentence. He had to persuade Shisui!

"Besides, Danzo is the greatest cancer in this village. If not for him, the Uchiha Clan might never have even considered a coup."

"Using Kotoamatsukami on him is absolutely the best choice."